People | 25HourNews

From Google to Gourmet: The Inspiring Journey of Simmy Dhillon and Simmer Eats Quitting a high-paying job at Google to pursue a dream may seem daunting, but for 27-year-old Simmy Dhillon, it was a necessary step to create a legacy. Hailing from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Dhillon turned his passion for cooking into a multimillion-pound business, Simmer Eats. From humble beginnings with just £10 worth of ingredients, he now runs one of the UK's fastest-growing food companies, proving that dreams fueled by determination and sacrifice can lead to extraordinary success.The Roots of a DreamGrowing up in a working-class household, where his father worked in a factory and his mother in a supermarket, Dhillon witnessed the challenges his parents faced. This motivated him to dream big—not just for himself but also to provide his parents the retirement they deserved."The main motivator was seeing my parents struggle and not being in the same position as them as an adult," Dhillon shared.From Side Hustle to EnterpriseWhile studying Economics at the University of Bristol, Dhillon began cooking and selling meals to his peers as a side hustle. What started as a small-scale operation to showcase his initiative for future internships quickly grew into something much bigger.After graduating as the first person in his family to earn a degree, Dhillon secured a marketing job at Google. But the entrepreneurial spark ignited during his university years never left him.He made the bold decision to leave Google and pour all his energy into building Simmer Eats, co-founding the company with his brother Jhai Dhillon, a former professional footballer and accountant.Seven Years to SuccessFast forward seven years, Simmer Eats is now a multimillion-pound business, delivering healthy ready meals across the UK. The company has achieved impressive milestones:£10M+ in revenue with over 1 million meals sold in the past 12 months.Ranked 11th in the Sunday Times Hundred 2024, with annual sales growth of 184% over three years.Gained celebrity endorsements from rapper Central Cee and Premier League footballer Alex Iwobi.Dhillon reflected on his journey:"Where we are today is exceptional, but it has happened very slowly over seven years time, and we've been working on it every single day."Building Simmer Eats on SacrificeSuccess didn’t come without challenges. Dhillon recalls sleeping on an airbed on a friend’s kitchen floor in London to save money."[Living like that] wasn't fun, but it just made me appreciate a comfortable bed more," Dhillon said. "It made me realise
Veganuary Study Seeks Volunteers for University Research Are you passionate about plant-based eating? If so, you might want to consider participating in a Veganuary university study. Researchers are looking for people who are interested in taking part in an exciting academic study focused on the impact of veganism during the month of January.Veganuary, the global campaign encouraging individuals to try veganism for the month of January, has grown in popularity over the years. As more people embrace plant-based eating, universities are now looking to understand the health, environmental, and social implications of the Veganuary challenge. This study aims to gather data on how adopting a vegan diet for a month affects individuals physically, mentally, and socially.Participants in the Veganuary study will be asked to follow a vegan diet for 31 days, with regular check-ins to track their progress. In addition to dietary changes, participants will be asked about their overall well-being, including energy levels, mood, and any challenges they may encounter. By taking part in the study, volunteers can contribute valuable insights into the benefits and obstacles of transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle.Comms regarding the study have been widely circulated by universities and research organizations, seeking a diverse group of volunteers from different backgrounds and dietary habits. The goal is to gather comprehensive data from individuals who may or may not already be vegan to understand the broader impacts of such a dietary shift.Participants in the study will also receive guidance on how to maintain a balanced and nutritious vegan diet throughout the month. This study promises to be an excellent opportunity for those curious about the long-term effects of a vegan lifestyle, while also contributing to research that could inform future health recommendations.Whether you're already vegan or new to the idea, this Veganuary study offers a unique chance to explore how adopting a plant-based diet can influence your health and well-being.
Myleene Klass Becomes MBE: Breaking the Silence on Miscarriage and Women’s Health Myleene Klass, celebrated musician, presenter, and campaigner, has been appointed an MBE in the New Year Honours for her contributions to women's health, miscarriage awareness, and charity.The former Hear'Say singer and mother-of-three has openly shared her journey of enduring four miscarriages and has spent years advocating for better support and care for women experiencing baby loss.From Personal Pain to Public AdvocacyReflecting on her journey, Klass said, "When I think back to how all of this started, it came from a very dark place. I certainly didn’t aim to become a campaigner at the time."Her advocacy has been pivotal in influencing the Women’s Health Strategy in Parliament, ensuring women receive medical support after every miscarriage rather than waiting until after three.Last year, the Department of Health and Social Care introduced measures to improve miscarriage care, including a pilot scheme offering medical intervention after every miscarriage.Raising Awareness Through MediaKlass brought her experience to light through the Bafta-nominated 2021 documentary Myleene Klass: Miscarriage and Me. She revealed that making the documentary was the first time she could vocalize her trauma, admitting, “I wasn’t even able to say the word miscarriage before because it was so fresh.”The 46-year-old described the difficulty of revisiting her losses: “It never gets easier. It feels like ripping off the band-aid every time, but it keeps me connected to the babies I lost.”Breaking the TabooKlass emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence around miscarriage:“No one wants to talk about dead babies, so women are left to deal with baby loss and fertility issues alone. That needs to change.”Including her husband and children in the documentary was crucial for her, as she believes miscarriage impacts the entire family. “My kids thought they were getting a sibling, so you’re not just mopping up your sadness but theirs too,” she said.A Champion for ChangeKlass’s advocacy extends beyond her documentary work. She has authored books on parenting, including They Don’t Teach This At School (2022), and has been an ambassador for Save the Children for over a decade.Opening the letter confirming her MBE with her children by her side, Klass called it a “very special moment” and added, “I feel proud knowing I’ve used my platform to make a positive difference.”"Miscarriage Is Not a Dark Secret"Klass remains steadfast in her mission to c
Married at First Sight" Counselling: "Nothing Like the Real Thing" Is Reality TV Therapy the Same as Real Counselling?Channel 4’s Married at First Sight (MAFS) is a bold social experiment that takes single strangers, marries them off at first sight, and documents their journey through the ups and downs of married life. But, as couples attempt to navigate their new relationships, can they truly be coached into love? The show’s three experts—Paul Brunson, Mel Schilling, and Charlene Douglas—act as relationship guides throughout the process, offering advice and support as the couples struggle with issues ranging from attraction to personality clashes. However, how much of what we see on TV mirrors the reality of actual couples counselling?Reality TV Drama vs. Real TherapyIn a typical counselling room, the goal is for both partners to communicate openly and honestly in a safe and respectful environment. But Married at First Sight is far from a typical therapeutic setting. Psychotherapeutic counsellor Emma Loker points out that the format of the show feels more like “group therapy” because of its public nature. Couples sit down with the experts in front of the cameras, often revealing their deepest relationship issues, while their fellow participants watch, react, and comment. These moments are broadcast across hours of filming, but condensed into a one-hour episode for viewers.The visible reactions of the other participants—gasping, eye-rolling, or crying—highlight the key difference between this and an actual therapy session, where respect for others is emphasized. Loker says that in therapy, participants are encouraged to create a safe space for discussion, free from judgment. However, on Married at First Sight, these reactions are meant to fuel drama and engagement, which is a big part of the show’s appeal.The Role of External Support: Too Many Voices?In a traditional therapy setting, the couple's issues are addressed privately, without external input from others. Yet on Married at First Sight, couples are not only receiving advice from the experts, but also from the other participants. This often leads to situations where multiple voices provide varying opinions on the issues at hand, which, according to Dr. Sham Singh, a US-based psychiatrist, can lead to confusion. “Therapy is a space where both partners get to be heard without outside bias,” Dr. Singh explains. In contrast, the show’s format encourages sharing relationship woes with the group, which can often create unnecessary drama and externa
Increasing Bus Travel in the Town: A Trend on the Rise The town is witnessing a noticeable increase in people opting for bus transportation, a trend that is reshaping the local commuting landscape. This shift towards buses is not only improving accessibility but also encouraging a more eco-friendly and sustainable way of getting around. The rising popularity of bus travel is being driven by various factors, including the growing demand for affordable and efficient transportation options.Public buses provide a reliable and cost-effective alternative to private vehicles, offering convenience and comfort for commuters. With the town’s infrastructure gradually improving, bus routes are becoming more accessible and well-connected, allowing residents to travel to key destinations with ease. This change is particularly beneficial for those who rely on public transport due to financial constraints or those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.Moreover, as traffic congestion continues to pose challenges for private vehicle owners, buses are proving to be an efficient solution. More people are recognizing the benefits of using public transportation, which helps reduce road traffic, cut down on pollution, and conserve energy. The increasing ridership is also a testament to the town’s growing commitment to sustainability and the future of green commuting.In conclusion, the rise in bus travel is not only a reflection of evolving transportation trends but also an important step towards creating a more environmentally conscious and interconnected community. The town’s emphasis on public transportation is set to continue, benefiting both commuters and the environment.
Guardian and Observer Journalists Strike Over Sale to Tortoise Media In an unprecedented move, journalists at The Guardian and its sister publication, The Observer, have gone on strike to protest the proposed sale of the Sunday newspaper to Tortoise Media. This marks the first strike at The Guardian in over fifty years. The two-day industrial action, which began on Wednesday, December 4, and will continue through Thursday, December 5, comes as a response to the potential sale of the Observer to Tortoise, a media company led by James Harding, the former editor of The Times and ex-director.The Heart of the ProtestThe core of the dispute lies in the proposal for Tortoise Media to acquire the Observer, a paper that has been part of the Guardian Media Group (GMG) for over two centuries. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has voiced strong opposition, describing the sale as a betrayal of the Scott Trust’s commitment to the continued legacy of the Observer, one of the world’s oldest Sunday newspapers.In response to the strike, a Guardian spokesperson expressed their acknowledgment of the staff's concerns, stating that while they understand the feelings around the sale, they believe a strike is not the best solution at this stage. Despite the strike, the Guardian and Observer will continue to produce online content and maintain regular print editions, though UK readers may notice some disruptions to the usual service during the strike period.NUJ's Stance and the Potential Impact on StaffThe NUJ has voiced strong support for the journalists' decision to strike, with union leaders backing the move as a way to send a clear message about the potential future of the Observer. Laura Davison, the NUJ’s general secretary-elect, emphasized the importance of the Observer in public life, saying the strike highlights journalists’ concerns about the title's future direction and the risks of its acquisition by Tortoise.As part of the proposed sale, Observer staff have been given the option of voluntary redundancy with enhanced terms or to transfer to Tortoise under the existing terms of their contracts. Anna Bateson, GMG’s managing director, reassured staff that talks regarding the sale would continue, with a focus on protecting Observer employees if the deal proceeds. Freelance contracts are also set to be extended until September 2025 before being renegotiated.The Scott Trust’s RoleThe Scott Trust, which owns the Guardian Media Group, has remained involved in discussions surrounding the sale. Ole Jacob Sunde, chair of the Scot
The Growing Struggle for Council Housing in Lincoln: Long Waits and Innovative Solutions The shortage of affordable council housing in Lincoln has become a pressing issue, with residents waiting months to secure a place. The city’s housing register reveals that over 300 individuals are currently in the highest-priority category, yet those seeking a one or two-bedroom property face waits of at least six months, and larger homes may take over a year to become available. This growing delay is expected to continue, according to the city’s director of housing and investment, Darren Turner.The Growing Demand for Council HousingThe root cause of this increasing demand lies in the skyrocketing costs of the private rental market, which have left many unable to afford private housing. As rent prices soar, more individuals and families are turning to the council as their only option for securing a stable home. In particular, even working families receiving housing benefits are struggling to keep up with the rising costs. Turner notes that more people are seeking council housing due to the financial strain in the private sector, which has left many feeling priced out of the market."Private rent has gone up exceptionally in the last few years, and more people are seeing the council as their only option. Even working families who receive housing benefits can’t keep up," Turner explains. The council is also faced with the challenge of replacing the homes lost through the Right to Buy scheme, with approximately 50 homes being sold each year.Long Waiting Times and a Supply-Demand CrisisThe demand for affordable housing is outpacing the supply, and Turner suggests that it will be difficult to see any improvement in waiting times without a significant shift in the market. "The length of wait on the housing register isn’t likely to get better any time soon. There needs to be a fundamental shift in the market and the amount of homes available, which isn’t a quick job," he warns.This issue is compounded by a lack of available land in Lincoln, which restricts the development of new housing. Turner points to the tight boundaries of the city and the difficulty of meeting Lincoln’s mandatory housing targets, which have been set by the government as part of a nationwide plan to build 1.5 million new homes across England in the next five years.Innovative Solutions to Combat the Housing ShortageIn response to the overwhelming demand and the limited land for new developments, Lincoln City Council is exploring innovative solutions. Turner mentions the possibilit
Nova Sports Secures Funding to Support Sports for Children with Disabilities A non-profit organization dedicated to providing sports sessions for children with disabilities has received funding through Children in Need. Nova Sports, founded seven years ago in Bath by husband and wife Jenny and Alex Johnson, was born from their shared passion for helping children and their background as students at the University of Bath.Jenny Johnson expressed her pride in the work Nova does, saying, “Every single day I go home and feel like I've made an important difference. I grew up playing sport without a disability, and it gave me so much. I believe every child should have the same opportunity.”Nova Sports has been awarded three years' worth of funding from Children in Need, which will support a variety of sports activities for children with disabilities across Bath, Somerset, and Bristol. The funding will help the organization continue to expand its reach, providing inclusive sports sessions designed to encourage physical activity and foster a sense of achievement for all participants.The support from Children in Need marks a significant milestone for Nova Sports, helping to ensure its continued impact in the local community. Through its programs, the organization strives to create a more inclusive environment for children with disabilities, promoting well-being, confidence, and social interaction through sport.