John Lewis unveils 'everyday-hero' as new model

It's not the clean cut image you might expect from Exeter's flagship store but John Lewis has gone for, shall we say, a slightly more earthy image with its latest men's wear model.

Out has gone the more traditional smooth, fresh-faced appearance for a rugged, bearded, 'deconstructed' look.

According to Matthew McCormack, John Lewis’s buying director, this new look ‘represents what the brand is about’.

He added: "He is a little deconstructed but kind of smart and has a great sense of style.

"He is a bit dishevelled and is deliberately growing his hair, but he...

Katie Hopkins: "I'll choose my children's friends"

Outspoken former Apprentice star Katie Hopkins has once again courted controversy by admitting that she won't let her children play with friends who she deems to be beneath them.

In an article in a national newspaper she says: "Call me controlling, call me ruthlessly aggressive. But I'm convinced one of the best things I can do for my children - India, eight, Poppy, seven, and Max, four - is to choose their friends for them."

Katie, who lives in Exeter, has in the past said that smokers should pay for their own medical treatment and that a female boss is a woman's worst...

Mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest level ever

Average mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest levels ever, particularly within the fixed rate market bringing some welcome news to thousands of frustrated borrowers who have previously found themselves priced out of the market.

According to research by Moneyfacts.co.uk, five-year fixed rates have dropped from 6.00% in February 2010 to 4.14% today, marking a 1.86% fall. In the two-year fixed market, the average rate has fallen from 4.82% to 4.11% over the same period.

Going back even further to their launch in 1989, the average two-year fixed rate stood at 12.83%,...

Early access to hip replacement proven to be cost-effective

Early access to hip replacement is cost-effective and provides significant benefits for patients' quality of life, a study has shown.

Ruben Mujica-Mota, from the University of Exeter, carried out research comparing early access and delayed hip replacement surgery in Italy on behalf of the European Health Technology Institute for Socio-Economic Research (EHTI).

His findings, which are now published in the journal Value in Health, demonstrate both the cost-effectiveness of early hip replacement, as well as the benefits for patients.

The expert says that delaying hip...

Devon unemployment lower than UK average

The total number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance has increased by 545 claimants between December and January from 9,273 to 9,818, however, this is not unexpected given the seasonal nature of Devon’s labour market.

This is in line with the national trend which also saw an increase between December and January.

Claimant count in Devon at 2.2% of the working age population remains considerably lower than the national figure of 3.9%.

The latest trend was expected due to a reduction in seasonal employment after Christmas.

Year on year the number of...

Secure children’s home continues to make good progress

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 02/20/2013 - 11:41am

A secure children’s home in Exeter has been praised by Ofsted for making good continued progress since its last Ofsted inspection.

The Atkinson Unit provides accommodation for up to ten young people and was inspected earlier in the summer of 2012 and again at the end of the year.

In their earlier report the inspectors said that the unit exceeded minimum requirements and were rated ‘good’ for their quality of care, safeguarding, leadership and management, and for the outcomes of the young people. During their most recent inspection, Ofsted were impressed with the progress...

Fire crews called to seven chimney fires yesterday

With cold weather predicted over the next few days, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service remind you to make sure your chimneys are safe and secure as possible, especially when lighting up fires that haven't been used for a while.

This advice comes after seven chimney fires took place yesterday.

Open fires and wood burning stoves are growing in popularity as they not only warm up a home, but create a unique and relaxing ambience within any room. This is all the more reason to ensure they are safe and clean.

Chimneys need to be dirt free to allow the free...

Protestors jubilant as Bulgaria's government resigns

Jubilation has been expressed by people in Bulgaria and activists around the world after the announcement that Bulgaria's government has resigned following mass protests.

Applauded in particular is a statement from the Bulgarian Prime Minister, Boiko Borisov. In his resignation announcement he said: "I will not participate in a government under which police are beating people". The statement is considered a victory for protesters against police brutality, incidents of which have been commonplace across Europe during anti-austerity protests in recent months and years.

Many...

TUC analysis shows older women getting a raw deal

Women in their 50s earn nearly a fifth less than men of the same age – the widest gender pay gap of any age group – according to a TUC analysis published ahead of the latest unemployment figures due out today (Wednesday).

The TUC analysis of the pay and jobs of women over the age of 50 shows that despite a dramatic rise in the number of women working past 50, low pay and pensioner poverty remain major concerns for them as they approach retirement.

A woman in her 50s working full-time currently earns £11.99 per hour – 18 per cent less hour than a man of a similar age (£14.69...

Home & garden maintenance with a difference in Exeter

Why not try home and garden maintenance company with a difference? Project Petrock is a social enterprise set up by Exeter-based charity, St Petrock’s, with the aim of helping people who are or have been homeless into work or training.

Project Petrock aims to help people by providing volunteering in ‘real work’ situations. Volunteers gain on-the-job training from an experienced builder while making meaningful use of their time and gaining a current volunteering record. Since March this year, of the 18 volunteers joining the project, two have gone into employment and three into...

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