November 24, 2023
Graduate lays the groundwork for a career in construction

Graduate lays the groundwork for a career in construction

Guildford-based housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties is helping to tackle the construction industry skills shortage, having recently recruited its latest graduate trainee. Chloe Lopez (age 22), a Business Management graduate from the University of Surrey, was accepted onto Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties’ ASPIRE Programme this Autumn, based at

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How To Market Your Roofing Business: 3 Effective Methods

How To Market Your Roofing Business: 3 Effective Methods

If you own a roofing business, then you need to get your information in front of as many eyes as possible. Roofing problems don’t happen that often, and whenever they do you want your company to be the one that people call. So don’t be afraid to focus on marketing

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British Airways vs. Other Airlines: Compensation Policies Compared

British Airways vs. Other Airlines: Compensation Policies Compared

Among various airlines, British Airways stands as a prominent player, renowned for its global reach and customer service. This article explains the nuances of British Airlines compensation, offering a comprehensive comparison with its competitors. While exploring the multifaceted aspects of these policies, we will particularly focus on how British Airways

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

November 24, 2023

Graduate lays the groundwork for a career in construction

Graduate lays the groundwork for a career in construction

Guildford-based housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties is helping to tackle the construction industry skills shortage, having recently recruited its latest graduate trainee. Chloe Lopez (age 22), a Business Management graduate from the University of Surrey, was accepted onto Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties’ ASPIRE Programme this Autumn, based at its head office on Old Portsmouth Road. The two-year scheme provides hands-on career education and training, and will see Chloe deployed within each department of the business to learn first-hand about Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties’ operations. Chloe will then undertake a final placement within the Commercial department, where she will train to become an Assistant Quantity Surveyor. During the programme, Chloe will meet regularly with other graduates from across the business and undertake entrepreneurial fundraising with the Princes Trust’s Million Makers challenge. Chloe comments: “It’s an exciting time to be entering the construction industry – the market is changing at a rapid pace and Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties offers an incredibly dynamic working environment. The ASPIRE Programme was the very first scheme that I applied to after my degree, and after a few short weeks I have already gained so much knowledge and experience. Alongside my placements, I am also being mentored by the Managing Director, which has given me valuable insight and training to take forward in the role.” Chloe’s time is split between the office and working onsite at Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties’ developments in Berkshire and Sussex, where she is currently shadowing the surveying team. “You have the opportunity to get stuck in from day one!” Chloe adds. “It’s hard work but when you’re on the job you can see the real-life impact of the work that we’re doing. Each day brings a new challenge, and I’m learning everything from procurement to budget valuations to overseeing the contractors. Each day is different and varied and there’s no better way to learn.” Chloe recently supported with the launch of David Wilson Homes’ newest development in Finchampstead, Finchwood Park, and worked closely on the creation of the customer sales arena. “Seeing the final product brought to life demonstrates how each person plays a vital role in constructing new homes and ensuring its success,” Chloe adds. Julian Hodder, Managing Director at Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties, adds: “What is fundamentally clear is the fact that the construction skills shortage reaches far beyond traditional trade careers such as carpentry and bricklaying. There is an impetus now for us to invest and train across all roles, and the ASPIRE graduate programme is just one way that we are attracting some of the best talent from the next generation. Chloe’s drive, dedication and work ethic has impressed her colleagues, and she has a very bright future ahead in construction.” Chloe is hoping to continue her career with Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties after completing the Aspire Programme, with ambitions to progress to a manager within the next five years. Chloe and the team at Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties are helping to create new homes across the South East, including at The Poppies in Aylesford, Brookwood Meadows in Westham and Finchwood Park in Finchampstead. For further details about Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties or the ASPIRE Programme, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk / www.dwh.co.uk or call 0333 355 8498. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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How To Market Your Roofing Business: 3 Effective Methods

How To Market Your Roofing Business: 3 Effective Methods

If you own a roofing business, then you need to get your information in front of as many eyes as possible. Roofing problems don’t happen that often, and whenever they do you want your company to be the one that people call. So don’t be afraid to focus on marketing whenever business is slow. But what are some of the most effective ways to get everything started with marketing? Here are some of the most effective ideas! Partner With a Home Services Lead Generation Company One of the best ways to make sure that you are the first roofing company that is focusing on leads is to make sure that you have a home services lead generation company on the phone.  These companies know how to get you good leads, without the hassle of a lot of marketing. If you can figure out where your desired leads are coming from, you can focus all of your marketing efforts. Websites like 33MileRadius are able to give you key leads, and all you need to do is pick up the phone. They do the digital side of marketing for you, putting your services in front of the customers. Then when the customers call for you, they will be routed through the network and towards your business. Then you accept the call and get everything going! These companies are a great way to passively get leads, and it is a win-win for everyone. But even with your digital marketing covered by a home services lead generation company, you can still do more in order to market your roofing business. Email Marketing Connecting with your email list allows you to focus on providing helpful tips, offers, and other information and news about your company. Plus, you can actively track every single part of the process. Knowing when your customers open your email, and what they are interacting with can really help you tailor your marketing.  You can build a lot of connections with the people on your email list, and then those connections will turn into business opportunities whenever those people need a roof repair! Focus On Online Reviews and Referrals It is often frustrating to see, but many customers make up their minds about your business before they even see any of your content. They read all of the online reviews and referrals about your business, and then they make up their minds. So you need to focus on managing all of that. Ask your customers to leave you feedback and make the process easy, and then also focus on managing your online reviews. Once you register your website on places like Yelp! and Google my Business, you will be able to have a conversation with the people who have left reviews on your websites.  Thank people for their positive feedback and also respond thoughtfully to the people who are leaving reviews that aren’t so positive. You don’t want to lose your temper online, because that will only harm your standing. But the more positive information you can put out there about your business, the more that positive business is going to get your customers talking about your company.  Do A Good Job Finally, simply completing your roofing work and doing it well is going to ensure that your business succeeds. People recognize those with passion, and if you and your team love your job, then that hard work is going to be seen by the customers. They will remember it whenever they need more roofing problems handled in the future as well.

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British Airways vs. Other Airlines: Compensation Policies Compared

British Airways vs. Other Airlines: Compensation Policies Compared

Among various airlines, British Airways stands as a prominent player, renowned for its global reach and customer service. This article explains the nuances of British Airlines compensation, offering a comprehensive comparison with its competitors. While exploring the multifaceted aspects of these policies, we will particularly focus on how British Airways structures its compensation strategies, aligning them with the stringent guidelines set forth by EU law.  Detailed look at British Airways’ Compensation Policy British Airways adopts a comprehensive approach to its compensation policy, particularly for instances of flight delays and cancellations. The integration of data in compensation strategies ensures a systematic response to passenger inconveniences. Passengers incurring additional expenses due to such disruptions can seek reimbursement for reasonable costs, including hotel accommodation, transport between the hotel and airport, meals, refreshments, and two telephone calls or internet-related costs.  However, expenses for altered travel points (different departure or destination from the original booking) and consequential losses like missed hotel stays are not covered. The British Airlines compensation levels are limited by EU regulation, ranging from 250 EUR for flights up to 1,500km to 600 EUR for longer flights. These amounts are reduced by 50% if an alternative flight with a new scheduled arrival time close to the original is offered. Compensation Policies of Other Major Airlines Direct Comparison of British Airways with Other Airlines Flight Delays British Airways. Offers compensation following EU guidelines, with amounts ranging from 250 to 600 EUR based on flight distance. Delta Air Lines. Offers compensation as per U.S. regulations for domestic flights; may comply with EU regulations for flights within or to the EU. American Airlines. Compensation largely follows U.S. standards, with considerations for controllable delays. Lufthansa. Follows EU guidelines offering up to 600 EUR for significant delays. Cancellations British Airways. Compensates for cancellations within EU regulation limits, reducing amounts by 50% if an alternative flight close to the original schedule is offered. Delta Air Lines. Compensation is primarily based on U.S. regulations and may align with EU standards for relevant flights. American Airlines. Primarily follows U.S. standards for compensation, with EU compliance on applicable flights. Lufthansa. Provides up to €600 compensation, especially for cancellations with less than 14 days’ notice. Overbooking British Airways and Lufthansa adhere to EU Regulation 261/2004. In contrast, U.S.-based Delta and American Airlines follow the U.S. Department of Transportation’s regulations and internal policies. These regulations dictate the terms of compensation and assistance provided to passengers denied boarding due to overbooking. Unsplash Lost Luggage British Airways compensates for lost or damaged baggage, requiring passengers to report the issue within 21 days for missing baggage or 7 days for damaged baggage. The British Airways compensation for lost luggage can reach up to GBP 1,100.  Delta Air Lines compensates up to $3,800 for U.S. baggage issues and up to $1,728 for international baggage concerns. American Airlines requires a claim to be filed within 24 hours for U.S. flights and within 7 days for international flights for delayed or damaged baggage. Lufthansa offers compensation limited to 1,288 SDRs per passenger for most international baggage issues and refunds for checked baggage fees in such cases. Differences and Similarities Similarities: All airlines follow the Montreal Convention, setting compensation limits for lost or damaged baggage. The process of claiming compensation is similar. Differences: Delta and American Airlines generally offer higher amounts for U.S. flights. British Airways and Lufthansa have more defined limits, aligning closely with EU regulations. Impact of the Compensation Policies on Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty Transparent compensation practices build trust and reliability, essential for customer loyalty. Promptly addressing issues like flight delays not only resolves immediate concerns but also fosters long-term loyalty. Clear and generous compensation policies can significantly enhance customer retention in the competitive airline industry. In Conclusion The examination of British Airways’ compensation policies in comparison with other major airlines, underscored by data in compensation, reveals a commitment to adhere to EU regulations and the Montreal Convention.  All airlines aim to balance regulatory compliance with customer satisfaction in their compensation policies. This approach ensures legal adherence and builds positive passenger relationships, key to brand loyalty and competitiveness in the global airline market.

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