Why Silent Times Make Business Sense for Retailers and Restaurants

In recent years, many retailers and hospitality venues have made genuine efforts to become more inclusive. 

Step-free access, clearer signage and staff awareness training have all helped. 

However, one simple, low-cost adjustment remains underused: daily silent times.

Introducing a set silent period of up to two hours each day, where background music is switched off and unnecessary announcements are reduced, can make a profound difference for customers with hearing difficulties, autism spectrum conditions (ASD) and other sensory sensitivities. Crucially, it is not just a compassionate move – it is also a smart commercial decision.

The Problem With Noise in Commercial Spaces

Modern retail and dining environments are often overwhelming. Music, promotional announcements, kitchen noise, clattering crockery, multiple conversations and echoing spaces all combine to create a constant wall of sound.

For many customers, this is mildly irritating. For others, it is actively exclusionary.

People with hearing aids often struggle in noisy environments, where background sound competes with speech.

Autistic customers may find sensory overload distressing, leading to anxiety or the need to leave quickly.

Older customers, people with tinnitus, PTSD, or sensory processing differences can experience similar difficulties.

When noise becomes a barrier, customers simply stop coming.

Silent Times: A Practical and Predictable Solution

A daily silent period works best when it is consistent and clearly advertised. For example:

Every day from 2pm–4pm

No background music

Reduced or paused tannoy announcements

Softer lighting where possible

Staff aware that this is a low-sensory period

Predictability matters. Customers who need quieter environments can plan their shopping or meals with confidence, rather than relying on occasional “quiet hours” that vary by day or location.

Why This Is Good for Business

1. You Attract Customers Who Are Currently Excluded

Many people with sensory sensitivities actively avoid busy shops, malls and restaurants. By offering silent times, you are not redistributing existing footfall – you are unlocking a new and loyal customer base.

2. You Build Trust and Loyalty

Customers who feel genuinely considered are far more likely to return, recommend your business, and choose you over competitors. Inclusivity builds long-term brand loyalty, not just short-term goodwill.

3. It Costs Almost Nothing

Unlike major refurbishments or new technology, silent times are operationally simple:

Turning off music costs nothing

Reducing announcements costs nothing

Brief staff awareness costs very little

The return on investment is disproportionately high.

4. It Improves the Experience for Everyone

Quiet periods are often appreciated by:

Parents with young children

People working remotely who want a calm café

Shoppers who simply prefer a less hectic environment

Many businesses find that silent times become unexpectedly popular with a broad range of customers.

Restaurants and Cafés: A Special Opportunity

For restaurants, noise can be a decisive factor. Customers with hearing loss or sensory sensitivities may avoid dining out altogether because conversation becomes exhausting or stressful.

A daily silent dining window:

Makes meals more enjoyable and less fatiguing

Encourages longer stays and repeat visits

Differentiates your venue in a crowded market

Clear communication is key. Menus, websites and window signage should all highlight the silent period so customers know exactly when to visit.

Meeting Social Responsibility Without Making a Song and Dance About It

Importantly, silent times do not need to be framed as a “special concession”. They work best when they are presented as a normal part of how the business operates.

This avoids singling people out and reinforces the idea that inclusive design benefits everyone.

A Small Change With a Big Impact

Retailers, shopping centres and restaurants often talk about accessibility, but accessibility is not only about ramps and lifts. Sound matters.

By committing to a daily silent period of up to two hours, businesses can:

Remove a significant barrier to access

Demonstrate genuine inclusion

Increase customer loyalty and dwell time

Strengthen their reputation as thoughtful, modern organisations

In an increasingly competitive environment, the businesses that thrive will be those that recognise one simple truth: comfort is not a luxury – it is good business.

Cooler “Eco” Dishwasher Cycles in Commercial Kitchens: A Hidden Infection Risk for Vulnerable People

Across the UK, commercial kitchens are under intense pressure to cut energy use. 

Rising utility bills, net-zero commitments, and sustainability policies mean that eco settings on commercial dishwashers are increasingly treated as the default rather than the exception.

In many workplaces, that change is well-intentioned. In some environments, it may even be entirely appropriate.

But in others, particularly where vulnerable people are being fed or cared for, cooler, lower-energy dishwasher cycles can quietly increase the risk of infection if they are used without proper controls, validation, and staff training.

This is not an argument against sustainability. It is an argument for risk-based decision-making, not blanket cost-cutting.

Why commercial dishwashing is a safety issue, not just a cleaning task

In a domestic setting, dishwashing is mostly about appearance and convenience. In a commercial environment, it is part of food safety and infection control.

Commercial warewashing relies on a balance of four factors:

Temperature (wash and final rinse)

Chemicals (detergent, rinse aid, sometimes sanitiser)

Mechanical action (spray pressure and coverage)

Time (adequate contact at the right conditions)

Traditional commercial systems often rely heavily on thermal disinfection, particularly a hot final rinse, to reduce microbial contamination on plates, cutlery, cups, and utensils.

When eco modes reduce temperatures, shorten effective contact, or slow heat recovery, that balance changes—and unless the system has been properly validated, hygiene performance may fall without being obvious.

Who is most at risk?

Lower wash temperatures don’t usually affect the healthiest customers first. The people most at risk are those with reduced ability to fight infection, including:

Residents of care homes and supported living

Hospital patients, including outpatient and day-care services

Nurseries and early years settings

People receiving meals on wheels or community food provision

Individuals with compromised immune systems, chronic illness, or advanced age

For these groups, even low-level contamination can contribute to outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness or secondary infections—especially when combined with other pressures on staffing, cleaning, and food handling.

How eco dishwasher settings can create real-world problems

1. Reduced thermal disinfection

Many commercial machines are designed so that the final rinse temperature plays a key role in hygiene. If eco mode lowers that temperature—or if the machine struggles to reach it during busy service—the disinfection step may be weakened.

2. Poor removal of grease and protein soils

Cooler water is less effective at breaking down fats and proteins. Combined with:

Heavy soiling

Inadequate scraping

Overloaded racks

Blocked spray arms or filters

this can lead to biofilm build-up inside the machine and on items that look clean but are not hygienically safe.

3. Greater dependence on perfect chemical dosing

Eco cycles often rely on chemistry to compensate for lower temperatures. If:

Detergent dosing is incorrect

Rinse aid runs out

Pumps are poorly calibrated

Staff use the wrong products

cleaning performance can drop sharply with little visual warning.

4. Pressure during peak service

Eco modes may work on paper, but struggle in practice when:

Incoming water is cold (common in winter)

The machine cannot recover heat between loads

Back-to-back cycles are run continuously

This leads to inconsistent results—some loads fine, others borderline.

5. The cultural risk: “saving energy at all costs”

Perhaps the biggest danger is behavioural. When “eco” becomes a managerial priority without clear boundaries, it can encourage:

Skipped pre-scraping

Infrequent filter cleaning

Ignored warning lights or alarms

Hand-drying wet items with tea towels

Reluctance to report faults

That is where infection risk really accelerates.

The knock-on effect: cross-contamination

A dishwasher that underperforms doesn’t just affect one plate.

Contamination can spread through:

Shared cutlery and cups

Serving utensils and jugs

Trays and reusable containers

Staff hands during unloading and stacking

Cloths used to “finish drying” items

Cooler cycles that leave items wet can actively encourage unsafe handling practices.

UK compliance: where assumptions become a liability

In the UK, food businesses and care providers are expected to operate safe systems, not hopeful ones.

While regulations don’t ban eco modes, Environmental Health Officers will expect you to demonstrate that:

Your warewashing process achieves effective cleaning and disinfection

Equipment is maintained and fit for purpose

Staff are trained and supervised

Risks to vulnerable service users have been assessed and controlled

If an outbreak occurs, “we were trying to save energy” is not a defensible position without evidence that hygiene standards were still being met.

Good practice for high-risk settings (care, health, education)

1. Use a risk-based cycle policy

Not all loads are equal.

Eco cycles may be acceptable for lightly soiled items, where validated

Standard or high-temperature cycles should be used for:

Heavily soiled items

Items exposed to high-risk foods

Services feeding vulnerable people

Document this in your food safety management system.

2. Make performance visible

Train staff to check:

Wash and rinse temperatures

Visual cleanliness

Odours or residue

Drying performance

In regulated environments, maintain appropriate records.

3. Maintain the machine aggressively

Eco mode cannot compensate for poor maintenance.

Clean filters and scrap trays daily (or per shift)

Descale regularly, especially in hard-water areas

Service chemical dosing systems

Act immediately on faults or alarms

4. Train staff properly

Most warewashing failures are human, not mechanical.

Focus on:

Correct loading

Avoiding over-stacking

Using the right racks

Keeping spray arms clear

Knowing when eco mode is not appropriate

5. Avoid false economies

If eco mode leads to rewashing, hand-washing, or towel-drying, you may be increasing:

Labour costs

Water use

Infection risk

while saving very little energy.

A safeguarding issue, not just an operational one

For organisations serving vulnerable people, dishwashing is part of duty of care.

Eco settings can still play a role—but only when:

The machine is designed for low-temperature hygiene

The cycle has been validated in real conditions

Staff are trained and supported

Hygiene is prioritised over headline savings

The business bottom line

Sustainability and safety are not opposites—but safety must always come first.

Eco dishwasher settings used without proper controls risk becoming a quiet weak point in infection prevention, particularly in care homes, hospitals, nurseries, and community food provision.

A genuinely responsible business saves energy without compromising hygiene, especially when the people affected may have no choice about where or what they eat.

Civil Air Support Searches for Missing Person along the River Tay in Perthshire

Image courtesy CAS

Following a request for support from a Perth family, and acting on the guidance of our national Search Advisory Group, Civil Air Support crews are conducting an extensive airborne search in the Perth area. 

As with all CAS search operations, this activity is fully co ordinated with the Aeronautical Rescue Co ordination Centre (ARCC).

The primary search area covers the stretch of the River Tay between Smeaton’s Bridge and Mugdrum Island, near Newburgh. Throughout the operation, crews are capturing a large volume of high resolution imagery, which will be reviewed and analysed by our experienced ground based support teams.

The family of Declan Cunningham, who went missing in the area on the morning of 18 December, are aware the search is taking place. The thoughts of everyone at Civil Air Support are with them at this extremely difficult time.

Sadly, Civil Air Support has received several similar requests for assistance over the Christmas period and is currently engaged in multiple missing person searches across the UK.

A CAS spokesperson told That's Business: “Our volunteer crews are working diligently to support families and the statutory agencies during what is an incredibly distressing time. 

"We are committed to doing everything we can, using the specialist aerial capabilities available to us, to assist in the search efforts and to help bring clarity wherever possible.”

https://civilairsupport.com

Mystery Boxes: A Smart Business Model or a Risky Gamble?

Mystery boxes have become a familiar sight across online marketplaces, social media feeds, and even high-street pop-ups. 

From tech gadgets and beauty products to food hampers and collectibles, the promise is simple: pay a fixed price and receive a surprise selection of items.

For businesses, mystery boxes can look like a clever way to drive sales and engagement. 

For customers, they offer excitement and perceived value. 

But are mystery boxes a sound commercial idea, or do they come with hidden downsides?

Let’s take a balanced look at the pros and cons of the mystery box concept, particularly from a business perspective.

What Is a Mystery Box?

A mystery box is a product or collection of products sold without disclosing its exact contents in advance. Customers typically know:

The theme (e.g. food, beauty, tech, Christmas gifts)

The price

Sometimes a guaranteed minimum value

What they don’t know is exactly what they’ll receive, which is where the excitement — and the risk — lies.

The Pros of Selling Mystery Boxes

1. Strong Emotional Appeal

Mystery boxes tap into curiosity and anticipation. The “unboxing” moment has proven marketing power, particularly on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

For businesses, this emotional hook can:

Increase impulse purchases

Encourage social sharing and word-of-mouth

Create repeat customers chasing the same experience again

2. Excellent Stock Clearance Tool

Mystery boxes are often used to:

Clear surplus or slow-moving stock

Bundle items that might be harder to sell individually

Reduce warehousing costs without heavy discounting

Done well, this protects brand value better than visible clearance sales.

3. Predictable Pricing and Margins

From a business standpoint, mystery boxes allow:

Fixed pricing

Controlled margins

Easier forecasting of costs

As long as the contents are carefully planned, mystery boxes can be very profitable, particularly when built around existing inventory.

4. Ideal for Seasonal and Gift-Led Sales

Mystery boxes perform especially well:

At Christmas

For birthdays

As corporate gifts

During promotional campaigns

They remove decision fatigue for buyers who want a quick, easy purchase.

5. Opportunity for Brand Discovery

Mystery boxes can introduce customers to:

New products

Lesser-known lines

Seasonal or limited editions

This can drive follow-up purchases if customers enjoy what they discover.

The Cons of Mystery Boxes

1. Risk of Customer Disappointment

The biggest danger is unmet expectations.

If customers feel:

The value wasn’t there

Items were irrelevant or low quality

The box felt like a dumping ground for unsold stock

…they may not return,  and could leave negative reviews.

Transparency around themes, value, and quality is essential.

2. Trust and Reputation Issues

Mystery boxes sit close to the line of perceived fairness.

Poorly executed boxes can:

Damage brand trust

Feel misleading

Lead to refund requests or complaints

In the UK especially, consumers are increasingly cautious about “too good to be true” offers.

3. Limited Appeal for Practical Buyers

Not all customers enjoy surprises.

Some shoppers prefer:

Clear product specifications

Control over what they’re buying

Predictable outcomes

Mystery boxes may alienate more practical or budget-conscious audiences if overused.

4. Potential Legal and Ethical Grey Areas

While mystery boxes are not gambling, they can sometimes feel adjacent to it — particularly if:

High-value “chase” items are advertised

Odds are unclear

Marketing leans heavily on luck rather than value

Businesses must ensure compliance with consumer protection laws and avoid misleading claims.

5. Logistics and Fulfillment Complexity

Creating mystery boxes isn’t always simple behind the scenes.

Challenges can include:

Ensuring consistent perceived value

Avoiding duplicate items for repeat customers

Managing returns where customers are unhappy with “surprise” items

When Mystery Boxes Work Best for Businesses

Mystery boxes tend to succeed when:

The brand already has trust and loyalty

The contents are genuinely aligned with customer interests

Value is clear, even if specifics are not

They are positioned as fun extras, not core offerings

They work particularly well for:

Subscription models

Seasonal campaigns

Clearance with care

Community-driven or fan-led brands

Best Practice Tips for Businesses

If you’re considering selling mystery boxes:

Be clear about themes, value, and quality

Avoid using them purely as a dumping ground

Limit availability to create excitement, not fatigue

Encourage feedback and learn from it

Position them honestly as a fun experience, not a guaranteed win

Mystery boxes can be a powerful commercial tool when handled thoughtfully. They blend psychology, marketing, and inventory management into a single product, but they are not without risk.

For businesses, the key question isn’t “Can we sell mystery boxes?” but “Will they strengthen or weaken our brand?”

Done well, they create excitement and loyalty. Done badly, they create disappointment and distrust. As with most business ideas, success lies in execution, not novelty.

knus Marks the End of 2025 by Thanking Volunteers After a Year of Growth

The app brings together chat, telephone and video support in one place, making it easier for people to book support.

knus has closed out 2025 by thanking its volunteers after a year that saw steady growth, new partnerships, and the early stages of a major digital launch.

The organisation has recently begun beta testing its new knus app, soon to be available on Apple and Android devices. 

The app brings together chat, telephone and video support in one place, making it easier for people to book support and simpler for volunteers to manage their availability. Subject to successful testing, the full launch is planned for the end of January 2026. knus is currently inviting volunteers and members of the public to take part in the beta.

Throughout 2025, knus also completed two accelerator programmes, the Hatch Enterprise Accelerator and the School of Social Entrepreneurs Accelerator - helping the organisation strengthen its foundations and prepare for its next phase.

Looking ahead to the start of 2026, knus has secured a place on Hatch Enterprise’s Sales to Scale UBS Deep Dive programme, supported by UBS Bank. The programme begins in early January and will support the organisation as it focuses on sustainable growth and widening access to its services.

The knus community has grown significantly over the past year, with 210 new volunteers joining across peer support and administrative roles. A number of new ambassadors have also come on board, helping to raise awareness of the organisation’s work. During this time, knus has improved its training and social platforms, bringing more of this work in-house through grant funding and fundraising.

In 2026, knus plans to focus on launching the app after final testing, improving volunteer benefits, expanding fundraising activity, and building closer partnerships with businesses to help extend its reach.

knus remains entirely volunteer-led. The organisation is fully bootstrapped, with no paid roles. Every service, platform and initiative exists because people choose to give their time and care to support others.

As knus moves into 2026, it does so with gratitude for the volunteers who continue to make its work possible and with confidence in the year ahead.

knus is a peer-support organisation working to make support more accessible through human connection and community-led care. Its services are delivered by trained volunteers across digital and conversational platforms.

Brixton Gears Up for the Biggest Quiz Night of the Year in Support of Local Charities

Businesses and people of Brixton are challenged to get ready for a quiz night like no other. 

Not Another Quiz Night is coming to Lambeth Assembly Hall on Thursday 14th March, promising an unforgettable evening of high-energy entertainment, laughter, and friendly competition, all in support of Lambeth & Croydon Foodbank and Age UK Lambeth.

Hosted by the absolutely brilliant Jake Bhardwaj and his team of “celebrity” guests, Not Another Quiz Night is far more than a traditional quiz. Expect a fast-paced, interactive show packed with music, comedy, surprise appearances, bonus rounds, and ridiculous prizes. Whether you’re a trivia expert or simply in it for the fun, this is a night designed for everyone.

The event will also feature exciting raffle prizes, delicious food, and a free drink on arrival for all guests, making it the perfect social night out with friends, colleagues, or fellow quiz lovers.

Teams can book for groups of Five or Two, and individual ticket holders can attend solo and be grouped with other players on the night.

Proudly supported by the Mayor of Lambeth, the event aims to raise vital funds for two charities at the heart of the local community, helping tackle food insecurity and support older residents across Lambeth.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday 14th March

Venue: Lambeth Assembly Hall, Brixton

Doors Open: 7:00 PM

Book Tickets:

Online - https://mysocial.churchsuite.com/events/wyevvppg

In person - At the Age UK Lambeth office Age UK Lambeth, 10 Acre Lane, Brixton, London SW2 5SG, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am - 3pm

With limited availability and a growing buzz, organisers encourage early booking to avoid disappointment.

So gather your crew, bring your A-game, and prepare for a night of epic trivia, big laughs, and even bigger impact. Will your team take home the crown?

https://www.jakebhardwaj.com

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