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Global stock markets are likely to experience a wide boost this week – not just the mega cap tech stocks - as the US Federal Reserve is expected to pause interest rate hikes, says the CEO and founder of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organizations. The bullish analysis from Nigel Green of deVere Group comes as investors worldwide wait for the latest inflation data Tuesday when the consumer price index report for the world’s largest economy is released. On Wednesday, the US central bank will issue its latest monetary policy decision. He says: “Mega cap tech stocks – namely Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Meta, Tesla and Alphabet – have made up around 90% of gains on Walls Street’s S&P 500 this year." “But we expect that other sectors which have been outperformed so far in 2023 are likely to get a boost should the Fed, as we anticipate, pause rate hikes this week.” The deVere CEO continues: “Despite a stubbornly robust labor market and still too-sticky inflation, the markets now expect the world’s most influential central bank to pause its interest hike agenda this month." “This will firmly signal that progress is being made in the battle to cool inflation and this will buoy investors across the board, finally providing a boost to sectors which have been unloved so far this year.” Last week, Nigel Green warned investors against exclusively buying into the hype of the tech titans, or so-called Magnificent Seven. “The volume is getting louder and the frenzy is reaching fever pitch. This hype is dangerous as it could lead investors to assume that these stocks are a silver bullet to build long-term wealth – and they are not, at least not on their own,” he noted. “While I believe that exposure to these mega-cap tech stocks should be part of almost every investor’s portfolio, as they have robust fundamentals and are future-focused, especially in AI, they should not be exclusive.” Easing inflation – as would be indicated by a Fed pause this week – would, says the CEO, stimulate a “wider global stock market rally” that would be “positive across a broad sweep of asset classes, sectors and regions.” Diversification, as Nigel Green stresses, remains investors’ best tool for long-term financial success. As a strategy it has been proven to reduce risk, smooth-out volatility, exploit differing market conditions, maximise long-term returns and protect against unforeseen external events. The comments about a fresh rally come as stocks rose just enough last Thursday for Wall Street to run into a new bull market as the S&P 500 keeps rallying off its low from last autumn. The index rose 0.6% to carry it 20% above a bottom hit in October. This means Wall Street’s main measure has climbed out of a challenging bear market, which saw it drop 25.4% over roughly nine months. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 168 points, or 0.5%. The Nasdaq composite, meanwhile, led the market with a 1% rise. He concludes: “Investors should be speaking to an advisor about the possibility of an opportunity-packed new rally if the Fed, as is expected, pauses rate hikes this week.”

Endura today unveils a new kit for the Pump for Peace Racing Team, a remarkable group of professional mountain bike riders hailing from Iran, Lesotho, and South Africa. These exceptional athletes have conquered numerous personal challenges, and Endura is proud to support their journey. Revealed at the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup opening round in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, the custom-designed kit showcases the vibrant spirit of the riders’ home countries and the team’s dedication to promoting peace and love. The Pump for Peace Racing Team is a vital part of a global initiative by Velosolutions to make cycling and action sports more accessible in underserved communities. Endura believes cycling can build a better world and aims to provide these riders with opportunities to excel in high-performance cycling worldwide, become inspirational leaders, and encourage their communities to embrace an active lifestyle. The team will compete in the UCI XCO World Cup Series races, Continental Championships, and selected stage races. Let’s meet the three incredible members of the Pump for Peace team, who have not only overcome personal obstacles but also achieved remarkable success in the sport. Faranak Partoazar : Faranak’s first challenge in mountain biking wasn’t a sprint for the finish line but to ride freely as a woman in her home country of Iran. Since starting her professional career in 2014 she has won every Iranian Championship title as well as many international races, including Iran’s first-ever medal at the Asian Championships. Her pioneering spirit has won her thousands of fans from across the globe. Tumelo Makae : Tumelo from Lesotho has become an icon in his cycling community, inspiring a bike-mad culture at home. With six Lesotho Championship titles, an African Championship silver medal, and a category win at the Swiss Epic stage race, Tumelo is already giving back to the next generation as a cycling coach. Unathi Nxumalo : Unathi from South Africa grew up in a township in a rural village. Despite the tragic loss of his father and brother to gang violence, he’s determined to chase his dreams through his incredible work ethic. He’s a versatile cyclist who excels in mountain biking, road and gravel, achieving many top 10 Elite XCO finishes in South Africa. Endura’s custom kit is inspired by the riders’ stories, incorporating design elements unique to each rider. Drawing information from the rider’s stories of hope, it features Tehran’s Azadi Tower, the Mokorotlo hat (the national symbol of Lesotho), and the South African flag. It also includes peace and love logos that embody the founding ethos of Pump for Peace to unite communities around the world through sport. Claudio Caluori, Founder, Velosolutions and Pump for Peace, says: “Making this a true partnership means a lot to us. Enabling us to have a real impact in the communities we serve through the Pump for Peace build projects and especially our race team. We’re looking forward to many adventures with Endura.” Noah Bernard, brand director of Endura, expressed immense pride in supporting the Pump for Peace Racing Team. “We’re stoked about our new partnerships with the Pump for Peace Racing Team. Their ethos aligns with Endura’s – removing the barriers that prevent people riding bikes. The riders’ stories have inspired our team to create an impactful kit that tells the story of both the riders and the team.” Noah eagerly anticipates witnessing Faranak, Tumelo, and Unathi compete in the striking new kit on the World Cup circuit and later welcoming them to Scotland, Endura’s playground, for the UCI World Championships in the upcoming summer. Follow Endura and Pump for Peace to keep up to date with the rider’s journeys.

JMW Solicitors has published results from a new survey of 1,000 respondents revealing that half (50.05%) of Britons do not understand the grounds on which a will can be contested. Despite this, 80% of Britons claim to know what it means to contest a will - highlighting a significant gap in the public’s understanding of wills and their provisions. To contest a will, there must be grounds to suspect any of the following: Lack of testamentary capacity The person who made the will was not of sound mind when giving instructions about the distribution of their assets. Lack of due execution A will must be signed in the presence of at least two witnesses, and it must appear that the person making the will intended to give effect to its contents. Fraud or forgery A will that has been forged or altered in any way. Undue influence The person who made the will was manipulated or coerced into making certain provisions in their will. Lack of knowledge or approval The person who made the will did not know of the contents of the will or approve of its contents. Poisoning of the mind False statements made to the testator about someone who otherwise may have benefitted from the will with the aim of encouraging the person to change the contents of their will. Further results show a lack of knowledge on time limits to contest a will or issue a claim against an estate. More than half (56.59%) of respondents did not know that a will typically needs to be contested within 12 years of the deceased's passing. Similarly, 56.38% were unaware of the six-month time limit to bring a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. However, two-thirds (65.75%) of Britons understand that they can challenge the distribution of an estate in cases of intestacy. In light of these findings, Alison Parry Head of Wills Disputes at JMW Solicitors said: "Our survey results highlight the importance of public education on wills and probate matters. Understanding the legal complexities surrounding wills could prove vital in safeguarding potential inheritances. We are committed to providing the necessary guidance to help people navigate this often confusing area of law."

Businesses now have just three months to upgrade their technology systems for voice and broadband connections or risk falling behind and face serious restrictions. Experts from TelephoneSystems.Cloud have urged UK businesses to upgrade their old legacy telephone systems before they get trapped in their legacy setup in September. As part of the Big Switch - which will see the switch off of all analogue phone systems in the UK in two years time - many providers are currently phasing out all legacy lines, with the aim of moving all customers onto digital based systems. September’s Stop Sell deadline means providers will cease selling these traditional phone lines, meaning those who fail to upgrade risk normal operations and falling behind. In three months' time, businesses will no longer be able to make any changes to their old legacy telephone systems, trapping them with their current size and setup. This is specifically important to those companies moving into new offices, as they will be limited now to only digital installations and can no longer move their old phone systems to new offices. For example, this autumn those on analogue systems will not be able to amend broadband bandwidth capacity, restart any stopped phone lines, nor amend direct dialling in (DDI) ranges. Other cancelled changes in three months time include mitigating to non-ultrafast products, increasing or decreasing ISDN channels, converting single lines to multi-lines (and vice versa). Experts are urging businesses to upgrade from analogue to digital based lines now, else risk falling behind and not having the ability to amend their current systems. SImply tasks such as adding a new employee to an ISDN system can become impossible. Alongside upgrading from analogue lines, many consumers may also need to upgrade their broadband services and any other equipment which currently operates on the legacy system, such as ADSL, FTTC & G.Fast. Analogue systems are services which have provided the foundation for both broadband and voice connections for many years, but it won’t be available for much longer. In three months time ‘Stop Sell’ comes into play - and all sales of copper-based lines will cease, leaving many businesses at risk from catching up if they don’t upgrade their tech now. From September analogue telephone systems will no longer be available to buy for new supply, as well as the introduction of restrictions for the migration of the services. Businesses who have not upgraded their systems in time before the Stop Sell, will seriously struggle to provide voice services, as well as risking issues affecting broadband. Companies need to ensure they are future-proofing their services, else risk falling behind and be unable to get back on board with systems such as changing broadband capacity and increase/decrease ISDN lines. Those businesses who are currently providing legacy copper-based services are being urged to act now and upgrade all plans before the Stop Sell is introduced. Failing to upgrade could potentially lead to falling behind competitors, with a significant loss in business, revenue & paying clients along with a huge increase in pricing, as wholesale prices of Stop Sell products will be rapidly increasing. Juliet Moran, founder of TelephoneSystems.Cloud said: “We are urging all businesses who haven’t already to upgrade their phone systems and connectivity before sales halt completely in September. This is now a three month warning to all business owners to upgrade your old analogue systems imminently else risk seeing your business fall behind become a reality." “But not upgrading before the Stop Sell deadline in September seriously risks your business falling behind from your competitors and large price jumps - potentially leading to loss of customers and revenue." “The risk is huge should a service get accidently cancelled, or the need for growth occurs, as old services can no longer be brought back online and systems will no longer be able to expand." “If you’re not upgrading from your analogue telephone system before the deadline in September, providers will no longer be able to support your businesses which currently rely on these legacy systems.

Thousands of children will benefit from a £92,000 donation to reduce their stress while in hospital, thanks to kind-hearted colleagues at Tesco stores across Birmingham. Stores in the city and across the Birmingham area started raising funds last summer, with the aim of helping youngsters at Birmingham Children's Hospital. The grand total has now been presented to the hospital, and to show their appreciation the hospital’s charity has recognised Tesco as one of their 100 Heroes for 2023, celebrating the retailer’s charitable efforts. Miranda Williams, head of public fundraising at Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity, said: "We are simply blown away by the phenomenal amount raised by Tesco, its incredible colleagues and generous customers. It will help improve the experience of our young patients greatly." “The money raised will support our Virtual Reality (VR) Appeal, helping to purchase VR headsets which can transport our young patients into a lifelike, three-dimensional world where they can – for a short period of time – forget about why they are in hospital and the medical procedure they’re about to receive. We’re so grateful to all the Tesco stores across Birmingham.” The stores chose Birmingham Children's Hospital to benefit from their fundraising because of its importance to the city and to many Tesco colleagues. Tesco Community Champions throughout the Birmingham area helped lead the fundraising efforts in Tesco’s larger stores. Kevin Twynholm, store manager at the Tesco New Oscott Extra store in Sutton Coldfield, said: "It became very evident that we had chosen the right charity, as stories quickly began surfacing of just how many of our colleagues had used the hospital’s services or knew someone that was supported by the care available." "Our goal was to raise funds for the hospital’s VR project but we never thought we'd raise so much money, which goes to show what people can do when they put their minds to it." "Each store and colleague involved has done something truly amazing which will make a very big difference to so many at the hospital." "We want to thank everyone, including our customers, for the generous donations, and we can't wait to see how we can support Birmingham Children's Hospital long into the future.” The £92,000 raised will go towards supporting distraction therapy and play for children in the hospital who are undergoing procedures. The experience can sometimes be traumatic for patients, and so distraction therapies, like the VR Headsets, can help to reduce any anxiety. Each store throughout Birmingham was able to decide how colleagues would raise funding. Many held raffles and competitions using teddy bears donated from the children's hospital, and others held book sales, dressing-up days, and sponsored runs. The hospital's large teddy mascot was also passed throughout stores in Tesco's signature online delivery van to boost efforts. To find out more about Birmingham's Children’s Hospital Charity, visit their website here

The North West’s Fastest 50 businesses have been unveiled by Ward Hadaway with medical technology manufacturer and supplier Hologic being named the North West’s fastest growing business. The company was crowned the overall winner on Friday 9 June, at a prestigious event at the Royal Exchange Theatre, hosted by Manchester law firm Ward Hadaway, supported by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Hologic also picked up the award for the fastest growing large business whilst Manchester-based Apparel Brands, a leading clothing retailer, scooped the gong for the fastest growing medium-sized company. Family-run construction business Jamieson Contracting, based in Tameside, took home the trophy for 2023’s fastest growing small business. Jamieson provides a range of construction and engineering services to private, public and third sector organisations across the North of England. The North West Fastest 50 Awards, now in their 10th year, recognise the region’s most dynamic and innovative businesses that are continuing to grow and prosper. This year, the Fastest 50 companies shared a combined profit of £348 million and celebrated an increase in turnover of £3.4 billion since 2020. Businesses large and small came together in central Manchester to learn more about the collective progress they’re making and how this is driving the North West forward as one of the UK’s strongest economies. The keynote speech was delivered by entrepreneur William Lees-Jones, the managing director of JW Lees, one of the region’s most recognised and successful brewery businesses. Liz Bottrill, executive partner of Ward Hadaway’s Manchester office, said: “The Ward Hadaway North West Fastest 50 Awards provide a platform to recognise and celebrate the incredible achievements of businesses across the region. It goes without saying, businesses are continuing to face huge challenges in today’s trading environment." “However, as our Fastest 50 list reveals, this has not stopped the success and growth of businesses in the North West. At the awards ceremony, we celebrated the innovation, drive and dynamism of North West businesses that make the region such a vibrant and successful place to do business. Well done to all of those companies that have made the list, especially our winners, it’s very well deserved.” At the event, the winners of three main categories - small, medium and large - alongside the overall fastest growing business of the year - each received an award for their continued success. Hologic was a double winner at the event, taking home the award for overall fastest growing business of the year and fastest growing large business. The company, which develops diagnostic products, medical imaging systems, and surgical products dedicated to championing women’s health, has achieved an average turnover growth of nearly 120% in the last three years. James O’Sullivan, site director at Hologic, said: “It’s an absolute delight to win two awards today not just in the large category but for the overall fastest growing business in the North West. We’re driven by a passion and purpose to enable healthier lives, everywhere, every day and it’s amazing to be recognised for the vital work we do to help healthcare professionals provide quality, person-centred care. We can’t quite believe we’re the overall fastest growing business in the region - we’re thrilled.” The success stories shared at the Ward Hadaway North West Fastest 50 Awards serve as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders in the region, reinforcing the message that the North West is a fertile ground for growth and a place where ambition, dedication and innovation thrives. Chris Fletcher, GMLSIP Director and Policy Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, concluded: “It was a great honour for the Chamber to once again partner with Ward Hadaway on the North West Fastest 50. This year felt extra special after a four-year break to get back together in person with some of the region’s very best businesses and celebrate their success and efforts. As the UK’s largest Chamber being involved with this award is fantastic and it’s great to play a part in celebrating the best that business in the North West has to offer.” The full 2023 North West Fastest 50 list can be viewed here

Wakefield Council’s Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth are today calling on the Government for more action on levelling up. The senior Councillors have written to Secretary of State Michael Gove MP. They are urging him to set out if there will be a further round of levelling up funding, say when it will happen, end the costly and time-consuming process of Councils competing against each other for investment, and explain how Wakefield benefits from being selected as a ‘Levelling Up Partner.' The move comes after the Council’s three funding bids were unsuccessful in the last round of levelling up funding, announced in January 2023. This left key parts of the Council’s vital regeneration plans unfunded. Government help is central to securing further investment into the district. Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “Investment into our communities is essential as part of our aspirations to spread opportunity to every part of our district. We have huge ambitions that will transform the district for residents and businesses. But without the funding we cannot drive our plans forward, and that’s why the mixed messages and lack of information coming from Government is so damaging." “We need clarity on if, and when, future funding will be made available. And if it is, there needs to be a fairer process in place, based on need, than we’ve seen before. No more expectation that local areas should compete against each other for limited funds." In March, Wakefield was announced as one of 20 Levelling Up Partnership areas. The Council is now calling on the Government to see tangible benefits from this partnership. Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “We want everyone, no matter where they are, to have access to great facilities and to live in a community they can continue to be proud of." “But we now have huge concerns that our selection as a levelling up partner may not actually lead to anything material for Wakefield. The programme has been slow to take shape and to be properly defined. And unfortunately, at the moment it seems to be yet another example of the Government not delivering for our district." “I’d urge the Government to clarify what funding we will get as part of our Levelling Up Partnership, to help us move forward with the ambitious and exciting plans that we have.” The Council’s letter outlines how it’s especially important for places which were unsuccessful in the Levelling Up Round 2 bids, including Knottingley and South Kirkby, to be at the heart of any upcoming discussions. Cllr Jeffery added: “We are urging the Government to recognise the importance of providing funding to help Knottingley and South Kirkby. And to give us the chance to secure further investment that would make a major difference in our towns.”

Jacqueline O'Donovan, managing director of O’Donovan Waste, has been invited to join the esteemed judging panel of the National Building and Construction Awards (NBCA). The NBCAs showcase and celebrate the achievements of the industrious, hardworking and enterprising building and construction businesses. The awards comprise of 19 categories that allow any UK construction business to enter, with all submissions meticulously scrutinised by subpanels of four judges who will be looking for significant and sustained performance over the last 12 months. Jacqueline has previously been recognised for her outstanding leadership and vision winning several prestigious business and entrepreneurial awards including PwC ‘Privatebusinesswoman of the Year’, Growing Business Awards ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ and has twice been awarded the ‘Director of the Year’ title by the Institute of Directors (IoD). The O'Donovan business has previously been an NBCA winner, recognised for having invested substantial time and resources into ongoing health and safety training, cultural and technological innovation, and for its continuous work to surpass and exceed standards for safety and best practice in the sector. Jacqueline commented, “The awards are the perfect opportunity to recognise and reward the work of some of the exceptional dedication and talent that we see in the construction sector. I would encourage others in the sector to get involved and I look forward to working with my fellow judges on the panel to select those who have gone above and beyond to deserve the industry recognition such an award will bring.”

Gallagher Property has achieved outline planning permission for a new industrial-led business park at Swatland Farm, near Paddock Wood in Kent – the largest project of its kind the company has ever undertaken. The plans for the 20-acre site is an expansion of Paddock Wood’s existing employment zone onto land north and south of Lucks Lane. Comprising of seven industrial units totalling more than 200,000 square feet of employment space. The units will be sub-divisible, so can be tailored to the needs of prospective occupants. Enabling the site will involve a major package of works including earthworks, building a new access road, utilities, services and installing drainage. Once it’s complete, the park could support up to 2,200 jobs in the town, which is set for significant residential expansion with up to 4,000 new homes currently being proposed. It’s a highly sustainable location, being just a short walk from Paddock Wood town centre and mainline rail services to Charing Cross, Ashford International, Strood and Tonbridge; it will also link up with other neighbourhood and community infrastructure including new schools, sports facilities, a wetland park and a town-wide system of paths and cycle routes being developed under the Council’s Local Plan. Once it’s complete, the park could support up to 2,200 jobs in the town, which is set for significant residential expansion with up to 4,000 new homes currently being proposed. It’s a highly sustainable location, being just a short walk from Paddock Wood town centre and mainline rail services to Charing Cross, Ashford International, Strood and Tonbridge; it will also link up with other neighbourhood and community infrastructure including new schools, sports facilities, a wetland park and a town-wide system of paths and cycle routes being developed under the Council’s Local Plan. Joe Heathfield, Property Development Manager, Gallagher Property added that: “This is the biggest employment site project we’ve ever managed to secure planning for; it’s a great result for us. Once we’ve discharged the planning conditions, we can get work under way: given its size, the whole job will probably take us around a year to complete. We’ll be marketing the site during the enabling works to determine the exact layout and composition of the seven units, depending on what the occupiers require.“

Leading infrastructure services company FM Conway will continue its partnership with West Sussex County Council having been awarded two works packages estimated at £8m across the council’s new Highways Services Contract. West Sussex County Council continues to invest in its highway’s infrastructure with an emphasis on local roads and footways across the county, supported by FM Conway who has been operating on the Highways Maintenance Contract since 2020. The business has now been awarded Lot 4 for 2023 to build on its existing partnership with West Sussex to support these ambitions, as well as to drive new innovations and sustainable solutions which benefit the local communities, businesses, and all visitors to the county. The new programme of works, which started in April 2023 and runs for 1 year, will see FM Conway use its self-delivery expertise to focus on two works packages, which includes Resurfacing Principal and Local Roads, as well as Footway Reconstruction and Small Works across a total of 105 sites in West Sussex. The business has been selected in part for its commitment to delivering innovation through recycled materials to achieve net zero carbon working practices. FM Conway is well established in the region thanks to its highly advanced Newhaven Asphalt Plant and privately-owned HGV fleet, both of which enable a surety of supply and a focus on materials recycling across its local operations. After recently delivering planned carriageway and footway resurfacing packages for West Sussex County Council in 2022, this latest contract award will now enable FM Conway to enhance its growing network in the South East of England and build upon its existing relationship within the county. Paul Padfield, Surfacing Director at FM Conway, said: “We are excited to continue our relationship with West Sussex and place a keen focus on the circular economy through our use of high-percentage recycled aggregate and single-layer solutions." “Our drive for new innovations and sustainable working practices means we can work together with West Sussex to introduce greater efficiencies and more importantly, reduce carbon emissions and network disruption across the county.” Matt Davey, Assistant Director for Highways at West Sussex County Council said: “We are pleased to be continuing to work with FM Conway as we continue to invest in the County’s highways and footways, providing a safe and durable travel network for residents and visitors alike. FM Conway’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon working practices aligns with the County Council’s own overarching commitment to tackling Climate Change through the work we do.”

Bus passengers across Kent and Medway will be able to travel completely free over the weekend of 24 and 25 June, thanks to a collaboration between Kent County Council and the bus companies, paid for with funding from the government. This initiative has been coordinated to support the Kent Big Weekend, organised by Visit Kent, which is promoting more than 70 tourist attractions across the county with many offering free or reduced cost entry. The Free Bus Weekend is funded by the Department for Transport through Kent’s Enhanced Bus Partnership Schemes. Passengers can just turn up and travel for free on any bus within Kent and Medway up to 8pm on both days and it is hoped that as well as supporting the Kent Big Weekend, this initiative will encourage more people to use buses again following the pandemic, to discover new places, visit friends or family and to help reduce the number of cars on Kent’s roads. KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier said: ‘We are very grateful to the government for providing us with the funding to support our Bus Service Improvement Plan." “Reduced use of buses and increased operating costs means that there is a real challenge for operators to sustain their services. This is one of a number of new initiatives that we hope can improve our network and encourage greater bus use helping to make services sustainable in the future." "Greater use of buses would also help with improving air quality through having fewer cars on the road and therefore less pollution." Richard Holden, the Parliamentary under-Secretary at the Department for Transport, said: “People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we have allocated £35 million to Kent County Council for it to invest in its bus services." “We hope that Kent residents can enjoy the free bus weekend and continue to use local services.” For more information about the Free Bus Weekend check out their website here .

Kent Trading Standards officers will be targeting illegal vape products designed to entice children in a series of enforcement operations throughout the summer. It follows a visit to Kent by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who saw first-hand the colourful designs that are being directly marketed at those under the age restriction to purchase. The Prime Minister visited Kent Scientific Services (KSS) site at West Malling and was shown a trailblazing laboratory test, developed by KSS Scientist Punil Sanatcumar, analysing the dangerous ingredient levels in vapes which are being imported and getting into the hands and lungs of those under 18. The visit was an opportunity to focus on the actions being taken to tackle the problem of underage sales, and Mr Sunak promised to close the legal loophole, which allows retailers to give away free samples to children. Head of Trading Standards Steve Rock, who spoke to the Prime Minister and the government’s Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty, welcomed the move. He said: “Over the next few weeks, we will be carrying out targeted enforcement activity to crack down on these child-appealing novelty products and those aimed at younger people, and our officers will be in a number of locations across Kent. This is part of the ongoing successful work we were able to show the Prime Minister at KSS, which includes seizing these illegal vapes at the ports.” The brightly-coloured packaging of these illegals vape products is designed to appeal to teenagers Speaking in Kent, Mr Sunak said: “I am deeply concerned about the sharp rise in kids vaping and shocked by reports of illicit vapes containing lead getting into the hands of school children. "My daughters are 10 and 12, and I don't want the way vapes are marketed, promoted and sold to be attractive to them.” KCC Leader Roger Gough said: "Both Kent Trading Standards and KSS are at the forefront of protecting the health and safety of Kent residents in ways that are not necessarily obvious. I am delighted that their efforts in the sale of dangerous and illegal vapes has been recognised at this high level."