Sides, the fastest-growing UK hot-chicken brand, has doubled its footprint in Singapore with a second store now open, marking a major milestone in the brand’s international expansion strategy. The new location, open at Universal Studios in Sentosa, Singapore builds on the brand’s successful market entry following the launch of its first Singapore store in April 2025.
Muffin Break Workington is set to reopen on Saturday 28th February following a £50,000 refurbishment, bringing a fresh new look to the popular café. Located in Washington Square Shopping Centre, the store temporarily closed to undergo the refurbishment, part of Muffin Break’s continued investment across its UK estate. The upgrade coincides with the start of the café’s second 10 year term, reinforcing the brand’s long term commitment to the Workington community.
heart of Notting Hill, marking the brand’s fifth location in the capital. Located at 57 Pembridge Road, W11 3HG, the franchised bakery café - owned and operated by franchisee Darius Mafi - has quickly become a local favourite, welcoming hundreds of guests each week for freshly made sandwiches, artisan pastries, celebration cakes and premium coffee.
According to a new survey by the BFA (British Franchise Association), flexibility and work life balance are the main reasons women choose to buy a franchise. In February 2026, ahead of their EWIB (Empowering Women in Business) event[1], the BFA asked their members[2] what they thought the number one motivation was for women pursuing a career in franchising. 62% said ‘Flexibility and Work Life Balance’, 10.8% said ‘Training and Ongoing Support’, 21.6% said ‘Low Risk Route To Business Ownership’ and 5.4% said ‘Community Support and Peer Networking’.
IRO Sushi, one of the fastest growing sushi brands in the UK, has partnered with a leading high street bank to finance joint-venture franchised stores as it looks to accelerate its UK expansion strategy. Founded in 2014 by trained sushi chef Chhong Sherpa, IRO Sushi serves fresh, made-to-order, restaurant quality sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes at affordable prices. Across its 30+ quick-service restaurants across the UK, the brand serves more than 1.1m customers.
TaxAssist launches new advertising campaign highlighting 'We can do more for you'. The new national video campaign will run on YouTube and selected social media channels, reinforcing that it can do more for clients through its extensive network of local offices across the UK.
This week, CareYourWay’s founders and flagship South Devon team came together to celebrate 20 years of raising the standard of home care — driven by a belief that every person deserves to feel safe, independent, and able to truly thrive in the place they call home.
Musician Professor Green is launching his new fast-food venture, PG Fast Food, with the first location set to open in Glasgow this March on Byres Road. PG Fast Food is founded by Hero Brands, a portfolio company known for its culture-led food and beverage brands such as GDK and The Sidemen’s hot chicken brand, Sides, and British musician, documentary-film maker and foodie Professor Green.
As schools across the UK mark Safer Internet Day and the theme ‘Smart tech, safe choices’, children in Southwark are gaining valuable digital confidence and online safety awareness through hands‑on computing classes led by former self‑driving car programmer Khang Pham Minh, 29. Since launching ComputerXplorers Southwark in autumn 2025, Khang has been sharing his passion for technology through coding lessons, robotics workshops and Minecraft clubs for children aged 6–11.
ComputerXplorers, the award-winning children’s computer education provider, is preparing Haringey’s children for the future following the launch of ComputerXplorers Haringey, with an ambitious young couple at its helm. Bringing fun, hands-on tech-focussed classes to local children are Molly O’Shea, 23, and Chris Utulu, 25, who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of digital creators.