Specialists at SavoyStewart.co.uk sought to uncover the sector with the most satisfied workers by surveying 4,000 professionals from 20 different sectors on a range of aspects and creating a points-based index, they can reveal which sectors are the most satisfied. Which sectors are the most satisfied? Childcare tops the list
The winter holidays always carry a symbolic meaning of family, togetherness, and helping each other. People go back to visit their hometowns and spend time with their loved ones. It is the time we look forward to and gladly reminisce after many years. However, many of us don’t have that
Building materials supplier CEMEX has provided Vertua low carbon concrete for a new office development in the Climate Innovation District in Leeds. The Vertua Classic concrete, which offers a 30 – 50 per cent CO2 reduction versus a standard mix, has been used for the foundations of the three-storey building,
Homeowners and those searching for their next property can look to these five simple considerations for finding and achieving a happy home to ensure a richer quality of living. As many of us are spending more time at home than ever, it’s important that your home works to enhance and
Work is officially underway for a key regeneration project that aims to bring affordable housing in East Leeds. National housebuilder Keepmoat Homes and Places for People, one of the UK’s leading affordable homes led placemakers, is redeveloping the brownfield site, located on Seacroft Crescent, into a 49 new home development, Pennine Crest.
Sleep experts Dormeo believe everyone deserves a good night’s sleep and are passionate about finding ways to improve the UK’s sleeping habits. In response to UK Houseplant Week (10th-15th January 2021), Dormeo have gathered everything you need to know on houseplants and their effect on sleep. Search trends for natural
Owing to the pandemic there is a certain amount of uncertainty in the market but there are still opportunities for buyers with the necessary capital to buy new homes. If you are looking to purchase a new house, it is essential to improve your credit score and get all your
Global building materials solutions supplier CEMEX has confirmed an investment of over £5 million into two new plastic packing lines for packed cement at its Rugby Cement Plant. This important development will significantly increase its capacity for producing packed cement and allow the business to provide long term surety of
National housebuilder Keepmoat Homes has completed the purchase of a site on School Street, Thurnscoe, which will be developed in partnership with Homes England and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. The site, situated within the Dearne Valley on the eastern outskirts of Barnsley, was previously owned by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council,
Artisan bakery Coburn & Baker is the latest tenant to make the move to Brighton Works in Bevendean where lettings have been popular, with only three out of seven remaining units available. This builds on the success of the striking development which was revamped by Charter Land and responds to
Specialists at SavoyStewart.co.uk sought to uncover the sector with the most satisfied workers by surveying 4,000 professionals from 20 different sectors on a range of aspects and creating a points-based index, they can reveal which sectors are the most satisfied. Which sectors are the most satisfied? Childcare tops the list as the sector with the most satisfied workers with 239 points overall. The sector scored the most points for positive impact on others (99), indicating nannies and childminders are most happy with how their job affects people’s lives. Although only behind Finance/Banking (90 points) when it comes to satisfaction with employee empowerment (86 points), childcare professionals scored the lowest (-76) for personal remuneration, followed by Education (-75 points). Finance & Banking comes in second place with 232 points. It seems that these workers feel valued by their employers as satisfaction for employee empowerment (90) was the highest of all sectors! The few negative points (-2) taken for personal remuneration makes Finance/Banking the most satisfied with their salaries, but despite this, the sector ranked third worst for mental health (-78), right behind Health Care and Education. Last on the list is Hospitality (83 points), revealed as the least satisfied job sector. With the lowest points for career prospects (42) of all sectors, it seems that the professionals from this industry don’t see many opportunities to progress in their careers. The numerous negative points that were taken for mental health (-52) and personal remuneration (-75) also show that they are not completely satisfied in the industry. Mental health and toxic culture: which sector is the most negatively affected? SavoyStewart.co.uk found Health Care and Education sectors were the least satisfied when it comes to the mental health of employees, with an alarming -92 and -82 points respectively. When it comes to toxic cultures, Marketing & Digital Media (-54) and Technology (-44) were the most unsatisfied sectors. With this in mind, SavoyStewart.co.uk spoke to Lee Chambers, Psychologist and Wellbeing Consultant, to get a better understanding of how to ensure job satisfaction: “While our work is important, nothing is more important than our health and long-term happiness. For that reason, healthy boundaries are vital and reduce the impact that work has on other areas of your life. Starting to look for a positive work environment will fuel you by showing it’s possible to have a balanced life, and you are boosted by the fact you are taking action. When it comes to a toxic workplace, these are the tips I suggest to my clients: Stay focused on the important goals, and distance yourself from the gossip and blaming. By not participating, you are not adding your fuel to the fire.”
The winter holidays always carry a symbolic meaning of family, togetherness, and helping each other. People go back to visit their hometowns and spend time with their loved ones. It is the time we look forward to and gladly reminisce after many years. However, many of us don’t have that luxury. Many are either unable to leave home due to medical issues or have no family members. As much as we want to spend our time with our families, what better time to give back than for the holidays? What Is A Caregiver? If an elderly person is having medical difficulties, both mental or physical, they need assistance with daily tasks. A senior may be unable to walk, has trouble with dementia, or just needs company from time to time, so they don’t feel alone. There are many complex circumstances that make them feel left out and sometimes even afraid. A person who would take care of them part-time or would be fully devoted to them can be two different types of caregivers – a paid professional and a volunteer. Volunteering as a caregiver is not the same as taking this obligation as a professional. Certified professionals are already in the know with all their tasks and various approaches to work. A volunteer, on the other hand, is just that – someone who wants to help someone physically and emotionally but has no educational background. Responsibilities Of A Volunteer Caregiver Having certain skills is very much welcome especially when they need daily assistance such as feeding, bathing, transportation, and others. If you want to be prepared as much as possible, do research and learn before deciding to take responsibility for an elderly person. They have to fully rely on you so consider proper training and certifications. If you plan on helping others in the long run, take up caregiving training such as certified nursing assistant (CNA). However, a legitimate certification in CPR and First Aid is a good start and makes a difference in emergencies. Training such as this one can be attended online, so you can be flexible with your time. Seniors who don’t have any medical issues also need our help. If they have no one to turn to for simple daily errands or for pure company, volunteers from their community take the role of a friend. Here the tasks would be running errands, walking, medication reminders, chatting, playing board games, and so on. Their mental health is equally important, so doing all these activities improves their cognitive function and their mood. Also, there are many cases where the elderly person became a significant part of a volunteer’s life. After some time spent together and sharing stories, caregivers consider them family and include them in important milestones. Benefits Of Volunteer Caregiving Firstly and most importantly, the main reason you should be volunteering is helping a senior in need. They will be thrilled to have you as a caregiver but also as a friend. On the other hand, there are a lot of advantages for the caregiver as well. You will develop social skills and increase your self-esteem which will work for you later, both in your private life and career. When you look after someone, you may realize you should be caring for yourself more and start prioritizing what is important to you. The amazing feeling of purpose shakes you up and shows you what life is all about – being good to yourself and helping others. We are caught up in the day-to-day tasks, work, school, and fast-paced life. The amount of stress nowadays is immeasurable and it takes a toll on our health. Working as a volunteer caregiver, you clock off from your problems and leave everything behind you, even just for an hour. You focus on the person you are taking care of and make sure your time together is well spent. Through different activities such as a simple walk and a conversation can significantly reduce stress, lower your blood pressure and bring your mind and body into a peaceful state. To Conclude If this is new to you and you want to contribute, start step by step. Go to your local volunteer community. They will introduce you to all the possibilities and how you should start. You’ll meet members who can tell you their background and how it has changed their lives. The experience will benefit both the volunteer and the senior person. With these programs, you’ll be able to help many elderly people this holiday season. The feeling of having someone to call whenever they need assistance or a chat makes them feel safe, welcomed, and important. It is good to know someone thinks you are a reliable, kind, and giving person.
Building materials supplier CEMEX has provided Vertua low carbon concrete for a new office development in the Climate Innovation District in Leeds. The Vertua Classic concrete, which offers a 30 – 50 per cent CO2 reduction versus a standard mix, has been used for the foundations of the three-storey building, which will be known as The Place and house sustainable property developer Citu’s UK head office plus a new 15,000 square foot office rental opportunity. This building forms an important part of the latest construction phase at the District, which is located at the heart of Leeds’ South Bank Regeneration scheme. This innovative project will accelerate the transition for Leeds to become a zero-carbon city and act as a transformative driver for sustainable development in the Yorkshire region. “We are very proud to have supplied our Vertua Classic concrete to the latest phase of work at Citu’s Climate Innovation District in Leeds, particularly as this will be their head office. This is a development that priorities sustainable construction, making our low carbon concrete the obvious choice for the office building foundations,” said tracey Craden, Readymix Technical Manager at CEMEX UK. The Climate Innovation District been designed around recognised key principles for creating truly sustainable places to live, focusing on promoting positive behaviours linked to transport, energy, housing and ecosystems. CEMEX provided over 70m3 of Vertua Classic concrete from its Leeds Readymix plant, the first time this site has provided this product since its launch. Vertua Classic is easy to use and place, perfect for a range of applications such as structural elements, foundations including piling, light to heavy industry floors and suspended slabs. Vertua is part of CEMEX’s ambition to deliver net-zero CO2 concrete globally to all of our customers by 2050. “The Place is holistically designed to create a zero-carbon workplace, as one part of a wider sustainable district. To achieve this, we’ve worked to reduce embodied carbon emissions at every stage – from building using structural timber to using Vertua Classic low carbon concrete. The low carbon concrete mix allows us to achieve a large reduction in CO2 emissions from one of the materials that previously has been among the most difficult to decarbonise,” commented Jonathan Wilson, Development Director at Citu. “We believe progressive businesses value design-led, low carbon workplaces set within a walkable environment to improve wellbeing. Vertua Classic helps us deliver this sustainable workplace which will soon be home to both Citu and a forward-thinking business wishing to take advantage of this one-off opportunity.” CEMEX R&D, Innovation and Business Development projects are part of the global R&D collaboration network, headed by CEMEX Research Centers, based in Switzerland.
Homeowners and those searching for their next property can look to these five simple considerations for finding and achieving a happy home to ensure a richer quality of living. As many of us are spending more time at home than ever, it’s important that your home works to enhance and complement your living habits and routines, rather than leaving you feeling restricted by a lack of space or inadequate, uncomfortable places to work, study or relax. From interior décor and quality of fixtures to scope for improvement, the property experts at North Sands Developments have shared their top ingredients for creating a happy home that suits all of your needs. Director at North Sands Developments, James Hartley, said: “Whether you’re a homeowner, or you are new to the property market searching for the right house, creating a home that works for you, your family and your living habits is an important step in ensuring it’s a place you feel at your most content and comfortable. “In these uncertain times, many of us have found ourselves spending more and more time indoors – so it almost goes without saying that your home should enrich your daily routine, and these considerations touch upon the importance of ensuring a happy home includes spaces to accommodate remote working and offer supreme comfort. “At North Sands Developments, we design homes with futures and families in mind, and it’s crucial to consider your own needs, as well as that of any family members, when searching for a home or choosing to update an existing property.” Here are five considerations for a happy home: Natural light One of the easiest ways you can enhance your surroundings is to ensure plenty of natural daylight enters the rooms in your house. If you’re spending time working from home this year, setting up a comfortable, bright and airy office will give you a dedicated space to concentrate throughout the day – and opening any blinds and curtains to let the light in can aid in helping you stay focused. Consider installing a sky light window into the ceiling of an upstairs home office, as this is a great way to let light flood in – it can make a huge difference to a room and is a desirable feature that will likely add value to your home. Downstairs, sliding or patio doors can transform a kitchen, dining room or living room, allowing natural light to stream into the home, often making rooms appear larger and more spacious, as well as providing you with views of the garden or patio beyond, connecting you closer to nature. Open plan living There are many benefits to open plan living – not least the multi-functional space it gives you. Whether you have a family, live with a partner or by yourself, an open plan dining, living and kitchen space provides versatility and flexibility in spades, improving the overall flow of your home and allowing you to make the best use of space. A luxurious L-shaped sofa, a small breakfast bar, a reading corner by a window or a cosy armchair in front of the fireplace – there are so many ideas you can introduce into your home to give it that added charm and cosiness that makes the space truly your own. It may seem like a daunting task, but creating open plan space is not too difficult and may simply involve knocking down an existing wall between a living room and kitchen or dining room. Do your research and hire a professional to assess the work required – providing that a wall can be knocked down, it is a relatively straight forward job for an experienced tradesperson that could cost less than you might expect. High spec tech To keep your home running smoothly, it’s important to choose quality appliances and electronics to improve your quality of living. Spending a little extra money on a quality appliance will ensure it lasts longer and performs better in the long run – it’s a small difference, but the ease and convenience of it will help to boost your overall enjoyment of being at home. Smart technology – such as lighting, heating, speakers, even a coffee machine – are also a good way to give your home added sense of efficiency and style that is designed to work around your living patterns. Add your own personality One of the simplest ways to create a happy home is to stamp your mark on it – choose striking artwork and accessories that you love to add your personality to each room, particularly those where you spend most of your time. From sentimental trinkets and photographs to bold, colourful art prints – the introduction of these accessories will brighten up any room, making it feel extra homely with plenty of character. Extension space Whether you own a home already or are searching for a new one, considering the potential for an extension could be an excellent way to get any extra space you need, making your home work better for you and ultimately transforming your house into a happier home that works for everyone. Increasing the space in your home with an extension can be a great investment for your family, and is another option to consider rather than moving to a larger house and paying stamp duty.
Work is officially underway for a key regeneration project that aims to bring affordable housing in East Leeds. National housebuilder Keepmoat Homes and Places for People, one of the UK’s leading affordable homes led placemakers, is redeveloping the brownfield site, located on Seacroft Crescent, into a 49 new home development, Pennine Crest. The site, which was previously owned by Leeds City Council and acquired by Places for People from Keepmoat Homes in August 2020, will offer a variety of house types along with new public open spaces. All the homes will be available as affordable housing through either shared ownership or affordable rent. “We are very excited to have started work on Pennine Crest. The site isn’t your typical new homes development, it is part of a wider regeneration project in East Leeds which represents a tremendous opportunity for the city’s growth, of which we will be delivering 10 out of the 13 developments,” said Paul Oldridge, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes. “We have a strong track record of delivering new homes across the country, particularly on brownfield land such as this. We’ve brought our experience to this development and, working with Leeds City Council and Places for People, we’re breathing new life into the area and aim to make a big impact on the local community, delivering real value to not only those to choose to live there but also to the surrounding area.” The £8 million development is part of the Leeds City Council Brownfield Programme which is designed to support the city’s future growth aspirations and will see over 1,000 new homes being built across 13 development sites in East Leeds. The programme will not only contribute to the delivery of new homes in Leeds but will significantly improve the communities and neighbourhoods in which they are located. “Pennine Crest will provide much needed affordable housing for people in Leeds on a former brownfield site. Alongside Keepmoat Homes and Leeds City Council, we will utilise our end-to-end expertise to create and manage a sustainable community for the long-term, with social value and people at its core,” added Nilam Buchanan, Regional Managing Director at Places for People. As part of their commitment to the local community and the city of Leeds, Keepmoat Homes and Places for People has pledged to support local people and help generate opportunities in training and employment through the use of sub-contractors and work placements. Work at Pennine Crest is expected to complete in Autumn 2021.
Sleep experts Dormeo believe everyone deserves a good night’s sleep and are passionate about finding ways to improve the UK’s sleeping habits. In response to UK Houseplant Week (10th-15th January 2021), Dormeo have gathered everything you need to know on houseplants and their effect on sleep. Search trends for natural remedies, plants and sleep have risen: SEOMonitor shows that searches for ‘home remedies for sleep’ has shot up 85% from this time last year, ‘natural sleep remedies UK’ has seen a 436% rise and ‘plant for good health’ has seen an increase of 133% ‘Bedroom indoor plants’ has risen 84%, and ‘bedside plants’ has shot up 250% Please find below Dormeo’s top five houseplants you should include in bedroom interior design to help achieve a peaceful night’s sleep: Lavender- Best houseplants for a deep sleep With a long history of medicinal use, studies found it not only improves sleep but energy, vibrancy and general wellbeing. Researchers also found that lavender increases ‘slow-wave sleep,’ often referred to as ‘deep sleep’ which plays an important part in memory consolidation and brain restoration. Perfect for helping you achieve a deep sleep, Lavender is proven to lower heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels. Lavender plants like to be kept warm and in sunlight, so make sure your plant is in a sunny location and don’t overwater! Aloe Vera- Best houseplants to purify the air Aloe Vera releases oxygen at night, helping improve air quality which means we get a better night’s sleep as a result. Aloe Vera is a succulent, which requires minimal watering as it retains moisture in it’s leaves – perfect for those who are less green-fingered. An additional benefit of Aloe Vera is that the gel from inside the leaves can be used to soothe skin irritations such as insect bites and burns. Peace Lilly- Best houseplants for increasing air humidity Peace Lilies are known for purifying our air and removing harmful toxins by clearing chemicals such as Benzene and Trichloroethylene from the air. Alongside this, peace lilies also add moisture to the air and can increase air humidity by up to 5%. This provides a better sleeping environment, as air that is too dry can irritate airways and even increase suffering from colds and other viruses. Peace Lilies grow luscious green leaves and beautiful white flowers, making them an aesthetic and useful addition to your bedroom décor. English Ivy- Best houseplants for allergy sufferers English Ivy is perfect for sufferers of allergies and those with breathing difficulties such as Asthma as the plant has been proven to remove indoor airborne mould, making breathing easier. Placing an English Ivy plant in your bedroom will surely improve the air quality for allergy sufferers but be careful, the plant is poisonous if eaten so keep away from kids and pets. Spider Plant- Best houseplants for a clear head NASA found the Spider Plant is excellent at purifying your air with tests showing that the plant is capable of removing 95% of harmful chemicals such as Formaldehyde, Benzene, Carbon Monoxide and Xylen from the air. Removal of such chemicals from the air can help reduce headaches and help you feel well rested and clearer headed when you wake. Spider Plants are also low maintenance and don’t require a lot of attention.
Owing to the pandemic there is a certain amount of uncertainty in the market but there are still opportunities for buyers with the necessary capital to buy new homes. If you are looking to purchase a new house, it is essential to improve your credit score and get all your finances and documents in order. The mortgage experts at Rex Homes Real Estate have some additional information on how you can turn your credit score around. Why Is It Is Important to Have A Good Credit Score? Credit score affects the amount you can borrow. Mortgage lenders always take the credit score into consideration when reviewing your mortgage application. A good credit standing is an indication to lenders that you are a good borrower and can be trusted to pay back the loan. An excellent credit score can help you obtain low-interest rates thereby allowing you to save thousands of dollars. How Can You Improve Your Credit Score? Multiple factors such as length of credit history, payment history, credit limit, and the amount you owe can influence your credit score. Here are 5 steps that you can follow to improve your credit score. Check for errors on your credit report Inaccuracies in the credit report can hamper your chances of mortgage approval. Some of the most common credit report errors include incorrect accounts, duplicate or fraudulent accounts, incorrect payment information, or outdated information. You should periodically check your credit score through the credit bureau and get any errors corrected by filing a formal dispute with the bureau. 2. Pay your debts and credit mix About 30% of your credit score is made up of your credit utilization which is based on the credit you have and the amount of it that you have used. If you have more than 25% of your credit amount in debt, then work toward paying your debts to get the amount down to less than 10% to boost your score. In addition to debt payment, a mix of credit also helps in increasing your credit score. 3. Pay your bills on time Your credit payment history usually accounts for 35% of your credit score. Late bill payments by just 30 days can reduce your credit score by almost 100 points. It is recommended to set up reminders and automatic payments to ensure that all your bills are paid on time. 4. Minimize your credit card spending It is best to start paying off your major credit card bills and keep your credit card utilization low in the months leading up to your mortgage application. This will keep your account balances in check at all times as you do not know when the lender will check your credit report. 5. Think before opening a new credit account New credit constitutes 10% of your credit score. If there are multiple credit inquiries in a short period, it may be a red flag to lenders as it shows that you are too reliant on credit. Hard credit checks can also lower your score. Hence, it is best to hold off on applying for new credit cards or taking out any large personal loans. If you are planning to buy a home, seek help from a good mortgage professional who can assist you in improving your credit score and finding the best prices based on your current credit.
Global building materials solutions supplier CEMEX has confirmed an investment of over £5 million into two new plastic packing lines for packed cement at its Rugby Cement Plant. This important development will significantly increase its capacity for producing packed cement and allow the business to provide long term surety of supply to its customers. Since CEMEX entered the plastic packed cement market in 2011, it has seen demand grow greatly year on year, and this investment will enable the company to meet existing and future customer requirements. Additionally, this investment will improve the design of the packed product so it can be better transported and stored. “We are very pleased to confirm plans to significantly enhance the plastic packing line at our Rugby Cement Plant. Packed cement is an important part of our UK business and this will greatly increase our capacity. This work will ensure we can continue to provide customers with the quality packed cement they need for their construction projects, while also offering further benefits during supply and storage of the product,” said Craig Williamson, Commercial Director of UK Cement for CEMEX. Work will begin at Rugby Cement Plant early 2021 and is expected to be completed by the start of the second half of the year. The development will run alongside the existing operation so there will be no disruption to production.
National housebuilder Keepmoat Homes has completed the purchase of a site on School Street, Thurnscoe, which will be developed in partnership with Homes England and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. The site, situated within the Dearne Valley on the eastern outskirts of Barnsley, was previously owned by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, and will see 360 brand new homes created in the area. The development will comprise of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes with off-street parking and private gardens, of which 5% will be affordable housing. The £52 million development represents the third phase of housing on the wider site and highlights Keepmoat’s commitment to working with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council to transform the area through the creation of high-quality, modern homes, public open spaces and a children’s play area. As part of their ongoing commitment to the local community, Keepmoat Homes has pledged to support local people and help generate opportunities in training and employment through the use of sub-contractors, work placements and educational visits to the site, which will be delivered throughout the lifetime of the project. “We’re delighted to be continuing to work in partnership with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and Homes England to deliver our third phase in Thurnscoe. As a local developer, with our Head Office in Yorkshire, this acquisition is a positive step for our ambitious growth plans in South Yorkshire and following the success of previous developments in the area, it’s a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our presence in the town and cement our relationship with the Council,” said Dan Crew, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes. “The new homes are designed for both first time buyers and those looking to up-size, as well as providing much needed provision of more affordable homes. We are driven to make a big impact to the local area and aim to create a new community with open spaces and park facilities for everyone to enjoy,” he added. The first homes will become available to purchase at the start of 2021 and the development will take around nine years to complete.
Artisan bakery Coburn & Baker is the latest tenant to make the move to Brighton Works in Bevendean where lettings have been popular, with only three out of seven remaining units available. This builds on the success of the striking development which was revamped by Charter Land and responds to a need for industrial and warehouse space in the city. Brighton Works has already welcomed cheese and charcuterie supplier The Great British Charcuterie and local produce distributor Sun Harvest to the site. ”Brighton Works is definitely emerging as a hub for the food and hospitality industry in the city, but our site in Bevendean would be suitable for any business in need of warehousing and industrial space. We’ve seen a number of industrial sites in the city turned into housing in recent years and we know there is a clear lack of good quality warehousing units in Brighton, so demand continues to be robust. It’s a pleasure to welcome our latest tenant Coburn & Baker,” said Charles Sandy, Director of Charter Land. Coburn & Baker is a thriving artisan bakery, employing 40 staff, based in Brighton which crafts artisan breads, vegan and savoury items, fine patisserie and cakes for wholesale to hotels, restaurants, gourmet shops, cafes and caterers throughout Sussex and beyond. During the pandemic year it has also been supplying direct to consumers with the help of its team of delivery drivers. Brighton Works provides a total of seven warehouse and industrial units, at The Hyde, Auckland Drive. It previously housed Brighton Sheet Metal, which closed in 2018. Located around three miles north east of the city centre near the A27, Lewes Road and Falmer Road, as well as Moulsecoomb Train Station, the site is well served by public transport. There is good parking and the units boast views of the South Downs. Units range in size from 1,750 sq ft to a combined total of 50,500 sq ft