Higher bills, colder homes, and monster fossil fuel profits see mass support for windfall Tax

A massive 76% of people want to see fossil fuel companies divert profits to help people struggling to pay rising energy bills, according to a national YouGov poll commissioned by Friends of the Earth. 

The campaigning group say that money from a windfall Tax should be used as 1 off payment to people struggling with energy bills this winter and beyond. In the long run, it could help install all important insulation to Britain's notoriously inefficient housing, reducing future energy bills.

The Tax would apply to all North Sea oil and gas producers, which include both:- BP and Shell Shell, but also many others. BP reported a $12.8 billion profit in 2021, while Shell reported profits of $6.4 billion in the final quarter of last year, both driven by a global surge in gas and oil prices.

Jamie Peters, Director of Campaigns for Friends of the Earth, said:- "People rightly worried about how they are going to afford energy bills have looked at these excessive profits from the oil and gas giants in disbelief. When the choice for thousands across the nation is between eating or heating, we have to question how this is acceptable. Channelling some of those obscene profits into making energy bills more affordable would make a world of difference to people's lives. It's no wonder the public are demanding a windfall Tax to fund much needed protection for those most at risk of soaring bills. The increases in fuel bills are caused by a global spike in gas prices, which is being passed on to households because of our reliance on gas. We need to stop exploiting the Earth's resources and get off expensive, damaging gas once and for all by investing in a massive programme of renewable energy and home insulation."

Methodology:- Survey data from was gathered by YouGov Plc.  All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,771 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 10 February to 11 February 2022. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+)

Studio Retail goes into administration; Usdaw is seeking urgent meetings and supporting members at this worrying time

THE trade union Usdaw is seeking urgent meetings with both management and the administrators of the online value retailer, Studio Retail Group Plc, for its staff, after the business announced they are going into administration. The online value retailer is based in the North West of England, in Hyndbun, near Accrington, Lancashire. Julia Baldwin, Usdaw Area Organiser says:- "This is obviously very worrying news for our members and we are seeking urgent meetings with managers and administrators. Our priority is to secure jobs and we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they need at this difficult time."
 

Leading Liverpool real estate and property entrepreneur launches independent agency

OVER the past 2 years the property market has been very buoyant, prompted largely by changes in how we are living and working, the relatively low rate of interest and property owners enjoying watching the value of their homes grow: house price growth in Liverpool topped the list for the North West, with an average of 10.4% value increase during 2021. One business which had a remarkable trading year, NEXA Liverpool, which was up until recently part of the NEXA Properties Agency Group, is delighted to announce that it is now being established as an entirely new, independent property group, now known as PIRES Real Estate. Based in Castle Street, in the City Centre's bustling business district, it is primed to work not just in Liverpool itself, but in key locations Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham and London, as well as having an exclusive relationship with Taylor Wimpey Spain, for residential and investment purposes.

With already strong ties to developers, investors, and commercial property agents, the dynamic team behind PIRES, led by the Cranney Family, has been proactive in wishing to further improve marketing and sales support to the development trade. The unique vision for PIRES is to offer a comprehensive and personalised service for buyers, sellers, developers and investors. While other agencies traditionally use a single agent per client, PIRES uses the strength of its whole team to support the property journey of each client, entirely tailored to their needs. The company also offers support for land acquisition and new homes, lettings, commercial development advice and a range of properties overseas for residential purchase or investment.

As an independent commercial entity, PIRES now have the opportunity to simply do things their own way. 2022 will see them concentrating on property sales, as well as lettings, and innovative personnel have spotted a gap in the market for selling via social media platforms like Instagram, which has become a key way of communicating to certain key demographics, who are purchasing for the 1st or 2nd time, and often desire City Centre apartments as their home investments.

Managing Director, Chloe Roberts of PIRES Real Estate Liverpool, explains:- "PIRES Real Estate is on vision for 2022, to take all of the valuable experience, success and industry goodwill earned as NEXA Liverpool, and move it forwards as an entirely independent real estate venture. This means, as a business, we remain in complete control of our business model, and the unique way of consolidating what we have already achieved, whilst enjoying all the advantages that now being an independent agency offers both for us, and also for our clients. Straight away we decided on our own PIRES philosophy and agreed on our core values of Positivity, Longevity and Consistency. We know that any property purchase can be stressful, as well as rewarding for a buyer. We will be a safe, reassuring, positive pair of hands. Our joint experiences as a team have taught us to build long term, lasting, fruitful business relationships built on mutual trust and respect, as well as clear communication and availability. Finally, we set a benchmark for consistency, so that every client we work with receives the same top tier levels of service and professionalism. In such a buoyant and progressive market, we are really proud to be launching PIRES here in the centre of Liverpool. We look forward to a fruitful trading year where our clients are at the centre of our focus."