Latest news with #JohnBeckett
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Boss of Bournemouth-based home insulation firm jailed for fraud
The director of a home insulation company who encouraged his sales staff to "systematically" bully and lie to vulnerable customers has been Beckett – whose businesses were the subject of a BBC Rip Off Britain investigation in 2018 – was found guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court of two counts of fraudulent said the 41-year-old's two firms, NRG Installs Ltd and The Insulate Group Ltd, turned over £8m between 2017 and 2018 before they closed. Becket, of Canford Magna, Poole, was sentenced to six years and six months in prison. Officers identified 28 victims of Beckett's companies - operating from a call centre in Hinton Road, Bournemouth - around the also uncovered scripts used by his staff containing unsubstantiated and misleading included claims they could reduce a customer's heating bill by 40%, falsely stating that prices could be reduced via age-related discount codes, and charging different amounts for the same products. Unbeknown to police at the time, the BBC was also investigating Beckett and he was captured discussing changing his companies' corporate identity and feigning a mental illness to stop the programme being aired. 'Lengthy investigation' Det Insp Jamie Halford, of Dorset Police, said: "Our investigation found that Beckett was operating two corrupt and fraudulent businesses. "He encouraged his sales staff to persistently and systematically lie in order to deceive, mislead and bully customers who were known to be vulnerable in order to make as much money as possible."This was a lengthy investigation, which saw us work with various Trading Standards teams across the country and expert chartered surveyors in order to build a strong case against Beckett."The work of Beckett's companies had a lasting effect on some victims, who encountered difficulties when trying to sell their properties due to the spray foam that was installed when it was not required." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
We live in UK's ‘CHEAPEST' seaside town dubbed ‘Costa Notta Lotta' where homes right next to beach sell for just £20,000
Locals told The Sun the real reason homes are selling at bargain prices BEACH YOU TO IT BEACH YOU TO IT We live in UK's 'CHEAPEST' seaside town dubbed 'Costa Notta Lotta' where homes right next to beach sell for just £20,000 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IN a stunning British seaside town dubbed "Costa Notta Lotta" - it's not just the fish and chips that's going cheap. With a gorgeous sandy beach, amusement arcades and cafes along the pier, it's hard to believe houses sell for as little £20,000 - but locals told The Sun exactly why. 12 Redcar in Cleveland is the cheapest seaside resort in the country to buy property Credit: NNP 12 The town was once home to thousands of steel workers before furnaces closed Credit: NNP 12 John Beckett who spoke to The Sun was born and bred in Redcar Credit: NNP 12 Redcar has miles of stunning coastline along the North Sea Credit: NNP Redcar, on the North Yorkshire coast, was once a bustling town, home to thousands of steel workers and famous for Lemon Top ice cream - a cone of vanilla ice cream topped with lemon sorbet first created there in 1924. But since the furnaces closed in 2015, locals say there is less demand for housing, meaning properties are cheap to buy - with a one-bed flat selling for as little as £20,000. Retired pipe fitter John Beckett, 76, told The Sun: "I am born and bred in Redcar. Lived here all my life, but it's changed since I was a kid." Sitting in the spring sunshine on a prom bench looking out to sea, he said: "It was a busy seaside town back then, but it has gone right down now. "That is why the house prices are so reasonable. Along the coast, in Saltburn and Whitby, that is where the expensive houses and flats are. "We have lost a lot of industry, like British Steel, so houses are not so much in demand." Redcar, with a population of just 37,000, has a higher than the national average child poverty rate with unemployment levels being the fifth highest in the UK - due to the loss of 3,000 steel jobs. John added: "It's a nice bit of coastline, though, I like it here. I like the town. There used to be shows on the beach when I was a kid, but no longer. "We've got that vertical pier thing, but that's not gone down well." We visit here all the time, but if we were going to move to live at a seaside resort it would be Blackpool. Kath Webber The vertical pier - named the Redcar Beacon - is a pier that goes up towards the sky, offering views of the beach and sea. Popular seaside town hit with severe red alert flood warning as thousands of Brits urged to 'act now' and 'stay away' Day-trippers Cliff and Kath Webber, from nearby Middlesbrough, were enjoying ice creams on the prom during their weekly visit. Retired checkout girl Kath, 73, said: "I'm surprised that Redcar is the cheapest place to get a house, it's a lovely spot, and I thought it would have been dearer than some other places I could mention. "We visit here all the time, but if we were going to move to live at a seaside resort it would be Blackpool." Husband Cliff, 77, a retired railway worker, added: "Redcar is a great town and we do enjoy our visits here." 'Nice investment' Marcus Pacitto, 59, owns family run cafe and ice cream emporium Pacittos on the seafront - famous as the first to ever serve a Lemon Top. Marcus, busy making a fresh batch of ice cream, said: "We've been making ice cream for one hundred years in Redcar. "Redcar has a lovely beach but the reason properties are so cheap is because it is a run down seaside town. "Years and years ago Redcar used to be very busy and Saltburn, up the road, was a little town that got left alone. "But the council, in their wisdom, knocked nice buildings down and put monstrosities up in their place, leaving Saltburn with its charm. "They are still knocking down things and digging up things. "I'd like to think Redcar is a nice investment for people wanting to buy a seaside home.' 12 Day-trippers Cliff and Kath Webber enjoying ice creams on the prom Credit: NNP 12 There is no fighting for a good spot on this beach where locals relax in peace Credit: NNP 12 Marcus Pacitto, 59, owns family run cafe and ice cream emporium Pacittos on the seafront - famous as the first to ever serve a Lemon Top Credit: NNP 12 Some of the beach houses are being sold for a bargain price Credit: NNP 12 But not all of the locals are so positive about their home. "The best thing about Redcar is the road out of here,' joked metal fabricator Gary Lee. "I have lived in Redcar all my life, but it has got worse since I was a kid there's nowt to do,' said the 45-year-old. "But I wouldn't move from here, because I don't like change. "It's still got its attractions and so maybe it would be a good move for some people looking for a cheap holiday home." I have lived in Redcar all my life, but it has got worse since I was a kid there's nowt to do. Gary Lee Andrew Hall, 34, managing director of PH Estate Agents, based in the seaside resort, said: 'Let's be honest - who doesn't want to live by the sea? "But these days, coastal homes usually come with eye-watering price tags. Redcar offers the best value for money for a range of property types. That's where Redcar's different. "Our town offers seriously good value for money, and you get way more than just a home. "We've got the North East's best fish and chips (yeah, I said it), and we invented the Lemon Top ice cream - if you know, you know! "Sure, our vertical pier splits opinion like Marmite, but that's what makes Redcar interesting. "We're not just another seaside town - we've got character, community, and prices that won't make you choke on your chips. Redcar is the 'coast with the most!" Once known as a fishing village, Redcar also boasts a popular horse racing course, drawing punters in. It's hoped new investments announced in 2024 will still go ahead, meaning cheap property could provide a great return in the future. 12 Redcar Racecourse draws thousands of punters Credit: PA 12 The resort has plenty of beaches where visitors enjoy chips or ice cream with a view Credit: NNP
The Sun
06-05-2025
- The Sun
We live in UK's ‘CHEAPEST' seaside town dubbed ‘Costa Notta Lotta' where homes right next to beach sell for just £20,000
IN a stunning British seaside town dubbed "Costa Notta Lotta" - it's not just the fish and chips that's going cheap. With a gorgeous sandy beach, amusement arcades and cafes along the pier, it's hard to believe houses sell for as little £20,000 - but locals told The Sun exactly why. 11 11 11 Redcar, on the North Yorkshire coast, was once a bustling town, home to thousands of steel workers and famous for Lemon Top ice cream - a cone of vanilla ice cream topped with lemon sorbet first created there in 1924. But since the furnaces closed in 2015, locals say there is less demand for housing, meaning properties are cheap to buy - with a one-bed flat selling for as little as £20,000. Retired pipe fitter John Beckett, 76, told The Sun: "I am born and bred in Redcar. Lived here all my life, but it's changed since I was a kid." Sitting in the spring sunshine on a prom bench looking out to sea, he said: "It was a busy seaside town back then, but it has gone right down now. "That is why the house prices are so reasonable. Along the coast, in Saltburn and Whitby, that is where the expensive houses and flats are. "We have lost a lot of industry, like British Steel, so houses are not so much in demand." Redcar, with a population of just 37,000, has a higher than the national average child poverty rate with unemployment levels being the fifth highest in the UK - due to the loss of 3,000 steel jobs. John added: "It's a nice bit of coastline, though, I like it here. I like the town. There used to be shows on the beach when I was a kid, but no longer. "We've got that vertical pier thing, but that's not gone down well." We visit here all the time, but if we were going to move to live at a seaside resort it would be Blackpool. Kath Webber The vertical pier - named the Redcar Beacon - is a pier that goes up towards the sky, offering views of the beach and sea. Popular seaside town hit with severe red alert flood warning as thousands of Brits urged to 'act now' and 'stay away' Day-trippers Cliff and Kath Webber, from nearby Middlesbrough, were enjoying ice creams on the prom during their weekly visit. Retired checkout girl Kath, 73, said: "I'm surprised that Redcar is the cheapest place to get a house, it's a lovely spot, and I thought it would have been dearer than some other places I could mention. "We visit here all the time, but if we were going to move to live at a seaside resort it would be Blackpool." Husband Cliff, 77, a retired railway worker, added: "Redcar is a great town and we do enjoy our visits here." 'Nice investment' Marcus Pacitto, 59, owns family run cafe and ice cream emporium Pacittos on the seafront - famous as the first to ever serve a Lemon Top. Marcus, busy making a fresh batch of ice cream, said: "We've been making ice cream for one hundred years in Redcar. "Redcar has a lovely beach but the reason properties are so cheap is because it is a run down seaside town. "Years and years ago Redcar used to be very busy and Saltburn, up the road, was a little town that got left alone. "But the council, in their wisdom, knocked nice buildings down and put monstrosities up in their place, leaving Saltburn with its charm. "They are still knocking down things and digging up things. "I'd like to think Redcar is a nice investment for people wanting to buy a seaside home.' 11 11 But not all of the locals are so positive about their home. "The best thing about Redcar is the road out of here,' joked metal fabricator Gary Lee. "I have lived in Redcar all my life, but it has got worse since I was a kid there's nowt to do,' said the 45-year-old. "But I wouldn't move from here, because I don't like change. "It's still got its attractions and so maybe it would be a good move for some people looking for a cheap holiday home." I have lived in Redcar all my life, but it has got worse since I was a kid there's nowt to do. Gary Lee Andrew Hall, 34, managing director of PH Estate Agents, based in the seaside resort, said: 'Let's be honest - who doesn't want to live by the sea? "But these days, coastal homes usually come with eye-watering price tags. Redcar offers the best value for money for a range of property types. That's where Redcar's different. "Our town offers seriously good value for money, and you get way more than just a home. "We've got the North East's best fish and chips (yeah, I said it), and we invented the Lemon Top ice cream - if you know, you know! "Sure, our vertical pier splits opinion like Marmite, but that's what makes Redcar interesting. "We're not just another seaside town - we've got character, community, and prices that won't make you choke on your chips. Redcar is the 'coast with the most!" Once known as a fishing village, Redcar also boasts a popular horse racing course, drawing punters in. It's hoped new investments announced in 2024 will still go ahead, meaning cheap property could provide a great return in the future. 11 11 11
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ChannelSight.AI Launches Next-Generation AI Platform to Supercharge eCommerce Sales and Market Insights
DUBLIN, March 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ChannelSight, a market-leading 'Where to Buy' and Digital Shelf platform, today announces the launch of a next-generation AI-powered predictive analytics platform that empowers brands to boost online sales, optimize digital shelf performance, and gain unprecedented visibility into the eCommerce consumer journey. ChannelSight has developed massive proprietary data sets and market intelligence over the course of its 12 years of successfully making content shoppable for brands, and has now combined that with powerful AI to create clear, prioritized, and actionable recommendations for sellers. The predictive capabilities from range from determining which channels are apt to outperform to identifying opportunity areas to increase revenue and competitive performance. This will be transformative for brands seeking improved eCommerce performance. "Brands are overwhelmed with data but starved of truly actionable insights. is the breakthrough they need," said John Beckett, CEO and Co-Founder of ChannelSight. "By leveraging our unique market intelligence and proprietary data from working with over 500 global brands, we've built an AI-driven platform that removes guesswork, accelerates decision-making, and delivers tangible revenue impact, in ways that were simply impossible in the past." In an era when over 70% of eCommerce leaders say implementing AI is crucial for success, is a timely game-changer. Backed by ChannelSight's extensive market intelligence and track record - helping brands like Philips, Haier, and Colgate achieve significant lifts in online revenue -this reimagined platform enables eCommerce teams proactively shape their digital strategies for maximum growth. Revolutionizing eCommerce with Predictive Intelligence Today's brands face an urgent need for clarity and control amid fierce competition and rapidly changing market conditions. Common challenges include: Limited visibility into the consumer journey, causing lost sales opportunities. Failure to convert engaged users before they're distracted by competitors. Fragmented return on investment (ROI) tracking, hindering efficient marketing budget optimization. Siloed data across retailers and regions, preventing a cohesive global strategy. Reactive decision-making, forcing brands to play catch-up instead of leading. solves these challenges through AI-driven market understanding, continuously learning and refining recommendations based on ChannelSight's unique, proprietary data, so brands can predict, prioritize, and profit at every turn. Key Capabilities of Predictive Digital Shelf Analytics Monitor product performance across all online retailers and receive real-time alerts on emerging issues. Identify which products are losing out to competitors and take immediate action - from pricing adjustments to promotion optimization. Brands can leverage a chat feature to access recommendations and reports anytime, as if they have a full data and market analyst team available 24/7. Customer Journey Optimization Tie together data from a brand's website, marketing channels, and retailer sales to pinpoint exactly where consumers abandon their purchase. Seamlessly insert "Buy Now" links at critical touchpoints to boost conversion rates. Actionable Performance Insights Review a unified dashboard that offers both quick overviews and deep dives into real-time revenue, marketing ROI, and consumer sentiment trends. Customize reports or integrate them into your existing systems via robust APIs. Proven Sales Lift Building on ChannelSight's proven 'Where to Buy' technology, which has driven billions of dollars of additional revenue for its brand clients, combines all the company's expertise into a single AI platform that reliably converts insights into revenue. Proactive, Revenue-Focused Strategy Predicting trends rather than reacting to historical data. allows brands to fine-tune pricing, optimize campaigns, and stay ahead of inventory demands. Every recommendation is tied to a predicted revenue impact, making it easy to prioritize high-value actions. 'See in Action' is now available to brands and manufacturers worldwide. To explore how it can transform your digital commerce strategy, book a personalized demo or join our exclusive "AI Meets eCommerce" webinar on April 10, 2025. Attendees will witness a live demonstration of game-changing predictive analytics capabilities and discover how to harness them for peak performance - well before the competitive holiday season. Register here: About ChannelSight Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, ChannelSight is a leading eCommerce intelligence platform dedicated to making the world instantly shoppable. From "Where to Buy" purchase enablement to advanced digital shelf analytics, ChannelSight's solutions help brands and retailers boost conversions, gain actionable insights, and deliver superior online experiences for users across all digital channels. Trusted by hundreds of global brands, ChannelSight simplifies buying journeys and drives sustainable eCommerce growth. View source version on Contacts Media Inquiries Cathal Jones, Chief Commercial Officer, ChannelSightEmail: Sign in to access your portfolio
