Business : BDC Blog News
Apprentice Carpenters Are Spreading Christmas Cheer

Apprentice Carpenters Are Spreading Christmas Cheer

John Sisk & Son (“Sisk”) alongside Moda, developer and operator of homes for rent, have teamed up to deliver 100 toys for children at the West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre in Birmingham this Christmas. In addition to this Sisk has also donated a set of handcrafted wooden toys, created by Sisk’s

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Which Home Improvements Add The Most Value?

Home improvement is very worthwhile because it adds value to properties and homes. Experts in the real estate sector, rate home improvement according to four criteria: bad, moderate/average, satisfactory, and outstanding. Before you begin a home improvement project, it may be necessary to consider if the project aims to improve

Read More »
ALB Group Delivers Christmas Cheer

ALB Group Delivers Christmas Cheer

Leading property development, investment and lettings company, ALB Group, is marking the festive season by donating thousands of pounds worth of Christmas presents to children in five hospitals across the country. The Nottingham-headquartered privately owned group, which has multiple companies specialising in the conversion, redevelopment and letting of residential and commercial

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True Dangers of a Tire Blowout

The summer, at all times when the temperatures tend to rise, is associated with the greatest number of tire blowouts. This seems to be related to the fact that during those months people tend to drive longer and faster, and also when their vehicles tend to be carrying heavier loads.

Read More »

Why Is Turkey the Best Place for Hair Transplantation?

Turkey has emerged as one of the world’s capital when it comes to hair transplant clinics. To get an idea of just how true this is, think about this for a moment; around 5,000 patients arrive in Turkey each month to visit a hair transplant clinic.   Reasonable Prices for

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Reduce the Risk of COVID Transmission: Ventilate Your Buildings

Reduce the Risk of COVID Transmission: Ventilate Your Buildings

Social distancing and mask-wearing can only go so far in preventing transmission of COVID-19 indoors. They are not barriers to contaminated aerosols, which can build up in poorly ventilated buildings. Specialist Building Service Engineers, Milieu, bring together the latest research on COVID-19 transmission and share their expertise on how to

Read More »

What Is Accelerated Online Learning?

Accelerated online learning is fast becoming the preferred choice by students and professionals. Education allows you to prepare yourself for your future career. You can also improve your skills and advance your career with the help of an accelerated online degree. It’s an excellent investment for your future. Accelerated online

Read More »
Tradespeople Introduce New Services Because of Covid-19

Tradespeople Introduce New Services Because of Covid-19

Yell Business has released a new research into how small businesses have adapted to survive in light of Covid-19 and how the pandemic is changing the way businesses and consumers communicate. The new study reveals the scale of the challenge that business owners have faced in recent months, with three

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Has Town-Expansion Been Affected By Covid-19?

Town expansion is not always due to more people moving into the location. Rather, it can because there is a higher need for more homes, more jobs and more roads because it’s become a popular tourist destination. It could also be because you’re close to a city and you need

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Latest Issue
Issue 326 : Mar 2025

Business : BDC Blog News

Apprentice Carpenters Are Spreading Christmas Cheer

Apprentice Carpenters Are Spreading Christmas Cheer

John Sisk & Son (“Sisk”) alongside Moda, developer and operator of homes for rent, have teamed up to deliver 100 toys for children at the West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre in Birmingham this Christmas. In addition to this Sisk has also donated a set of handcrafted wooden toys, created by Sisk’s apprentice carpenters at the company’s workshop in Dublin. This is part of a longstanding Sisk tradition which will see 400 wooden toys donated throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe. West Midlands Rehabilitation Service in Birmingham is a key service provided by Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust based in Selly Oak. Their specialist teams provide wheelchair services; communication and technology device support; functional electrical stimulation (FES) a technology that helps children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy to walk and amputee and prosthetic rehabilitation. Work on the wooden toys commences in mid-November and takes four to five weeks to complete, with all staff and management in the Sisk training centre getting involved. Each November, the team get together to decide on the toys they are going to make, sourcing ideas from books, websites and feedback from the charities who have received toys in the past. The Sisk Christmas toy project was started by John G Sisk at the Sisk Joinery Workshop in Dublin almost 45 years ago. Today, Sisk has a state of the art training facility for apprentice carpenters and joiners located at its head office in Dublin and also has ten apprentices working at its Broad Street project. Sisk is currently building The Mercian (Birmingham’s tallest residential tower) at Broad Street in Birmingham city centre for its client, Moda. The project is located on the former site of the renowned nightclub, The Click Club at Burberries.  Working in partnership with Moda, Sisk has already delivered on its promise to create hundreds of new jobs at The Mercian. In addition, with support from the WMCA (West Midlands Combined Authority), a bespoke Training Hub has been implemented on site. Simon Dingle, Regional Director, John Sisk & Son, said: “This past year has been extremely challenging for everybody, particularly families who need to access vital support services. We are delighted to be able to team up with Moda to deliver our handmade toys to West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre. One of our greatest success stories has been our ability to give back to the many communities in which we work through our longstanding Sisk Christmas toy story. The toys are handmade by our apprentice carpenters and joiners, utilising the skills taught to them at our training centre. We would also like to thank all our supply chain partners who have donated a further 70 commercial toys as part of our donation the West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre.” Tony Brooks, Managing Director at Moda, said: “With the extreme challenges faced by so many this year, it is a true pleasure to be able to bring some Christmas joy to children in Birmingham, our newest home. At Moda, we work hard for the communities we live in and The Mercian is no different – we’re proud to stand tall against the Birmingham skyline and give back to the community as we look ahead to everything we can bring to the city when we open late next year.”

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Which Home Improvements Add The Most Value?

Home improvement is very worthwhile because it adds value to properties and homes. Experts in the real estate sector, rate home improvement according to four criteria: bad, moderate/average, satisfactory, and outstanding. Before you begin a home improvement project, it may be necessary to consider if the project aims to improve your home to a ‘satisfactory’ condition and what it will achieve in terms of value increment.  Home improvements do not just revolve around property resale, and it can also enhance your family’s quality of life, comfort and enjoyment of your house (even if you don’t plan to move anytime soon). One fact you must not forget is that not every home improvement project will ultimately lead to a boost in your property resale value. This means you may not recover the investment cost of some home improvement projects.  So, here are some home improvements that can significantly boost the value of your house.  Outdoor living space/ deck A home’s outdoor space is a place to share beautiful moments with loved ones. From grilling barbeque to relaxing while watching kids play, it can significantly improve your home’s value.  It greatly improves the beauty of your home’s exterior as it comes in a wide assortment of styles and colours. For a more appealing effect, you can grow gardens or add decorative lights to improve your home’s ambience.  Consider using a decking material of superior quality, such as composite. It is resistant to extreme heat, moisture and wind. It is also eco-friendly, durable and affordable. Composite decking materials are designed for long-term enjoyment without the frustration of routine maintenance.  Kitchen  Kitchen remodelling and updates will definitely improve the value of your home. According to real estate analysts, kitchen remodelling can increase your home value by up to 60%. Start by making simple but highly essential updates because buyers yearn for kitchens with modern facilities.  Ensure you change the faucets if they need replacement. Also, energy-efficient, modern lights are better than retro or old ceiling bulbs. You can also add cabinets and hardware to transform the appearance of your kitchen. Consider adding fresh paint to your kitchen or tiling the wall to instil a contemporary style to your kitchen.  Bathroom  Bathroom improvement or update is an important project that is known to boost the resale value of properties. Here are some tips to help remodel your bathroom on a budget:  The most effective solution to improving your bathroom appearance is by cladding the wall. The bathroom is a moisture-ridden area, prone to mildew and mould, which can ruin a paint job. Today’s cladding panel materials are resistant to humidity, moisture and mould. They can significantly improve your bathroom’s aesthetics. Ensure you replace the lighting, faucet, showerhead, racks and drawers. They can add beauty to your bathroom.  You can deep clean your bathroom by removing grime, grout and dirt. This will freshen up the appearance of your bathroom. You can also use caulk and grout.  The cabinet door will also need to be repainted. You replace old accessories such as the tissue paper holder and toilet bars. This is a cheap and quick way of updating your bathroom.  Fence A fence adorns a home, especially when it has a decorative finish. It significantly adds value to every home, and buyers love it. It instils privacy and enhances the security of your property’s perimeter. From intrusive or prying neighbours to unwelcomed salespeople, a fence will restrict their access to your home. It also improves the safety of your kids and pets.  Fences also improve curb appeal and improve the aesthetics of the house. It is also important for landscaping and beautifies your garden. Fencing materials are also worth your consideration, as you wouldn’t want a fence that is high-maintenance and quick to rot, rust or splinter. This is why the composite fence is the most preferred fencing option for your property. The composite fence has excellent aesthetics, excellent rigidity and resilience to harsh climate conditions, superior strength and low-maintenance features.  Roof New roofing allows you to cut cooling costs while improving curb appeal and resale value. Often overlooked, new roofs can positively add to the beauty of a home. Most premium roofs are designed to lessen cooling costs because they can reflect solar heat significantly. The roof also happens to be the most easy-to-see feature to homebuyers. Poor roofing condition can cause serious drainage issues. 

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ALB Group Delivers Christmas Cheer

ALB Group Delivers Christmas Cheer

Leading property development, investment and lettings company, ALB Group, is marking the festive season by donating thousands of pounds worth of Christmas presents to children in five hospitals across the country. The Nottingham-headquartered privately owned group, which has multiple companies specialising in the conversion, redevelopment and letting of residential and commercial properties throughout the UK, is gifting £15,000 worth of presents to children who will be receiving hospital treatment over the Christmas period. This is the fourth year running that ALB has donated gifts to children in hospital – and donations this year will reach communities in which the developer has been particularly active; including Kings Mill in Mansfield, Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax, Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham, Derbyshire Children’s Hospital and Arrowe Park Hospital in Birkenhead, Merseyside. This is the second consecutive year that the company has donated gifts to Arrowe Park Hospital in Birkenhead, following its work on the transformation of a local retail unit into 59 residential apartments in the town. As well as gifts, ALB is also donating a new television and Xbox to a local homeless shelter in Nottinghamshire. Arran Bailey, managing director at ALB Group, said: “As a company, we work to improve local areas through the regeneration, redevelopment and conversion of underutilised sites and properties, and we feel a responsibility to give something extra special back to these communities for Christmas. “The festive season is usually such a joyful time, but given the uncertain year we’ve all experienced, it’s going to feel very different for many this year – especially for those who have been and are separated from their loved ones. “We are so pleased and proud to be able to give some joy to children who are in hospital over the Christmas season, and we look forward to seeing the smiles on their faces once the gifts are delivered to the wards. “Our work takes us all over the country, but we are honoured to be so involved in the property industry throughout the East Midlands, where the company first began, providing quality residential and commercial spaces for people to enjoy.”

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True Dangers of a Tire Blowout

The summer, at all times when the temperatures tend to rise, is associated with the greatest number of tire blowouts. This seems to be related to the fact that during those months people tend to drive longer and faster, and also when their vehicles tend to be carrying heavier loads. Add to the mix tires that are not necessarily new, and you have the potential of a tire blowout. Other factors contributing to these accidents are insufficient air pressure and impacting obstacles on the road. Which are the main culprits of tire blowouts? Tires that are worn and in bad condition cause serious problems with: Drivability Braking Control of the vehicle What are the problems tires present as they wear down? Worn tires are really dangerous. That is why there are many different issues that can arise from tires that have seen better days, such as: Punctures The tread in tires protects the casing from being punctured. If it is worn down it is much easier for a sharp object to penetrate the tire. If this happens and you get a sudden blowout, you may lose control of the steering wheel and impact other vehicles around you. Hydroplaning When you drive over water such as when it’s raining or through potholes you can feel confident that your car will respond well because your tires have a nice tread that can grip the water and keep you straight on the road. If, on the other hand, your tires are worn, you may feel as if your car is sliding across the water in a phenomenon known as hydroplaning. And, as you are sliding, you may end up hitting other vehicles. Heat Buildup You should know that heat is a major enemy of rubber and an important factor in tire failure. This is because, when the tires wear down, there is less space for air to pass between the grooves of the tread to allow for the tires to cool and they end up heating up to the point where they become dangerous. Leaking Air As tires’ tread gets worn down, they are much more likely to lose air pressure through leaking air. This not only ends up affecting fuel economy, but it makes steering more difficult as well as braking. Is there anything you can do to ensure your tires are safe for driving and have a longer life? Disregarding your tires when it comes to car maintenance may have grave and unintended consequences. That is why it is so important for you to always place them in your to-do list when it comes to car maintenance. Keep these points in mind: Do not Drive with Underinflated Tires Air, after all, is what allows a tire to carry the weight of the vehicle and its cargo. If your tires do not have adequate tire pressure, the components that make up the tire flex beyond their defined limits. Without going into too many specific details, suffice it to say that they would react the same way as a wire hanger that has been bent out of shape too many times. The tires would eventually become so weak that they would end up failing. There is no need for you to be a tire expert to know how much air your tires need. The driver’s door usually shows you that exact information. Some new models even give you an alert when a tire is severely underinflated. If your car does not, please get in the habit of checking your tires’ pressure. Also, if for some reason you have to drive a long distance and realize you did so with an underinflated tire, have a professional take it off and check it before you drive again and tell you how much damage it suffered. It may be necessary for you to buy a new one. Beware of Potholes Potholes are a big enemy of tires, particularly those ultralow-profile ones. If you hit it hard enough, the internals of your tire can be cut or frayed. If the pothole manages to cut all the way through to the inside of the tire, you will have no other option but to buy a new tire. Don’t Overload Your Car Just because your vehicle has the capacity to carry stuff, it does not mean that the tires can do so. Carrying extra heavy loads and having underinflated tires is never a good combination. There is a number molded into the tire that informs you of the maximum weight it can carry, providing it is inflated to the maximum pressure. A Deadly Combination One of your tires might have hit a pothole with no immediate bad results, but an undetected slow leak might be doing its job on it. You may have noticed your car leaning towards one side and done nothing about it or it may take you by surprise. But if you mix that situation with a car that is overloaded and carrying your children and a couple of friends, you may have a tire blowout in the middle of the highway to your destination. This and many other frightening scenarios can be associated with tires that blow out. Maybe your teenager borrowed the car and forgot to tell you about hitting a pothole or it could be that you forget to periodically check the tires’ pressure. Whatever the case, if you have a blowout on the road and can still control your steering wheel, try to maintain the car in your lane while pressing gently on the brake until the car almost stops. Then, gently move towards the shoulder and hopefully, you can stop there. Have you been in an accident where there was a tire blowout involved? If you need legal help because of an accident involving a tire blowout you should know that 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service. They have the legal professionals you need and will match you with a truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere

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Why Is Turkey the Best Place for Hair Transplantation?

Turkey has emerged as one of the world’s capital when it comes to hair transplant clinics. To get an idea of just how true this is, think about this for a moment; around 5,000 patients arrive in Turkey each month to visit a hair transplant clinic.   Reasonable Prices for the Surgery Perhaps the most well-known thing about hair transplant in Turkey is the low cost compared to other countries where the procedure costs an arm and a leg. While a hair transplant’s price is about anything from $4,000 to $15,000 in most developed countries, the same procedure done in Turkey using the same technology and equipment costs a fraction of that amount! When you have hair transplant services in Turkey, you are sure to stay within your budget. You can get the best hair transplant services depending on the amount of hair to be transplanted. It will cost you a minimal fee of from $1,500 to $4,000, giving you extra cash to use on other things. The cost includes many other things related to the surgery, such as hotel, transfer fee, the doctor, and the nurse fee. Look keenly at the clinic’s package; you can get the best value for money. Bundling is not a strong suit for other hair transplant destinations. Many Hair Transplant High-class Facilities There is a saying that competition breeds quality. Well, Turkey and in particular Istanbul has many world-class facilities where any patients in need of a hair transplant can go to and get their hair restored. That far gives a person more choice if they choose to have a hair transplant in Turkey rather than any other country. The choice means you can negotiate on many things that you feel are necessary before the hair transplant. It also means you do not have to use a service provider that you do not like. Do your research and make a choice. An Abundance of Hair Transplant Surgeons What would so many hair transplant clinics be to you if you were not receiving the best service? If you choose to be in turkey, you can bank on the high number of professionals in hair transplant to know that you are enjoying the best services not only in Turkey but the world. Because of the high number of physicians, Turkey is regarded as the hair transplant leader, as the US is considered the leader in cosmetic surgery. Every hair graft procedure is a team operation, and turkey has many doctors and nurses specializing in hair transplant. You can only expect the best service from the thousands of doctors and nurses in the country. With their large numbers, they have more seminars to improve skills and techniques. Travel to this beautiful country and experience the best hair grafting can offer. There will be no more waiting lines due to insufficient doctors. Advanced Medical Technology You have to contend that hair transplant is not a walk in the park, and only the best facilities can assure permanent natural-looking hair. Luckily, Turkey has advanced in medical technology regarding hair transplant to ensure no regrets after medical surgery. You will have experts at all hair transplant technologies like FUE, FUT, and DHI (https://cosmeticium.com/dhi-hair-transplant/). The doctor will take you through all possible hair remedies like Laser light therapy, Hair replacement surgery, FUE, FUT, and DHI, and some prescription drugs like Propecia and Minoxidil so you can choose with all the fact on the table. Whatever choice you make, you are assured that doctor will do the treatment from Turkey with local facilities. Some countries promise heaven only to outsource everything. Government Support of Medical Tourism Turkey is among an elite group of countries that support medical tourism. The hair transplant industry has brought this great nation; it is no wonder it is part of the government plans. You can get a facility supported by the government, so they don strain on resources hence the low price. Because of the government support for medical tourism, Hair transplant clinics can help organize your travel at a lower cost the flight tickets. Once you are in Turkey, you can also consider visiting many historic and scenic sites. In Conclusion; Turkey is the undisputed capital of hair transplants; anyone who needs the best hair transplant services at a reasonable cost should put Turkey first on their list. Cosmeticium’s hair transplant in turkey is the best for all kind of cosmetic treatments. However, one must do proper research to get an accredited clinic with accredited doctors to make the most out of a hair transplant experience.

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Reduce the Risk of COVID Transmission: Ventilate Your Buildings

Reduce the Risk of COVID Transmission: Ventilate Your Buildings

Social distancing and mask-wearing can only go so far in preventing transmission of COVID-19 indoors. They are not barriers to contaminated aerosols, which can build up in poorly ventilated buildings. Specialist Building Service Engineers, Milieu, bring together the latest research on COVID-19 transmission and share their expertise on how to use ventilation to reduce the risk of COVID transmission indoors. It is generally agreed by the scientific and medical community that the main route of coronavirus transmission is by respiratory droplets (larger droplets and particles which are exhaled when people cough, sneeze, sing, talk or breathe), which are passed on through close contact with an infected individual. Transmission by these larger respiratory droplets is usually within 6 feet, hence the 2m social distancing rule. More recently, it was discovered that COVID-19 can also be spread through exposure to virus-containing respiratory droplets that remain suspended in the air over longer distances. These smaller droplets are known as aerosols. Outdoors, fresh air will dilute and disperse any virally charged particles; it is indoors where this mode of transmission puts us all at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Therefore, unless clever ventilation systems are incorporated into buildings, transmission risk is even higher. Aerosols tend to follow airflow. Opening windows and doors allows fresh air to enter indoor spaces, increases airflow and reduces the concentration of virally charged particles. In rooms where this is not possible, alternate methods of ventilation need to be used, such as air conditioning (AC). However, AC systems that recycle air, without an adequate supply of fresh air, could be responsible for recirculating and spreading airborne viral particles. In traditional AC systems, where units are placed on the wall, airflow is horizontal, potentially delivering infectious respiratory droplets into the pathways of others. In an underfloor ventilation system Milieu have recently installed at Pennybank, Clerkenwell, the airflow is vertical, streaming the air up past occupants to be expelled through cleverly concealed vents. This not only reduces the concentration of any virally charged particles, but it reduces mixing of air between people sharing a working space. Milieu have recently developed an innovative Ventilation Effectiveness Toolkit which assesses ventilation using computational modelling to analyse volume, occupancy, vocal activity and existing ventilation rates (natural and mechanical) of a building. Carl Carrington, CEO Milieu, says: “At Milieu, we’re passionate about creating healthy buildings and keeping people safe: our new toolkit enables us to assess ventilation of an indoor space, in relation to occupancy, and work out a Relative Risk Increase (RRI) that can be used to inform people how safe their spaces are and whether their current ventilation is sufficient or not.” As we await the roll-out of the coronavirus vaccine, we can take steps to reduce its transmission and reduce the infection rate of any future strains of SARs or other viruses, such as flu and the common cold, all of which impact our health and productivity. An effective way of doing this is by improving the ventilation of our buildings.

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Glencar partners with Leicester Riders as official game night sponsor for Sky Sports encounter against Bristol Flyers

The game will be the first time the reigning Playoff champions have featured on Sky Sports since coverage got underway last week. The club are delighted to welcome Glencar Construction to the Riders family as an official game night sponsor for the first game on the channel. “The Leicester Riders young player pathway and community development programme has contributed massively, not only to the success of the team on the court, but also off the court in terms of providing young people with opportunities to grow, develop and be part of a success story” commented Glencar Managing Director Eddie McGillycuddy. “Basketball is an integral part of community sport and actually one of most played sports in the U.K. amongst young people. Glencar are very happy to partner with one of The British Basketball League’s leading teams who share our core values in investing in young people, education and community development.” Glencar Construction is a contractor specialising in the creation of high-quality turnkey facilities in partnership with some of the UK’s leading developers, occupiers, retailers and logistics businesses. “We are extremely excited to be working alongside a company such as Glencar which clearly shares our core values and sense of community,” said Leicester Riders’ Managing Director Russell Levenston. “Like with our recent success on court it’s a chance for us to help celebrate Glencar’s recent successes off court, after being awarded top spot in the annual Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 league table.” Riders have made a great start to the 2020-21 season having qualified for the BBL Cup quarter final against Glasgow Rocks and opened their league campaign with a victory over Surrey Scorchers. Jamell Anderson, who was a standout versus Surrey added: “Leicester is a club that’s synonymous with leading the way in British Basketball as well as its work in local community so the partnership with Glencar is a great fit. “Everyone is looking forward to playing back in front of the Sky Sports cameras.” Sky Sports have also confirmed that Leicester will also feature on the channel on Friday 26 February when they host Worcester Wolves.

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What Is Accelerated Online Learning?

Accelerated online learning is fast becoming the preferred choice by students and professionals. Education allows you to prepare yourself for your future career. You can also improve your skills and advance your career with the help of an accelerated online degree. It’s an excellent investment for your future. Accelerated online learning is a term used to describe what many people refer to as ‘enhanced e-learning.’ Many people believe that they can take classes in an online environment, so they don’t need to be physically present. While some colleges also offer on-campus accelerated online learning, most people take virtual classes because the only requirement is a stable Internet connection. In a traditional classroom, individuals are required to be physically present because that’s how the classroom system works. Students are taught by a teacher, who’s in a classroom with them, listening to questions and guiding them through the lessons. When students are unable to attend classes physically, it’s extremely difficult to continue learning. This is where online courses or virtual classrooms become useful. With the help of a computer, a person can take a class via the Internet and not have to attend class in a physical classroom. As a result, students learn at a much faster rate because they have a great deal of control over their learning environment. Another benefit of choosing online classes is that many people find that they can complete the classes on their own schedule and at their own pace. It means students can work out a schedule that allows them to work and study at the same time. Online Courses Versus Accelerated Online Learning Enrolling in online classes and taking up accelerated online degree programs have similarities and differences. Both methods allow an individual to take lessons through an e-course. While there are degree courses that can be done online, some may opt for e-books or modules delivered through e-mail. To access an e-course, the student goes online and logs in to a knowledge management system or other platform assigned by the service provider. Aside from sharing the same mode of instruction, which is over the Internet, both offer a convenient and hassle-free way to learn. Here are the benefits of online learning: Flexibility: When you are taking a course online, you can fit your busy schedule around it. Instead of having to plan your vacation or school breaks to help accommodate traditional classes, candidates can opt to study when they want to. Individuals who work long hours can use the flexible schedule to take classes when they have free time. Accessible: Students taking online courses can attend their classes from wherever they are. Online education allows students to take classes in the comfort of their own homes There is no travel time required to commute to and from school. You cannot obtain this flexibility from a traditional school. Lower expenses: Taking online classes means lower fees since you’re not going to use any of the physical facilities or structures of the school. You need not worry about spending on transportation or meals, just like when attending your classes in a traditional school platform. Equal opportunity: Technology has made it easier for everyone to pursue an education no matter one’s social and financial status. So, now that you know the benefits you’ll reap from online learning, you may be wondering what accelerated online education is. To make an informed and educated decision, first, you need to understand what accelerated online learning is. Second, its best to understand what differentiates accelerated online learning from the typical online courses. Third, you will learn the various factors that you should consider in choosing an accelerated online learning course and provider. What Is Accelerated Online Learning?  Online learning has gained popularity recently as an alternative method to traditional education. It allows you to complete your degree program from a distance, and at the same pace as you would if you’re attending an on-campus program. Accelerated online learning programs have several advantages over traditional programs. First, accelerated online degrees can be completed in as little as two years, compared to a typical four-year degree program. It translates to not only time saved, but also reduced expenses since you won’t need to pay for transportation fees going to and from your classes. Also, the cost of textbooks and other supplies will be greatly reduced, making your educational experience affordable. Second, accelerated online courses are a lot easier to take than traditional courses. Students who can’t get their work done on time because of their busy lives will appreciate this type of learning. You can complete the course in between work hours and on weekends, which means you won’t miss a day of class or, worse, an entire semester. As long as you pass the exams, you’ll finish your degree in less than two years. This is comparable to the time that it takes to finish the same course through a traditional on-campus college. Third, because these types of classes do not require physical presence, students who are busy working and raising a family can still finish their degrees while keeping a job. Those who work outside their homes will appreciate this convenience since they don’t need to go to an actual campus to complete their degrees. It gives them a chance to spend more quality time with their family, as well as have more free time to pursue other goals and passions. A benefit like this may make those who already have jobs a bit more open to the idea of an accelerated program. Fourth, accelerated online learning promotes increased job security in the workplace. In today’s economy, there is a growing demand for qualified people to fill available positions. By investing in accelerated online learning, you can enjoy a variety of benefits, including competitive pay, more job security, increased productivity, and career advancement opportunities. Accelerated courses give students a real-world understanding of their chosen careers. They can increase job opportunities for you by offering training in key areas, such

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Tradespeople Introduce New Services Because of Covid-19

Tradespeople Introduce New Services Because of Covid-19

Yell Business has released a new research into how small businesses have adapted to survive in light of Covid-19 and how the pandemic is changing the way businesses and consumers communicate. The new study reveals the scale of the challenge that business owners have faced in recent months, with three quarters (76%) of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) introducing a new service because of Covid-19. The tradesperson industry was found to be one of the most adaptable sectors, with 90% of tradespeople surveyed having introduced a new service. Of those new services: 41% started taking online bookings 40% started doing online video consultations 36% started home delivery services 33% online video tutorials 27% introduced contactless payment systems Nearly half (46%) of tradespeople who introduced a new service said that it was crucial for them to be able to survive the pandemic. 85% stated they plan on continuing the service post Covid-19. Who’s getting the message? The research also identified how the global pandemic has accelerated changes in the ways businesses are communicating with their customers. A massive 93% of tradespeople have introduced new ways of communicating in 2020 with instant messaging platforms coming to the fore. 26% of tradespeople have started using Facebook to communicate with customers as a result of Covid-19 and just over one in five (21%) have started using WhatsApp. 20% of trades have started using Twitter followed closely by Instagram at 15%. 14% have also implemented chatbots. Whilst a phone call and email are still ingrained as the most popular communication methods for tradespeople and their customers alike, the most effective marketing communication tool used by tradespeople during the pandemic was found to be SMS texting. When asked whether the tool had been either ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ effective since March’s national lockdown, 58% of businesses stated that it had. WhatsApp (51%), a Facebook page (50%), paid Facebook ads (49%) and Facebook Messenger (48%) followed. Getting the message in an instant The emergence of instant messaging tools such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and other social messaging platforms as vital communication tools for tradespeople was identified in the research. 58% of tradespeople surveyed said that instant messaging is key for business success post Covid-19, whilst nearly half (48%) stated they had seen an uplift in enquiries thanks to using instant messaging services during the pandemic. 38% said that they had seen an uplift in repeat business and 37% saw an increase in sales. Choosing the correct channel to communicate with customers was found to have far reaching benefits for businesses in the sector too. Yell’s research revealed that over a third (36%) of consumers would be more likely to buy from a business that communicated with them on their preferred channel. 28% of consumers would be more likely to recommend the business to a friend and 24% would be more likely to spend more with that business. Conversely, if an SME communicated with a customer on the wrong channel, 37% of consumers wouldn’t use that business again and 18% would even leave a bad review for the business. Optimism in the face of adversity Despite the challenges brought on by Covid-19, businesses in the tradesperson sector remain positive for the future. 81% of business owners state that they are optimistic about the success of their business in 2021 and, on average, 84% said they were more prepared to deal with another lockdown. Claire Miles, Chief Executive Officer of Yell commented: “The last six months have been incredibly tough for tradespeople but it’s heartening to see that the majority of the sector remains optimistic in the face of adversity. Our diverse local businesses are the cornerstones of our community, which is why it’s crucial that now, more than ever, Yell continues to champion small businesses and provide the digital tools and insights needed for them to thrive. Our research highlights not only the sheer adaptability of tradespeople but also their ability to find the right way to communicate change to their existing and potential customers. It’s clear that during these uncertain times, instant messaging services have been a real lifeline to businesses in the sector who have had to adapt and adjust their models quickly. Instant messaging, as we are aware from our own developments with Apple in this area, facilitates timely and conversational communication between businesses and consumers and as the findings show, many businesses will still be relying on these services to succeed post pandemic.”

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Has Town-Expansion Been Affected By Covid-19?

Town expansion is not always due to more people moving into the location. Rather, it can because there is a higher need for more homes, more jobs and more roads because it’s become a popular tourist destination. It could also be because you’re close to a city and you need to compete for jobs and tourism. Whatever the reason, town expansion is something contraction companies and local authorities are very concerned about in the new world of Covid-19. So how can either of these particles respond to modern challenges? Expensive vs expansive When cities become expensive, they stop becoming expansive. This is why many people in the industry fail to realize, cities like New York and London are not actually expanding rapidly outward. They’re building upward, with more and more skyscrapers. This is because the edges used to be suburban and they have been facing challenges. More and more people are moving away from the city. At least those that do not work in the city or don’t need to. More and more people who have to work in the city are moving in but they don’t have enough money for a house and don’t want to live in the suburbs. Thus, the outer edges are losing residents as the inside is growing. It’s growing but it’s not expanding. Local authorities need to do more to keep local families in the suburbs. Infrastructure requirements One of the things that holds back expansion is the lack of resources that the new residents need. If something as simple as water cannot be found in abundance, the expansion will grind to a halt or it simply won’t take off. Using a water bore drilling service, they can find where the water is, what kind of quality it is, how much of it there is and how you can utilize it. This is important for both construction companies who don’t have this capability as well as local authorities who are accountable to their constituents. It only takes a quick consultation to find out where you are and what you need. Then, with their over 20 years of experience, Adams Drillers will arrive on the scene and get to work. When you can supply the new homes with freshwater, this is when expansion can continue safely. Road network access Many Americans are still commuting to work via the highways. Despite massive developments for trains and airports, the majority of those in employment prefer to drive. They may only have that choice but many prefer it. Without access to the wider road network, you cannot hope to expand properly. Despite there being good developments practically, without transportation requirements being met, you will have a lack of home buyers. Thus, for every new town or borough, you should have an easy way to access the highway. Covid-19 hasn’t changed the challenges that city and town expansion projects have always faced. They have just been made more intense, as the need to retain homeowners in the suburbs has become a priority. 

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