Northern Ireland’s esteemed estate agency, John Minnis, is celebrating two decades in the property market. Since its establishment in 2005, the company has built a reputation as a trusted name in residential sales, lettings, and property management, achieving a remarkable total of £1.6 billion in property sales.

The agency, which employs a dedicated team of 36 staff members, is now looking to the future with a fresh brand identity and renewed ambitions. The rebranding effort includes the launch of an in-house marketing team, positioning the agency for continued growth and innovation.

In a statement reflecting on the agency’s journey, John Minnis, founder and managing director, expressed gratitude for the dedication of the team and the trust placed in them by clients. “What we’ve achieved is down to the dedication of our team and the trust of our clients,” he said. “The growth of our team and the community we have built makes the anniversary feel extra special. We are celebrating being a dynamic, forward-thinking company focused on delivering the very best for the people we serve.”

Expansion and Community Focus

The company operates five offices across Northern Ireland, located in Belfast, Holywood, Bangor, Donaghadee, and Comber. Each office plays a vital role in serving the diverse needs of the local communities, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to providing exceptional service.

As it celebrates this significant milestone, John Minnis remains focused on its core mission: to excel in the estate agency field for its clients, the industry, and the wider community. “Twenty years in this business is a huge milestone – and one we don’t take for granted,” John Minnis added.

With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, John Minnis is poised for another successful decade in the ever-evolving property market. The agency’s emphasis on growth and creativity signals an exciting chapter ahead, not only for the company but also for the clients and communities it serves.

Television presenter Carol Vorderman recently discussed the impact of her health scare on her family during an interview on journalist James O’Brien‘s podcast, Full Disclosure. The 64-year-old revealed that she was diagnosed with burnout in 2024, a condition that escalated following the general election last year. This led her to take an important break from her career, stepping down from her role at LBC to focus on her recovery.

During the live podcast event, Vorderman shared that the stress of her work reached a peak in September 2023, compelling her to reassess her priorities. She noted that her children, Katie King and Cameron King, who are from her marriage to Patrick King, which ended in 2000, were particularly concerned for her wellbeing. “My kids were quite fierce with me about that,” Vorderman said, acknowledging their influence on her decision to prioritize her health.

Vorderman recounted the moment she recognized the severity of her condition. She recalled preparing for a live show promoting her book when she experienced what she thought were chest pains. “I had to check myself in,” she explained, adding that after undergoing scans, the consultant confirmed, “It’s just burnout, Carol, you’ve got to stop.”

Despite this challenging period, Vorderman reassured her fans that she has made a significant recovery and is ready to return to her busy schedule. She recently teamed up with Jeremy Vine for a new program on Channel 5, entitled “Celebrity Puzzling.” Reflecting on her approach to the show, she admitted that her initial intention to be gracious shifted to a competitive spirit. “I’m very competitive,” she stated, describing her transition from a polite participant to a determined contender.

In addition to her television engagements, Vorderman remains an outspoken figure in political commentary. She frequently shares her views on political developments, including the rise of the Reform party and critiques of the Labour leadership. In a conversation with HuffPost, she expressed her frustration with Sir Keir Starmer, saying, “I don’t know who the hell is advising them… Why are you getting it wrong so continuously?”

Vorderman is set to appear on Michael McIntyre‘s show, The Wheel, on July 19, 2024, at 18:30 on BBC One. As she continues to navigate her career and personal life, Vorderman’s resilience and passion for both her work and her family remain evident.

Consumer rights advocate Martyn James emphasizes the importance of understanding cooling off periods when making online purchases. These short windows allow consumers to reconsider their decisions, providing a crucial safety net for buyers. Generally, you have 14 days to change your mind about goods or services purchased online, but there are significant exceptions and conditions that consumers must be aware of.

What Are Cooling Off Periods?

A cooling off period is defined under the Consumer Contract Regulations, which allows consumers to cancel contracts made online within the first two weeks after purchase. This regulation covers various transactions, including virtual goods like music and software, provided they have not been downloaded. However, returning goods often comes with associated costs.

The regulations extend to both ‘off-premises’ and ‘distance contracts.’ This includes situations where a salesperson visits your home to finalize a sale or when you agree to a contract over the phone. In contrast, purchases made in physical stores do not qualify for a cooling off period, which is crucial for consumers to remember.

Exceptions and Limitations

Not all online purchases include a cooling off period. For instance, items that are bespoke or personalized, such as engraved gifts, do not allow for returns once ordered. Other exceptions include contracts related to construction work, travel, and residential rentals, which typically do not offer cooling off rights. Consumers should be informed about these limitations to make educated purchasing decisions.

In some cases, sellers might expedite the process by waiving the cooling off period, particularly in real estate transactions. While this is permissible, it is essential that consumers do not feel pressured to waive their rights. Ongoing contracts, including gym memberships and subscription services, are generally covered by the 14-day cooling off window, although any usage of the service may affect potential refunds.

Cooling Off Periods for Financial Products

Financial products are governed by separate regulations regarding cooling off periods. Regulated credit products, including loans and finance agreements, also come with a 14-day cooling off period. Notably, this does not apply to ‘buy now, pay later’ arrangements that do not incur interest charges.

When it comes to insurance policies, most general types provide a 14-day cooling off period. However, specific policies, such as single trip travel insurance, may not offer this unless the provider opts to do so. It is important to note that there is no cooling off period for mortgages, although consumers can withdraw at various points during the transaction process.

Pensions, being significant financial commitments, offer a more extended cooling off period of 30 days, often referred to as the ‘opt out’ period. This applies to annuities as well, which are purchased with pension funds to secure regular income upon retirement. Individuals should thoroughly examine the terms surrounding these products to ensure informed decision-making.

Regulated investments typically come with cooling off periods ranging from 14 to 30 days, depending on the product. However, unregulated investments, such as commodities and cryptocurrency, are not mandated to provide such protections.

Understanding the nuances of cooling off periods is essential for consumers navigating online shopping and financial products. With a clear grasp of these regulations, individuals can better protect their rights and make more informed choices.

For more insights and guidance on consumer rights, visit martynjamesexpert.co.uk.

Health officials in the United Kingdom have issued a critical warning following an outbreak of botulism infections linked to an unlicensed cosmetic treatment. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that nearly 40 individuals sought medical attention for adverse reactions to procedures involving botulinum toxin over the past month.

Most of these cases were concentrated in the East of England and the East Midlands. Symptoms reported include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, and severe breathing issues that required respiratory support. This alarming situation prompted the UKHSA to issue an alert on July 18, 2025.

The agency’s statement highlighted ongoing investigations into the use of a “Botox-like product” that is not officially licensed. The health agency noted that those practitioners involved in administering the product have ceased operations and are cooperating fully with authorities.

While these recent cases are under investigation, the UKHSA clarified that they are not connected to other botulism cases reported in the North East region. As investigations continue, there is a growing concern about the safety of cosmetic procedures utilizing unregulated products.

Dr. Gauri Godbole, a Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding aesthetic treatments. “We are working closely with our partners to reduce the public health risk,” she stated. “It is essential for individuals seeking cosmetic procedures to verify that the products used are licensed.”

Botulism is a rare but serious condition caused by toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxins can lead to muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing, and, in extreme cases, death. Symptoms can take up to four weeks to manifest, making early recognition critical.

The UKHSA has recommended that anyone who has undergone a botulinum toxin treatment and is experiencing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing should contact NHS 111 for guidance and seek immediate medical attention.

In light of these events, health officials are urging the public to exercise caution when considering aesthetic procedures. The UKHSA has outlined key precautions, including verifying the licensing status of products and practitioners.

With the rising popularity of cosmetic treatments, the need for stringent regulations and consumer vigilance has never been more apparent. The UKHSA continues to monitor the situation closely while advising clinicians to be vigilant for signs of botulism in patients who have recently undergone cosmetic procedures. The health agency’s proactive measures aim to protect public safety and ensure that aesthetic procedures are conducted with the highest standards.