North West Lovers Least Likely to be Satisfied this Valentine’s Day

IT seems that the chaps of the north west are some of the horniest in the country with over a 3rd wanting to have sex this Valentine’s Day. Research released by Pasante, the UK’s fastest growing condom brand, reveals that they are 2nd only to the south west with 44%.

But it looks like they have their work cut out for them. Pasante found that women in the north west are the least romantic in the UK and less than 2% of women from the region will even consider sex on it on Valentine’s Day.  Given the choice, this Valentine’s Day women from the region would opt to receive nothing at all and those that do expect something will be satisfied with a card and a bunch of flowers. Men from the area, on the other hand, just want to have sex but failing that a card will do!

To rub salt in the wounds, even when those who dwell in the north west do manage to entice their partners into the bedroom, they don’t won’t have much fun when they get there. According to the research, both men and women from that area score in the bottom 3 for sexual satisfaction across the UK!

But – there is a silver lining to this cloud and that is that sex gets better with age! Out of those who will be having sex on Valentine’s Day this year, the group most likely to be satisfied are the 35-39 year olds (85%) closely followed by 40-44 year olds (83%). 2/3rds of the over 60s, represented by Helen Mirren and Lulu, say they expect to be satisfied compared to a mere 44 per cent of 18-19 year olds.

Emily Dubberly, sexpert, author and founder of cliterati.co.uk said:- "In these credit crunch days, I am not surprised that people are reaching for the condoms and enjoying the most exciting and least expensive entertainment available - sex. It'll even help you warm up so you don't need to put the heating on. 

And of course sex doesn't stop once you hit your forties: that's still young - and Susan Sarandon and Helen Mirren show it's possible to be sexy 2 decades later!”

Flowers remain popular amongst all age groups but particularly the 18-19 year olds, 20% of whom would like to receive flowers. By the time they are in their 40s this figure drops to just 8%!

Lawrence Boon, Pasante Managing Director said:- “Our research shows that people do not need to shower one another with gifts this Valentines Day. Adults are looking for alternative, more personal options that cost little or nothing at all. 

Pasante’s condom sales have risen more than 40% over the last few months clearly showing that people want to save their money and cut back on their spending. Instead of going out and spending too much.  If you do have a partner or a lover this Valentine’s Day, buy or make a beautiful card and pop a condom inside. I’m sure they’ll remember the day more if it is!”

Small firms urged to sign up for Government contracts

SMALL firms across the UK are being urged to sign up to the government's Supply2.gov.uk website and to take advantage of the thousands of government contracts available.

More than 123,000 companies have already signed up to the website, which provides an up to the minute database of government contracts for small businesses wishing to supply to the public sector.  Suppliers who have signed up to the site receive advice on how best to access government contracts and a free daily email alert notifying them of new opportunities that are relevant to their business.

Secretary of State Lord Mandelson said:- "Every year the government spends many billions of pounds on public sector contracts. It is vital that we actively help small and medium sized companies take advantage of these business opportunities. In the current economic climate this is more important than ever. The supply.2gov.uk website is a crucial tool for this.  SMEs often have smaller overheads, local knowledge and great flexibility. Often they can offer the public sector better value for money than big business".

Supply2.gov.uk Marketing Brand Manager Fiona Campbell said:- "A recent refresh to the Supply2.gov.uk website in November 2008 has ensured the site is a more user friendly platform where registrants can benefit from increased information and better navigation.  A key feature of the service, such as the Daily Email Alert profile, allows suppliers to match their contract search results exactly with their business requirements. Additional resources and information on interoperability relationships have also become more prominent on the site in order to further enhance the contract notification service."

WITNESS APPEAL - ASSAULT, FLEET STREET, LIVERPOOL

MERSEYSIDE Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of this morning, Thursday, 5 February 2009.

Police officers were called to Fleet Street at around 2.30am after receiving reports that a man had been assaulted outside the Funky Box 2 nightclub.

The 20 year old was taken to hospital with head and facial injuries, which are not thought to be life-threatening.

Officers interviewed several people at the scene and enquiries will continue.  Also a police cordon was put in place at the scene to allow forensic examination.  CCTV footage will also be looked at.

Merseyside Police is appealing for anyone who witnessed the assault to contact St Anne Street CID on 0151 777 4064 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.