Brits’ financial confidence boost

Households’ hopes for their personal finances over the next 12 months improved in February, reaching close to levels seen before the coronavirus lockdowns started, according to an index. The findings could signal a confidence among some households to spend as coronavirus restrictions ease, helping economic recovery.

The consumer confidence index compiled by market research company GFK (Growth from Knowledge), recorded an overall score of minus 23.

While this indicates that attitudes remain negative, it is a five point improvement on a reading of minus 28 in January.

The survey takes into account how consumers feel about their own financial situation as well as the wider economy.

The part of the index measuring how people feel about their financial situation over the next 12 months moved from a score of two in January to four in February – just two points lower than it was in February 2020, the month before the UK coronavirus lockdowns started.

Music fans missing

Glastonbury can still get a taste of the festival – through a cheese from the dairy herd that grazes on the site at Pilton, Somerset. Festival founder and farmer Michael Eavis has launched Worthy Farm Reserve Cheddar (320g) – only at the Co-op – for £3. Glasto’s iconic Pyramid Stage features on the packaging, and you have a chance to win tickets to the next festival.

RAISE your glasses to Villa Ascenti Rosa. The homegrown distilled gin from Italy offers the distinctive taste of ripe peaches, sourced from the hills of Piedmont and can be found in Sainsbury’s and online for £35.

LINWOODS has launched a new crunchy seed cluster range to bring natural goodness to cereals, yoghurts, porridge and overnight oats. The vegetarianfriendly range includes Flaxseed & Nuts, Flaxseed & Cranberries, and Pumpkin & Chia Seed. They are available from linwoodshealth foods.com, Waitrose and Planet Organic, and are soon to be rolled out into Sainsbury’s, Ocado and Holland & Barrett. RRP £3.99.