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Ben Gallagher, who set up Luxe Collective with his brother Joe, has spoken out after former employees claimed the business has closed down and made all staff members redundant

A luxury fashion business is shutting down just over a year after securing a £100,000 investment on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den. Luxe Collective, founded by brothers Ben and Joe Gallagher from Formby in 2018, had found success selling second-hand, high-end goods.

Following reports from former employees on TikTok claiming all staff had been made redundant, Ben has now confirmed the closure of Luxe Collective on the brand’s social media pages. Ben cited a break-in at the company’s Ormskirk warehouse in July last year as a significant factor in the decision, admitting he made subsequent choices that he now regrets. He assured customers that their queries about orders would be addressed in due course.

In a statement, Ben said: “Luxe Collective is closing down. I never thought I’d have to say this but the company I created seven years ago at just 18 years old will no longer exist. After a year-long fight after we were broken into last year, in which both me and my brother were doing all we could just to get us through to the next day, we are no longer able to continue”, reports the Liverpool Echo.

“The last year has been the most painful in my life and to be truly honest, whilst I’m talking to you now, I’m overwhelmed with relief – I’ve never been so mentally and physically drained, stressed and anxious. Fighting daily just to keep the lights on has really taken a lot out of us. We have tried every single avenue we possibly could to carry on – but we’ve finally been defeated.

“It’s easy for me to sit here and say the only reason as to why we’ve failed is the robbery. But that’s not entirely true. The break in not only affected the financial state of the company but also took such an emotional and mental toll on me and my brother which ultimately affected my leadership and strategic decision making.

“I made decisions that, in retrospect, I regret – they were not the right ones. I take 100% accountability for this – it’s on me. The criminals who broke in haven’t just ruined the company. They’ve ruined the livelihoods of not just me and my brother but all the amazing staff that we have had to make redundant and who’ve lost their jobs in the process.

“I want to thank everybody who, over the last seven years, has shown support to me, my brother and my company, whether that was engaging with our social media or using our service. All the team members who have been a part of Luxe Collective at any moment, especially in the last 12 months when things got tough and times were uncertain – thank you.

“We had some unbelievable talent in this building and if there’s any business watching this who are interested in taking new people on I’d be more than happy to provide a reference. Although we have failed in succeeding with this brand…there are still things that no one will be able to take away from me.

“I started this brand as a teenager and in the space of 7 years it was recognised all over the world and got the whole industry talking about us. We generated over £30M in revenue from starting in our bedroom with £0 investment. It took me all over the world to cities like Tokyo and New York. I went to fashion shows like Valentino and Hugo Boss in Milan.

“I reached over 3 million followers and 1 Billion Views on social media. I went on Grace Beverley’s podcast and met so many other amazing, super successful people “But most importantly, I built a relationship with my brother that would never have existed without going on this journey with him. Now, we’re both back to square one. Not left with much except the 7 years of priceless experience and a fresh head to start something new with..

“To any customers this may affect, please reach out through the appropriate channels, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. To everyone who is reaching out publicly and privately, you don’t understand how much it means during a time like this – thank you.”

The online community has been pouring out messages of encouragement after a heartfelt announcement, with former employee and influencer Ella Hewitt sharing: “I’ve cried for days about this and I’m not sure what else to say other than I’m so beyond proud of you both for the brand you built, the community we created, and thankful for the opportunity that you gave me.

“Luxe Collective saved my life, it will forever feel like my baby and I am so sad to see it come to an end. My love goes out to all the staff affected by this. Ben and Joe, 99% of us will never understand the decision or feelings you’re going through- what you achieved was truly incredible and I’m sure whatever you do next will be on another level. Love you guys.”

Ben’s videos showcasing the fashion industry’s ins and outs took the internet by storm, making Luxe Collective a viral hit while also enticing people to engage with the brand’s offerings. The allure of their content reached new heights in January 2024 when the company snagged a record-breaking £100,000 from entrepreneur Steven Bartlett on the hit series Dragon’s Den.

But in an unforeseen twist, Ben announced in July via the company’s social media platforms, divulging that their Ormskirk warehouse had been victim to cunning “professional group” culprits who managed to circumvent security and make off with half of their treasured stock last weekend.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police confirmed they received a report of a theft on Seafire Way in Ormskirk that Monday morning, July 22, stating enquiries were ongoing. By November, Ben revealed they had been compensated for the stolen items. Lancashire Police commented in the same month: “This crime has been investigated as far as reasonably possible and the case has been closed pending further investigative opportunities becoming available.”

Former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson is preparing to take part in charity football match, Soccer Aid, with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson

Sam Thompson’s best friend, Pete Wicks, joked about the upcoming Soccer Aid match as the former Made In Chelsea star risks an awkward moment with ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott’s new love interest, Louis Tomlinson. Love Island star Zara, who previously dated Sam for five years, moved on with the One Direction star and were pictured holding hands in recent weeks.

Radio star Sam, 32, has been keeping his mind busy from the split with dates and was recently seen sharing a smooch with yet another Love Islander, Samie Elishi, when they attended Olivia Attwood’s birthday party. Amid the new romances, Sam is getting ready to play for England in the chairty football match, Soccer Aid, in June.

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Both Sam and Louis, 33, are playing for England, which could result in an awkward run-in. Sam’s best friend Pete couldn’t help but tease him in their Staying Relevant podcast.

In a clip posted on their TikTok account on Thursday, Pete asked Sam: “You’re really going through it with the whole f****** body and dieting and training loads. Is that for Soccer Aid?”

Sam said he’s ‘loving it’ but it’s ‘not for the game’ as Pete added: “Are you sure it’s not for Soccer Aid? How are you feeling? You’re playing again. Must be really exciting.”

TOWIE star Pete went on: “How do you feel about the line up? Do you think you’ve got a strong team?” as Sam nervously laughed and agreed that they had a ‘strong team’.

Pete wouldn’t let it go and said: “Any kind of people in there who you’re looking forward to playing with?” with Sam answering: “Loads. Tom Grennan. I’m really looking forward to playing alongside Wayne Rooney, Tyson Fury’s the manager. I can’t wait'”

Pete then joked: “I mean that’s gonna be f****** amazing. Make sure you get him on side though because you may need him in your corner in case you fall out with anyone. Not that you will but just in case there’s any rivalries or anything.

“You know, you have to train together and it’s a lot, you know when you’re kind of in close quarters with someone like that. All sorts gets brought up. Anyway…”

It comes as Zara and Louis went Instagram official when the One Direction left a comment on one of her posts. Zara shared a picture of herself editing her new documentary series as she explained that she is feeling more ‘confident’ in front of the camera and gushed that she is ‘unbelievably excited’ for fans to watch.

She captioned the post: ” In the edit for my new series all about Thailand I’m so unbelievably excited about this one. I can’t believe I’ve been making documentaries for 5 years now… every year that goes by I feel my confidence in front of the camera, in my producing (and in myself!!) growing so much. I feel really proud of this, of our amazing team for creating such a special series with so much depth to it, exploring some pretty serious topics but also capturing the fun too.

“I learnt SO much making this programme. I cannot wait @bbcthree (Thailand will be out later this year after my stalking documentary which will be out this summer).”

Louis quickly took to the comments and wrote: ‘Proud of you x’.

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The Royal Horticultural Society has revealed it has named a new rose ‘Catherine’s Rose’ after the Princess of Wales in tribute to her love of nature with money raised from its sales going to a cancer charity

The Princess of Wales has had a rose named after her to highlight the healing power of nature – and to raise money for cancer care. It has been announced that the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has bestowed the name Catherine’s Rose on the flower to raise awareness of the role that spending time outdoors plays in supporting people’s mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Funds from the sale of Catherine’s Rose will go to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity to help ensure patients who need intensive support live well with, and beyond, cancer. Kate, who revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer in March last year, underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy and announced in September that she had completed her treatment.

She made a surprise visit in January to the Royal Marsden Hospital where she was treated and revealed she was in remission – and is now a joint patron of the hospital alongside husband Prince William. The floribunda rose, bred by Harkness Roses, has coral-pink blooms with a scent of Turkish Delight and mango.

The RHS said its flowers will attract pollinators and will thrive in a mixed border, as a hedge, in a large container or in a rose bed. Kate, who joined the rest of the royals at the VE Day 80th anniversary concert last night, has long advocated the benefits of spending time in the natural world, previously revealing how nature became her family’s ‘sanctuary’ in the wake of her diagnosis and during her chemotherapy treatment.

In a post to mark Mother’s Day earlier this year, she said: “Let us celebrate Mother Nature and recognise how our bond with the natural world can help not only nurture our inner selves, but remind us too of the role we play within the rich tapestry of life.”

Clare Matterson, RHS director general, said: “As well as supporting the incredible work of The Royal Marsden, Catherine’s Rose will raise awareness of how nature and gardening can help to heal. We know how important this message is as every day we see how accessing nature and being outside is vital for our health and happiness.

“Crucially too, Harkness Roses has done a wonderful job breeding this spectacular rose that is going to bring so much joy to all our nation’s gardeners and keep our precious pollinators buzzing too. It’s a really special rose.”

Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As a specialist cancer centre, The Royal Marsden’s mission is to ensure every patient has the care and support they need to achieve the best outcome and patient experience.

“Every rose sold will help The Royal Marsden establish a unique training programme for clinical teams across the country in prehabilitation and rehabilitation techniques which make such a difference to patient care.”

The roses will be available to purchase on roses.co.uk and rhsplants.co.uk from Friday, with a bare root rose costing £29.99 and a potted plant priced at £34.99. There will be 15,000 Catherine’s Rose available in 2025 and for every plant sold, £5 will be donated to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Vanishing Twin Syndrome is a type of miscarriage estimated to happen in 36% of twin pregnancies, where the affected baby is absorbed by the surviving twin or the mother’s body

Olivia Bowen has opened up about her devastating experience of losing a child to mark Maternal Mental Health Week. The 31-year-old and her husband, Alex, discovered they were pregnant with twins at six weeks, before suffering Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS) a fortnight later.

This heartbreaking condition occurs when one twin in a multiple pregnancy vanishes, leaving a single embryo behind. It is a type of miscarriage estimated to happen in 36% of twin pregnancies, where the affected baby is absorbed by the surviving twin or the mother’s body.

Olivia and Alex, parents to two-year-old Abel Jacob, are expecting the surviving twin and their second child this summer. Reflecting on the ordeal, Olivia said she’d felt the ‘most complicated batch of emotions’ she’d ever known.

“I have battled with depression and anxiety for most of my teen years onwards, and when I felt its ugly head rising stronger than I’d ever felt when I was pregnant with Abel, I was absolutely terrified,” the former Love Island contestant said on Instagram yesterday.

“I felt like that darkness was taking over and pulling me down with both paws. I felt it again after giving birth, have felt it intermittently throughout motherhood. It’s not just the hormones, it’s the whole expectation, the change, and the world feeling different to what you have experienced your whole life.

“Then fast forward to this year, losing one of our precious babies to Vanishing Twin Syndrome and going through the most complicated batch of emotions I’ve ever felt.” Despite these hardships, Olivia said she was utterly astounded by the responses of other women who had suffered similar experiences. She continued: “Never be ashamed of your emotions. It is the most incredible thing about you – being able to feel so deeply.

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“It is so scary to be so vulnerable, isn’t it? This is a crazy ride and sometimes it’s beautiful and rewarding and sometimes it’s cruel and confusing. I’m here for you all. Please look after the women and mothers in your life.”

Earlier this year, Olivia also spoke about her VTS ordeal on Loose Women. While Olivia experienced no VTS symptoms at all, the Cleveland Clinic suggests that light bleeding, cramps, and pain in both the back and pelvis can be a cause for concern.

The condition is usually caused by abnormalities in one twin’s DNA, which hinder its growth. Unfortunately, these are typically present at conception and cannot be altered or controlled. “If the embryo disappears in the first trimester, neither you nor your surviving foetus will likely experience any complications,” the clinic explains.

“Your pregnancy will continue as usual… It’s possible to be pregnant with multiples and to miscarry one or more of the embryos before your first pregnancy ultrasound. In this case, neither you nor your provider will know you were pregnant with twins or triplets.”

Although Olivia’s pregnancy has caused her a great deal of stress, she shared a poignant thought that brings some comfort. On Loose Women, she explained: “The one beautiful part of it that I try to hold on to is that they do absorb into your body.