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Articles by Christopher Harper
MP calls banking hub rejection 'unacceptable'
A banking hub is a shared, high-street space providing in-person banking services to communities that have lost their traditional bank branches An MP has criticised a decision not to bring a banking hub to a town in Leicestershire following the planned closure of a high street branch. Amanda Hack, Labour MP for North West Leicestershire, said the decision by ATM network LINK to reject calls for a hub was "unacceptable" with the impending closure of a Lloyds Bank branch in Coalville.
Council leader says he wants staff back in office
Chris Harper - Local Democracy Reporting Service; Dan Martin - Leicester political reporter The leader of Leicestershire County Council has said he wants more council staff "back in work" and has committed to getting more employees to return to the office "when it's feasible". Reform councillor Dan Harrison said a return to office working would help build a "sense of community" for staff.
Reform UK councillor defects to Restore Britain
A Reform UK councillor in Leicestershire has defected to a new party recently launched by MP Rupert Lowe. Charles Whitford, previously a member of Leicestershire County Council's cabinet, announced he had moved to Restore Britain on Thursday. Whitford was stood down from his cabinet position as member for highways, transport and waste by Reform UK county council leader Dan Harrison in November.
Plans for new £10m surgery unit scrapped
Plans for a £10m same-day surgery unit in Leicestershire have been scrapped. The proposed unit was due to be built in Mount Road, Hinckley, replacing the 125-year-old Hinckley and District Hospital, after planning permission was approved by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council last year. However, on Thursday the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) officially approved scrapping the plan to build the unit due to rising costs.
Concern over moves to cancel town's £10m NHS unit
Plans for a £10m same-day surgery unit in Leicestershire look set to be scrapped by NHS bosses due to rising costs and lack of demand, documents show. The proposed unit was due to be built on Mount Road in Hinckley, replacing the 125-year-old Hinckley and District Hospital, after receiving planning permission from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council last year.
Council boss calls for Reform UK to expel colleague
Dan Martin - Leicester political reporter; Chris Harper - Local Democracy Reporting Service Tue, February 10, 2026 at 6:54 p.m. UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Joseph Boam has been subject to numerous member conduct complaints [BBC] The Reform UK leader of Leicestershire County Council has urged party bosses to remove the whip from one of his colleagues.
Council scraps plans to build £5m crematorium
Chris Harper - Local Democracy Reporting Service February 9, 2026 at 2:21 AM Plans for the crematorium were approved in January 2019 [HBBC] A council has scrapped its plans to build a £5m crematorium off the A47 near Earl Shilton and wants to sell the land to a developer instead. The initial development of the site was approved in January 2019 and was supposed to include a ceremonial hall suitable for multi-faith services, offices for administration staff and memorial gardens.
Councillor criticised over Muslim prayers comments
A senior Reform UK councillor has been criticised for saying he was worried about "seeing children in primary schools being taught to pray the Muslim way". Carl Abbott made the remarks during an internal Prevent counter-terrorism briefing held by Leicestershire County Council, attended by politicians and police, on Monday. In a recording of the meeting, seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Abbott said he feared it could lead to the radicalisation of children.
I’m Soft
Brothers, here is what I know… I am much softer than I like to imagine. My threshold for discomfort is embarrassingly low. BUT, seeing this is itself mercy. God reveals weakness only to strengthen it. We cannot lead our households, churches, or teams if we insist on complaining. We cannot disciple men into strength if we remain spiritually fragile. “A heavy wagon was being dragged along a country lane by a team of oxen.
Chris Harper: In AI we trust - rebuilding verification for a digital age
The systems we use to verify identities, credentials and histories are undergoing a fundamental shift. What was once a slow, fragmented and manual process full of delays and inefficiencies is now being reimagined through artificial intelligence. This evolution goes beyond automating background checks or document reviews.
En directo Verres-sestriere-205-km de Giro de Italia 2025
0 Km 205Km Km 180 Sin dar tiempo a un respiro tras una prueba de tamaña magnitud, los ciclistas afrontarán un nuevo y último reto tras el descenso del Colle delle Finestre, lanzándose al último puerto, y meta de la etapa, con la subida a Sestière. Km 179 Atraviesa Simon Yates (TVL) la cima del Colle delle Finestre, y nuevo margen abierto de carrera para el británico. Veremos si pueden recortar algo Richard Carapaz (EFE) e Isaac del Toro (UAE) en la baja del puerto de categoría C.
Friends. Choose Wisely.
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." — Proverbs 13:20 "Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity." — Khalil Gibran According to Proverbs 13:20, who you choose to walk with is a key factor in determining how your life turns out.
Boys have a penis. Girls have a vagina.
A man's guide to "the talk." My son turned 12 last week. The puberty talk is looming, and I want to give him more than "Boys have a penis, girls have a vagina..." Puberty is designed by God for the glory of God. And I want my son to understand that. Puberty is one of those moments in a young man's life that, as fathers, we do not want to waste [or miss]. Puberty provides a tremendous teaching moment if only we lean in.
Elijah the Crybaby
God is BIG. Really big. And I am small. I was in the Pacific Northwest this past weekend. Going in, I had heard how 'unchurched' the area is. And it is. It is the least churched area in the country. But make no mistake, God is there. His Church is there. I met many, many men of God who are taking ground for King Jesus—men in Portland, men in Salem, men in Seattle. Men like John, David, Josh, and Rick—thousands of men.
What Young Men Need
Every year, my friends at the American Bible Society produce the State of the Bible, a research and practitioner piece that correlates habits, culture, and God’s Word. It is one my fav and top reads [if you lead men, a church, a business, or your home, you should be reading this every year].
I Hate Segregation
"The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith." — Billy Graham I am on a mission to bring back gender-based, multi-generational discipleship. To say it another way, I want to end segregation in the Church.
Redzone Friends. Endzone Lovers.
Redzone friends. Endzone lovers. It's incredible how many people are on your side when it's first and goal. As a CEO and nonprofit leader, I've spent years raising money. Programs, projects, capital campaigns—one thing every church, ministry, and nonprofit has in common—they all need [more] money. The hardest part of a capital raise? The beginning. No one wants to be on the kickoff team. Yet everyone wants to carry the ball across the line. Redzone friends. Endzone lovers.
Fixing the Bottleneck: How Outdated Background Checks Are Stalling the Global Talent Pipeline
In today's rapidly evolving global economy, companies seeking a competitive edge must look beyond borders to recruit top-tier talent. The H-1B visa program, designed to bring highly skilled professionals to the U.S., plays a crucial role in this effort. However, despite its importance, the visa process is hamstrung by inefficiencies—particularly in background checks and education verifications—creating uncertainty for employers and prospective employees.
We Only Play Offense
My simple definition of manhood: Manhood is the collapse of childish narcissism as the boy learns to love God and others more than himself. Thirty-five years ago, anthropologist David D. Gilmore published Manhood in the Making: Cultural Concepts of Masculinity, a cross-cultural study of manliness around the world. He found that almost all societies throughout history had a concept of 'real' or 'true' manhood, which was held in esteem as a valuable and indispensable ideal.
Long Overdue Innovation Is Here For The Fossilized Background Check Industry
For decades, the background check industry has presented a polished exterior with sleek websites and easy-to-use apps. However, beneath this pretty façade lies a system plagued by outdated processes and inefficiencies. As someone who has spent the past three years driving innovation in this space, I can confidently say: the background check industry is a fossil struggling to survive in a modern world.
Things Change: Rules for Life Pt. 2
The Rite of Passage must start with the end in mind. As I call my sons out, I call them up to something more. What am I calling them to? Five specific changes I hope to see in their lives: A RELATIONAL CHANGE A PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGE A THEOLOGICAL CHANGE My sons will learn what they believe and why they believe it. They will learn to examine their beliefs and wrestle with their convictions as they develop a vision of the sacred they can articulate and defend.
Things Change: Rules for Life
The Rite of Passage must start with the end in mind. As I call my sons out, I call them up to something more. What am I calling them to? Five specific changes I hope to see in their lives [I'll give you two today and three later this week] : A RELATIONAL CHANGE Boys learn to relate like men within a community of other men [i.e., women can’t teach boys how to be men]. In a world that pushes and prioritizes peer-to-peer growth, I prioritize multigenerational interaction.
Selfish Boys. Selfless Men.
Tribe > Self A few weeks ago, I was traveling to an event with a bona fide cultural anthropologist. Not long into our drive, the topic of 'Rites of Passage' came up. A Rites of Passage is an event or a series of events that marks a boy's transition from boyhood to manhood [think Jewish bar mitzvah]. It turns out that my travel companion had spent much of his academic career studying how different cultures transition their children into adulthood.
Walk Off Homers and Brothers Long Gone
Brothers Maybe it is the holidays. Maybe it is Alex Van Halen’s words about Eddie [I just finished reading Brothers]. Either way, I feel sentimental and miss my brother this year. One of the last things we did together was see Van Halen at a show in Tennessee. He died shortly after, almost 20 years ago. He was 20. He was perpetually tormented; mental health disorders and addiction proved to be the end of him. He died of an overdose in his truck. His heart stopped.
Little French Girls
Many of you reading this are not caught in some outrageous sin. An extreme moral failure will not be your demise. No, your end will come as you give your soul away, little by little, until nothing is left to give. In Matthew Chapter 4, Satan engages Jesus, who is weary and tired from fasting. Satan temps Jesus with three things: provision (vs. 3), protection (vs. 6), and power (vs. 9). Satan offers Jesus everything God has already promised Him—only the path is different—Satan offers Jesus a shortcut.
Saying "Thank You"
“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” ― John F. Kennedy "Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude." ― A.A. Milne, 'Winnie-the-Pooh' This week is Thanksgiving. It is a time when we stop, reflect, and celebrate the life we have. Lately, I have been reflecting on the people who have shaped me the most.
Young Men Are Looking
Men are running somewhere. Young men. Droves of them. They are all looking for something that works. Two generations ago, men in the West asked, "Is Christianity true?" Can I trust it? Is the Bible inerrant? There was a move in and amongst church folk to show the sufficiency and the verity of the Scriptures and the Church. A generation ago, men asked, "Is Christianity easy?" Is it efficient? Can I have Jesus and the world, too?
Tell the Truth
"The end of confession is to tell the truth to and for oneself." — J. M. Coetzee "Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God." — 1 John 4:15 I think we confuse confession with apology. I frequently hear men say they must confess, only to proceed and tell God they are 'sorry.' An apology is not a confession; they are similar but not the same thing.
Stoics and Jews
In a recent study, 10,000 twenty-four-year-olds were asked, "Are you an adult?" 51% percent said, "No." Extended adolescence, arguably the most pressing issue of our time, is a significant problem facing our country. Before the 1940s, the term 'teenager' held little significance. The first widespread use of the word occurred in the 1940s when advertising executives sought to target a new audience.
Small Things
It is the quiet, persistent, unseen work that matters. Returning from exile, Israel needed a place to worship. They wanted to commune with God. It was time to rebuild the temple. It would take them 20 years. After starting the work, they grew weary. Perhaps it was boredom, lack of inspiration, or laziness; whatever the reason, the work halted. Then Zechariah spoke; "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin." — Zechariah 4:10 Small things matter.
M is for Men
Baby seals have advocates. Unborn babies have advocates. The ocean has advocates. Immigrants and Refugees have advocates. The rainforest has advocates. The sex and gender-confused LGBTQIA2S+ have advocates—practically every letter of the alphabet has been highjacked. I am taking back "M." "M" is for Men. Men need advocates. As preposterous as that sounds, look at the facts... Men have the highest rate of suicide [men account for 50% of the population, but 80% of the suicides].
Dreams are Overrated
"If it ain't that piece of paper, there's some other choice they're gonna try and make for you. You gotta do what Randall Pink Floyd wants to do man. Let me tell you this, the older you do get the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow.
No Country for Old Men
"The trait that stands out about Boomer Man is how genial he is. He makes small talk with the Ethiopian lady who rings him up at Trader Joe's, compliments his neighbor's summer landscaping, and makes funny faces at small children on airplanes and in restaurants. He goes out of his way to help elderly people, which at this point means people five years older than him.
Potential is Overrated
They were lined around the block, people waiting for Jesus to touch them. One word, one little touch, and they would be healed... "And immediately he [Jesus] left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her.And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
A Dad Hack You Need
It was Saturday afternoon, all I needed was 20 minutes. Putting the creative polish on a project for work, I wanted to send it to the team before 4PM (as if anyone was reading emails at 4PM Labor Day weekend). I was buried in the couch [and my work], face slightly illuminated by the glow of my laptop. 20 minutes. All three of my boys were with me. College football was on the television, Nerf footballs were flying across the room—inevitably my couch became an end-zone.
Fools Leading Fools
The world is in need of wisdom. Not a "greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but deep people." Time-tested and tried men willing to pass on some of what they've learned. Years ago, I was invited to speak at a conference for youth pastors/leaders. A two-day event, I did two sessions. Kinda'. Session 1 was an overview of Proverbs. I walked the attendees through Proverbs, showing key themes. Two significant themes in Proverbs are foolishness and wisdom.
A prayer and offering for the Season of Creation.
FEATHER (Prayer): Creator of all, the seasons stand to glorify your name through every passing moment and all creation lifts up thanksgiving for your handiwork. We thank you for this new day and the opportunities that open before us like petals of the flower. In this Season of Creation, we, the children of your hand, acknowledge that we have been distracted by our own work and reflection. We acknowledge that we have failed or stained your beauty in the work and creatures of this world.
The Forge
At BetterMan we believe discipleship is key. In the new movie, The Forge, you'll see discipleship in action on the big screen. It's coming to theatres August 23. "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Spiritual Fathers
We need men to lead other men...to be a spiritual father to those who don't have one. A spiritual father is not merely a teacher, mentor, or coach. Their role is uniquely profound, surpassing these other roles. They guide and journey alongside disciples in an unparalleled way. But what does this entail? A few years ago, I went on a striper fishing tour on Lake Texoma. The experience of encountering a school of stripers was a whirlwind of chaos and exhilaration.
Voices
In a world where everyone has a platform, who [or what] are you listening to? Who is shaping you? Who is speaking into your life—your heart? I typically meet two types of men. The first type solicits the "yes." He surrounds himself with men who tell him what he wants to hear. Like a naked, bongo playing McConaughey, everything is green lights. The second type sits under the "no." Critics surround him: a nagging wife, an overbearing boss, his mind haunted by unprocessed hurt/trauma from his past.
Books Every Christian Man Should Read
True growth comes from study. Foremost we must study and know the Bible...and live it out everyday. Furthermore, there are great books from great writers who can cause us to look at our lives, learn more about God and foster growth in our walk with King Jesus. Here are some great books I recommend for growing close to God. You can click on the title and order a copy from Amazon.
Fun Family Activities
Summer is in full swing now! Your kids are out of school and it's a great time to focus on the family relationships. Use this time to hang out with the kids, get to know them better and fill their emotional tanks. Spiritual formation happens in the context of relationships - so time spent together provides more time to influence your children for God. Don't miss it. Research also shows us that .
Pension Scheme Investment
The way in which occupational pension schemes are invested has been in the news over the last couple of years. First, there was the liability driven investment (LDI) crisis. Then, in July 2023, chancellor Jeremy Hunt gave a Mansion House speech that unveiled the government’s intention for pension reform in a manner that the government hoped would increase investment by occupational pension schemes in UK productive finance and long-term illiquid assets.
Relocating After Retirement: To Rent or Buy?
Retirement often marks the beginning of a new chapter in life, characterized by the freedom to explore new experiences and enjoy an exciting and low-maintenance lifestyle. Many retirees find themselves contemplating a change of scenery, whether it's to be closer to family, embrace a different climate, or simply enjoy a more relaxing lifestyle. One of the crucial decisions in this process is whether to rent or buy a home in the new location of your choice.
Director/PDMR Shareholding
Secure Trust Bank PLC LEI: 213800CXIBLC2TMIGI76 SECURE TRUST BANK PLC Exercise of Options Secure Trust Bank PLC (the "Company") announces that on 15 February 2024 the following individual, a PDMR of the Company, exercised his option over shares under the 2017 Deferred Benefit Plan ("DBP") over a total of 3,773 ordinary shares of 40 pence each ("Ordinary Shares"): Date Participants.
Spending Time with Your Family
Spending time with your family is crucial! Your time with your kids goes faster than you can imagine! "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." - Psalms 90:12 I recently saw a statistic that floored me. Nearly 95% of all the time you spend [in-person] with your children will happen before they turn 18. The last 5% of in-person time will be stretched over 50'ish years. Let that statistic sink in. The first 18 are BIG. 18 summers. 18 Christmases. 18 Birthdays.
Pensions Weekly Update - 8 February 2023
Here is our weekly summary of key legal and regulatory developments relevant to occupational pension schemes that you might have missed, with links for further information. HMRC has published pension schemes newsletter 146. While mainly providing an update on an administrative front, HMRC notes that it has updated its transfer guidance so that anyone seeking confirmation of the status of a receiving scheme can now request an email response from HMRC provided that they follow a certain process.
Pensions Weekly Update - 18 January 2023
Here is our weekly summary of key legal and regulatory developments relevant to occupational pension schemes that you might have missed, with links for further information. The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has issued a guidance statement for pension trustees and their advisers around how schemes should communicate with, and support, defined contribution (DC) savers.
Understanding ‘activities of daily living’
Understanding ‘activities of daily living’ When looking into what senior living options are available and their different levels of care, it is important to empower yourself by getting to know different key words and phrases used in the field. For example, in senior living communities, caregivers need to know what types of assistance a resident might need to stay healthy and safe.
Big Changes Are Coming to Education and Employment Verification
Many companies have the opportunity in the new world of work to tap into tremendous potential savings by moving to a global remote workforce- but there’s a significant way to get it wrong and lose everything. New tools are emerging to make the leap less risky for operators and investors.
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