After four years of training, Trisha Tapre went on to complete the 34-kilometre swim from the coast of Dover in England to Cap Gris Nez in France last week in 11 hours and 48 minutes…reports Asian Lite News
A British Indian schoolgirl who recently turned 16 has made history as one of the youngest to cross the notoriously choppy English Channel to raise funds for a charity fighting against childhood hunger across India and the UK. Prisha Tapre, a pupil at Bushey Meads School in north London, was motivated by a family discussion about the English Channel to take on the challenge when she was just 12.
After four years of training, she went on to complete the 34-kilometre swim from the coast of Dover in England to Cap Gris Nez in France last week in 11 hours and 48 minutes. “It was quite choppy at the start, but when the sun started to rise, I knew that the worst bit was done with,” said Tapre, reliving her mission in an interview from her home at Watford in Hertfordshire.
“It’s always the first two hours that are the hardest part of the swim because it’s about getting your mind around the fact that this is where you’re going to be for the next few hours. I was actually beginning to get quite sleepy and my eyes were about to shut, but then the sun started to come up and the sleep went away. The weather conditions were amazing, really still; the best I could have asked for,” she said.
The swimming enthusiast, who describes the lake near her home as her “calm place”, used lots of meditative techniques and even felt a strange bond with the jellyfish that stung her along the way.
“The jellyfish stings were probably my favourite bit because it’s just an extra feeling. After swimming for like nine hours, you’re in a sort of trance. But then the jellyfish stings kind of reminded me that I’m actually alive. I know it sounds odd, but it was something to tick off my bucket list,” she shared.
As for thoughts of giving up during the course of such a gruelling solo swim or any “rough patches”, she overcame them with a single-minded focus on her goal as she did not want to let down her family, her support crew and herself.
“I just kept thinking, four years you’ve dedicated to this one day of your life. It can’t be that bad. And, for those four years, my coach has been saying that swimming is 60 per cent mental and 40 per cent physical. So, I kept reminding myself that this is where I am meant to be; giving up would be selfish,” she said.
The UK-born teenager, whose parents hail from Maharashtra, raised GBP 3,700 for her chosen charity – Akshaya Patra UK, the British chapter of the India-headquartered non-profit organisation with a mission to provide hot meals to children in need.
“Part of the reason I chose my charity Akshaya Patra is because I wanted a charity that I could relate to. When I found out Akshaya Patra helps kids both in England and India, it really connected with me. I wanted a charity that has both sides of me. My heart goes out to all those kids who live in poverty, both in England and India, where there’s no promise of a meal at the end of the day,” said the young fundraiser.
Now, having completed such a tough mission with the support of the Watford Swimming Club, Tapre is keen to focus on her new school term which began this month.
However, she remains determined to take on even bigger challenges even as she works towards a career in medicine, perhaps related to the field of sports.
“I do need a lot more time to focus on my studies, but that will not stop me from continuing swimming because to me it is like free time. I would rather come home from school and instead of going on my phone, go down to my lake. In terms of what I want to swim next, there’s just a lot of options; I definitely want to complete a 24-hour swim, though not sure when. What I do know is that after the Channel, the swims are only going to keep getting bigger,” she added.
Chosen for its proximity to significant historical landmarks, including the Buckingham Palace and the Commonwealth headquarters, the site also holds a personal connection to the late Queen, reports Asian Lite News
The UK government has announced that the new national Queen Elizabeth II Memorial will be located in St James’s Park, London.
The memorial will be situated near The Mall at Marlborough Gate, encompassing the surrounding land and the pathway leading to the lake, including the Blue Bridge, the government said in a statement.
Chosen for its proximity to significant historical landmarks, including the Buckingham Palace and the Commonwealth headquarters, the site also holds a personal connection to the late Queen.
The location near the ceremonial route of The Mall, close to statues of her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, reflects its constitutional and historical importance.
A committee, established by the UK government and the Royal Household in 2023, selected the location after consulting the public, key stakeholders, and experts across the four nations of the UK.
St James’s Park has been chosen as the site for the Queen Elizabeth Memorial.
The memorial will reflect the late Queen’s extraordinary life of service and provide a space for pause and reflection.
The government will support the project, with plans to fund additional memorials in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, details of which will be announced later.
The memorial aims to be a fitting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, providing a space for reflection and community. It is intended to be of significant scale to reflect her lasting impact on national and global life.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented that the memorial would allow the public to “honour the Late Queen and connect with the shared history we cherish”.
“Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring legacy of service and devotion to our country will never be forgotten,” he said.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, emphasised the significance of memorialising the longest reigning British monarch in a location that represents her role at the heart of British society.
The design phase for the memorial will begin later this year, with proposals invited from architects and designers. The final design will be unveiled in 2026, marking what would have been Queen Elizabeth’s 100th birthday.
The memorial continues the UK’s tradition of honouring its monarchs with permanent landmarks, such as the Victoria Memorial and Royal Albert Hall.
The bill will remove the 92 seats reserved for peers who inherited their position as a member of an aristocratic family…reports Asian Lite News
The government is set to introduce legislation to remove seats in the House of Lords retained for hereditary lawmakers as it moves to reform parliament’s unelected upper chamber.
The bill will remove the 92 seats reserved for peers who inherited their position as a member of an aristocratic family. They hold titles such as duke, earl, viscount and baron. Britain is an anomaly among western governments in having such lawmakers.
The move was a manifesto commitment of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour party ahead of its landslide general election win in July, which returned it to power for the first time in 14 years.
It resurrects reform of the Lords that started under Tony Blair’s Labour government in the late 1990s. “This is a landmark reform to our constitution,” constitution minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said in a statement.
“The hereditary principle in law-making has lasted for too long and is out of step with modern Britain. The second chamber plays a vital role in our constitution and people should not be voting on our laws in parliament by an accident of birth,” he added.
The legislation will easily pass the House of Commons lower chamber due to Labour’s massive majority before it will have to be approved by the Lords. It is not clear when exactly it will become law.
Lesotho in southern Africa is the only other country in the world with a hereditary element in its legislature, according to UK officials. The scrapping of the hereditary peers has been described by Labour as a “first step in wider reform”.
The government says it wants to ultimately replace the Lords with an alternative second chamber that is more representative of the UK. The Lords comprises around 800 members, most of whom are appointed for life.
They include former MPs, typically appointed by departing prime ministers, along with people nominated after serving in prominent public- or private-sector roles, and senior Church of England clerics, including the Archbishop of Canterbury. The primary role of the centuries-old chamber is to scrutinise the government.
It cannot override legislation sent from the popularly elected House of Commons, but it can amend and delay bills and initiate new draft laws. Blair’s government had intended to abolish all the seats held by hundreds of hereditary members who sat in the chamber at that time.
But it ended up retaining 92 in what was supposed to be a temporary compromise. Lords reform has proved a thorny issue for successive administrations, in part because officials have struggled to propose better alternatives.
Angela Smith, the Lords leader, said: “While recognising the valuable contributions many hereditary peers have made to parliament, it is right that this reform is being brought forward now – completing work we began 25 years ago.”
“Removing the hereditary principle from the Lords will deliver on a specific manifesto commitment. It will also help deliver on our commitment to reduce the size of the second chamber, as we bring forward further reforms.”
Smith has previously said that Labour wanted to shrink the Lords, which has about 800 members, to the same size as the Commons, which has 650. Most members of the Lords are appointed life peers, though 26 places are reserved for archbishops and bishops of the Church of England.
In its manifesto, Labour committed to introducing a retirement age of 80 for life peers and to ultimately replacing the Lords with an alternative second chamber that is more representative of the UK.
In the meantime, the government has sought to bolster its numbers in the upper chamber by appointing a series of life peers including several retiring Labour MPs. James Timpson, the former chief executive of the Timpson Group, and Patrick Vallance, the former government chief scientific adviser, have been handed peerages so that they could take up ministerial positions. More appointments are expected in the coming months.
At present there are 277 Conservative peers, 185 Labour ones and 183 cross-benchers.
The bill to abolish hereditary peers will have its first reading in the Commons on Thursday and its second reading later this autumn. Government figures expect the bill to be debated for a long time once it has made its way to the Lords.
Of the 92 hereditary peers who retain seats in the Lords, 42 take the Conservative party whip and 28 are cross-benchers. Only two are Labour peers and three are Liberal Democrats. These numbers are fixed and do not change to reflect the makeup of parliament.
The only country besides the UK with a hereditary element in its legislature is Lesotho, according to the University College London Constitution Unit.
Wandsworth Council’s the Driving for Change bus has made great progress making tangible change to the lives of some of its most vulnerable residents thanks to a new service targeted specifically at rough sleepers…reports Asian Lite News
Wandsworth Council’s Driving for Change bus has been making significant strides in supporting rough sleepers by providing essential services and fostering connections with those who may have previously been hesitant to engage. This innovative service, which offers a mobile dentist, testing and vaccinations, access to various advisors, and practical products such as toothpaste and soap, has been renewed for an additional six months following a successful trial period.
Since its launch, the Driving for Change bus has seen one of the highest uptakes in London, with an average of eight guests per day and nearly 100 dental visits recorded so far. The bus also provides services like mobile phone charging and haircuts, ensuring that guests can attend to immediate needs in a welcoming and supportive environment.
To celebrate the bus’s achievements, a recent event was held, attended by Mayor Sana Jafri and Councillor Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing. Councillor Dikerdem highlighted the importance of the bus, stating: “Engaging with rough sleepers can be a challenging process for a number of reasons. The Driving for Change bus is offering essential services that enables us to create a relationship with people that may not have wanted to engage with us before. This is a vital piece of work that helps us to create a fairer and more compassionate borough for all.”
One notable success story from the Driving for Change initiative involves a service user named ‘Steve’ (not his real name). Steve approached the bus with a skin rash and dental issues but, being homeless without access to a GP, had been unable to get the treatment he needed. Having been street homeless for over nine months after an eviction and struggling with addiction, Steve was connected with a drug support worker on the bus and received a referral to SPEAR, an organization that helps individuals experiencing homelessness.
Steve also consulted with a dental nurse and was introduced to a barista training program, which provided him with an opportunity to explore new skills. Thanks to the support he received, Steve was able to move out of London to be closer to his family and focus on his recovery.
Mayor Jafri praised the collaborative approach of the initiative, saying: “This bus brings together a range of services and is a real testament to the strong partnerships we have. We are working closely with the NHS, SPEAR, and Mungos to ensure that people presenting as homeless can access all the services they need, as well as advice, in a safe, supportive environment.”
Keith Higham, Head of Impact at Change Please Foundation, which leads the Driving for Change initiative, reflected on the impact of the project: “The Driving for Change initiative at Change Please has been a beacon of hope for the homeless community in London over the past two years. Our commitment to driving positive change knows no bounds as we continue to uplift and empower individuals in the homeless community.”
As the Driving for Change bus continues to operate, it remains a critical lifeline for those in need, offering not just immediate assistance but also pathways to long-term support and recovery. The renewed contract ensures that this vital service will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of Wandsworth’s most vulnerable residents.
An evening of culture, dance, and togetherness on 28th September 2024 at South Leeds Stadium, Leeds
This September, the vibrant spirit of Navratri comes alive as Yorkshire hosts its biggest Pre-Navratri Garba Event, organised by Chiragi Bibas. The event promises a night filled with music, dance, cultural festivities, and culinary delights, all set to take place on 28th September 2024 at South Leeds Stadium, Leeds.
Doors will open at 7:00 PM, marking the start of an unforgettable evening that celebrates the rich traditions of Navratri and brings communities together. “Our Pre-Navratri Garba Event is more than just a celebration—it’s a vibrant gathering that brings the community together,” says Chiragi Solanki, the event organiser. “We are thrilled to see people from all walks of life come together to enjoy the dance, music, and food. It’s a wonderful way to experience the richness of our cultural heritage and celebrate unity in diversity.”
This event is a unique opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the vibrant traditions of Navratri. No previous Garba experience is required—everyone is welcome to join in the fun, whether you want to dance, watch, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. With a variety of food stalls offering delicious Indian delicacies such as Pani Puri, Bhel, Chaat, Vada Pav, and more—courtesy of catering partner Punjabi Heaven—there’s something for everyone. Plus, with free parking available, it’s easy to join in the festivities!
The Lord Mayor of Leeds and representatives from West Yorkshire Police will attend as special guests, highlighting the importance of this cultural event in promoting community spirit and unity. Their presence will reinforce the sense of inclusivity and togetherness that this event aims to foster, bringing people from all walks of life together to celebrate Navratri.
The evening’s main attractions are the traditional folk dances, Garba and Dandiya Raas, which are integral parts of Navratri celebrations. These dances, performed in circular formations with rhythmic movements to the lively beats of traditional music, create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Recognised by UNESCO as a cultural heritage that brings communities together, these dances symbolize the unity, joy, and vibrant spirit of the festival. Attendees are encouraged to wear traditional attire to add to the colorful and authentic experience of the event.
Special guest Mayur Dave will deliver a performance, with RockOn Music and a live DJ from Soul Asia Roadshow also set to entertain the audience. The organisers pay tribute to Active Leeds for providing the fantastic venue, which serves as the perfect setting for this vibrant celebration.
Garba and Dandiya Raas are more than just dances; they are expressions of cultural heritage and communal harmony. Traditionally performed in circles around a central light or statue of Goddess Durga, these dances represent the cyclical nature of life and the continuous journey of seeking the divine. Their energetic movements and rhythmic beats create a sense of unity among participants, fostering a deep sense of community and celebration.
This event is proudly sponsored by SUFISCORE, with live entertainment provided by RockOn Music and Soulasia Roadshow, along with support from media partner Fever FM, ensuring a top-tier experience filled with vibrant entertainment and cultural enrichment.
Event Details
Date: 28th September 2024
Time: Saturday, 7:00 PM
Venue: South Leeds Stadium, LS11 5DJ
For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram at @chiragis_bibas and Facebook at Chiragi Solanki.
The Circle to Search design adopts a minimalist and subdued approach, with a softer, more muted colour palette. This new design prioritises a sleek, modern aesthetic, but at the expense of some of the functional clarity that defines the old map, writes Ricci Dean.
The comparison between the new Circle to Search design and the classic London Underground map is debatable. Both maps aim to simplify complex information, but they approach this challenge in distinctly different ways, particularly in terms of colour usage and overall clarity.
The traditional London Underground map is a triumph of practical design, especially in its use of colour. Each line is identified by bold, distinct colours that aren’t just visually appealing but essential for quick, effortless navigation. The high-contrast palette ensures that, even in crowded or stressful situations, users can immediately locate the line they need. This approach has stood the test of time because it’s both functional and intuitive, making one of the world’s most complex transport systems remarkably easy to navigate.
In contrast, the Circle to Search design adopts a minimalist and subdued approach, featuring a softer, more muted colour palette. This new design prioritises a sleek, modern aesthetic but at the expense of some of the functional clarity that defines the old map. The colours are less distinct, with an emphasis on creating a cohesive look rather than making each line instantly recognisable. While this might appeal to a contemporary audience accustomed to digital interfaces, it risks reducing the map’s effectiveness, particularly for those who rely on strong visual cues to navigate the Underground’s intricate network.
Change in design can bring fresh perspectives and modern solutions, but practicality should never be sacrificed in the process. The shift from bold, contrasting colours to a more uniform palette raises concerns from a usability standpoint. While the new design might seem elegant, it sacrifices the immediate legibility that made the original map so successful. The strong colour differentiation in the traditional map is not just a stylistic choice; it’s a critical element of its functionality. The new design, with its softer tones, may blur these distinctions, making it harder for users to quickly identify different lines and understand the network.
Moreover, the way these maps present information is telling. The old map offers a complete view of the system, allowing users to see the entire network. This holistic perspective is crucial for understanding not just individual routes but how they connect across the city. The Circle to Search design, with its focus on specific areas, can obscure this broader context. Combined with its muted colours, this approach may leave users with a less clear understanding of their position within the larger network.
While the Circle to Search design offers a fresh and modern take, it falls short of the clarity and functionality that the classic London Underground map provides. With over 25 years of experience in graphic design, I recognise the importance of change but also the necessity of practicality. The old map’s bold use of colour and clear, user-friendly design remain unmatched, serving as an enduring model of effective information design.
(Ricci Dean is a London-based media professional with extensive experience in graphics and animation.)
Ladies of Virtue Outreach CIC (LOVO) is at the forefront of community empowerment, tackling challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and domestic violence. LOVO nurtures individual potential through its core pillars: Community, Growth, Gratitude, Self-Care, and Wisdom. The £10,000 donation from Tilda will fund LOVO’s English language programmes and the weekly global lunches for 12 months, expanding their ability to reach and support more women in need.
Tilda is proud to announce its partnership with Ladies of Virtue Outreach CIC (LOVO), a non-profit organisation dedicated to engaging, equipping, and inspiring women and their families. As part of this partnership, Tilda will donate £10,000 to support LOVO’s initiatives over the next 12 months. In addition, the partnership will involve multiple joint community initiatives aimed at celebrating cultural diversity and empowering women.
Ladies of Virtue Outreach CIC (LOVO) is at the forefront of community empowerment, tackling challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and domestic violence. LOVO nurtures individual potential through its core pillars: Community, Growth, Gratitude, Self-Care, and Wisdom. A cornerstone of LOVO’s mission is their weekly global lunch in Peckham, where women from diverse cultural backgrounds come together to share traditional dishes. Given that rice is a common ingredient in these meals, Tilda’s support aligns perfectly with LOVO’s celebration of cultural diversity and unity.
The £10,000 donation from Tilda will fund LOVO’s English language programmes and the weekly global lunches for 12 months, expanding their ability to reach and support more women in need. “This partnership with Tilda is a significant step forward for our organisation,” said Ola Olive Stephen, Founder & Director of LOVO. “The funds will enable us to reach more women and provide them with the tools and support they need to overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling lives.”
In addition to financial support, the Tilda x LOVO collaboration will include a series of community events in 2024, engaging local communities and providing valuable support and resources. The first joint event in June featured a vibrant community gathering in Peckham, with activities such as a Zumba class, a nutritionist talk, and a well-being session. Looking ahead, the partnership will continue with a second major event in September, promising to further amplify the impact of this collaboration.
“We are honoured to partner with LOVO on its mission to empower women now and in the future,” said Jean Phillipe, Managing Director of Tilda. “At Tilda, we are committed to supporting initiatives that align with our belief in the importance of strengthening our community and cultural diversity.”
Tilda’s B Corp certification in 2023 underscores its commitment to meeting high standards of social and environmental responsibility. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Tilda’s ongoing efforts to contribute positively to society by supporting organisations championing diversity. Together with LOVO, Tilda looks forward to making a tangible difference in the lives of women and their families, creating a future where life in all its flavours can thrive.
The Other House South Kensington, the inaugural member of a pioneering new hospitality brand in the UK, is leading the way with its ‘Residents Club’ concept; blending innovative, apartment-style accommodation with the flexibility and facilities of an upscale hotel, and the exclusivity of a private members club. Providing its residents with more than just a place to stay or live, The Other House is also a gateway to London’s most iconic neighborhoods; with the inaugural site located in chic South Kensington, Covent Garden opening in 2025 and Belgravia to follow. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
Flexible, Serviced Living
The Other House combines the comforts of home, with the luxurious interiors and sophistication of a boutique hotel and members club, a versatility and flexibility perfect for business trips or leisure breaks alike. Its all-day brunch spot, The Other Kitchen, offers a buzzing atmosphere full of locals, whilst the destination cocktail bar, Owl & Monkey, is the best place to see off the evening in style.
Downstairs in the private club, accessible to residents and members only, two lounges offer the perfect place to work, relax and play in beautiful surroundings. The state-of-the-art wellbeing and fitness facilities, consisting of a 24/7 gym, vitality pool, wellbeing concierge services through Mama Wellbeing and OM Sound Baths by celebrity practitioner, Leo Consedai, allow visitors to relax and unwind at their leisure.
Each meticulously designed ‘Club Flat’ features bold interiors and open-plan living, with a sitting room, fully-equipped kitchenette, bedroom and well-appointed shower room, designed for any length of stay.
An Introduction to London Life
What truly sets The Other House apart is not only its enchanting maximalist interiors but its connection to the heart of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods. From South Kensington’s wonderful cultural experiences to Covent Garden’s historic and bohemian charm, each property is meticulously thought through to reflect the distinctive character and heritage of its surroundings, with sustainability underpinning all aspects of the development and operation of each site.
Residents can expect local experiences that showcase the best of the neighborhood’s culture, cuisine, and entertainment. Whether it’s getting the inside track on local hidden gems, taking in a DJ night in the Owl & Monkey cocktail bar, enjoying a Sunday Jazz Brunch in The Other Kitchen or mixing with local members in the private club, residents of The Other House instantly become part of the beating heart of each locality.
A ‘Stay as you Choose’ Approach
With flexible terms, inclusive bills, and pet-friendly accommodation, The Other House provides the perfect solution for those seeking a pied-à-terre in central London. The Other House’s hotel-style easy check-in, check-out policy offers the ultimate flexibility for those looking to stay in the Royal Borough, whether a night, a month or a year.
Perfect for frequent visitors to London, The Other House’s unique offering allows residents to come and go at their convenience, offering a variety of options for mid to long stay residencies depending on individual requirements. Whether you’re in town on a weekly or monthly basis or looking for somewhere to live whilst acclimatizing to London life.
Additionally, residents can securely store their belongings while away and have them returned to their Club Flat upon their return. This flexible approach embodies The Other House’s commitment to providing a truly distinctive living experience, whether for short or longer-term stays.
THE OTHER HOUSE BRAND:
The Other House is tearing up the rule book and launching a new sector of Residents Clubs, redefining the hospitality market. It effortlessly combines apartment-style living with hotel services and access to an exclusive private club. Think pied-à-terre meets private club, available for all residents to enjoy. It is cool, intriguing, bold and committed to sustainability. Whether it’s for a day or a year, it is your other house for as long as you are in town.
Launched in 2019, The Other House is a joint venture partnership between London Central Portfolio (LCP), leading real estate investment advisory in Prime Central London and APG, the largest pension provider in the Netherlands. The Other House opened in South Kensington in 2022, with Covent Garden opening early 2025 and plans for Belgravia in the pipeline. Further openings in London and internationally are also in the works.
THE OTHER HOUSE SOUTH KENSINGTON
South Kensington is the inaugural opening from The Other House, a revolutionary hospitality concept combining apartment-style living with hotel services, and a private club available to residents as well as local members. Consisting of 200 Club Flats and Combos, ranging from cosy studios through to striking apartments, The Other House South Kensington opened in 2022. Fast-becoming a key social and cultural hub, offering exclusive partnerships with local institutions such as the Royal Albert Hall, The Other House South Kensington offers everything a discerning city lover could want. Facilities include the all-day brunch destination, The Other Kitchen, the chic cocktail bar, the Owl & Monkey, and the exclusive private club, available to members and residents, with two club lounges and The Other Space which offers a range of state-of-the-art wellbeing, mindfulness and fitness facilities.
Meet the CEO: Naomi Heaton, CEO and Founder of The Other House
Naomi Heaton, MA Hons (Oxon) is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Other House, a new lifestyle hospitality brand in prime central London. Established in December 2019, this is a joint venture between London Central Portfolio Ltd (“LCP”), leading real estate investment advisory and APG, the largest pension provider in the Netherlands which manages approximately €587 billion in pension assets on behalf of its pension fund clients.
The Other House is blurring the lines between hotels, serviced apartments and the Private Rented Sector to create a new sector of ‘Residents’ Clubs’ in the accommodation space. Residents are able to book from a day to a year (or more) and there is real emphasis on place making. Whilst the initial focus is on prime central London, the venture will expand globally, catering for the aspirational business and leisure traveller.
Since its creation, the venture has acquired three assets, Harrington Hall in South Kensington, the Wellington Block in Covent Garden and a further acquisition in Belgravia. The Other House South Kensington opened in July 2022, with Covent Garden opening in 2025 and Belgravia in the pipeline, and is actively acquiring more.
Naomi is also Chairman of the LCP Group. She founded LCP in 1990, exclusively to represent investors in the private rented sector in Prime Central London. It offers an all-encompassing service including property search and acquisition, refurbishment and design, letting and rental management, based on sophisticated financial modelling. She has also launched a number of funds investing in this asset class. Her unparalleled experience in the sector and entrepreneurial vision led Naomi to observe the rapidly changing requirements of the millennial generation in terms of place making, lifestyle, and the use of technology in the accommodation sector and the need for a sea change in how this is approached.
Previously Chief Executive of the LCP Group, she appointed Andrew Weir, ex head of Foxtons, to this position in 2020 so she could concentrate on the development and launch of The Other House. After graduating from Oxford University, Naomi entered advertising becoming a main Board Director at Saatchi & Saatchi and Young & Rubicam, advising blue chip, multi-nationals. She writes frequently in the national press and is regularly invited by the BBC and Sky News to comment on property related matters.
Naomi has been elected one of Citywealth’s Top 50 CEOs and is represented in the Spear’s 500 and Tatler’s Advisory.
Gordon Ramsay has added a crisp and refreshing new Pinot Grigio to his collection, created in partnership with world-famous winemaker Alberto Antonini. The collection combines globally renowned chef and restaurateur Gordon’s passion with the heart and soul of Italian winemaking, joining Gordon Ramsay Intenso Rosso red wine on the shelves. Gordon Ramsay Pinot Grigio was recently blind-tasted by four Masters of Wine and awarded Gold at The Drinks Business Global Pinot Grigio Masters 2024, reports columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
Gordon Ramsay Pinot Grigio is crafted with the same passion and precision that Gordon brings to his culinary creations, and he recommends it is perfectly paired with linguine al pesto or a charcuterie board. The wine truly reflects Ramsay’s commitment to excellence. With a soft yet dry taste, it offers a refreshing palate experience, featuring notes of ripe pear and citrus fruits.
This stunning addition to the collection is made using grapes sourced from vineyards on the picturesque hills of Colli Berici, south of Vicenza in north-eastern Italy. These have been carefully hand-harvested from late August to early September to ensure optimal ripeness and flavour. This 2023 vintage, which was an outstanding year for Pinot Grigio, comes from the renowned Delle Venezie Denominazione Di Origine Controllata (DOC) region.
Alberto Antonini’s contemporary approach to winemaking resonated deeply with Gordon and their partnership led to the creation of wines from Italy’s best wine growing regions.
The Gordon Ramsay Pinot Grigio is available at Tesco, RRP: £8.50.
TASTING NOTE
Soft yet dry, refreshing on the palate with notes of ripe pear and citrus fruits, characteristic of this grape variety grown on the picturesque hills of North-eastern Italy.
VINEYARD
Crafted from Pinot Grigio grapes grown in the Colli Berici hills south of Vicenza in the Veneto region of northern Italy, this crisp, fresh wine is the result of selecting the best quality grapes from hillside mature, south-facing vineyards. These grapes were meticulously hand-harvested in late August to early September, ensuring optimal ripeness and flavour concentration.
WINEMAKING
Whole cluster grapes were crushed and gently pressed. The juice was then allowed to settle and clarify before undergoing cool fermentation at 16 to 18°C in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. To enhance complexity and texture, the wine was aged for a period of 3 to 6 months on fine lees in stainless steel tanks before bottling.
London’s media landscape is undergoing significant transformation. With the rapid evolution of digital platforms, traditional media outlets are adapting to new consumption habits. The rise of social media, streaming services, and online news has reshaped how Londoners access information and entertainment … writes Sanjay Shabi
The Evening Standard, an iconic London newspaper, has made a strategic decision to cease publication on Mondays and Fridays as a precursor to eventually going weekly. This move is underpinned by both commercial and social factors, reflecting the changing landscape of media consumption and the economic pressures faced by print journalism.
Commercially, the shift in consumer behaviour towards digital platforms has had a profound impact on the newspaper industry. With the rise of smartphones and high-speed internet, readers increasingly prefer to access news online, leading to a decline in print circulation and, consequently, in advertising revenue which has traditionally been the lifeblood of newspapers. By reducing the print run, the Evening Standard aims to cut costs associated with printing and distribution, which are substantial for a free publication that relies on high circulation to attract advertisers.
The reduction in publication days also aligns with the changing patterns of commuting in London. The pandemic has accelerated the trend towards remote working, resulting in fewer daily commuters which in themselves are less predictable across the day and a reduced footfall in central London where the Evening Standard’s distributors are primarily located. With fewer potential readers on the streets on Mondays and Fridays, days which have become synonymous with working from home, the cost-effectiveness of distributing a print edition on these days diminishes.
Furthermore, the advertising market, which is crucial for the financial health of a free newspaper, has shifted. Advertisers are increasingly directing their budgets towards digital platforms that offer targeted advertising and measurable engagement. Anecdotal observations, subject to corroboration from more forensic data analysis, suggests this is further reflected by average issue pagination for the Evening Standard dropping about four-fold over the years from its peak. In contrast, by focusing on its digital offering, the Evening Standard can provide more attractive options for advertisers, leveraging data analytics to offer targeted and interactive ad campaigns that are not possible in print.
From a social perspective, the Evening Standard’s decision reflects a broader commitment to sustainability. The production and distribution of print newspapers have a significant environmental footprint, from the use of paper to the emissions associated with physical distribution. By reducing the number of print issues, the newspaper is decreasing its environmental impact, which resonates with the growing public and corporate emphasis on sustainability.
The move also acknowledges the changing rhythms of city life. With Londoners’ habits evolving, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, the Evening Standard is adapting to serve its readers when and where they are most likely to engage with the content. By concentrating its print presence on days with higher commuter traffic, the newspaper can maintain its relevance and connection with its audience. Many of whom may still prefer the physical attributes of reading printed material and the personal, one to one connection this affords especially when compared to other media channels.
The Evening Standard’s decision on this basis is a response to the dual pressures of economic sustainability and social change. It reflects a strategic pivot to align with the digital transformation of the media landscape, changing commuter patterns, and a commitment to environmental responsibility. This decision underscores the need for traditional print media to dynamically adapt to survive in an increasingly digital world with changing consumer behaviours.
(Mr Sanjay Shabi is Board Director, UK & Worldwide of Essence Mediacom)
