The outbreak of war in the Middle East has already affected energy prices, amid concerns that inflation may rise in the coming months. Despite this difficult market environment, most London-based small businesses remain committed to short-term growth plans.
I moved from Israel to New York because I saw it as the centre of global real estate. It's one of the most competitive markets in the world. If you can succeed there, you can succeed anywhere. I wanted to be in that environment early on.
Turo does not own or lease vehicles. Instead, it acts as a marketplace, enabling short-term rentals between individuals. This approach significantly reduces capital expenditure and operational overheads.
The Big Brine, co-founded by Emma and Clarice, who have backgrounds in events and event catering, will bring together the worlds of food, wellness and sustainability by showcasing the craft and culture behind brining and fermenting.
Gordon Ramsay Restaurants - which launched in 1997 and now claims locations as far and wide as London, Singapore, South Korea, France and the US - has been awarded 17 Michelin stars throughout the years and currently holds eight.
If you own a property in London, you have almost certainly thought about your EPC rating in the past twelve months. Mortgage lenders are paying closer attention to energy performance. Tenants are factoring running costs into rental decisions. And with the government signalling stricter minimum EPC thresholds for rented properties, a poor rating is no longer just a line on a certificate - it is a financial liability.
To celebrate, everyone's favourite ball-shaped cocktail is bringing a 10-foot gacha machine to the capital where thirsty Londoners can win a chance to try the new BuzzBall. Arriving in the flavour 'Berry Cherry Limeade' (we're guessing it's got notes of berry, cherry and lime), the bright blue drink will be London's to try for the day, at a pop-up taking place on Friday February 27 at Observation Point on the Southbank.
Analysis by insurer Aviva reveals that 11% of the 396,602 new homes in England built between 2022 and 2024 were built in areas of medium or high risk of flooding, while more than a quarter (26%) have some flood risk. While comparable statistics have not been published since 2022, Aviva said its assessment showed the number of homes built in flood risk areas has accelerated as housebuilding increases. The problem is particularly acute in and around the capital, the analysis reveals.
The court was told witnesses heard him shouting "let them die" and "I want them to die" as the animals were dropped. He later told police he did not know "what came over me". Prosecutor Manisha Kukadia said police had been called to the scene and one kitten was caught before it hit the water, while the other two were found by officers "wet and muddy" and "in shock" but alive.
Natanya tears genres open and rebuilds them in her own image. Her drums swing loose and jazzy over heavy 808s; synths drift dreamily before snapping into gritty guitar riffs. Writing, producing and arranging all her own work, she weaves together neosoul silk, R&B groove, indie edge, and flashes of grunge, all carried by a buttery falsetto that nods to Aaliyah, Amy Winehouse, Janet Jackson and early Destiny's Child.
I first visited The Fall Bride for my best friend's first wedding dress appointment, and immediately fell in love with the space. Squirrelled away in the Dalston backstreets, this bright, soothing store is the ultimate go-to for brides looking for elegant, hand-picked dresses from a series of world-renowned designers. So, as soon as I got engaged, I booked an appointment for myself - and it didn't disappoint the second time round.
A 25-year-old man has appeared in court accused of chasing and fatally stabbing his mother in the back in front of bus passengers. Najiib Raytaan, 25, allegedly murdered 50-year-old Amaal Raytaan after she visited his home in Willesden, north-west London, on the afternoon of January 31. Soon after arriving, she allegedly ran out and banged on neighbours' doors, pursued by her son on an e-scooter and holding a large knife.
Prices for blood tests in London depend on a few things. These include the type of test, whether it's from a vein or finger, and the lab's quality. How quickly you need the results also affects the price. Getting a doctor's review can add to the cost but can also help clarify the results. Details like fasting requirements and the time it takes for the blood test matter too. You might get a small bruise or feel faint, but serious problems are rare.
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
New figures have indicated a record-breaking 206 ebike and escooter fires broke out in London during 2025, according to the London Fire Brigade (LFB). Two Londoners died in the fires last year, with a total of five people since 2023. A brigade spokesperson said the blazes were often caused by faulty or poorly built vehicles, usually bought online or second hand, leading to failures in lithium-ion batteries, conversion kits or chargers.