Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, the priorities for UK home buyers and what they are looking for in a new home – particularly in relation to location and specific property characteristics – has changed rapidly. Estate agents have reported record interest from potential new buyers
A sustainable business model is geared towards achieving long-term profitability while highlighting social responsibility. The concern goes beyond financial stability. It provides economic, social, and environmental value. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the most important things that will help in building a sustainable business. Education Sustainability isn’t
One of the biggest challenges of running a construction company is maintaining healthy cash flow. While late payments are a common problem in any industry, they seem to be more prevalent in construction. According to a survey conducted by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and the Building Engineering Services Association
Many people spend a lot of time, effort, and fortune to decorate their bathrooms. Gone are the days when bathrooms were relegated to the back of the house and comprised nothing more than the most essential fixtures. Hotel and resort bathrooms are always great sources of inspiration. Some ooze with
A well-designed workspace can help to optimise productivity, boost employee satisfaction, and even improve the health of the people working there. There are many different types of effective office layout; the one that is right for your business will depend on the type of business, the available space, the working
The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has reshaped many areas of life as we know it. Necessary measures such as social distancing, quarantine and isolation have altered work and home lives for large swathes of the world population, as part of the measures put in place to try and slow the
Businesses change hands for a lot of reasons. It could be that a business has invested in another and wants to take over its assets or two businesses are combining to become one. Regardless, you will hear terms such as mergers, consolidations, acquisitions, and amalgamations. Although these terms are used
No matter how well you think you’re faring when it comes to money, there’s always a shortcut or two that could save you a couple of quid each year on your household bills. The cost of these bills is continuing to rise across the UK, but with a couple of
As of January 2021, ISS will provide integrated facility services for an international industry and manufacturing client. The partnership involves facilities management of sites across the United States, Canada and Latin America. The five-year contract, once fully operational and phased in, will be one of the largest contracts in the United
Being the capital of the Catalonia region in Spain, Barcelona attracts over 9 million over-night tourists last year. Whilst this year and next year will be temporarily lower than this amount due to Spain’s struggle with Coronavirus, Barcelona will always remain a tourist hotspot in Europe. For this reason, buying a
Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, the priorities for UK home buyers and what they are looking for in a new home – particularly in relation to location and specific property characteristics – has changed rapidly. Estate agents have reported record interest from potential new buyers as a result of the temporary stamp duty break announced in July 2020, with the highest number of mortgage approvals since 2007 in August. However, having spent the initial lockdown period in homes that no longer fit the bill, feedback from many recent buyers shows they have specific requirements for their new homes, as evidenced by numerous surveys from industry insiders such as Rightmove and Nationwide since the property market reopened in May 2020. So, what are likely to be the most common priorities for buyers’ in 2021 and how can you market your property accordingly? Top of the list of requirements for over two thirds of prospective buyers this year, and with no signs of abating in 2021, is a bigger garden. Following hot on the heels of garden envy was the desire for a bigger home in general, with nearly 50% of buyers looking to upsize, particularly ‘second-steppers’ looking for more space for both family time and the ability to comfortably work from home. In fact, 36% per cent of buyers were on the move in search of better workspace in their home specifically. This interest in up-sizing has seen house prices for 3-4-bedroom properties and more expensive, detached mansion style properties rise significantly (55% and 104% respectively) in 2020 and continue to do so. 28% of UK wide buyers surveyed by Nationwide in September were in the process of moving or contemplating a move purely due to the pandemic. This was particularly evident in London and other cities. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, many buyers were seeking more outdoor space, with 31% wanting to live closer to parks and green spaces and 30% looking for a complete change of pace with a move to a rural area, particularly buyers in the older age groups. To have access to these new necessities within their budget, more buyers than ever before (35%) are happy to relocate to a completely different area. However, it would be unfair to say that everyone is headed for the countryside. There are of course only a certain number of jobs where you can truly work from home, 5 days a week. For those that do need to commute to the office, there has been a rise in buyers seeking a shorter commute which allows for walking or cycling to work rather than cramming into packed public transport. This is particularly the case in London, where many estate agents have seen three times the interest in central London properties since the start of the 2020 property boom compared to the same point in 2019. For first time buyers for whom a large, detached property will generally be out of reach regardless of location, avoiding a lengthy commute has become a popular option and location is king. First-time buyer sales in Zones 1-3 have risen from 28% to 35% from pre to post lockdown and fallen from 36% to 31% in Zones 4-6. So even the most bijou of city centre properties can still sell quickly when marketing is focused on the location. Highlighting proximity to big employers or local schools, colleges and universities can also be a big draw to potential buyers. Whilst sales may be less popular for properties with two bedrooms or fewer, the number of sales agreed for this sector has still grown by 36% since 2019. So, in terms of marketing your property, it really pays to do your research and find out what buyers are looking for in your particular area and whether it is the features of the property itself or its location and proximity to work and local conveniences that are attracting buyers. Speak to local agents and find out the types of buyers who are most commonly purchasing properties like yours and tailor the property and advertisement accordingly. It is also helpful to find out what has put people off making offers to ensure the layout appeals to as many buyers as possible. Make sure you save or revisit the most attractive features of the house – such as a good-sized garden or separate office space – at the end of the viewing to keep these plus points at the forefront of the buyer’s mind. Make sure you asking price is also realistic. Whilst we may have seen a property price boom in 2020, buyers will be cautious of the potential of an economic recession in 2021 and won’t want to pay over the odds despite the competition in the current market. Online and hybrid agents definitely offer vendors the advantage when it comes to buyers’ priorities, with specific online tools designed to offer direct access to buyer feedback, vendor and buyer communication and the ability to keep track of your property advert’s performance and quickly and easily adapt it where necessary to really appeal to buyers.
A sustainable business model is geared towards achieving long-term profitability while highlighting social responsibility. The concern goes beyond financial stability. It provides economic, social, and environmental value. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the most important things that will help in building a sustainable business. Education Sustainability isn’t a new concept, but a lot are unaware of how to do it successfully. One thing that can help is to educate key players, including executives and managers. For instance, by enrolling in online short courses, it is possible to learn about the latest sustainability trends that a business can implement. It builds knowledge and skills to determine the best strategies to pursue. Executive Support Leadership buy-in is an important ingredient in introducing sustainability in business. It all starts at the top, executive involvement is necessary. Without the support of the leaders, there will be no resources to pursue the strategies, especially financial capital. Employee Participation It is not enough to have executive support when building a sustainable business. Employee involvement is equally crucial. Their actions will have a ripple effect. This will influence the success or failure of the sustainability initiatives in an organization. Supply Chain Management To become a sustainable business, it is also crucial to think of everyone else in the supply chain. This requires partnering with green vendors. See to it that you are working with businesses that are one with your sustainability goals. By involving the entire logistics network in your sustainability initiatives, you are amplifying the potential benefits of your actions. Giving Back Giving back is one of the must-haves in a sustainable business model. Businesses should give as much as they take. This is based on the borrow-use-return principle. It means that businesses borrow resources and intend to replenish them. This is a concept of responsible consumption. As a part of giving back, businesses should also demonstrate community involvement, which is possible by partnering with charitable organizations and supporting worthy causes. Customer Satisfaction In anything that a business does, emphasis should be on customer satisfaction. With this, think of the customers when implementing sustainability initiatives. Especially when radical changes are involved, think about how customers will react. Find a way to balance sustainability and customer needs. If they are not happy, the business’ profitability can bet compromised Financial Resources Pursuing sustainability in business requires financial resources. This is one of the factors that hinder many people from introducing a sustainable approach in their business. Do not view it as an unnecessary expense. Instead, think of it as a long-term investment. In the future, your sustainability strategies can yield maximum returns. Building a sustainable business does not happen overnight. It is a long-term goal that requires a proactive strategy. Whether you are an entrepreneur or a manager, consider taking online short coursesto learn how to embed sustainability in your business.
One of the biggest challenges of running a construction company is maintaining healthy cash flow. While late payments are a common problem in any industry, they seem to be more prevalent in construction. According to a survey conducted by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), 66% of construction companies said they faced frequent late payments. As a result, 59% of business owners had to stop paying themselves or had to reduce their salary. If you are facing similar issues, we’re sharing some our top cash flow tips for construction companies to make sure you stay afloat. Essential Cash Flow Advice for Construction Companies 1. Negotiate trade terms with suppliers Aside from waiting for late payments, another thing that can damage your cash flow is having to pay for big purchases in one go. If purchasing supplies in bulk is damaging to your cash flow, try negotiating different payment terms where possible. Most suppliers in construction will be open to accepting payments in instalments. 2. Regular cash flow forecasting One of the most important habits construction companies can get into is regular cash flow forecasting. With a cash flow forecast, you can get a good idea of what to prepare for in the future. If your forecast shows up potential problems later in the year, you can take steps now to avoid them before your cash flow really suffers. If you are planning a new construction project or have taken on a new client, you might want to conduct a cash flow forecast before you finalise the agreement. That way, you can be sure you have the raw materials and necessary cash to complete the project without running out of money. 3. Use credit wisely While a construction business may be hesitant to get into more debt, using credit wisely can help to resolve some of your cash flow issues. Using credit can be a handy way of paying for inventory and materials needed to take on new projects while preserving your cash. Credit options such as invoice finance or invoice factoring are also a great way to get around the issue of late payments. These methods ensure your business maintains a healthier flow of cash. They work by paying part of your invoices for you and then releasing the rest once the customer has paid, minus a fee. 4. Use faster payment collection methods Another way your construction business can manage cash flow better is to make taking payment as simple as possible. By using faster payment methods, there’s no need to wait for cash or cheques to clear which can disrupt cash flow. A simple way to do this is to include a one-click payment option on email invoices. E-payments have become the norm and payment processors such as PayPal and Stripe are now more expected and trusted by customers. With faster and convenient payment methods, it takes customers no time at all and means they are less likely to leave it until the last minute. 5. Keep on top of late payments If you are sending out several invoices per month, it can be hard to keep track of them all. However, it’s vital to keep a close eye on which invoices are nearing their deadlines and which have missed them completely. Knowing when an invoice becomes overdue means you can chase the customer up as soon as possible, which helps to solve the late payment problem sooner. A good way to do this is to use automated payment reminders. These can be set up on most modern accounting software these days and they work by simply sending out an automated email once an invoice is overdue. You can also set up payment reminders each week/month until they are settled. Moving forward on sound finances Running a construction firm can be challenging at times and more often than not reviewing your finances is not always top mind. If you’re struggling to stay on top of your cash flow it’s best you seek help early on before your construction company faces a cash shortage. Enlisting the help of a trusted property accountant such as BrooksCity means you’ll have access to vital advice and a helping hand to stay on top of your finances. In the meantime, following some of these simply cash flow tips should help you patch up areas of your cash management and
Many people spend a lot of time, effort, and fortune to decorate their bathrooms. Gone are the days when bathrooms were relegated to the back of the house and comprised nothing more than the most essential fixtures. Hotel and resort bathrooms are always great sources of inspiration. Some ooze with minimal sophistication, while others go crazy with colours and themes while still accomplishing the jaw dropping effect. Tiles and fixtures combine wonderfully to achieve a bathroom ambiance like no other. Regardless of what you’re going after, here are some bathroom tile ideas to elevate your bathing space and turn it into a work of art. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #1: Stone Cladding Considered as a decorative covering, wall cladding comprises the application of one material over the other. If natural stones are used, it is referred to as stone cladding, and it follows the same principle of putting a thin layer of stone or, in this case, tiles that simulate stone on another layer. Tiles from Limestone UK can provide you with designs that can make your rustic or vintage style bathroom a reality. Complement it with some rustic bathroom lighting from Furniture Fuse to complete the vibe. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #2: Mosaic Tiles Mosaic tiles are also called glass tiles and are known for their intense colours that makes your design scheme vibrant. You can create your own eye-catching designs using the same colour palette or contrasting hues. Mosaic tiles can complement your bathtub, walls, and other bathroom fixtures. It can also become the centerpiece of your entire restroom. Mosaic tiles pique the visual interest of the observers. If you want to go extreme, cover your whole wall with tiles and even the small space between your basin and lavatory. Should you want to use mosaic tiles on your floor, use the anti-skip kind to avoid accidents. Head on to Mosaic Village for some tile designs and inspiration. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #3: Faux Wooden Tiles Wooden floorings provide an overall luxurious feeling; bathroom included, but hardwood is costly and is not a practical material for a bathroom. You can still achieve wood-like flooring by using some wooden tiles. ToppsTiles has a huge variety of tiles made of ceramic or porcelain. It is quite similar to the usual hardwood floors but won’t cause too much dent in the budget. Note that wooden tiles are elongated in shape, similar to wood planks for that realistic look and feel. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #4: Over The Shower Tiles Convert your bathroom into your very own spa and literally extend it over the edge. Extend your tile pattern up to your bathroom ceiling. The overhead design has two purposes – an artistic masterpiece for you while at the same time providing a layer from humidity. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #5: Patchwork Tiles A patchwork of shapes, textures, patterns, and vibrant colours on just a single wall of your restroom can give extra character and personality to your comfort space. With patchwork tiles, there is no restriction on which tiles you can use. Combine mosaic tiles and limestone tiles with marble and granite for a sheer finish. These Mediterranean-influenced designs can create an interesting story. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #6: Wall Mural in the Shower Have a theatrical and unique experience while having your shower by creating a mural in your shower using tiles. It can just be a simple floral mural, or you can take things further and go for an all-aqua theme. Kids will nag you for bath time when you incorporate some cartoon character inspired tiles like the ones in Zazzle. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #7: Contrasting Tiles Make the most of the colour wheel and use contrasting colours to make a pattern. Try the classic with black and white tiles or work on a deep grey colour scheme – coordinated colours, when done right and with the correct colour choices, make an interesting design. You can base your colour scheme on the current palette of your furniture. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #8: Floral Fantasy Turn your boring bathroom into a floral restroom by using floral tile accents. Pair them with subtle pastel or dark-coloured tiles so their design can really pop. Go for floral tiles that have texture on it. You can further create a floral centerpiece either on your floor or on one side of your wall. Florals are for both genders anyway, so it is a top choice for bathroom design ideas. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #9: 3D Shower Tiles Texture accompanied by movement results in playful 3D bathroom tiles. Let your imagination take over and incorporate tiles of all sizes, styles, and shapes. Make your illusion a reality and get those 3D tiles from 3D Tiles UK and make every bathroom experience an interesting one. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #10: Pastel and Candy Tiles Suitable for the young female who spends half her time inside the bathroom, these tiles ooze freshness and youthfulness. Convert your traditional white tiled bathroom into a pastel, bubble gum sweetness haven. Pastel and girly looking tiles with little hearts and butterfly accents is just a pretty place to be.
A well-designed workspace can help to optimise productivity, boost employee satisfaction, and even improve the health of the people working there. There are many different types of effective office layout; the one that is right for your business will depend on the type of business, the available space, the working style of the employees, and the budget. Furniture At Work stocks a wide range of office furniture, including adjustable desks to fit any space and ergonomic chairs to suit any physical requirements. Private Offices and Meeting Rooms Private offices and meeting rooms are designed for one person or one group of people to use at a time. As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on in the UK, private office space is more valuable than ever before for anyone who is unable to work from home. Furnishing a private office requires additional floor space and separate lighting and heating, but there are many advantages, especially in the current climate. Having a private space to work can also help boost productivity for many people. Open Office Layout Open office layouts encourage employee interaction, which can be ideal in businesses where regular communication between teams is key. This type of layout is particularly popular with creative companies and tech firms, where people need to be able to bounce ideas off each other throughout the working day. When designing an open office layout, it is essential to ensure that each employee has sufficient desk space to call their own. National guidelines suggest that each employee should have a minimum of 11 cubic metres to work in, assuming the ceiling is no more than three metres high. If the ceilings are higher, calculations should still be made assuming a height of three metres. To calculate space per employee, simply divide the volume of the room by the maximum number of employees. Including a mixture of sitting and standing desks can help to improve employee health, particularly in hot desk offices where people can choose to move around more. Cubicle Layout A cubicle layout provides a form of compromise between having private office space for each employee and an open office layout. With cubicles, each employee has a semi-private space for their own work but is still able to communicate easily with other members of the team when required. Cubicles or screens between desks help to ensure social distancing in the workplace as well, making them a better solution in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic than a completely open workspace. Cubicles also give employees more autonomy over their own space, as they provide opportunities to add personal touches such as photographs and mementos from home. As each employee has the same amount of space, cubicle layouts can also provide staff with a feeling of equality and prevent any unintentional favouritism or appearance of favouritism. Team-Cluster Layout As the name implies, a team-cluster office layout is designed for companies where people are regularly expected to work as a team. These types of layouts are more like informal meeting rooms than individual offices, with a large communal desk where everyone can see and speak to each other while working. This type of layout works best for companies where discussion, brainstorming, meetings and employee interactions are part of the strategic process. Hybrid Layout A hybrid layout takes advantage of all available space and provides employees with a mixture of private workspaces and team workspaces. These types of layout are highly customisable and deliver all the advantages of each type of layout in one area. A hybrid layout might include several cubicles for individual working, team meeting spaces, comfortable relaxation zones designed to encourage creativity, and perhaps one or two private offices. Hybrid layouts work well for dynamic companies where employee interaction is valued, but people may sometimes need peace and quiet to tackle a project. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for designing the perfect office space, as different types of business will derive benefits from each style of layout. Whichever style is chosen, Furniture At Work has a comprehensive range of office furniture to equip any space with quality items at affordable prices.
The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has reshaped many areas of life as we know it. Necessary measures such as social distancing, quarantine and isolation have altered work and home lives for large swathes of the world population, as part of the measures put in place to try and slow the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable members of society. One area which has seen an unprecedented boost is in the use of virtual viewings for those looking at making changes in the property market. With so many restrictions in place in terms of travel and entering other people’s homes, those looking to buy or rent a new property are now turning to virtual tours to view those properties rather than a physical viewing. Zuneth Sattar of Xavier Investments Limited has a long-standing interest in the UK rental property market for investment and is continually adding new residences to his property portfolio. Sattar is one of many thousands of people now resorting to virtual tours to get an idea of what a property is like before committing to making a purchase. Virtual Viability Prior to the pandemic, it is likely that most people would prefer to physically visit and view a property before deciding to buy or rent it. However, things have changed. A recent survey conducted by Purplebricks found that a full third of 2,000 UK adults surveyed would be happy to judge a potential new property based on an online viewing, provided they were able to see the entire inside and outside of the property. One in six would go so far as to put an offer in to purchase a property if the virtual viewing showed them everything they needed. Changing Priorities The pandemic has also changed customer demand in terms of what people are now prioritising when looking to move home. Gardens are now seen not as a luxury, but as an essential, multi-functional space that can allow people to socialise even during times where stricter measures for social distancing have been put in place. Functionality in general is becoming more important, as ongoing temporary closures of businesses and restrictions mean that the home, and especially the garden, can often be the only place where people can safely meet family and friends. Increased Buyer Demand Zoopla statistics show that buyer demand in Wales increased by 41% just 24 hours after the housing market re-opened following lockdown. Across the UK, buyer demand has increased by as much as 46% compared to levels before lockdown, which given the wider economic landscape is a significant jump. Demand has also risen in the rental sector, with tenancy activity higher now than it has been at this point for the past two years. However, supply is down by around 15% across the sale and rental markets combined, which creates a sellers’ market and could see house prices and leases increase if nothing changes. Technology At present, virtual house viewings are only available to a limited section of the market as customers are required to own their own VR headsets to access the service. However, estate agents are already embracing the phenomenon, and some have started to offer loans of headsets to people looking at new build properties. Where complexes are under development with multiple identical homes becoming available, some realtors will allow customers to use headsets they have supplied to virtually view one or more of the properties, as this encourages people further down the buying pathway than a two-dimensional plan ever could.
Businesses change hands for a lot of reasons. It could be that a business has invested in another and wants to take over its assets or two businesses are combining to become one. Regardless, you will hear terms such as mergers, consolidations, acquisitions, and amalgamations. Although these terms are used interchangeably and can be confusing, they are different, with each of them coming with its own nuances. Below, we will look at mergers and consolidations, as well as the other two related terms. Mergers Mergers happen when two businesses merge to become one. Under a merger, a company (the survivor company) accepts all of the second business’ assets and liabilities. The second company then shuts down and no longer exists and the survivor company gets to keep its name. Mergers can be complicated, especially because of the assets and liabilities, and that is why businesses or corporations that want to merge consult with reputable law firms such as Cline Jensen, PLLC. An experienced lawyer can advise businesses and help them overcome the challenges and hurdles that come with completing a successful merger. Consolidation Consolidation happens when two companies or businesses merge to form a new business. The new business, the successor, assumes all the assets and liabilities of the two businesses that have now become one. In consolidations, no one business shuts down but there are some effects such as laying off redundant staff or people with the same tasks and responsibilities. Acquisition An acquisition is when a business takes over another business without consolidating or merging with it. This is often done by the first business buying over 51% of the second business’s stock. Acquisitions also come with asset acquisition, which is where the first business purchases most or all of the second business’ assets. However, when a business acquires another, it does not necessarily assume all of the second business’ liabilities. Amalgamation Amalgamation happens when a larger business takes over one or more businesses. Amalgamations can happen through mergers, acquisitions, or consolidation. Each of the businesses acquired enters in a separate contract or agreement with the new parent company depending on how it was taken over. Why Mergers, Acquisition, and Consolidations Happen There are several reasons why businesses choose to combine with or purchase other businesses. The most common reason is the creation of a stronger, better company. When two businesses become one, the new business becomes a bigger player in the market. They can use the combined capital, assets, and human resources to dominate a market. Another reason is to eliminate competition. When a second business that was previously a direct competitor ceases to exist, the surviving company does not have to worry about it. Financing is another reason why this happens. A bigger company, one with more assets, is usually in a better position to find financing than a smaller business. On a related note, a bigger company is also able to negotiate better deals with clients and suppliers. Businesses merge, are acquired, or absorbed into other businesses all the time. The way this is done will depend on the agreement between the two companies with the result being a merger, acquisition, consolidation, or amalgamation.
No matter how well you think you’re faring when it comes to money, there’s always a shortcut or two that could save you a couple of quid each year on your household bills. The cost of these bills is continuing to rise across the UK, but with a couple of quick changes, you can easily cut costs. Here are some of our favourite tips. Cutting water costs An average household spends around £400 on their water bill each year. In order to knock a bit of money off, you could consider having a free water meter installed so you only pay for the water you use. If you find that the meter hasn’t saved you any money, you can change back within 12 months of it being installed. After this time has elapsed, it isn’t possible to return to unmetered billing. If your house was built in 1990 or later, it will already have a meter installed. Other water-saving options include showering instead of bathing and turning the tap off while cleaning your teeth. Here are even more ways to save on your water bill. Cheaper gas and electricity The average yearly energy bill in the UK is around £1,000. If you want to save some dosh, consider switching every so often. There are lots of energy suppliers out there competing for customers, so you’re bound to find a good deal. Instead of only checking with the most well-known companies, do some research into the lesser-known ones, which often have surprising cheap deals. You might also be able to cut your energy bills by installing insulation, glazing, or through a more efficient heating system in your home. Buy in bulk If you buy your household items in bulk, you can save money and will never have to worry about running out of anything. The things most people buy in bulk include toiletries, washing powder, cleaning supplies, food, and even office supplies such as toner or paper. Just make sure you have room to store your hoard. Even though you might not be able to buy everything in one trip, purchase what you can and you’ll slowly build up a stockpile of common household items. Are you paying too much Council Tax? It’s not uncommon for a household to find itself in the wrong Council Tax band so it could be that you’re paying more Council Tax than you should be. If you claim benefits or are on a low income, it may be possible to reduce the amount you pay. Have a look at the GOV.UK website for more information on Council Tax. There are also ways to get a discount on what you pay. This includes if you live alone, you live with full-time students, you live with someone with a disability, etc. Cheaper broadband, phone, or TV Just like with gas and electricity, it pays to look around to see if there are cheaper options available. Every so often, do a bit of research and find out if there’s a cheaper broadband, phone, or TV provider you can switch to. If you decide to change mid-way through a contract, you may have to pay a fee to be ‘let out’ early so bear this in mind. Alternatively, you could consider house hacking to earn a bit of extra income. As explained in our article on house hacking, you could rent out part of your house if you have a spare room, for example, or even rent out the whole place if you own several properties.
As of January 2021, ISS will provide integrated facility services for an international industry and manufacturing client. The partnership involves facilities management of sites across the United States, Canada and Latin America. The five-year contract, once fully operational and phased in, will be one of the largest contracts in the United States and amounts to an annual revenue of approximately 1 per cent of the 2019 Group revenue. The contract covers more than 63 sites, including offices, warehouses, production and research facilities across the United States, Canada and Latin America. Wide Range of FM Services Jacob Aarup-Andersen, Group CEO, ISS, commented: “We are excited and look forward to building this strategic, long-term relationship. We will work closely with our customer to ensure compliance, reduced complexity and cost leadership in their workplace, while at the same time delivering a safe working environment and a fantastic workplace experience for all their employees, visitors and partners on sites.” Dan Ryan, CEO Americas, ISS, said: “Our customer intends to transition from a local sourcing model in facility management to a regional and centralized setup and ISS will be the primary supplier of integrated facility services. “ISS will use its proven technology and hygiene solutions and leverage best practices from our global COVID-19 service experience to provide the highest standards of service to our customer. With high levels of self-delivery, our trained and engaged colleagues within ISS will be on sites to serve our customer and their end-users.” ISS will deliver a wide range of services, including facility management, food services, cleaning and hygiene, security and reception, waste management, technical maintenance, engineering support, landscaping, mail and parcel services, amongst others. Operations will go live starting in January 2021, and new sites will be onboarded throughout the year.
Being the capital of the Catalonia region in Spain, Barcelona attracts over 9 million over-night tourists last year. Whilst this year and next year will be temporarily lower than this amount due to Spain’s struggle with Coronavirus, Barcelona will always remain a tourist hotspot in Europe. For this reason, buying a property close to the city centre is going to be a safe bet. Apartments for sale in Barcelona city are not going to be inflated much, because this isn’t a good economic time. But in such economic despair arises investment opportunities for those that can afford it… Barcelona is a magnet for international talent. Some of the world’s leading multinational companies have chosen the city as a base thanks to the city’s low cost of living, cheap rents, excellent infrastructure and lifestyle. That’s why it is a suitable place to work in a top company and promote in your job. Properties in Barcelona are common purchases for expats who wish to move to Catalonia. And why not? Barcelona is an incredible place to live, with beautiful people and incredible amenities, entertainment, beaches and a world-renowned football team. Whether you’re buying an apartment in Barcelona for yourself or to rent out (or both), there are different neighbourhoods that suit different circumstances. Here is a guide on the flats for sale in Barcelona, and where may suit you. Zones to buy properties in Barcelona Eixample Derecho This area is very different from Gracia, even though it lays right next door. It’s a difficult place to pronounce for a foreigner (try lay-sham-pluh), but it’s easy to navigate with the large grid-like parallel streets. This is a high-demand area due to it’s close proximity to almost everything: shops, schools, restaurants, it’s all happening in Eixample Derecho. This is the ultimate place for tourists, especially if they’re here to site-see. An apartment here is within walking distance to Passeig de Gracia, Sagrada Familia and Plaça Catalunya. Sarrià – Sant Gervasi This district is located in Barcelona’s upper zone and is one of the most prestigious in the city. Here we find important universities, business schools such as IESE and ESADE and prestigious private hospitals. It is a very welcoming and well-kept area, with numerous public parks and the proximity to the Collserola mountains, the natural lung of Barcelona. The flats are usually very spacious, with an area of over 150 m2, while we also find stunning villas with all the comforts of the big city nearby. This is the kind of place you want to live in if you enjoy being in a quiet place that’s positioned on the fringes of a bustling city centre. It is a bit further, but the metro is very impressive in Barcelona and so getting around shouldn’t be an issue. Gracia Gracia is a trendy borough in Barcelona – one that has a buzzing youthful atmosphere. Whilst it used to be a separate town, it’s not included in a map of Barcelona, plus it isn’t too far from the centre anyway. Gracia is perfect for those that want a village-feel with narrow streets, yet want a good nightlife. These two aren’t always easy to marry together but Gracia does it brilliantly. Prices are a tad above the average for Barcelona, but you will be investing in a neighbourhood that is only growing in popularity. This isn’t the place to buy a property however if you’re looking to live here yourself, especially if you want old-town Barcelona. It isn’t cosy, narrow streets and old cafes so much as it is functional, big, and modern. If you’re a city-worker that wants to be close to shops and doesn’t mind the tourists, then this could be a great choice. Ciutat Vella This district is the historic centre of the city that looks back over all the centuries of history of the Catalan capital. It is one of the most attractive in Europe and will conquer you through the winding streets, the spaces that open as if they were secret places, the squares, the culture and the cosmopolitan spirit. In this area we find beautifully renovated flats and fantastic opportunities to buy a property to suit our preferences in an extraordinary setting surrounded by tradition. If you want to live in the heart of the city and prefer to use alternative means of transport such as bicycles instead of cars, this is definitely the place for you. In Ciutat Vella you can find everything from history in all its splendour in the Gothic quarter to one of the most attractive areas of Barcelona, El Born, which has established itself as the perfect place to enjoy a luxurious but minimalist lifestyle. In this respect, its excellent lofts that reflect the industrial heritage of the city are particularly noteworthy. Final Words Property in Barcelona isn’t as badly priced as you may think. Interest rates are at historical lows and it is the perfect time to obtain financing without waiting for prices to change, as the conditions for accessing mortgage credit could be less beneficial in the future. There are a lot of opportunities to find your new home and enjoy the Mediterranian way of life.