New research suggests women are more consistent with their oral hygiene routines than men, visiting dentists more frequently and brushing their teeth more regularly. A study by independent research firm IQS, commissioned by oral care brand Oclean, found significant differences between genders in dental habits. Women were less likely to forget to brush their teeth and replaced their toothbrush or sonic brush heads more frequently than men. Women More Committed to Oral Care The study revealed that only 33% of women occasionally skip brushing their teeth in the evening, and 22% in the morning. Among men, the numbers were higher,…
Author: Helen Rourke
Helen Rourke
Helen Rourke trained as a chartered accountant and spent fourteen years in financial services before starting to write. She qualified at a mid-tier firm, moved in-house to a media company's finance team, and spent her last years as a finance director at a creative agency, which gave her an unusual vantage point on both sides of the balance sheet. She writes about personal finance, tax, pensions, and the money questions people ask at dinner parties but never ask their accountant. She explains numbers without condescension and has no interest in making simple things sound complicated. Helen lives in North London. She files her own tax return on the first day it opens and considers this a character flaw.
A new book, The Heart of Finance, highlights the growing importance of emotional intelligence (EI) in the financial planning industry. Written by James Woodfall and Cliff Lansley, the book reveals how EI can significantly improve client relations, retention rates, and sales for financial planners, particularly in an era marked by economic uncertainty and technological disruption. Financial planners regularly encounter complex emotions in their clients, from grief to fear and anxiety, as individuals navigate significant life events. Research conducted by Woodfall and Lansley has shown that financial professionals with high emotional intelligence, who can effectively manage and respond to these emotions,…
With workplace stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels, International SOS is urging organisations to take proactive steps to support the mental health of their employees. As Blue Monday – widely regarded as the most challenging day for mental health – approaches, the health and security risk services company highlights the urgent need for businesses to address the ongoing challenges employees face in the workplace. A recent survey revealed that approximately 40% of the workforce reported stress levels so severe that they significantly impacted their ability to work over the last year. International SOS has identified three key mental health issues…
A new collection of handcrafted ceramics inspired by the British coast is bringing the beauty of the seaside into homes across the UK. The “Shoreline” collection, designed by Habulous, is a vibrant and practical homeware range that reflects the natural beauty of the coast, blending earthy tones and calming ocean hues. Each piece in the collection, which includes vases, candle holders, plant pots, and oil pourers, has been carefully handcrafted in Habulous’ Dartmoor studio. The distinctive turquoise and pink colourway is meant to evoke the serene yet dynamic spirit of the coast, reminiscent of the sun setting over the ocean,…
Kipling has announced an exciting new collaboration with Universal Pictures’ Wicked, launching a collection of bags inspired by the themes of empowerment, equality, defiance, and sisterhood showcased in the iconic film. The Kipling x Wicked collection reimagines some of the brand’s most popular styles, including crossbody bags, backpacks, and totes, with vibrant pink and green hues reflecting the colours synonymous with the Wicked franchise. The collection features a range of Kipling’s classic bag silhouettes, such as the Riri and Bina M crossbody bags, the City S backpack, and the New Cicely tote, all reinterpreted with the bold colour palette inspired…
A new report by Hokodo, in collaboration with the B2B Ecommerce Association, has revealed that two-thirds of finance leaders (66%) believe their teams are falling behind the rapid pace of B2B e-commerce. The investigative survey highlights the mounting pressures facing finance departments as the B2B market, predicted to reach $2.641 trillion in 2024, continues to evolve. The study found that 17% of finance leaders feel their teams are not adequately prepared for the future, with concerns primarily revolving around maintaining a balance between financial control and strategic growth. Almost half (46%) of those surveyed admitted that finding this balance is…
Trust Wallet, the leading self-custody Web3 wallet with over 140 million users globally, has unveiled its latest brand film titled “In Freedom We Trust.” The film underscores the empowering benefits of cryptocurrency, focusing on themes of financial freedom, ownership, and self-custody. In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, Trust Wallet positions itself at the forefront of digital asset management. The brand film serves as both a celebration and a call to action, encouraging viewers to reconsider their approach to ownership—from personal data to financial assets. It invites audiences to take full control of their financial futures through Trust Wallet’s Web3 platform.…
Following the recent decision by Chancellor Rachel Reeves to abandon the planned £86,000 cap on lifetime personal care costs, attention has shifted to how the government may seek to reform the sector. A new study by retirement specialist Just Group has revealed public opinion on potential changes to social care, suggesting that voters favour different measures. The research, conducted prior to the General Election, surveyed public attitudes towards various reforms, including the care cap that was initially set to be introduced by the previous Conservative government in October 2025. Instead, a significant portion of respondents said they believed increasing the…
As 2024 progresses, alternative lenders face a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities, demanding strategic adjustments to effectively support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Douglas Grant, Managing Director at Conister Bank, highlights five key considerations for alternative lenders navigating this evolving environment. 1. Impact of Rising Living Costs The expiration of long-term fixed mortgages set before the COVID-19 pandemic is set to impact nearly 40% of UK households. With elevated interest rates increasing monthly expenses, consumer spending is expected to tighten. This shift could adversely affect SMEs by reducing discretionary spending. Alternative lenders must adapt by revising lending criteria and…
The winners of the 7th annual Global Forex Awards – Retail have been announced, recognising the top innovators and service providers in the retail forex trading industry. Organised by Holiston Media, this year’s awards were the largest yet, with more than 50 winners named across global and regional categories. The awards celebrate businesses that are pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in retail forex trading, both globally and in specific regions such as Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The awards are voted for by forex traders and honour brokers and firms that excel in areas such…
