Helen Le Caplain

Parents are increasingly comparing prices, shopping online and starting their back-to-school purchases early as the cost of living rises. A SHEIN survey of 2,700 parents found that 92% consider back-to-school shopping more expensive than two years ago, while 74% say online shopping reduces costs and one-third estimate annual savings of at least £50. Quality and price are the leading considerations for school uniforms, with shoes most likely to need replacing and backpacks most likely to be reused. ONS figures and Trussell food-bank data underscore the broader financial pressure on UK households.

Scarlett Moffatt recommends five low-cost ways to recreate holiday experiences at home, including a garden beach club, a structured kids’ club, tapas-style meals, family entertainment and budget-friendly day trips. The ideas are supported by Google Gemini, which can tailor activities, menus and itineraries to children’s ages, interests, location and budget. Research cited by Google finds that parents face substantial pressure, financial concerns and guilt during the six-week school holiday, while children particularly value swimming, beach trips, kids’ clubs, discos and family time.

A study of 2,000 women in Britain shows that maintaining daily routines while exhausted is considered the greatest test of strength, reflecting a shift toward valuing mental resilience and functional capability over traditional physical measures. Most respondents associate strength more with mental attributes and life adaptability than with workouts or appearance, though many acknowledge gaps between understanding and acting on strength-related needs. Practical barriers such as time, energy and lack of guidance persist, while many women remain unaware of NHS muscle‑strengthening guidelines. The report, co‑authored by Professor Kirsty Elliott‑Sale, highlights five dimensions of strength and calls for broader representation and education. Optimum Nutrition links the findings to its evidence‑based nutrition products, including Clear Whey Protein.

Marks & Spencer staged a fashion show in the Silverstone pit lane ahead of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix to launch its Dress to Thrill summer collection. Fifty models showcased menswear and womenswear styled with motorsport influences, with celebrities including Jodie Kidd and Oliver Proudlock in attendance. The event highlighted M&S’s partnership with Atlassian Williams Racing and its strategy to connect with major cultural moments. The collection is now available in stores and online with more releases planned throughout the summer.