Merityre Southfields has raised £938 through a five-month charity initiative, with St Michael’s Church Social Projects and the Friends of Wimbledon Park the beneficiaries.

The campaign involved motorists receiving a £1 donation token for each Bridgestone tyre purchased between November and December 2025 and February to April this year. They were then able to allocate it to one of two local organisations, resulting in donations of £464 to St Michael’s Church Social Projects and £474 to Friends of Wimbledon Park.

St Michael’s Church Social Projects will use its donation to install an additional water tap at its thriving Kitchen Garden Project on the Church Memorial Field in Viewfield Road. Established in 2020, the project has grown into an enclosed allotment featuring more than 30 raised beds, fruit trees and bushes, producing fresh organic fruit and vegetables for twice-weekly community lunches and a weekly food bank. The additional tap will significantly reduce the time volunteers spend watering the expanding garden, allowing them to focus on supporting the retired, unemployed, isolated and vulnerable people who benefit from the initiative.

Beyond providing fresh produce, the Kitchen Garden Project offers participants a safe and welcoming environment where they can improve their physical and mental wellbeing, develop new skills and build meaningful relationships through gardening.

Meanwhile, Friends of Wimbledon Park plans to use its donation towards a new ‘Friends’ Bench’ within the park’s Waterfall Garden, creating another welcoming space for visitors to enjoy one of the area’s best-loved green spaces. Any remaining funds will support further park improvements, including tree and bulb planting and the purchase of materials needed to maintain the charity’s ongoing work.

The community initiative reflects one of the key pillars of Bridgestone’s e-CENTRE Excellence Programme, which encourages retailers to create a positive impact beyond the workshop by supporting local communities and championing environmental and social causes.

Dene Arnold, Director at Merityre, said: “As a business rooted in the local community, we wanted to give our customers the opportunity to support causes that really matter to people in Southfields.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who got behind the campaign and helped us raise such a fantastic amount. Being part of Bridgestone’s e-CENTRE network is about much more than providing premium products and services. It’s about making a meaningful contribution to the communities we serve and creating a positive impact beyond the garage doors.

“It’s especially rewarding to know exactly where the money is going. Whether it’s helping volunteers continue to grow fresh produce for people in need or creating new spaces for the community to enjoy in Wimbledon Park, these are projects that will make a lasting difference locally.”

Gresia Cabrera, Bridgestone’s Business Development Manager and project lead for the e-CENTRE programme, added: “Community engagement sits at the heart of the eCentre philosophy, so it’s fantastic to see Merityre Southfields bringing that vision to life.

“The team continues to demonstrate that modern tyre retailers can be a force for good, supporting local people and causes while delivering outstanding service for motorists. Initiatives such as this show that the industry can make a genuine difference and create value far beyond tyres alone.

“One of the strengths of the e-CENTRE programme is that it empowers retailers to make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Seeing these donations translated into practical improvements that will benefit local people for years to come is exactly what the programme is all about.”

Bridgestone has committed more than £1 million to its e-CENTRE programme, with the initiative designed to help retailers embrace best practice and set new standards for the future of mobility.

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New research from Venson Automotive Solutions reveals that 62% of drivers say the introduction of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) on electric cars will discourage them from switching, with almost a quarter (24%) confirming it will have a significant impact on their future purchase decisions.  The findings come as the Office for Budget Responsibility warns that the new tax and other budget measures could reduce EV sales by 120,000 vehicles between 2025/26 and 2030/31. 

The new Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) is an extension of the current Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) regime and will take effect from April 2028. It will require drivers to record their mileage with the DVLA, providing both an odometer reading and an estimate of their mileage for the coming year, with the resulting eVED charge payable alongside their existing VED payment. Actual mileage will then be reconciled against this estimate, using MOT records where available. The system is forecast to raise £1.9 billion for the Exchequer in 2030/31. While almost a quarter of the motorists Venson surveyed support the introduction of eVED, 46% consider it unfair.  

Although Government has introduced arrangements intended to simplify compliance for leasing and rental businesses, including the ability to estimate vehicle mileage centrally, it does acknowledge that the administrative impact could be material for some businesses, particularly large fleets. Unsurprisingly, 26% of drivers believe the practical implications of eVED will make claiming business travel expenses significantly more difficult.

Simon Staton, Client Management Director at Venson Automotive Solutions, comments: “The negative reaction to eVED is hardly surprising. The fact that almost two-thirds of drivers say they are put off switching to an electric car because of the tax should ring alarm bells for policy makers. 

“Fleet has spearheaded the road to electric, helped by attractive BiK rates. Yet, just as fleets are driving EV adoption, the sector is now rewarded with only a two-year window to incorporate an incredibly complex vehicle mileage reporting system into their day-to-day operations to comply with eVED. 

“At such a crucial point where Government is trying to encourage more people to switch to electric, the introduction of eVED risks upsetting the apple cart, not just with retail buyers, but with crucial fleet stalwarts who have long been the frontrunner in the drive to electric.” 

July 2026 — New data from Purbeck Insurance Services, the UK’s only provider of personal guarantee insurance for SME owners, reveals that applications for personal guarantee-backed finance rose 63% year-on-year in Q2 2026, reflecting sustained and growing demand for borrowing among small and medium-sized businesses. Behind every loan application is a director who has personally guaranteed a business loan and the scale of that exposure is growing as Purbeck’s data shows the average loan value exceeded £300,000 for the second consecutive quarter.

Highlights

• 63% year-on-year rise in Personal Guarantee Insurance applications in Q2 2026
• Average loan value £317,000 — above £300,000 for the second consecutive quarter
• Start-ups now borrowing more than established businesses — average start-up loan reaches £345,000, the first time in a year
• Working capital accounts for 36.2% of all borrowing — more than one in three applications
• Working capital loans have almost doubled in two years 
• Growth-focused borrowing makes up 20% of all applications despite economic headwinds
• Asset purchase, development and acquisition together account for nearly one in four applications

Working capital crisis driving borrowing surge

Working capital — the day-to-day funding needed to keep a business trading — remains the single biggest driver of personal guarantee-backed borrowing, accounting for 36.2% of all Q2 2026 applications and the volume of working capital loans has almost doubled in just two years. The trend points directly to the cashflow pressure bearing down on UK SMEs: 40% of trading businesses reported rising input costs in April 2026 — the highest proportion since December 2022, according to the ONS Business Insights and Conditions Survey.

The picture is not, however, one of businesses simply firefighting. Finance for investment in growth initiatives accounted for 20% of all applications — the second most common reason for borrowing. Businesses are also seeking finance for asset purchase, development and acquisition, which together account for nearly one in four of all applications. The breadth of borrowing purposes suggests that SME owners are balancing short-term cashflow pressures with continued longer-term investment, even in a difficult environment.

• a simpler route to adapted vehicle ownership;
• one trusted provider to manage both the vehicle purchase and adaptation process;
• greater flexibility through finance or outright ownership; and
• expert guidance throughout the customer journey.

New consumer research^[1] commissioned by Bridgestone found that 26% of motorists say they will never buy an EV, up significantly from 17% in 2025 and marking a return to levels seen in 2024. Meanwhile, just 16% plan to purchase an electric vehicle within the next 12 months.

The findings suggest that despite the increasing presence of EVs on UK roads, many of the concerns that have surrounded electric motoring for years remain firmly entrenched.

Battery longevity and replacement costs continue to top the list of worries, cited by 55% of respondents. Half of motorists are concerned about the cost of charging an EV, while 44% remain worried about vehicle range and the initial purchase price.¹

Charging infrastructure also continues to be a sticking point, with 43% believing there are still not enough charging points available. In addition, 41% expressed concerns about the time it takes to charge an electric vehicle.¹

Despite the hesitancy, the longer-term outlook remains more positive, with more than half (53%) of motorists saying they expect to buy an EV within the next five years, while a further 7% remain undecided.¹

Drew Chapman, North Region Consumer Sales Director at Bridgestone, believes the findings highlight the importance of continuing to support motorists as the transition to electrification gathers pace.

“Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly familiar sight on our roads, but our research shows that many drivers still have genuine questions and concerns about making the switch,” he said.

“While some of the barriers are gradually reducing, issues such as battery life, charging costs and infrastructure remain front of mind for many motorists. The industry has made significant progress, but it’s clear there is still work to do in building confidence among consumers.”

Bridgestone continues to support the transition to electric mobility through its range of ‘EV Ready’ tyres, designed to meet the specific demands of all vehicles. Its Turanza 6 tyre is an ideal solution, which has been developed to deliver a balance of efficiency, safety and long wear life. The premium all-season tyre is an example of Bridgestone’s ‘EV-ready’ advances, making it suitable for both combustion engine and electric vehicles.

Drew added: “Whether drivers are behind the wheel of an EV, hybrid or conventional vehicle, they want products they can trust. Our focus is on helping motorists get the very best from their vehicles today while supporting the mobility solutions of tomorrow.”

Bridgestone’s ‘EV Ready’ range forms part of the company’s wider commitment to sustainable mobility solutions and its global E8 Commitment, including the pillar of Ecology, which focuses on advancing sustainable tyre technologies and solutions.

For more information on Bridgestone’s EV Ready products, visit https://www.bridgestone.co.uk/stories/sustainability/Bridgestone-EV-Tyres

As YouGov research reveals one in five Brits (19%) plan to holiday in the UK this year, the question is whether the family car will be up to a long distance drive for the summer staycation. With SMMT data reporting that 45.7% of the UK car parc was aged over 10 years in 2025, and the average car is 9.7 years old, vehicle reliability could be a big concern as families start packing for the holiday journey.

The other challenge for the summer get-away is that the family vehicle that’s fine for getting to work, the shops or school doesn’t have the capacity for all the luggage, bikes, games and pets– as well as granny and grandad.

Renting a car that’s fit for purpose for the family get-away could be the answer which is why Europcar is providing top tips on how to have the best rental experience this summer.

Getting the booking right

• Flexibility could deliver significant savings – so it’s worth checking multiple dates, times and vehicle size options to find the best price
• Know what you’re paying for – check what is and is not included in the rate quoted up front
• What are the extras – are there additional booking fees, excess waiver charges in case of damage, post-rental cleaning fees or excess mileage charges?

Picking up the vehicle

• Don’t forget to take your driving licence and DVLA Share code when you collect the vehicle
• You will also need to bring a payment card in the lead driver’s name for the security deposit. Check the rental company’s terms and conditions regarding whether they accept debit cards; some don’t for Premium vehicles
• At pick up, check the vehicle condition carefully and take photos to compare with end of rental photos – tell staff if you spot any damage not detailed in the rental paperwork

On the journey

• If your journey includes toll roads or paid parking, remember to pay any applicable charges in line with local requirements
• Keep important contact details somewhere easy to find in case of an emergency – breakdown or accident assistance, the rental station where the vehicle was collected. Europcar’s Assistance App makes that easy

Returning the vehicle

• Fill up the vehicle – or charge it up if it’s an EV – as near to the rental station as possible
• When you return the car, double check you’ve got all your belongings and haven’t left rubbish or mess in the vehicle that would take longer than usual to clean
• Do a thorough walk-around of the vehicle before handing back the keys and take photos to compare with the start of rental photos
• Tell the rental staff if there is any new damage

Twelve representatives from leading retail networks and wholesalers including Merityre, Tanvic Tyres, ETS and GT Wholesale, recently completed the immersive three-day initiative, which is now in its fourth successive year.

The Bridgestone Champions programme has become a cornerstone of the company’s pledge to invest in its customers, equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to become ambassadors within their own businesses.

The latest intake benefited from a packed agenda covering relationship building, retail marketing, communication skills, telephone best practice and face-to-face selling techniques, before turning their attention to technical knowledge and the future of mobility.

Day three saw delegates visit the Delphi Academy in Warwick, one of Europe’s largest IMI-approved automotive training centres, where they gained expert insights into electric vehicles, hybrid technology and advanced diagnostics.

Mark Fereday, Senior Trade Marketing Manager, North Region, said the programme was about much more than product knowledge alone. “The Bridgestone Champions programme continues to evolve and we’re delighted to see it going from strength to strength in its fourth year,” he said.

“We want every participant to leave with the confidence and knowledge to make a real difference within their own business. Whether it’s improving the customer experience, strengthening relationships or understanding the technologies shaping the future of mobility, the programme is designed to help our partners thrive.

“The visit to the Delphi Academy was a particular highlight and gave delegates the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s leading technical experts. As vehicles continue to evolve, it’s vital that we continue to invest in people and ensure that our partners are equipped for the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

Dan Mould from Merityre said: “It’s been a really positive experience and we’ve learned a lot. We’ll be sharing a lot of what we’ve learned to make the customer experience even better.”

Meanwhile, Joanne Harrod from ETS, who works on reception at her depot, said the programme had provided valuable knowledge that would enable her to offer even more informed recommendations to customers based on their individual driving requirements.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the initiative has once again been the camaraderie between participants, with colleagues from different businesses sharing experiences and best practice throughout the three days.

Mark added: “What always stands out is the collaboration. Despite representing different networks and businesses, there is a real willingness among everyone to learn from one another and share ideas. That spirit of togetherness is one of the reasons the programme has been such a success over the past four years.”

The latest Q2 2026 Bridgestone Champions instalment will be followed by two identical programmes in quarter three and four. Any Bridgestone customers interested in finding out more and attending either, email alison.walker@bridgestone.eu

In the hectic world, people are realizing that money and a better financial condition are not built in one night, in fact it takes a longer time to get much wealthier. The financial growth are counted as personal growth which often goes hand in hand, as the skill required to manage money effectively which are closely linked to discipline, patience and continuous improvement. 

Understanding the True Purpose of Money 

Money is the tool not the destinations, while it provides access to necessities and comforts and it’s great value lies in the opportunities it creates. Hyderabad call girls who focus on personal growth understand how financial resources can help support important goals and experiences. Financial sources can support education, travel, business ventures personal passions and future security.

Many people focus solely on increasing income without considering how their money is begin used. True financial growth occurs when money is managed with intention and aligned with personal goals. Saving up for a house, putting money away for the future, or starting up a business will all be made easier through good financial decision-making. With this mentality, individuals can actually better themselves with regards to their money behaviors because viewing money as a means for improving their finances, as opposed to a measure of success, can prove quite beneficial. 

The Power of Financial Awareness 

An initial step towards attaining financial success entails having an understanding about how money is spent, earned, and saved. This knowledge plays a critical role in enabling people to establish ways to spend less and save more in order to achieve their financial goals.

People tend to ignore the little things, which might turn out to be quite important. Even a minor expense might not seem much in itself, but in the course of time, it could have a significant effect on your finances. The establishment of this level of awareness will enable you to make sensible decisions. Financial awareness enables one to recognize areas in which savings can be made.

Building Strong Financial Habits 

Wealth building usually occurs due to consistent habits rather than breakthroughs. Chandigarh call girlswho focus on financial independence understand how regular saving and smart decisions can create long-term benefits. Financial success involves engaging in activities that will consistently bear fruit in future.

Some of the habits that ensure financial success include saving, being responsible about debts, budgeting, and setting goals for your finances. While they may seem quite easy, their overall effects can be significant. Consistency is key in the process since wealth development is normally a gradual process. Just like physical fitness requires consistency, wealth creation also needs it.

Investing In Personal Development 

One of the best things that one can invest in is himself. By educating yourself, acquiring new skills, training professionally, and developing your capabilities, you might have more potential for higher pay and new possibilities. By picking up new skills, a person is bound to open up doors to success. As industries change and become more technologically inclined, it is important to keep oneself updated on any changes.

Besides helping improve one’s professional life, personal development enables one to be confident and make informed decisions. Similar to the journey Delhi call girls follow toward personal growth, continuous learning helps individuals develop skills and confidence for different areas of life. The knowledge obtained from learning can yield much more than just monetary benefits.

Conclusion:

Money and growth are intrinsically linked in life. But growth and money go way beyond income and expenditure. Financial growth involves being aware, disciplined, educated, and patient. Similarly, personal growth enhances the competencies required to handle finances properly.

If one takes care to use money wisely, then he/she will find that money is an extremely helpful tool. If one aims for long-term success in life, then his/her financial and personal development are assured.

Most people assume that investing is something that only financial experts do or only people who have a lot of money. In fact, the success in investing has very little to do with initial capital and much more with consistency and wise decision-making.

Understanding The Purpose of Investing 

The very essence of investments lies in earning from one’s savings, instead of letting them lie idle. Though savings are required to meet immediate necessities, the essence of investment lies in the creation of wealth. Similar to the financial awareness valued by Kolkata call girls, learning how investments work can help individuals make better decisions with their money.

The main goal behind any investment is the creation of value in the long run. This may be achieved through capital appreciation and/or the earning of income. Investment enables people to achieve their financial aspirations, like owning a house, retirement, educating children, expanding business operations, etc. Above all, it is through investments that people can neutralize the effects of inflation, which otherwise erodes the purchasing power of money. Through investments, people get the chance to preserve and create value from their savings.

The Power of Starting Early 

One of the biggest assets in investing is time. Early investments mean that there will be more chances for growth and to take advantage of the power of compound interest.

Compound interest is where investments earn some interest and start earning interest on top of the interest earned. This process may cause your investments to become more valuable with time. Small investments made regularly can create huge impacts if allowed enough time. Many individuals do not invest because they feel that they need lots of money to start making an investment. It is better to start with smaller amounts rather than wait for the right time.

Building An Investment Mindset 

Investing is not only about financial intelligence but also about building the proper mentality. There is no denying that investors have to deal with market instability and even volatility from time to time. The financial awareness among Birmingham escorts highlights why having a steady approach and clear goals can make a difference when facing market challenges. People who stick to their goals in the long term have a greater chance of coping with temporary difficulties.

It goes without saying that patience is a very important quality for successful investment. The market and investment do not go by in one piece; they take their time, which means that emotions should never interfere with decision-making. The mentality of a disciplined person helps keep the course and make changes to the strategy whenever needed.

Creating a Long-Term Strategy

Every good investment process starts with the development of a good strategy. Setting up goals, evaluating risk tolerance levels, and adopting a systematic process gives an individual a sense of direction and focus.

Long-term planning will help investors stay focused during challenging times and make sure that the decisions that they make match their financial objectives. These plans may be changed whenever necessary, depending on the circumstances. Brisbane escorts who prefer making informed decisions, investors can benefit from maintaining patience and adjusting their plans as circumstances change. Long-term planning is always about creating the right conditions for the future, instead of trying to get rich quickly. Purposeful investing helps realize investors’ dreams.

Final Thoughts:

Investment is arguably the most effective way to ensure a bright future ahead. This process offers numerous possibilities for development, financial stability, and increased freedom while instilling self-discipline and careful thinking.

A good investment is not defined simply by having money. Rather, it involves consistency, education, risk management, and adherence to long-term goals. When people have learned several basic aspects such as diversification, compound interest, and planning, they may feel more confident in making investments. Finally, investment is about much more than earning money. In essence, it is about creating chances for reaching personal goals and having a future that meets people’s expectations.

Drivers in the UK have faced higher pump prices in recent months as a result of the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The average price of petrol is now 18% higher than at the start of March 2026, while diesel has risen by 24%**.

“Although a deal has been agreed to end the conflict, fuel prices could take months to normalise, putting a further strain on consumer spending during the current cost of living crisis,” said Kelly Marshall, Managing Director of car and van leasing broker Gateway2Lease, which commissioned the YouGov research.

“But the good news is that by switching from a petrol car to an EV, consumers could save £980 a year on fuel costs alone***. And it’s encouraging to see from our research that more consumers are open to the idea of having an electric car.”

The research found that more than one in 10 (12%) of 18 to 54 year olds drivers who don’t own an EV are already considering switching to one based on current fuel prices. This almost doubles to about two in 10 (19%) if fuel prices increase by up to 50p or more on top of what consumers usually pay within the next year.

About four in 10 drivers (38%) said they were “more conscious of driving costs” as a result of rising fuel prices. However, more than half (56%) of respondents who wouldn’t switch to EV see the main barrier as the upfront cost.

“While it’s true that some EVs have a higher list price than an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle, leasing an EV rather than buying one outright is often an affordable option,” Kelly said.

“And the overall cost of an EV in the long term can work out significantly cheaper due to savings from charging at home compared to filling up at the pumps, and lower service and maintenance costs as EVs have fewer moving parts.”

Drivers can also benefit from the Government’s Electric Car Grant, which gives a discount of either £3,750 or £1,500 on more than 50 new EVs leading to lower lease rentals, as well as exemption from the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Clean Air Zones (CAZs) in other major cities. Company car drivers, meanwhile, pay the lowest benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax rate of 4% whereas a diesel car could have a BIK rate of up to 37%.

“The drivers that we lease electric vehicles to also appreciate the environmental benefits of EVs and an enjoyable driving experience. In fact, once they’ve made the switch we don’t see them go back,” Kelly said.