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Articles by Andrew Douglas
Market Update & Outlook 2Q 2026
July 24, 2026 Understand second-quarter market performance and trends that impact investors. Global stock markets delivered strong returns in the second quarter, driven by robust corporate earnings and hopes for a resolution to the Iran conflict. The economy grew moderately, inflation rose due to higher energy prices, and the Federal Reserve signaled a possible shift toward rate hikes. Download the PDF below for insights on market trends and how they may affect investments.
Market Update & Outlook 1Q 2026
April 16, 2026 Understand first-quarter market performance and trends that investors should keep in mind. Economic growth slowed in the fourth quarter of 2025, primarily due to the government shutdown that lasted nearly half the period. The conflict in Iran that began in February negatively impacted oil prices, inflation expectations, and the stock market. Both stocks and bonds finished the quarter with losses. Download the PDF below for insights on market trends and how they may affect investments.
What Investors Should Know About Gold
Gold has played an important role in human history for thousands of years due to its rarity, use in trade, and as a store of wealth. Today, investors still view gold as a potential way to help protect wealth. But the question arises: how does the modern gold market work? This overview explains the nuances of this resource, ways to invest in gold, and how it may fit into a diversified portfolio. Modern Gold Market – What Do You Need to Know? Unlike many commodities, gold isn’t used up.
Market Update & Outlook 4Q 2025
February 02, 2026 Read on for a look at fourth-quarter market performance and trends that investors should keep in mind. Economic growth improved in the second half of 2025, as consumer spending remained strong despite labor market weakness. Robust earnings propelled U.S. stocks to record highs during the quarter. International stocks were the top-performing asset class in 2025, with dollar weakness boosting returns for U.S. investors. Bonds finished the year with solid mid-single-digit returns.
Entrepreneur Reignites Business Ambitions With Ovenu Littlehampton
After the pandemic forced the closure of his removals business, entrepreneur Steve Luckett is making a fresh start with the launch of Ovenu Littlehampton – marking his return to self-employment and reigniting his passion for business ownership. The 52-year-old spent years working in customer facing and management roles before achieving his dream of becoming his own boss in 2011, when he set up a thriving removals company.
ENATS Certification Triggers Solar Farm Surge for Scott Bros’ Recycled Sand
Recycling specialists Scott Bros have seen demand soar for their recycled sand following the award of ENATS certification, a key industry standard for materials used in power infrastructure projects. The family-run firm, based at Haverton Hill, Billingham, is now ramping up production after supplying several thousand tonnes of recycled sand to solar farms and high-voltage cable installations, where it is used for backfilling and bedding underground electrical cables.
Barber Kayleigh Gives Her Career a ‘Clean Cut’ With Launch of Ovenu Burnham-on-Sea
Having spent 15 years behind the barber’s chair, Burnham-on-Sea’s Kayleigh Harding has given her career a fresh trim by launching professional oven valeting service Ovenu Burnham-on-Sea. The 37-year-old, who has lived in the seaside town since her early teens, has also devoted six years as volunteer boat crew for RNLI Burnham-on-Sea, only stepping back recently due to family commitments.
Rob Signals Sparkling New Future With Launch of Ovenu Matlock
A former Royal Signals communications engineer has declared war on baked-on grime and grease with the launch of oven valeting service, Ovenu Matlock. Rob Murray, who served his country for 13 years, spent the last decade as a project manager for a major mobile phone network, but being on call 24/7 and frequent nightshifts prompted him to rethink his career. He said: “Having spent many years in the Army, I’m no stranger to keeping things spotlessly clean, from boots and kit through to equipment.
Market Update & Outlook 3Q 2025
Market Update & Outlook 3Q 2025 The U.S. economy grew at an above-average pace in the second quarter and appears to be on track for comparable results in the third quarter. A slowdown in job growth prompted the Federal Reserve to cut rates for the first time this year in September. These factors created a positive backdrop for financial assets, leading to strong gains for both stocks and bonds. Download the PDF below for insights on market trends and how they may affect investments.
New Era for 186 Property Solutions as MP Officially Opens Refurbished Headquarters
186 Property Solutions has officially opened its newly refurbished headquarters in Darlington, with local MP Lola McEvoy cutting the ribbon to mark another milestone in the company’s national growth. The business, which specialises in commercial property refurbishments, retrofits and upgrades, has transformed its own base at Four Riggs — a former fruit and nut warehouse once operated by J.L. Moore — into an energy-efficient workplace designed to support future expansion.
MCR Services Backs M10 'Lost Boys' Mentoring Scheme
MCR Services has joined forces with M10 to support a North East mentoring initiative aimed at helping teenage boys build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace. The Northumberland firm is backing M10’s Boys’ Network, a ten-month mentoring programme that pairs young men aged 16 and 17 with male professionals for monthly one-to-one online sessions.
Ex Airport Manager Marc Cleared For Career Take-Off With Launch Of Ovenu Fleet
A former operations manager at Heathrow Airport is charting a new career course with the launch of oven valeting service Ovenu Fleet. After 27 years working for others – most recently as Head of Case Management and Customer Experience at Guildford Borough Council – Marc Chapman decided it was time to realise a long-held ambition to become his own boss. “It’s about creating something of my own,” he said.
Ducati Boss Revs Up Support For North East STEM Foundation
Fabrizio Cazzoli, the managing director of Ducati UK, is to be a special guest speaker at the North East STEM Foundation’s (NESF) annual Black Tie Charity Dinner. He will share the spotlight with headline speaker, Liverpool and England football legend John Barnes MBE, at an event that unites business leaders, educators, and supporters in raising funds to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education across the region.
My Property Box Expands Portfolio With Acquisition of Two North East Letting Agencies
BGF-backed estate agency group My Property Box has strengthened its position in the North East property market with the acquisition of two County Durham letting agencies. The deals, which see the company take over Ready to Rent and Newton Assets, add more than 360 rental properties to its portfolio. Both agencies, which managed homes in the Seaham area, were sold following the retirement of their owners.
Chris Turns From Car Parts To Clean Ovens with Ovenu Rugeley
Chris Reynolds, a former manager in the automotive supply chain, has launched oven valeting service Ovenu Rugeley – fulfilling a long-held ambition to run his own business. The 50-year-old spent 27 years in the manufacturing sector, including 22 years with West Bromwich-based alloy wheel manufacturer Rimstock, where he progressed from Quality Control Inspector to Production Manager, and later Materials Planning and Logistics Manager.
Pint of Milk Inspires Burton Smith Plumbing and Heating to Introduce Real-Time Engineer Tracking
Burton Smith Plumbing and Heating has become one of the first plumbing companies in the UK to hand its live tracking system over to customers – an idea inspired when a client phoned to ask if he had time to pop out for a carton of milk before his plumber arrived! The firm, based in Silsoe, Bedfordshire, realised that by sharing the same live tracking data normally reserved for internal use, customers could enjoy complete transparency about their engineer’s location and estimated time of arrival.
Former Car Detailer Dan Switches Gears to Launch Ovenu Brackley
Dan Clark has swapped polishing cars for sparkling cookers with the launch of his new professional oven valeting business, Ovenu Brackley. The 37-year-old former car detailer said the time was right to fulfil a long-held ambition to become his own boss, giving him more control over both his career and finances. Having restored the showroom shine to countless vehicles, Dan is now applying the same meticulous standards to ovens, hobs, extractor fans, microwaves, and range cookers.
Stamp Duty Reform Could Boost North East Housing Market, Says My Property Box
Ben Quaintrell, CEO of North East estate agency group My Property Box, has welcomed reports that the Government is considering scrapping Stamp Duty in favour of a new property tax on homes valued over £500,000. It has been reported that Treasury officials are examining the introduction of a proportional national property tax, paid by owner-occupiers on houses worth more than £500,000 when they sell their home. This would replace Stamp Duty on owner-occupied homes, though not on second properties.
Matt dives into new business venture with Ovenu Nottingham South
Matt Simpson is taking the plunge into self-employment having relaunched professional oven cleaning service Ovenu Nottingham South. The 39-year-old, who has spent more than two decades in the hospitality and leisure sector managing gyms and swimming pools, is now realising his long-held ambition to become his own boss.
Methods for Managing a Concentrated Stock Position
Diversification is the foundation of a well-balanced portfolio. Achieving proper diversification can be difficult when one has a concentrated position in an individual stock. Reducing exposure to a concentrated stock position can be hindered by many factors. The most common issues are large unrealized capital gains, emotional attachments, and selling restrictions for executives.
MotorVise recognised among UK’s top recruitment agencies in automotive sector
Automotive consultancy MotorVise has been named Highly Commended in the Recruitment Agency of the Year category at the prestigious 2025 Car Dealer Magazine Power Awards, reinforcing its position as one of the UK’s leading recruitment specialists for the motor trade. The national accolade recognises the company’s continued success in delivering a results-driven, fully managed recruitment service that is helping transform how dealerships across the UK attract and retain top talent.
Market Update & Outlook 2Q 2025
July 28, 2025 Read on for a look at second-quarter market performance and trends that investors should be aware of. The economy and markets rebounded in the second quarter, energized by the postponement of most tariffs to the second half of the year. The resulting relief rally propelled both U.S. and international stocks to gains of more than 10% during the period. The Federal Reserve kept rates steady, reflecting concern that tariffs might cause inflation to rise in the second half of the year.
GMI Construction Group reaches key milestone in delivery of Manchester city centre's largest Premier Inn
Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel business and owner of Premier Inn, has celebrated the topping out of its new 229-bedroom Premier Inn at the edge of Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter. The site on Rochdale Road is the latest investment from Whitbread in its network of budget hotels in Manchester as it responds to consistently high levels of customer demand in the city.
Logic-i Group celebrates fifth anniversary with strong growth and expanding national footprint
Project management experts Logic-i Group is celebrating its fifth anniversary with impressive growth, high-profile project wins, and an increasingly prominent presence in national and international markets. The Teesside-based business, which provides expert consultancy across commercial, planning, project controls and claims management, posted a 21% increase in turnover for the year ending April 2025.
Modernising post-trade on legacy foundations – Deutsche Bank
The city of Madrid, with its historical significance and role as a financial hub, is the perfect location to discuss the intersection of traditional foundations and modern advancements in securities services. The legacy systems that have long supported the financial markets are now being re-evaluated in light of emerging challenges and the increasing complexity of global markets.
My Property Box Team Conquers Hadrian’s Wall in Charity Trek for Red Sky Foundation
A determined team of 19 staff from North East estate agency group My Property Box has completed a gruelling 15-mile trek along Hadrian’s Wall, raising more than £1,150 for the Red Sky Foundation. Despite battling wind, driving rain, and fleeting sunshine, the team, including CEO Ben Quaintrell and Sales and Lettings Director Marie Wilmot, tackled one of the most scenic yet demanding sections of the Roman wall, stretching from Brampton to Hexham.
y Property Box Team Conquers Hadrian’s Wall in Charity Trek for Red Sky Foundation
A determined team of 19 staff from North East estate agency group My Property Box has completed a gruelling 15-mile trek along Hadrian’s Wall, raising more than £1,150 for the Red Sky Foundation. Despite battling wind, driving rain, and fleeting sunshine, the team, including CEO Ben Quaintrell and Sales and Lettings Director Marie Wilmot, tackled one of the most scenic yet demanding sections of the Roman wall, stretching from Brampton to Hexham.
T12 Engineering to attend Santander Parliamentary Trade Fair
T12 Engineering will make its debut at the prestigious Santander Parliamentary Trade Fair, held on the Terrace of the Houses of Parliament. The company joins a select group of SMEs chosen to exhibit at September’s event, which highlights export success and international growth. T12’s invitation follows a strong year of overseas expansion, including the opening of an office in Norway and the securing of a three-year framework agreement with an independent oil and gas operator in Brazil.
Retrofit Boom Drives 18% Growth for 186 Property Solutions
As UK commercial property vacancy rates continue to climb, refurbishment specialist 186 Property Solutions has reported an 18% year-on-year rise in project volumes – a boost largely fuelled by the growing demand for retrofit schemes. The Darlington-headquartered company, which also operates a regional office in Berkshire to serve clients across the South of England, delivered more than 100 additional contracts in 2024/25 compared to the previous financial year.
Steel Signing marks milestone in JATCO’s £4.9m IAMP upgrade
A major construction milestone has been reached by GMI Construction Group in the £4.9m transformation of JATCO’s UK base at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP), with a steel signing ceremony held to mark the completion of the building’s structural framework. The ceremony was attended by senior representatives from Sunderland City Council, JATCO, and other stakeholders, as GMI progresses with the significant upgrade of Unit 6.
Michelle Harcourt joins Logic-i Group to strengthen senior team
Logic-i Group, the project management consultancy specialising in complex construction and infrastructure projects, has appointed seasoned commercial and contract specialist Michelle Harcourt as a Senior Consultant, further enhancing its growing team of experts. Michelle brings more than 25 years of experience in the construction and engineering sectors.
Couple emerge from early retirement to launch oven cleaning service Ovenu Leicester West
Glyn and Justine Neal are proving it’s never too late to take on a new challenge – having emerged from early retirement to launch oven cleaning business, Ovenu Leicester West. The husband-and-wife team, aged 60 and 55, initially embraced a more leisurely pace of life, travelling the UK and spending time with their grandchildren. But after a few years, they found themselves missing the buzz and sense of purpose working life brings.
Market Update & Outlook 1Q 2025
Economic and market progress stalled in the first quarter, as higher-than-expected tariffs and inconsistent implementation created concerns for investors. After a strong start, U.S. stocks fell during the quarter. International stocks posted solid gains, primarily due to depreciation in the U.S. dollar. Bond markets were mixed, benefiting from “safe haven” status while trading cautiously due to the potential for higher inflation.
186 Property Solutions welcomes £180m government solar panel investment - but urges wider roll out
186 Property Solutions, a leading specialist in commercial property refurbishment and regeneration, has welcomed the government’s announcement of a £180 million investment to install solar panels on hundreds of schools and hospitals – but warns the initiative must be expanded. The funding, confirmed by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, marks the first major initiative by the newly launched state-owned company, Great British Energy, and forms part of the government’s broader net zero strategy.
Logic-i appointed to key role in Teesworks’ Steel River Power project
Logic-i has been selected to deliver pivotal project management and planning roles for the Steel River Power project at Teesworks, one of the UK’s most ambitious industrial regeneration sites. As an independent project management consultancy, Yarm-headquartered Logic-i will play a key role over the next three to five years in overseeing the expansion of one of the UK’s largest private wire networks – a cornerstone in the transformation of the former Redcar steelworks site.
Entrepreneur Dan is on the move with Ovenu Worcester
Having spent several years helping people relocate, Daniel Styles has now made a successful move of his own with the launch of oven cleaning service, Ovenu Worcester. The shift marks the realisation of a long-held ambition to be his own boss, giving him the flexibility to shape both his career and lifestyle. Daniel, who lives in Worcester, previously served as operations manager for a relocation company for eight years.
Animmersion UK significantly upgrades crane training simulator for Unipres using latest VR technology
Animmersion UK has significantly raised the bar for virtual reality (VR) training following a major upgrade to its crane simulator – developed almost a decade ago for Sunderland-based manufacturing giant Unipres. Originally designed by Animmersion UK in 2016, the crane training simulator is a vital tool. As a Tier 1 supplier to Nissan, Unipres operates a 24/7 production line, leaving little room for hands-on training.
TICA urges public procurement reforms to prioritise apprenticeships
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) is urging public authorities to place apprenticeships at the centre of new public procurement regulations – ensuring that major construction projects drive long-term skills development rather than prioritising cost-cutting measures. Under the new Procurement Regulations, which take effect on 24th February, public authorities must publish at least three key performance indicators (KPIs) for contracts exceeding £5 million.
T12 Engineering expands into Norway to target Oil & Gas sector
T12 Engineering has established a new office in Oslo, marking a significant step in its strategic expansion into Norway’s vital energy market. The specialist UK firm, renowned for delivering effective engineering solutions across multiple industries, aims to empower independent owner-operators in Norway’s oil and gas sector with the expertise needed to advance projects and extend the lifespan of subsea assets.
Davis Wagon Services invests £130,000 in staff welfare and facilities at its site at Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire
Davis Wagon Services has completed a £130,000 refurbishment project to transform a derelict building at its rail freight maintenance depot at Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire. The project, undertaken by 186 Property Solutions, transformed the previously dilapidated brick building into modern offices and a dedicated staff welfare centre, providing enhanced support for the company’s expanding workforce.
North East estate agency group My Property Box acquires Bellwood & Harris
My Property Box has further expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Darlington-based letting agency Bellwood & Harris. This marks the estate agency group’s 13th acquisition in just seven years and follows its recent purchase of letting agencies John Prest in Northallerton and Landlords 2 in Darlington.
Jason shapes a fresh future with the launch of Ovenu Maidstone East
Jason Millbourne has overcome the challenge of redundancy to launch his own oven cleaning business, Ovenu Maidstone East. The 55-year-old spent more than 30 years working in the plastics moulding industry before seizing the opportunity to fulfil his long-held ambition of becoming his own boss. Jason, from Maidstone, was inspired to invest in the franchise following a previous conversation with someone already in the oven cleaning trade. “The idea really appealed to me,” he said.
Time to shine as Anna puts award-winning business Ovenu Burton up for sale
Having restored the sparkle of more than 5,000 ovens over the past 10 years, Anna Mason is preparing to put her award-winning oven cleaning business, Ovenu Burton, on the market. In 2015, Anna transitioned from her former roles in hospitality and finance administration, to fulfil her dream of becoming her own boss, and is now seeking a buyer to take on the thriving franchise once she steps down in September.
We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz… yet again and again: Wicked - Magazine6000
When Dorothy put on those ruby slippers and followed the yellow brick road her journey not only led her to the ‘Wizard of Oz’, it resulted in a screen classic of legendary proportions. The story of Dorothy’s quest to find her way home from the mythical land of Oz has captivated children and adults alike for many decades.
Heathline Commercials showcases career flexibility to tackle technician shortage
Heathline Commercials, a family-run business specialising in the servicing and repair of commercial vehicles, has bolstered its expertise by recruiting and developing apprentices as part of its strategy to tackle a nationwide shortage of skilled HGV technicians.
TaperedPlus signs up to Building a Safer Future Charter
TaperedPlus, a specialist in the design and supply of flat roofing and insulation systems, has affirmed its commitment to building safely by signing the Building a Safer Future Charter. The Charter, developed in response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s Building a Safer Future Review following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, aims to promote a culture of safety and proactive change within the built environment.
Ambition, Power, and Deception: The Critic
McKellen is well supported by the other main characters, who do their roles justice. They are all credible as people trying to carve out careers or maintain their social positions as they pay lip service to the social conventions of the time. All the performances are enhanced by the authentic feel of the film: everything from the fashions to the decor recreates the London of the 1930s.
Behind the Fab Four: Midas Man
Although they disbanded as a group more than 50 years ago, the Beatles are still one of the most recognisable names of popular music. The Fab Four of John, Paul, George and Ringo, together with their hit songs are legendary as is their meteoritic rise to international stardom. Less well known is the individual who was instrumental in launching their careers. Long before their global fame, Brian Epstein recognised their talent, saw their potential and lobbied for their interests.
Elevate Your Storage Experience with Pure Storage Advanced Services
In today’s fast-paced business environment, having a reliable and efficient data storage solution is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and data integrity. The goal of our Advanced Services is to build a strategic partnership to help you extract maximum value from your storage investment. Whether you’re implementing Pure as a new solution, migrating from an existing one, or optimizing your current environment, Pure Storage’s team of experts is dedicated to ensuring your success.
The EU Data Act: Driving Telco Innovation with Data
On March 14, 2023, the European Parliament adopted draft legislation for the EU Data Act, focusing primarily on the access, portability, and sharing of data, and seeking to regulate how users, third parties, and the public sector can access personal and non-personal data. According to the lead Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Pilar del Castillo Vera (EPP, ES), the Data Act “will be an absolute game changer, providing access to an almost infinite amount of high-quality industrial data.
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