At CES 2026, SwitchBot is using the onero H1 concept robot to make a clear statement about where it thinks smart homes are headed. Specifically, it’s focusing less on adding another…
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Wedgwood workers return to factory after three-month pause
Firms which went bust in 2025 included Royal Stafford and Heraldic Pottery as well as Moorcroft Pottery, which was later bought by the grandson of the firm’s founder.
In September, Fiskars Group said the Wedgwood shutdown was happening “to address elevated inventory levels caused by lower consumer demand in some of our key markets”.
The Wedgwood site produces high-end and bespoke designs, including handcrafted fine bone china pieces and Jasperware, a type of pottery developed in the 18th Century by founder Josiah Wedgwood.
At the time of the shutdown, Tom Hammersley, marketing manager at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said the drop in demand came against a backdrop of increasing costs.
Mr Hammersley said: “Wedgwood has huge global demand in areas including China and Japan. If that demand is slowing, and married with the increasing costs, it is a huge concern.”
Dr Allison Gardner, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, had said she wanted to reassure people that it was “not something to worry about” and that the shutdown was “a simple response to seasonal fluctuations”.
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How much snow will the North West get this month?
PA MediaThe North West was hit by snow in January 2025, days after widespread flooding Multiple snow and ice warnings were issued for the North West over the weekend, and more could be on the way this week, the Met Office has said.
The forecaster…
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Actor Mickey Rourke turns to fans to help pay back rent, avoid eviction
Monday, January 5, 2026 6:22AM
Actor Mickey Rourke is turning to GoFundMe to pay more than $59,000 in back rent.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the crowdfunding drive launched on Sunday morning with his full permission.
The page says the money…
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Government on lightning incident at Mphebatho troop festival in Dertig, North West
Government expresses deep sympathy following the incident that occurred during the annual Mphebatho Troop Festival at Dertig Sports Ground in the North West on Saturday afternoon, 3 January 2026.
The incident, caused by a lightning strike,…
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The rave themed run club making exercise at night safer
One of Worcestershire’s newest run clubs, which mixes rave culture and exercise, has made keeping fit during dark evenings safer for women, children, and even dogs and men.
Tom Adams, a stonemason by trade, started Worcester’s Rave Run Club in…
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Grant helps Leicestershire NHS trust buy fitness equipment for patients
“Alongside this, our patients benefit from a broad range of support, including our dedicated physical health nursing team, GP, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, enhanced therapy garden space, smoking cessation services, and substance use…
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Portsmouth surgeon who ‘stripped naked in cubicle’ struck off
Dr Stefan, a colorectal surgeon, was also found to have tried to kiss another colleague and exposed himself to him.
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) panel also found he repeatedly tried to touch the thigh and penis of a third…
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Nuneaton gym hopes to find new site as it faces demolition
An organisation that runs a gym in Nuneaton has said it is confident of finding a new venue in the town despite its current building being earmarked for demolition.
Nuneaton and Bedworth Leisure Trust (NBLT) has used the building on Leicester…
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Visitor numbers revealed for Leicester’s new Jewry Wall Museum
However, Green Party city councillor Patrick Kitterick said he had concerns about the venue’s long-term viability.
“It’s a great facility and the staff are lovely but there are two things that undercut the business model.
“The first is that the…
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