Air conditioning systems go a long way in improving comfort and air quality in indoor settings, homes, and commercial premises. The AC helps you beat the heat in summer, making your indoor environment more pleasant to be in. However, not all air conditioning systems work the same. On this note,
Launching on 22 July, TwelveTrees Park is a new, cosmopolitan neighbourhood for London Located minutes between Stratford and Canary Wharf with five rail and tube lines on the doorstep, as well as London City Airport and Crossrail within 10 minutes, this is one of the best-connected developments in London It will provide over
Have you ever been a victim of a ransomware attack like that of May 12, 2017? Wannacry malware left hundreds of thousands of internet users helpless as they were locked out of their business and personal data after the malware encrypted it all. You could only get a decryption key
Most employers think that increasing the number of working hours converts immediately to enhanced productivity and efficiency. While that might be somewhat true for office work, fieldwork is different altogether and should be given a well-thought, tailored approach. For instance, if you want to enhance fieldwork productivity, you must first
Do you know that every aspect of your product contributes to whether you’ll attract more customers and retain the existing ones, including packaging and delivery? While you might have premium delivery services, which can be free for the customer, sometimes, the customer still wants a guarantee that the product was
In today’s world, beyond the beautiful products and services that you might be selling, customers are also interested in world-class amenities at your business premises, such as parking lots and walking pathways. A cracked, bulging parking lot would be detrimental to your company’s reputation. For instance, during summer, the parking
Caledonian has beaten off stiff competition with its innovative approach to volumetric construction to be shortlisted in two categories in this year’s Offsite Awards. The judges shortlisted the Nottinghamshire-based company in both the Best Use of Volumetric Technology category and Offsite Pioneer of the Year. Recognition in this major industry
Following the launch of RGB Building Supplies’ Tools for Africa appeal in January, the builders merchant is thanking trades and the community for helping to donate 15 bulk bags full of preloved tools which have been passed to South West-based charity Amigos. Amigos works closely with another UK charity called
IronmongeryDirect has reported its most successful month in history, with June seeing record figures for both order numbers and revenue. With many people turning to DIY during lockdown, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery experienced an 80% year-on-year (YoY) increase in web traffic in June. This increase led to a 75%
Letter written by Nick Cowley, managing director at Euramax, in response to the Prime Minister’s announcement of £350 million to cut carbon emissions in industry, construction, and transport sectors as part of a green recovery. As industry emerges from lockdown, and the closure of infrastructure and construction projects, we are
Air conditioning systems go a long way in improving comfort and air quality in indoor settings, homes, and commercial premises. The AC helps you beat the heat in summer, making your indoor environment more pleasant to be in. However, not all air conditioning systems work the same. On this note, a portable AC can be more beneficial in various ways compared to split systems and central air conditioning units. For instance, it is a more energy-efficient option in instances where cooling for only one room is needed. Moreover, some come with additional functionalities such as dehumidification, not forgetting that the unit fits better in smaller spaces and can be used on-the-go, say in travel trailers. In other words, a portable AC unit can be the perfect choice in many situations. It is, however, worth noting that not all mobile ACs are the same either. When choosing a portable air conditioner, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you are making the right investment decision. Some of these may include factors such as size, type, capacity, energy consumption, features, noise levels, drainage, and programmability. But then again, why should you invest in a portable cooling unit in the first place? How do you choose a good one? To answer these burning questions, here are some of the benefits of portable air conditioners and how to pick the perfect one for your needs. Portable AC Benefits Among others, some common benefits of having a portable AC include: 1. Great Convenience If you live in an apartment building, there’s a big chance that they won’t allow you to install your own AC. The same case applies to HOA’s, building regulations, and many city ordinances. The good thing about portable ACs is that they don’t require physical installation. They come as a standalone unit and thus won’t protrude outside your home’s window or structure. What is more convenient is that you can easily relocate it to another room in your home or business premises depending on your needs. As earlier mentioned, people who travel with camper vans and travel trailers can find a portable AC really useful. 2. Fit Well In Smaller Spaces For those living in a smaller space, especially apartments, portable air conditioners are the perfect solution. This is specifically because no permanent installation is required, so the set up can be really quick and easy. They will also not take much of your window space, meaning that you don’t have to sacrifice your precious views and natural light. 3. Cost-Effectiveness Apart from cooling your home and making it comfortable, a portable AC can also help cool your energy bills. Unlike a central AC, which has to keep running to cool the entire house or building, a portable AC will only cool the room where it is placed. This means that even if you have a whole-house air conditioning system, you can turn it off and switch to the portable AC whenever you need cooling for only one room. In line with the HVAC energy efficiency changes we’ve seen over the past few years, this can help to significantly lower your energy bills, saving you hundreds of dollars or more by the end of the year. With the energy costs soaring almost every minute, homeowners are increasingly turning to this trick for relief. 4. Cooling On-the-Go As had been hinted earlier, a portable AC also makes a great cooling alternative for campers, RVs, and travel trailers. Yes, some of these mobile dwelling units come with inbuilt air conditioning systems, but they may not always be reliable. If you’re a frequent vacationer, camper, digital nomad, or recreational traveler, you can never go wrong with investing in a portable air conditioning unit. 5. Cooling + Dehumidification from A Single Unit Those who live in humid regions will appreciate this benefit most. Many portable air conditioners of this day come with an added dehumidifier feature, which allows the unit to reduce humidity in the room while providing cool air. While beating the heat, your indoor air will also be fresh and drier. It helps keep your family safe from allergies and other health risks associated with high moisture levels in your home or space. Some models allow you to choose between cool-only and dehumidify only modes, making it even more convenient. How to Choose the Right Portable AC The best portable AC for your needs will largely depend on your needs. In most cases, this will be determined by the size of your space/home, your budget, and personal preferences. Some factors to consider when picking an Ac may include the following: Type There are two main types of portable air conditioning units. These include the single-hose and the dual hose units. While both of them work almost the same, the dual-hose unit is more advantageous since it doesn’t cause negative pressure when cooling your home, making it more energy-efficient. Cooling Capacity/BTU A higher BTU rating means a higher cooling capacity. The unit can cool a larger space. Before buying your portable AC, make sure it is the right one for the space that needs cooling. Size and Energy Efficiency Modern portable air conditioning units come with features that make them highly efficient in terms of energy consumption. A programmable thermostat, for instance, is a must-have these days when shopping for a cooling unit. Always ensure you have enough space for the unit to fit in the location you want it to cool. Noise Levels Some portable ACs can be extremely noisy when operational. Although most of the units on the market produce a noise range of between 48 dB to 60 dB, always go for a quieter unit. Other Features to Look For In addition to these, other factors you may want to look for when picking a portable Ac include: Remote control Portability (weight, rollers, and handles) Drainage system Heating function Dehumidifier function Multiple fan settings And there you have it. A portable AC is the best thing you can invest
Launching on 22 July, TwelveTrees Park is a new, cosmopolitan neighbourhood for London Located minutes between Stratford and Canary Wharf with five rail and tube lines on the doorstep, as well as London City Airport and Crossrail within 10 minutes, this is one of the best-connected developments in London It will provide over 3,800 homes and includes plans for shops, restaurants and a new 4.5 acre WiFi-enabled park Over half the 26.2 acre site is dedicated to green spaces, creating a lush and tranquil setting just minutes from the City This mixed-use development will be a blueprint for modern living. It has been designed with connectivity at its heart, whether to nature, to London or to the community The neighbourhood will provide a new home for the acclaimed East London Science School, as well as a number of maker-space studios to help creativity flourish The area boasts a rich history. Formerly owned by 19th Century industrialist, Harper Twelvetrees, the site was once home to the Imperial Works soap factory. Twelvetrees was a prominent anti-slavery campaigner and built homes on the site for some of his lowest paid workers. Its reinvention will deliver homes for people at every stage of life and create a new place for people to live, work, learn and socialise Studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses are available, with homes at Evergreen Point the first to be offered to customers Prices start from £385,000 for a studio Berkeley is launching TwelveTrees Park, a dynamic new place for London on 22 July, which will see West Ham become an integral part of the wider transformation of Stratford. The 3,838-home mixed-use regeneration scheme in East London is Berkeley’s furthest foray east, north of the river. Set to become the benchmark for future living in London with health and wellbeing at the heart of its design, TwelveTrees Park will add to East London’s diverse and vibrant cultural scene. The development is an exciting prospect for people looking for city living combined with expansive green space on their doorstep, and trendsetters who want to be part of the city’s next big destination. With house price growth in Newham expected to be among the highest in London, and the wider Lower Lea Valley experiencing a renaissance, TwelveTrees Park is a solid long-term investment for buyers looking for value in the capital. Offering a stylish mix of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, as well as apartments purpose-built for rent and homes available under shared ownership, TwelveTrees Park offers something for everyone. With views of London’s cityscape and designed with modern lifestyles in mind, Berkeley’s new development epitomises urban living. It enables people to live connected: to London and beyond with fantastic transport links; to nature with over 50% of the site dedicated to green space; to neighbours through a strong community focus; and connected digitally with a fully WiFi-enabled park. Evergreen Point is the first building to launch at TwelveTrees Park and comprises studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. A collection of penthouses are also in the final stages of development. Sat in the heart of the development and offering panoramic views across London, the building is located at the entrance to the park, close to the community hub and to West Ham station, giving residents access to the city. Apartments at TwelveTrees Park have been designed with practical, everyday living in mind. Residents can benefit from ample in-built storage, and have access to a gym, business lounge and 24-hour concierge service. There will also be a car park with electric charging points and bicycle storage. TwelveTrees Park is a blueprint for healthier, balanced living in the city – over half the scheme is green space, encouraging active, outdoor lifestyles and providing places to relax, reflect and restore. The on-site community gardens offer residents flexible space for activities, from gardening to education to group meetings and parties. The 4.5 acre linear park will be at the heart of the development and a focal point for people to meet and socialise, with restaurants and cafés spilling out into the park as part of a new shopping and leisure quarter at the development. Reflecting twenty-first century living, the central park will be fully WiFi-enabled meaning those who work or study from home will have the flexibility to be outdoors and surrounded by nature, while maker-space studios support London’s budding creatives in the pursuit of their passions. TwelveTrees Park will breathe new life into this once industrial part of London, transforming derelict brownfield land into a thriving new community that reflects the history and distinctive character of the local area. By opening up the site, creating two new foot bridges and updating the existing road bridge, including direct access to West Ham station, Berkeley is delivering an important new piece of the jigsaw to help connect the vibrant tapestry of East London. Positioned between Stratford, the Olympic Park and Canary Wharf, TwelveTrees Park benefits from five rail and tube lines on its doorstep, meaning easy access to the city centre and its landmark shopping, tourist and business destinations, including Canary Wharf in only seven minutes. With quick links to Crossrail, and London City Airport just 10 minutes away, residents can easily explore the capital and connect to destinations worldwide. TwelveTrees Park isn’t just a place to live: it’s a community that will educate and inspire future generations. A new, 1,000-pupil state-of-the-art home for the East London Science School will include a specially designed science garden with an outdoor lab and physics garden, a sports hall and a lecture theatre. The science school will be a focal point for the entire community with the facilities used after school hours for activities and events, such as hosting talks on current trending topics and holding fitness classes. Justin Tibaldi, divisional managing director at Berkeley Homes (Capital), commented: “We’re very excited to unveil our vision for TwelveTrees Park – a vibrant new neighbourhood that will be a gamechanger for West Ham and the wider regeneration of the lower Lea Valley. This will be
Have you ever been a victim of a ransomware attack like that of May 12, 2017? Wannacry malware left hundreds of thousands of internet users helpless as they were locked out of their business and personal data after the malware encrypted it all. You could only get a decryption key after a certain amount of money is paid to a random bitcoin wallet. Most attacks will demand that you pay through cryptocurrency, to make it difficult to trace the recipient and people responsible. In other words, you can always remain in the dark even after recovering access to your data, which is still never guaranteed even after paying the ransom. Fortunately, professional ransomware removal can help you negotiate, recover some of your vital data, and protect you from future ransomware attacks. The best thing is that they can even assist with sophisticated decryption systems without even paying the attacker thanks to the towering experience and technology they bring on the table. So, how do you respond in case of a ransomware attack? Here are some tips: Don’t pay the ransom If the attackers get hold of sensitive information, you might be tempted to pay the ransom immediately to avoid embarrassment if the data leaks. It is important to note that there is no guarantee that you’ll get access to all your data even after paying the ransom. Anecdotal accounts of ransomware victims indicate that only 19% of the total people were able to restore complete data. That is a small probability and isn’t worth the risk. Identify the attack for isolation There are two main types of ransomware attacks that can be targeted to companies or individuals. That is encryption based and skin-locking, and they will often work differently. It is important to establish which attack is channeled on you to weigh the available options for retrieving your data. After that, you must turn off the power supplies and separate all the machines and gadgets that you suspect have been attacked. You should also shut down the main network access and deactivate all shared storage spaces. Enact incident response plan If you are working for a big organization, there must be a ransomware attack protocol that all employers are trained to initiate in case they are struck. That includes backing up any files that have not been affected to the cloud storage. You might want to notify your IT and cybersecurity department because this is a security breach. All other employees and stakeholders must be notified immediately to initiate the incidence response protocol on their ends. If the attack is aimed at you as an individual, the next course of action should be using an uninfected gadget to attempt systems restoration from any available backup. Notify cybersecurity firm While you might have cybersecurity departments, specialized firms have the resources and experience to retrace the deadliest ransomware attacks that you can think for. They’ll also take immediate charge of your systems to ensure that subsequent coordinated attacks are thwarted before causing any further harm. In fact, there is a chance that your data may even be recovered immediately if the firm comes up with a decryption key to lock the attackers out. Watch out for measures to deter such attacks in the future Lastly, you’ll want to create a safer buffer between you and any possible attack to avoid such a traumatic showdown in the feature. There are various resourceful materials that you can access online and learn basic cybersecurity tips. For instance, you’ll learn about safe and unsafe websites, how to identify dubious links, and how to create passwords that can withstand the attackers’ brute force. The above recovery process will see to it that you don’t suffer much emotionally and money-wise in terms of giving in to your attacker’s demands. Don’t forget to make the right choices if you ever fall victim.
Most employers think that increasing the number of working hours converts immediately to enhanced productivity and efficiency. While that might be somewhat true for office work, fieldwork is different altogether and should be given a well-thought, tailored approach. For instance, if you want to enhance fieldwork productivity, you must first begin by hiring the right people for the job. The job market is flooded with people who are not really what they claim to be in their CVs and social media profiles. It would be best if you devised a means to enhance quality and resourceful absorption only. Some employers also tend to neglect technology when it comes to fieldwork. It is important to note that adapting to modern technology such as accurate forms app will benefit both you and the employees. While employees will be able to express their findings in detailed photos and sketches, you’ll also supervise easily and promptly as they dispatch partially filled forms with notes and due dates. So, in what other ways can you improve your employees’ fieldwork performance? Well, they include but aren’t limited to the following: Delegate some duties Never be afraid of delegating some duties, especially if there is someone who can oversee them just the same way you could. While quality is what should be prioritized, delegating some duties makes your employees feel a sense of responsibility and trust. They will work hard and wouldn’t want to do anything that makes you leave the office for supervision purposes. Moreover, other stakeholders would also love to see that work can proceed in the fields even when you aren’t around. Train and develop employees Why would you prefer to save the company’s money and time in place of nurturing and developing skills? The best thing about it is that you don’t have to teach them from scratch, as you only need to build on already acquired skills and experience. At the end of the day, additional guidance will improve efficiency, and that is good for news for business. You can support additional training and development through seminars, workshops, individual coaching, and mentorship programs. Match tasks to skills Before delegating duties or issuing special tasks such as pitching ideas to on-site clients, we recommend that you consider each employee’s individual skills and capabilities. In both cases, the most creative and eloquent person will make the best choice as he/she will communicate fluently to clients and report to you promptly. Issue incentives The best way of getting employees to your side is by recognizing both extra and special efforts they put in to ensure that your organization achieves its goal and objectives. Instead of giving them a general pay rise, which can be unreasonable if the company isn’t making profits, you can decide to pay them overtime. You can also take them out for lunch once in a while and issue personalized gifts and handwritten thank you notes for employees who contribute immensely to the entire group. That way, the other employees will also be motivated to achieve such accolades. Clear and effective communication Lastly, you might want to use clear and effective tools and channels of communication to avoid stalled productivity. While technology has made it possible to communicate within a click of a button, it would help if sometimes you make a physical appearance as the boss to appeal to the seriousness or urgency of the matter. It will also help if you make the organization’s goals and objectives clearly known in simple language that everyone can understand. That way, employees will be efficient and focused, knowing exactly what is expected of them. These tips will discourage haphazard behaviors by workers who want to complete their fieldwork manual for the sake of just filling it. You’ll be assured of a reliable, productive workforce.
Do you know that every aspect of your product contributes to whether you’ll attract more customers and retain the existing ones, including packaging and delivery? While you might have premium delivery services, which can be free for the customer, sometimes, the customer still wants a guarantee that the product was safe during storage and transit. The packaging will clearly tell that. Moreover, your brand’s perception will be influenced by the physical appearance and design of the packaging material. Transportation and shipping boxes needs may vary from one business to another, but it still helps if you go for an affordable yet valuable solution that will cut down costs and improve the profit margin. Among the safest, durable, and reliable packaging solutions that are gaining popularity in the mainstream include corrugated materials. So, what reasons would prompt you to choose corrugated packaging? Well, they include but aren’t limited to the following: It is important to note that consumers are increasingly becoming aware of their duty towards achieving a safer and greener habitat that will benefit flora and fauna in generations to come. Corrugated boxes are not only biodegradable but can also be recycled with ease. For instance, today’s box that is used for packaging food products can be recycled for spare parts tomorrow. In other words, corrugated packaging is a sustainable, environmentally friendly option that every consumer would want to associate themselves with. In the long run, it fosters a positive business image that attracts new customers to the brand and retains existing ones. As noted earlier, consumers are interested in whether the product will reach them safely, especially if they are ordered online. Customized corrugated packaging will ensure that your products arrive at the consumer without any dent, scratch, or leaks. You would also want to work with a supplier who gives you additional safety features such as breakable seals such that consumers can have integrity in your product. That way, you’ll have the most after-sought brand in the whole city by just winning the hearts of a few who will be making constant references to your product. One of the main advantages of working with a good corrugated packaging supplier is attracting new customers and retaining the already existing ones. That means that you’ll generally register improved sales and revenues in that financial year. In addition to that, it reduces the risks of refund or product liability lawsuits that may emanate from poor packaging of the products. The more you decrease the chances of such an incidence, the more your loyal customers will trust you. You’ll also save more in place of unnecessary expenses. Huge profits to your brand mean that more money can now be channeled to advertising and improving rates and wages to enhance labor efficiency and productivity. It will help if your delivery guy avoids too many other packagings just to make sure that the products arrive in shape. That can hinder long-distance deliveries as the product can arrive with some parts missing. That is why you should opt for corrugated design solutions. Lastly, you might be interested to know that there is an overwhelming option when it comes to choosing the right packaging material, but corrugated boxes are the most affordable ones. All you need to do is get a reliable supplier who will compliment all your needs, preferences, and specifications to create a package that will help build your brand’s reputation. The surest ways of landing a reputable supplier include direct references and online reviews. Positive online reviews are like personal recommendations and will often point you in the right direction. Make the internet your friend, and you’ll find locating the right supplier to be an easier task than you really expected.
In today’s world, beyond the beautiful products and services that you might be selling, customers are also interested in world-class amenities at your business premises, such as parking lots and walking pathways. A cracked, bulging parking lot would be detrimental to your company’s reputation. For instance, during summer, the parking lot will be dusty, and customers won’t appreciate that. Likewise, no one would want to struggle with mud and pools of dirty water during a rainy period. Hiring commercial paving services for industrial paving can help you enhance the appeal of your commercial premises, which will help you attract and retain more customers. Besides turning away customers, dilapidated parking lots and pathways increase the liability risks of your business. You don’t want to be tied to multiple compensation claims simply because lawyers have higher grounds of proving negligence on your side. In that regard, it helps if you take the necessary steps now than to regret it in the future. So, why should you hire commercial paving services to put your parking lot and pavements in shape? Well, we have the following reasons for you: Prepping the area If you’d want to do it differently, it will force you to hire different contractors, which is expensive in the long run. Moreover, prepping the area would require a lot of work and will need professionals who can leverage machine work to do it perfectly. Moreover, based on your premises location and requirements, commercial paving contractors can offer excellent recommendations for a durable, long-lasting infrastructure. Put an end to constant pothole repairs. Necessary regulations and construction standards As noted earlier, dilapidated infrastructure in your company’s premises can be an avenue for liability lawsuits. An experienced contractor knows both your state’s regulations and provisions involved in designing, constructing, and repairing commercial parking lots and pavements. This includes mandatory parking space for people with disabilities and any other important accessibility feature that must comply with safety measures. Consequently, you’ll have saved yourself liability responsibility for any accident that might happen within the premises. Timely completion of projects Professional paving contractors have the machinery and the resources to get the job done within the agreed time-frame. While completion time needs may vary from one commercial building to another, you would still want someone who honors the commitment of getting the job done as stipulated in the contract. You will also need nothing but quality work to cut down operational costs and allow the business to resume as soon as possible. Design versatility There are various pavement designs to choose from based on budget, preference, or requirements from the local authority. Getting a professional that is well-versed in your town area will see to it that you gate more design options on your plate to match your needs and expectations. Environment-friendly Just like safety regulations, professional pavers know the environmental impact that a poorly completed project can have on the building and neighboring community. For instance, professionals will ensure meticulous water drainage systems to eliminate water runoff pollution. Moreover, some local authorities may even give you tax incentives if your parking lot and pavements enhance a greener world. Warranty for labor and materials Lastly, you might want to work with someone who gives you warranty for materials and labor for a few years, protecting you from unnecessary repair costs. Professional paving contractors will inspect your pavements and parking lots during the warranty period because they are confident in what they do. Moreover, if there is an issue listed in the contract, you’ll get free, speedy repair that will not interrupt your business’s normal running. Get the right professional paving contractor today to estimate your project’s cost, and you’ll never regret putting your business premises in shape!
Caledonian has beaten off stiff competition with its innovative approach to volumetric construction to be shortlisted in two categories in this year’s Offsite Awards. The judges shortlisted the Nottinghamshire-based company in both the Best Use of Volumetric Technology category and Offsite Pioneer of the Year. Recognition in this major industry award sends a clear signal to developers and building designers that Caledonian is a leader in the UK offsite and modular construction sector. Within the Offsite Pioneer of the Year category, the judges recognised how, over the last five years, Caledonian has grown into one of the largest specialist off-site manufacturing businesses in the UK. This has been achieved by pioneering new ways in which modular projects are designed, manufactured and delivered; a growth and pace of change that few in any industry would be able to emulate. Singled out by the judges was the work at Sir Frederick Gibberd College where the company built an entire school in just 12 weeks, and during the Covid-19 lockdown when most other construction sites were closed. A time lapse video showing the modular build appeared in several national press including the Daily Mail under the headline: ‘Remarkable time-lapse footage shows secondary school being built in 12 WEEKS while the rest of us have been on lockdown’. Alongside this, investment in BIM, DfMA and lean manufacturing have enabled Caledonian to regularly achieve an industry-leading completion rate of up to 96% before modules are delivered to site. Caledonian was also shortlisted in Best Use of Volumetric Technology for its work with Bowmer & Kirkland at the University Campus of Football Business, First Way Campus in Wembley. The £25m contract involved the company manufacturing accommodation modules for the 678 student bedroom scheme. What stood out for the judges on this project was Caledonian’s ability to supply a fully fire compliant modular solution for the 10 storey development, along with a completion rate of 96% for the modules prior to shipping to site. “We already knew that our innovative volumetric system was shaking up the market, which has been reflected by the fact we have been shortlisted in two categories within the Offsite Awards,” said Paul Lang, Chief Executive Office at Caledonian. “To be shortlisted in two categories and when we we’re up against other major brands just goes to show that Caledonian is one to watch for the future.” Caledonian faces stiff competition in both categories with the likes of Kier Integrated Team, NG Bailey and Urban Splash all vying for overall victory. The finals and award winners will be announced at the first ‘virtual’ Offsite Awards, taking place in the afternoon of 22 September 2020. Caledonian offers innovative volumetric solutions for a wide range of sectors including education, leisure, health, residential, student accommodation, commercial & retail, custodial and MOD, amongst others. The company has been successfully appointed to several leading frameworks including DfE (Department for Education), NHS and LHC. To find out more about Caledonian modular buildings and offsite construction solutions, visit: www.caledonianmodular.com
Following the launch of RGB Building Supplies’ Tools for Africa appeal in January, the builders merchant is thanking trades and the community for helping to donate 15 bulk bags full of preloved tools which have been passed to South West-based charity Amigos. Amigos works closely with another UK charity called Work Aid, which will now refurbish the donated items before sending them to Africa. The tools will be used by young people so they can learn construction skills and help lift themselves and their families out of poverty. For the past 13 years the charity has provided vocational learning opportunities at Kira Farm Development Centre in Uganda where young people can spend a year acquiring life-changing skills. This includes training in carpentry and building techniques, with 98% of the graduates going on to full-time employment or starting their own business. Phil Pugsley, Chief Executive at Amigos, said: “Winston Churchill once said, ‘give us the tools, and we will finish the job’. It’s no good Amigos training a young Ugandan in carpentry and building if they have no access to the tools needed to put their newfound skills into practice. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has gone above and beyond by turning out their sheds and garages, and to RGB for once again allowing their outlets to be collection centres. Together, we are equipping precious young people with the skills and the tools to transform their lives – thank you.” Kevin Fenlon, CEO of RGB, added: “We launched our appeal before lockdown was put in place, so we’re delighted we’ve been able to bring it to a successful close. Amigos does fantastic work in helping young people learn a trade and gain employment and this is the second time we’ve worked with the charity. By simply donating some unused tools, the kind-hearted people in our area have really helped to change the lives of young people in Africa.”
IronmongeryDirect has reported its most successful month in history, with June seeing record figures for both order numbers and revenue. With many people turning to DIY during lockdown, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery experienced an 80% year-on-year (YoY) increase in web traffic in June. This increase led to a 75% uplift in transactions, taking the total number of orders to unprecedented levels. The surge of interest in home improvements saw a slight shift in IronmongeryDirect’s usual consumer base, away from its usual trade focus and more into the domestic market. In fact, while online traffic from existing customers rose by 29%, the number of first-time visitors more than trebled (208% YoY). Categories that performed particularly well in June included: ● Locks and latches ● Door and cabinet furniture (front door furniture, handles and knobs) ● Screws and fixings ● Gate, fence and shed hardware ● Shelving and storage Charlie Carlton, Head of Digital at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said: “In recent months, many people have used their extra time at home to do DIY and this trend is clearly evident in our sales data. “We’re delighted to have been able to provide for the nation during lockdown, whilst still supplying critical products to the NHS and schools in this difficult time. With restrictions starting to ease off, we expect to see a return to our normal trade patterns and will continue to serve the country’s construction industry as it recovers from the pandemic.” For more information about IronmongeryDirect, visit: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/
Letter written by Nick Cowley, managing director at Euramax, in response to the Prime Minister’s announcement of £350 million to cut carbon emissions in industry, construction, and transport sectors as part of a green recovery. As industry emerges from lockdown, and the closure of infrastructure and construction projects, we are in a good position to revaluate our environmental approach. The building and construction sector accounts for around 39 per cent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, with construction operations making up 11 per cent of that. The government has pledged £26 million to support advanced new building techniques in order to reduce build costs and cut carbon emissions in the construction industry. To aid a successful green recovery, we must invest in modern, sustainable building techniques. Our future homes won’t be built, they’ll be manufactured using modular methods. Modular construction involves building parts of the building offsite in a manufacturing facility, then joining them together onsite. Modular construction requires less machinery and can halve building time, therefore using up to 67 per cent less energy. Modular construction also produces less waste and can be constructed using recycled materials. The modularity of the buildings means they can easily be deconstructed and moved without demolition, which further cuts down their environmental impact. Despite their quick construction, making some sceptics dubious about their quality, the controlled built environment can make modular builds as energy efficient as traditional builds — helping us indeed ‘build back better’.