I remember the day my first big order for The Enveloper came through. It was 2005 and I’d designed the product when I was still at university; it was a simple tool to help crafters fold custom envelopes.
When I pitched it to a shopping channel, they got super excited. They wanted 8,000 units and promised to make it the pick of the day. Incredible. Except I didn’t have 8,000 units.
I went off and got them made, handing the manufacturer a cheque for the order, because I knew the shopping channel would pay in 45 days.
Andrew Tate rented supercars to appear ‘uberwealthy’
Legal representatives for Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have claimed the pair deliberately portray themselves as much wealthier than they are because their “business model depends on online attention”.
Legal proceedings against brothers
The submissions follow British police seeking the Tate brothers’ extradition from the US as part of an investigation into alleged sexual offences, which the brothers deny.
Separately, Andrew Tate is being sued in England by four women over allegations of sexual violence.
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A closer look at the detail
The brothers’ legal representatives listed a number of items that they have shared pictures of online, but do not actually own.
- This included a superyacht which featured in a promotional video, a $2.1m Aston Martin and five and seven million dollar Bugattis. They added that the valuation of Andrew Tate’s watch collection “is based on a third-party enthusiast publication.”
The charges against the Tates
After the brothers’ arrests in July, the Crown Prosecution Service said it was bringing a further 38 charges against them, in addition to 21 existing charges.
Andrew Tate was charged with seven further counts of rape and three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking among other charges.
Tristan Tate, was charged with one count of sexual assault, two counts of rape and three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Brothers ‘unequivocally’ deny any wrongdoing
The pair have previously “unequivocally” denied wrongdoing, with Andrew Tate describing himself and his brother as “very innocent men”.
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China’s top robots compete at ‘Olympics’
More than 2,000 humanoid robots are participating in the second World Humanoid Robot Games which started on Saturday.
China was keen to showcase its rapid progress with the technology and one of its robots, Lightning, beat the human 100m sprint record, clocking a time of 9.32 seconds compared to Usain Bolt’s 9.58 seconds.
The games in pictures
Trepidation from the US
China makes the majority of the world’s humanoid robots, something which the US has made clear it is wary of.
- Last month, the US Federal Communications Commission announced a ban on imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots, citing national security reasons.
- The Pentagon recently added Chinese robot maker Unitree to its list of companies deemed to have ties to the Chinese military.
Watch a humanoid compete
The future of humanoid robots
Experts say humanoid robots are still mostly used for performances, demonstrations and research and it will take time for mass real-world deployment.
The games are taking place in the National Speed Skating Oval built for the 2022 Winter Olympics and opened the same week as Beijing held the 2026 World Robot Conference.
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Nigella Lawson makes Great British Bake Off debut in trailer
Fans of the got a sneak preview of Nigella Lawson making her debut as a new judge on the programme ahead of the new season releasing next month.
The Bake Off lineup
The TV chef, 66, was recently announced to be taking the place of Dame Prue Leith after nine series on the show.
She will join fellow judge Paul Hollywood, alongside presenters Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond.
Filming is complete on the series, with Lawson saying that she has “loved every minute”.
How did she get here?
Now a household name, Lawson graduated from Oxford and worked as a journalist before becoming a food writer. She won the British Book Award for author of the year in 2001 and then moved into TV.
- She began with her Channel 4 show , before crossing over to ITV and then the BBC.
How to be more grateful for daily life in five easy steps
The world feels like a difficult place at the moment, and it can feel very hard sometimes to find things to be thankful for; when we are overwhelmed, we have less capacity to notice and reflect on the good things. Yet, ironically, proactively cultivating gratitude is one of the things that can actually help us feel less stressed.
NHS GP dR RADHA
The science
Research has shown that feeling or expressing thanks can actually alter our brain.
- The balance of neurotransmitters change; more serotonin and dopamine (feel good chemicals) are produced.
- This can be long lasting if we make gratitude a regular habit.
- We also get a decrease in our cortisol (stress hormone) levels which helps lower anxiety.
- Being grateful can strengthen the nerve pathways which triggers positive emotion.
How can we build gratitude?
Change your words
Instead of seeing something as a problem, try to see the opportunities within it.
Our brains are very receptive and what we read or write can alter our emotional system.
Express it
This will not only make you feel good, but you will also get a positive response from others.
How can we build gratitude?
Notice more
Throughout your day, try to notice all the things that are going well; has someone opened a door for you, or smiled?
The basics
By being thankful for the small things every day, we are far more likely to be and stay healthy so that we can enjoy them.
What to do
Gratitude can lead to feelings of optimism, lower our blood pressure, and improve sleep quality.
- Write down what potential good aspects there are to the things you don’t feel like doing, or even what could be worse about it.
- Spend a few minutes writing down three things that you are looking forward to that day, or the good things that have happened to you that day.
- Say thank you to yourself for the things you have achieved, or managed to get through and changed that day.
Sales of battery
electric vehicles hit a record high last year.
Starts at £22,995 for the smaller battery
Available with either a 40kWh battery or a larger 52kWh pack, that offers almost 255 miles, the latest, retro-inspired Renault 5 is both a joy to behold and a hoot to drive.
The interior has been lavished with a level of detail that’s typically reserved for more expensive cars.
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A champion of EV efficiency
It offers a remarkable 491 mile range on a single charge from the 85kWh battery.
It is a technological masterclass inside with the ability to option screens that span the entire width of the dashboard, including an optional display for the front passenger.
Priced from £37,400
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It’s a lot of money to part with, but this is arguably all the car you will ever need.
The £89,000 Macan is a premium SUV that somehow manages to blend Porsche’s reputation for dynamics and sporty driving with everyday practicality.
The 95kWh batteries can go from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 21 minutes from the fastest public charging outlets.
With the business class-style six seat configuration costing a staggering £76,995, it is by far the most expensive Kia ever made, but it backs up its financial demands with a suite of genuinely useful and impressive onboard technology.
It’s fast, goes a long way between stops and charges relatively quickly but the interior is bland, the onboard technology is infuriating and the experience is devoid of emotion.
All of its gadgetry can’t disguise the fact that performance is weak, even for a typically zippy EV, the ride is fussy at slower speeds and it’s not in the least bit enjoyable to drive on a country road.
- While good value (prices start at £17,935) for the 200-mile max range, there are more interesting options from Hyundai, Citroen and Renault for similar money.
- It attempts to wow with tech, much of which hinders, rather than helps.
- There’s no tangible benefit over mounting your phone to the dash.
- Simply an average driving experience, adequate range and slow charging speeds.
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The kitchen gadgets under £25
Victorinox paring knife
It’s comfortable to hold, with a point sharp enough for scoring pastry.
ProCook cast iron pan
For unbeatable searing and heat-retention, cast iron is the top choice.
Tesco chopping board
Priced at just £22, I’ve yet to find another board that matches it for sheer value and quality.
The kitchen gadgets under £25
Pyrex jug
It is the perfect vessel for blending smooth sauces, melting butter, or warming stock. It won’t stain like plastic and the red measurements never fade.
Salter scales
“I’ve had my slim little set of Salter Disc Scales for over a decade, and I’m delighted to see they are still made to exactly the same reliable design today.”
Microplane grater
It uses photo-etched stainless steel teeth that stay razor-sharp for a decade, something the lookalike copycats simply can’t match.
Braun hand-held blender
It’s an essential for everything from making velvety soup to getting the lumps out of white sauce.
Bodum cafetiere
As well as delivering great results, cafetieres are easy to clean and there’s no ongoing filter paper costs or pod recycling to deal with.
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The kitchen gadgets under £25
Oxo peeler
What truly sets it apart is the chunky, rubberised handle that absorbs pressure and stays completely non-slip, even if your hands are wet. It is inexpensive and incredibly durable.
Falcon pie dish
Made by fusing porcelain onto heavy-gauge steel for smooth durability, it is dishwasher, freezer, hob, air-fryer and oven-safe.
The golden rules for a happy, secure relationship
Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr Amir Levine, author of bestselling book , explains why we behave the way we do in love.
Golden rules for happy relationships
Start with your own behaviours
The foundation of a secure, connected life is being what I call CARRP: that means being consistent, available, responsive, reliable and predictable. All of these qualities can be enacted in small gestures every day.
Express your needs
People need consistency and connection to feel safe. This is not, ‘You hurt my feelings by never replying to me’, it’s more ‘this is the kind of contact that helps me feel secure’.
Golden rules for happy relationships
The appendix ‘inflammation’ rule
If a relationship repeatedly inflames your nervous system, you need to disengage and deprioritise it.
Lean on community
You don’t need hundreds of friends. You need people and places that regularly remind you that you belong.
Stop blaming childhood
Humans are much more complicated than: ‘this happened to you, therefore you are doomed to be anxious’.
Reach for a
secure script
When something unsettles you in a relationship, your first reaction is not always the most accurate one.
If you’re anxious, your brain may jump very quickly to: ‘this is the beginning of the end’. If you’re avoidant, your brain may say: ‘this person wants too much from me, I need to get away’. So one very practical thing you can always do is pause and ask: ‘What would a secure person do here?’
Loneliness elsewhere
When people talk about loneliness, they often assume it means you don’t have enough people in your life. But you can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely if those relationships leave you feeling excluded, ignored or disconnected.
What to do
- Build a community that works for your temperament and gives you regular, reliable moments of connection.
- You can still be kind to people while not treating them as someone who belongs in your inner circle.
- Explain what you need. Sometimes people simply don’t realise how you are experiencing them.
- Check in with people: does this person actually feel that I’m reliable? Do they experience me as predictable? That’s the only way that you can start to become more secure.
Do some foods leave
you feeling hungry rather than satiated? Experts say there are…
Foods that leave you hungrier
A bowl of cereal and glass of orange juice
More refined cereals are digested quickly, and fruit juice, whilst one of your five-a-day, contains less fibre than whole fruit. This might mean you find yourself hungry again within 1-2 hours of eating this breakfast.
Swap the orange juice for a whole orange, the cereal for oats and milk or serve it with Greek yoghurt or a boiled egg. This would increase the fibre and protein content; two nutrients strongly linked with fullness.
Foods that leave you hungrier
These pastries are made primarily from refined flour and butter, and are relatively low in protein and fibre.
Toast and jam
Shop-bought packs can contain a lot of white rice, which is digested quickly, and the protein content is often modest.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Vegetable soup
On its own, it is often very low in protein and calories, so hunger can return quickly.
Unless it’s loaded with veggies, it’s probably pretty low in fibre.
Liquids are generally less filling as they require little chewing which may not trigger satiety signals.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Snack bars
They are ideal for a quick pick-me-up, but if reducing hunger is what you’re after, it’d be better to swap it out.
Low-fat yoghurt
A full-fat plain Greek yoghurt with berries and seeds tends to be much more filling due to the protein, fat and fibre.
On an empty stomach, it can actually increase your appetite.
What to eat instead
Instead of thinking about avoiding foods, think about what you can add to them.
- Add beans, lentils or shredded chicken to your vegetable soup and pasta.
- Thicken your smoothies with Greek yoghurt, chia seeds and oats.
- Apple slices with peanut butter, yogurt with berries and hummus with oat biscuits are better snack options than a pre-made snack bar.
- Have alcohol alongside a balanced meal containing protein and fibre.
But I hadn’t got a purchase order from the shopping channel yet. Days before we were due to go live with the product on TV, I called to confirm. “Yeah, about that….” they said.
The producer had got cold feet and decided to reduce the order to 1,500 units. That left me with 6,500 in my garden shed and no way to pay for them.
This is something that is common among new business owners and that we often see on . In your naivety, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of landing that first major deal and then forget about the details. None of it means anything without an actual order.
Luckily, The Enveloper sold so well on the shopping channel that they decided to order thousands more. And this time I got them to raise the purchase order and sign it on the spot.
But that mistake could so easily have gone the other way and would have been the end of the business before it even started – and other entrepreneurs aren’t as lucky.
Don’t be afraid to start small. The idea of the big order is great, but not if you have to take a big loan or remortgage to fund it. Starting on a market stall can be a great way to launch a product because you get immediate customer feedback.
The Enveloper became such a popular product in the crafting world that other companies wanted to make their own version. And that led me to my second crucial business lesson: it’s not personal.
A major brand got in touch asking to meet; they were interested in working together on The Enveloper, they said. In hindsight, I can see they were just rinsing me for information about the product, sales, opportunity and, of course, the patent. They realised that instead of working with me on my product, they could change it slightly and launch their own version.
In reality, that was just a product team doing their job – but I took it personally; it felt like they’d come after my business. But, while it might have been morally wrong, for them it was just a commercial decision.
Over the next five years, I spent hundreds of thousands of pounds in legal fees protecting my product from different copycat versions – six in total.
I won those battles and was not only able to protect my product, but to build myself a reputation as someone not to mess with. But if I’d lost, the fees could have killed my business.
When you realise that something is not personal, you can assess the situation with your head not your heart. By the time an American company breached the patent a few years later, I could make a commercial decision not an emotional one and decided that the potential cost to me wasn’t worth the small impact on US sales.
But there is one common mistake among entrepreneurs that I did manage to avoid.
When you’re a small business owner, you’re a Jack of all trades and there is a tendency to want to do everything yourself. It’s partly ego (all entrepreneurs have one) and partly that you think you’re the only one who can.
But needing every decision to be run by one person creates a bottleneck, and those businesses will never get beyond a certain size. The entrepreneurs that break through are the ones that aren’t afraid to bring in other people and offload some of the work and decision-making.
As my business started to grow, I hired people I knew – family and friends. Later I brought in specialists; people who could do certain things better than I ever could.
I remember hiring one person and paying him double the amount I was paying myself at the time, but I knew it was worth it and wasn’t afraid to hire someone who was better than me at something. Having that confidence helped me take my business to the next level.
Now isn’t an easy time to start a business, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. But for anyone starting out, there’s no point thinking you can avoid making any mistakes – you can’t. And the most important lessons you’ll ever learn will come from those mistakes.
I’m a firm believer that you are where you are because of the decisions you’ve made, and you learn so much more from a bad decision than a good one. What matters is that you learn from them, move forward and use the experience to do better next time.