Many people will drive for four or more hours before taking a toilet-break

As the start of the big summer get-away approaches, vehicle rental provider, Europcar, has conducted new research to discover where the need to get to their destination overrides comfort on long car journeys. A survey of over 1,000 motorists found¹ that many drivers sacrifice comfort for convenience, despite the possible safety risks if they are tired or distracted by discomfort. More than half (55%) said they sometimes delay a toilet stop so that they can reach their destination sooner, while 15% do so “all the time”. Less than a third (30%), never delay stopping if someone needs a toilet-break.

Key Findings

• Two hours (21%) is the most common length of time drivers can comfortably travel without stopping

• More than 46%  say they can comfortably drive for three hours or longer before needing a toilet break

• Children (25%) are most likely to need a toilet break first

• Mum (19%) is the second most likely to need a toilet break

Unsurprisingly, children (25%) are the most likely to need a toilet break first, followed by Mum (19%) then Dad (11%). 

When asked how long they typically drive before making a stop, the most common answer was two hours (21%), closely followed by three-plus hours (20%) and two and a half hours (19%). 16% would be comfortable driving for more than four hours without a break, while 14% would drive just one to one and a half hours before stopping. 

Tim Morris Marketing Director, UK & Ireland of Europcar commented: “On a long journey, when and where to stop can cause as many arguments as what music or podcast to listen to. The youngest is bored, the eldest needs the loo despite only going at home an hour ago and the parents just want to get to the destination as quickly as possible. 

“Planning stops ahead of time can help take the stress out of the journey. Travellers can find a good stop with a playground, somewhere to walk the dog, or an above average range of food options available. And, as well as keeping tensions low, planning regular stops means the driver gets a reasonable break to ensure they remain safe behind the wheel. And, if driving an electric car, planning ahead ensures a suitable charging location is identified.”

Europcar offers a wide range of rental vehicles to take the stress out of long drives – from compact hatchbacks to large MPVs that will accommodate all the family and the luggage too. There’s also a growing choice of electric vehicles for families that want to cut their emissions and Europcar can deliver and collect the vehicle to and from a home address, so travellers can get straight on the road without even taking a trip to the local branch. And for the added convenience, Europcar’s Knowledge Hub provides helpful advice on planning EV journeys and those all-important charging breaks.

For further information on renting in the UK visit Europcar UK.

Having already deployed 10 MSU units at major locations including London Victoria, London Bridge, St Pancras, London Waterloo, Stansted Airport and Birmingham Airport, TGB plans to increase the number of units by between 80-100% by the end of 2026 as demand grows for smarter, data-led waste solutions.

The expansion follows a series of impressive environmental and operational results which demonstrate the effectiveness of the MSU model in high-footfall, multi-tenanted, safety-critical environments.

Never before has the phrase “the results speak for themselves” been more appropriate.

For Network Rail alone, the MSU system has delivered carbon savings of 282% while consistently achieving recycling rates of over 90%, significantly outperforming traditional waste management approaches in complex passenger environments.

Across current deployments, TGB’s MSUs are processing approximately 30,000 tonnes of material with volumes expected to increase substantially as further units come online throughout the year.

Unlike conventional waste management systems, which rely heavily on off-site processing and public participation in waste segregation, the MSU operates as a mobile on-site mini material recovery facility. Mixed waste is segregated, processed and consolidated directly within the operational environment, removing many of the inefficiencies and contamination associated with traditional collection methods.

Supporting the technology is TGB’s proprietary Plaza platform, a real-time digital reporting system that captures, tracks and analyses waste data with forensic precision. Through this unique “waste DNA” capability, organisations gain complete visibility of where waste is generated, how it moves through their estate and where opportunities exist to improve recycling performance and reduce carbon emissions.

Adam Williams, Managing Director of The Green Block, said: “The success of our existing deployments has created significant momentum for the MSU model and we are now setting our sights on expanding from 10 units to between 18 to 20 by the end of the year.

“The results we have achieved demonstrate that there is a better way to manage waste in complex, high-footfall environments. In suitable locations, MSUs can achieve recycling rates in excess of 90%, while providing clients with unprecedented visibility of their waste streams and environmental performance.

“By combining innovative infrastructure with real-time data, we are helping organisations reduce waste, improve recycling rates, lower carbon emissions and make better-informed operational decisions.“

The approach also addresses wider industry challenges highlighted by recent bin removal strategies at smaller stations. While removing bins may reduce visible collection costs, it can create hidden operational pressures including increased littering, greater contamination, increased pest control costs, higher cleaning costs and reduced customer dissatisfaction.

By contrast, TGB’s model manages complexity within the waste management process itself, reducing reliance on passenger behaviour and delivering more consistent environmental outcomes.

Looking ahead, TGB sees substantial opportunities for growth across the rail, aviation and stadium sectors, where operational complexity and high passenger volumes demand scalable, measurable and data-driven waste solutions.

As environmental reporting requirements continue to tighten and organisations seek greater transparency around sustainability performance, systems that combine physical infrastructure with real-time intelligence are increasingly becoming the benchmark for modern waste management.

With up to 20 MSUs expected to be operational by year-end and a growing body of evidence demonstrating significant environmental benefits, TGB believes its revolutionary approach is well positioned to redefine waste management across the UK’s transport and public infrastructure sectors.

The current heatwave has brought an important issue into sharp focus for businesses and facilities managers alike: how do we maintain comfortable working environments as Britain’s climate becomes increasingly unpredictable?

For years, much of the conversation around energy has focused on generation – where our power comes from and how we can make it cleaner. During recent Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer highlighted the role renewable energy will play in helping the UK gain greater control over its energy future. 

However, there is another side to the story: how we use energy within our buildings.

The challenge facing building owners today is no longer simply keeping warm in winter. Increasingly, it is about maintaining comfortable environments throughout the year to ensure employee wellbeing whether it be a cold January morning or in the midst of increasingly frequent spring and summer heatwaves.

Historically, the UK has been a heating-focused market with buildings designed to retain warmth.

But as hotter summers become more common, new challenges are emerging for architects, specifiers, developers, business owners and facilities managers alike.

Buildings that perform well in winter can quickly become uncomfortable during prolonged periods of high temperatures. Offices, schools and other occupied spaces can become difficult environments in which to work, learn and operate effectively.

The question building owners should now be asking is not simply, “How do I heat my building efficiently?” but “How do I maintain comfort all year round irrespective of the elements in the most cost-effective way?”

Reliability, performance, cost efficiency and comfort are all key considerations with control playing a pivotal role in achieving this. 

The most successful buildings of the future will be those that can respond to changing conditions without excessive energy consumption or spiralling costs. That requires systems that are flexible enough to provide warmth when temperatures fall and cooling when temperatures rise.

One of the greatest strengths of ground source heat pumps is their ability to provide cooling as well as heating.

As temperatures continue to rise, this capability becomes increasingly valuable.

A properly designed and maintained ground source heat pump system can eliminate the need for separate heating and cooling infrastructure, enabling a single solution to deliver year-round comfort. The result is a building that remains comfortable through every season, while reducing reliance on multiple standalone systems, improving energy efficiency, strengthening resilience against changing climate conditions and helping to lower long-term operational costs.

Most importantly, it gives building owners and facilities managers greater control over their internal environment.

However technology alone is not the answer.

One of the biggest lessons we have learned through maintaining, optimising and integrating ground source heat pump systems is that performance depends on how effectively systems work together.

Heating and cooling technologies must be integrated with controls, building management systems and occupancy requirements to ensure energy is used intelligently. Systems should not be viewed as individual components but as part of a coordinated strategy that is designed, maintained and continuously optimised.

This becomes even more important as organisations seek to manage fluctuating energy costs while meeting sustainability targets and occupant expectations.

The UK’s energy transition will see renewable energy playing an increasingly critical role in delivering a cleaner and more secure energy future.

As our climate evolves, building owners need solutions that provide flexibility, efficiency and year-round comfort, regardless of the season.

Ground source heat pumps are uniquely positioned to meet that challenge. By delivering both heating and cooling from a single system, they provide the adaptability modern buildings increasingly require.

In a world of rising temperatures, evolving energy markets and growing expectations around sustainability, the ability to control the internal environment efficiently may become one of the most valuable assets any building can possess.

Chris Reilly is Founder and Director of Zeuner Ltd, specialists in the maintenance, optimisation and integration of ground source heat pump systems.

From staying hydrated and avoiding the hottest part of the day to checking in on elderly relatives and vulnerable neighbours, the extreme weather has served as a timely reminder of the importance of planning ahead when risks are identified.

But while meteorologists can warn us about heatwaves, storms and other severe weather events, some of life’s biggest challenges arrive with no forecast at all.

Government figures from last year reveal five recorded heat episodes in the UK in the summer of 2025, where the highest temperature recorded was 23.7C. Over those five episodes there were believed to have been 1,504 more deaths than usual, all related to the heat.  

And with the mercury rising way above to 35.7C this week and the Met Office not ruling out 39C many lives are again at risk. 

The Covid-19 pandemic too remains a powerful example. Few people could have predicted the events that unfolded in 2020, yet almost overnight families found themselves dealing with unexpected illness, bereavement and difficult practical decisions at an already stressful time.

Peter Shuttleworth, Head of Operations at Celebration of Life, believes the current heatwave provides an opportunity to reflect on a broader issue.

He said: “When a heatwave is forecast people naturally take action. They make plans, check on loved ones and think about what they need to do to stay safe. It’s a perfectly rational response to a known risk.

“What the current weather also highlights is that some of the most significant events in our lives don’t come with any warning at all. What we can’t do is predict the unpredictable, but we can take sensible steps to make life easier for those closest to us should the unexpected happen.”

Research consistently shows that many UK adults have yet to put key arrangements in place, whether that is writing a Will, taking out life insurance, documenting their wishes or making plans for the future.

Peter says that while these subjects are not always a priority, they can provide significant reassurance for families when circumstances change unexpectedly.

“Nobody likes to think about worst-case scenarios, particularly when there are so many other life pressures to contend with” he said. “But the reality is that uncertainty is part of life. The pandemic showed us that very clearly and many families are still living with the consequences of events they could never have anticipated.

“Planning ahead isn’t about expecting something bad to happen. It’s about reducing uncertainty for the people you care about. Whether it’s having a Will in place, ensuring financial protection for your family or making your wishes known, these are practical steps that can make a difficult situation much easier to navigate.”

As Britain continues to cope with rising temperatures and the challenges that extreme weather can bring, experts say the same principle applies beyond the current heatwave: while we cannot forecast every event life may throw at us, we can take steps today that provide reassurance for tomorrow.

For more information, contact Celebration of Life on 08006522249 or visit www.col.co.uk.

A certified UK music legend with a career spanning more than three decades, Sweetie Irie has shaped the sound of multiple generations. From his breakout with Aswad tochart‑storming collaborations with Scritti Politti, Ed Case, Gorillaz, No Doubt, Gwen Stefani, Ian Brown, Maxi Priest, Shy FX, Ms Dynamite, Sigma and more, his fingerprints are woven through the DNA of British music. His platinum‑selling garage refix of Gorillaz’ “Clint Eastwood” remains one of the most iconic UK crossover hits of all time, a track he continues to perform on global stages. 

Now, Sweetie steps forward with a release that is more than just new music, it’s a statement of purpose. Fully independent, self‑driven and free from major‑label machinery, this single captures the raw, husky, high‑energy vocal power that made him a household name, while pushing his sound into a bold new era. 

Sweetie Irie shared, “As a father, a proud Rastafarian, and a lifelong advocate for protecting the planet, the new single reflects my values, my spirituality, and commitment to leaving a legacy that uplifts the next generation.”  

For Sweetie, this moment carries deep personal meaning. It’s a record rooted in culture, consciousness and community, delivered with the unmistakable fire that has kept him at the forefront of UK music for over 30 years. 

This song is where culture meets climate action. Sweetie has collaborated with EarthPercent, the music industry’s climate and nature foundation, working to embed planet-positive impact into the music industry. The organisation helps to fund the much needed support of scientists, researchers and activists working on the frontline of the climate and biodiversity crises. Royalties from this song will be donated to EarthPercent to continue to support the great work they do.  

This release marks the first wave of a major run of new material scheduled for this year, a powerful reminder of why Sweetie Irie remains one of the most vital versatile and respected voices in British music. 

Earth is Bleeding is available to stream or download on all major platforms.  

Listen now on Spotify  

Watch the video here: https://vimeo.com/yadayada/sweetieirie-earthisbleeding 

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

New research from Del Monte has found that more than three-quarters (78%) of people would happily queue for up to 12 hours to experience the Championships, while 40% would wear Wimbledon whites for an entire week if it meant embracing the famous tournament tradition.

Perhaps the biggest surprise? One in five (20%) said they’d even change their hairstyle for a ticket, with almost one in five (18%) admitting they’d shave a tennis ball into their hair if it guaranteed them a seat on Centre Court.

To celebrate the nation’s love affair with Wimbledon, Del Monte brought that playful spirit to life by surprising fans in the famous Wimbledon queue with complimentary tennis-inspired hair makeovers. Celebrity stylist to the stars Tobias Bell recreated some of the sport’s most recognisable looks, from Pat Cash’s feathered mullet and Anna Kournikova’s signature braid to bold tennis ball-inspired buzz cuts.

“Tennis has produced some of the most recognisable hairstyles in sport, and it’s been brilliant to partner with Del Monte to bring them back to life for fans joining the queue on opening day,” said Bell.

The survey also revealed the hairstyles that have stood the test of time, with Björn Borg’s flowing locks crowned Britain’s favourite tennis look, ahead of John McEnroe, Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Pat Cash.

Thierry Montange, Marketing Director UK at Del Monte, said: “At Del Monte, freshness is at the heart of everything we do, so bringing ‘Fresh Cuts’ to tennis fans felt like the perfect way to put a playful twist on one of the country’s most iconic summer traditions.”

Whether you’d brave the queue, embrace an all-white wardrobe or even try a tennis-inspired trim, one thing’s for sure: Wimbledon is about far more than what happens on the court.

The move builds on more than 13 years of delivery, supporting complex planning projects nationwide for clients including Capital&Centric, Peel Land, Miller Homes, Sheffield Hallam University, Southampton City Council, Harworth Group, Encyclis and Packaged Living amongst others.

Michael’s appointment aligns with Urbana’s occupation of a new London base at Tide Bankside and is reflective of the consultancy’s continued growth in the south, where it has recently supported flagship projects across several London boroughs and within the home counties.

Michael has been delivering major regeneration and urban extensions since 2013, with a background that includes consultancy and client‑side roles, most recently at Tarmac. His established relationships with clients, local authorities and key stakeholders across London and the south east will support Urbana’s next phase of growth.

Commenting on his new role, Michael Holloway said:

“I’m incredibly excited to join Urbana as director. What drew me to the role are the existing foundations – a strong pipeline, active projects already underway, and a client base built on genuine relationships.

“Having worked client-side as well as in consultancy, I know how much it matters to work with advisors who focus on practical outcomes and making things happen. That’s exactly the culture here, and this is a fantastic opportunity to help unlock the next stage of development for the business.”

Adam Murray, Urbana Owner and CEO, added:

“We’re delighted to welcome Mike to the team. He brings valuable expertise and strong industry relationships that will help us to continue growing our client base and deliver exceptional projects in the south of England. Mike perfectly aligns with our values of clarity, candour and results, and I’m confident he will play a pivotal role in the next chapter of our story.

“The appointment formalises something that has been building for years. Urbana’s presence in the south east has grown organically out of the same principles that have shaped our reputation in the north – straight-talking advice, trusted partnerships and an unrelenting focus on deliverability.

“As a business we are unapologetically top-heavy – our directors lead the charge to deliver for clients and I’m excited for Mike to do so too.”

New research suggests that British women are finding their first greys as early as their mid twenties, and a growing number are seeing them before they hit 35.

A survey of 2,000 UK females, commissioned by Jerome Russell Bblonde and conducted by OnePoll (2,000 UK participants), found that 30% of women noticed their first grey hair before the age of 35, with 8% found them between the ages of 18 and 24. That’s nearly one in ten women finding grey hairs before they’ve left their early twenties.