lifestyle
Shopping The winning (Which?) brands of 2022 The winners of the annual Which? Awards have been announced, recognising and celebrating brands that go the extra mile for customers. This year, the judges looked closely at how brands have dealt with the cost of living crisis. Value for money, along with exemplary products and customer service, determined the companies worthy of the top prize. The latest awards also saw the launch of the first Which? Sustainability Champion honorary award, scooped up by a brand with ambitious plans to lower its carbon footprint. Here’s who won what…
Banking brand of the year: Starling Bank Why? For great customer service through their
Car brand of the year: Kia Why? Affordability, value for money and for its marketleading warranty.
Home technology brand of the year: Samsung Why? Value for money and reliability for regular security updates of its products.
Home entertainment brand of the year: LG Why? For its high-quality products.
Large kitchen appliance brand of the year:
communication, transparency of charges and ‘easy to use’ mobile banking app.
Insurance brand of the year: NFU Mutual Why? Exemplary service, demonstrated by its customer Retailer of the year: Richer Sounds Why? ‘Remarkable’ value for money and generous
Fairness for Customers. Was also named as a vulnerable consumer champion.
Kitchen and household products brand of the year: Kenwood Why? For efficiency and value for money.
Travel brand of the year: Jet2 Why? Excellent customer service and value for money
service and claims scores.
Why? Competitively priced deals, signing up to Ofcom's
Samsung Why? Reliability of its appliances.
Trusted Trader of the year: Inspiration Computers Why? Fantastic customer communications, high-quality servicing and great value for money.
product guarantees.
Sustainability Champion of the year: Exodus Travels Why? Reducing its carbon footprint and expanding its
Utilities brand of the year: Tesco Mobile
rail bookings so customers don't necessarily have to fly to their destination.
Top tip When you’re planning the weekly shop it can be tempting to stock your fridge/ freezer to capacity, however doing so can actually cause your electricity bill to hike unexpectedly. According to the Energy Saving Trust, fridges work best at three-quarters full as this allows the air to circulate freely - so aim for that and if needed fill empty space with bottles of tap water. This has the added benefit of meaning you don’t need to run the cold tap for extra time to get something cool to drink, saving water and possibly money too if you’re on a meter.
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TEEN JOURNALING Faye Cox Coaching has launched a new ‘Confidence Boost Journal’ for tweens and teens, priced at £15.99. It has been designed to support young people through difficult years and promotes positivity, confidence and self-esteem using proven techniques to deal with big emotions. It also highlights how to develop a growth mindset so they can thrive both personally and academically. For details or to purchase visit neartail. com/gb/fayecoxcoachingproducts and for details on Faye’s coaching see fayecoxcoaching.co.uk
July 2022 Life in... Orpington 31
