Business : BDC Blog News
Influx of Under-24s Heading to Capital

Influx of Under-24s Heading to Capital

Rental data from one of London’s largest co-living property operators has today revealed a marked increase in young renters heading to the Capital throughout September 2020; a 192% increase in signed rental contracts with those under the age of 24, when compared to the pre-lockdown months of January and February

Read More »

STORY HOMES AND STORY CONTRACTING DONATE OVER £28,000 TO MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY MIND

Story Homes and Story Contracting have joined forces to raise more than £28,000 for mental health charity Mind. Over the past two years, the companies selected Mind as their charity partner, with all staff and business fundraising going to this worthwhile organisation. Staff across the two businesses carried out various fundraising activities to raise money for

Read More »

How To Find The Right Psychologist.

What do you do when you want to improve your inner self? Visiting a psychologist is a great way to help you deal with some of the problems that you are facing in life. Life is never a straight line. Every single day you will have to face challenges, some

Read More »
Smart Improvements to Keep Your Home Insulated

Smart Improvements to Keep Your Home Insulated

It’s starting to look like we will all be spending a little more time at home again over the next few months and with the colder weather approaching, it could be a costly time for home owners. With more people working from home once again and curfews being introduced, it’s

Read More »

Relationship Between Community Education and Community Development

Every country has different communities, which are answerable for different aspects. One may find economic, medical, industrial, and other communities. Each community regulates its sector and affects others. The united effort of all communities affects the growth and development of the entire country. Of course, education plays a vital role

Read More »
Must-Have Home Improvements for COVID

Must Have Home Improvements for COVID

Homeowners looking to adapt spaces for potential future lockdowns and optimal home working during the COVID-19 pandemic can look to suggestions from property experts. With government guidelines tightening restrictions, it is important that homeowners and potential buyers consider the viability of future lockdowns and home working and adapt in the

Read More »

NATURAL VENTILATION SYSTEMS: reducing the risk of Covid-19 in schools

In the current “Covid” climate, concerns are increasing over traditional air conditioning units and recirculating systems redistributing contaminated air within rooms.  Consequently, the importance of Natural Ventilation is growing as we look to provide healthier environments that are less “virus friendly”. Natural Ventilation is a method of supplying fresh air

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 326 : Mar 2025

Business : BDC Blog News

Influx of Under-24s Heading to Capital

Influx of Under-24s Heading to Capital

Rental data from one of London’s largest co-living property operators has today revealed a marked increase in young renters heading to the Capital throughout September 2020; a 192% increase in signed rental contracts with those under the age of 24, when compared to the pre-lockdown months of January and February this year. Released by Built Asset Management (BAM), the data suggests that young renters are increasingly heading to the Capital despite market fears of a London exodus having dominated discussions over recent months. Between 1-30 September 2020, BAM witnessed a 192% increase in signed rental agreements amongst young professionals taking out leases on co-living accommodation, when compared to the average number of contracts signed within this age demographic during January and February 2020. Of the under-24s taking out new co-living contracts for a BAM property in September, 62% were first-time renters in the capital. Additionally, 53% of under-24s opted for properties within W postcodes in the past month; at odds with the rest of the market, where SW postcodes remain the most popular amongst BAM renters. Co-Founder and Director of BAM, Alex Gibbs, shared his thoughts on the influx: “This is a really interesting trend, particularly when viewed in the context of the broader market data which actually shows a (probably temporary) net migration of young professionals out of London for the same time period. Recent data has shown that, statistically, under-24s are at the greatest risk of losing their incomes as a result of the pandemic, and that this age group is bearing the brunt of the mental health toll as a result of the country’s COVID response. Given that this demographic also reportedly experiences lower levels of fear around the concept of actually contracting COVID-19, it is perhaps unsurprising that these individuals are more keen and more willing to relocate into the Capital for work purposes when compared with professionals in other age brackets. Our findings here also marry neatly with data revealed by employers that remote working often presents the biggest challenge where new and emerging talent is concerned. More junior team members often require more face to face time as a necessity, in order to get to grips with things and to learn via osmosis. Landlords and investors within the co-living space can also take solace in the fact that research conducted this month showed that, long term, there is virtually no difference in the proportion of professionals aged 25-44 planning to remain living in London, as compared with pre-pandemic. It seems that perhaps their younger counterparts are just acting a little more quickly.”

Read More »

STORY HOMES AND STORY CONTRACTING DONATE OVER £28,000 TO MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY MIND

Story Homes and Story Contracting have joined forces to raise more than £28,000 for mental health charity Mind. Over the past two years, the companies selected Mind as their charity partner, with all staff and business fundraising going to this worthwhile organisation. Staff across the two businesses carried out various fundraising activities to raise money for the charity – from sporting challenges and bake sales, to raffles and pub quizzes. Following the sizable monetary donation, the businesses – which were both founded by Fred Story – are delighted to announce that they will extend their charity partnership with Mind, dedicating colleague and company fundraising to the mental health organisation. Mind provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and the funds raised by Homes and Contracting will be divided between the local Mind branches in each of the companies’ operational regions – including Carlisle, Newcastle, Lancashire, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Scotland. Fred Story, founder of both businesses, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Mind. Working within construction, we understand the importance of improving mental health and we are dedicated to ensuring that nobody suffers in silence. There can be a certain stigma associated with mental health and wellbeing, especially in young men, but it is a subject that we need to continue to talk about and ensure that we have the right support networks in place across our two businesses.” Tara Quinn, CEO of Carlisle Eden Mind, said: “Once again, Carlisle Eden Mind are excited to have the support of Story Homes and Story Contracting particularly in a time of great uncertainty. We would like to thank both organisations for their much-needed contributions and every penny, as always, will go towards those we are here to help and support.” Tommy McIlravey, CEO of Lancashire Mind, said: “On behalf of everyone at Lancashire Mind, and those who access our services, I would like to thank Story Homes and Story Contracting for this generous donation and their ongoing support. Given the times we find ourselves in donations such as this mean more than ever to Lancashire Mind and enable us to continue to work with individuals and communities across the county.” These are just a few of the worrying statistics about mental health within the construction industry: A construction worker is more likely to die of suicide than a fall from height Males working in skilled trades have a 35% higher risk of suicide than the male national average Every year over 400 construction workers commit suicide The risk of suicide among male labourers is three times higher than the male national average 55% of workers have experienced mental health issues in their lives Almost half of women working in the sector are dealing with poor mental health

Read More »

How To Find The Right Psychologist.

What do you do when you want to improve your inner self? Visiting a psychologist is a great way to help you deal with some of the problems that you are facing in life. Life is never a straight line. Every single day you will have to face challenges, some of which might overwhelm you. You might be dealing with relationship issues, family issues, or other social issues. Having someone to talk to is a great way to help you share your experiences and find solutions. When you lack someone you can share your problems with, the weight of the issues might overwhelm you, causing you to get anxiety and depression. Since you will be trusting a stranger with your deep secrets, it is always advisable to find a psychologist that can be trusted. You don’t want to share your life experiences with someone who isn’t professional. Knowing how to choose a psychologist will help you get a reliable confidant. Choosing to find some help is hard enough. You shouldn’t have a tough time getting the right therapist. Below are tips for finding the right psychologist. Experience. One thing that should be on top of your list is the level of experience that the psychologist has. You want to work with someone that has been in the industry for some time. An experienced psychologist will have more knowledge and skills on how to handle your issues. It would be best if you looked for a psychologist that has experience in handling your case. Note that psychologists specialize in different areas, such as addiction, anxiety, and eating disorders. If you have an anxiety issue, you need to look for psychologists who handle anxiety. Asking about the psychologist’s specialization areas and their experience will enable you to make the right choice. When you hire one with years of experience, you are guaranteed quality services because they won’t waste your time trying to find treatment options for you. They already know what the diagnosis is and will find a way to tweak it to suit you better. Ask For Referrals. Another easy way to find a reputable psychologist is by asking for referrals. When you ask for recommendations, it will be easier because you won’t have to do a lot of research. You can start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral. Usually, doctors will know of reputable psychologists that they can recommend. With this, you are sure to receive excellent services. When you get a list of referrals, take some time to research the psychologist’s credentials online. If they have a website, check to see what they have published online. Do they have a review section? If they do, go through to see what some of the previous and current clients have to say about their services. If you notice that many clients have given positive reviews, you should consider them. Avoid psychologists with negative reviews since clients cannot give negative reviews without any reason. After researching about the psychologists online, narrow down your list to remain with the potential ones. Proceed to call them to make a physical appointment. Consider Gender. It is crucial to consider the gender of the psychologist before making your final decision. It would help if you felt comfortable with the gender of the psychologist because, at some point, you will have to open up and discuss your personal information. If, for any reason, you have a problem with a particular gender, opt for the opposite gender. The issue of gender is crucial; a reason you cannot afford to dismiss it. Ask the psychologist about their training and experience related to your issue and your gender. If they are well conversant with dealing with your gender, you should hire them. It is also essential to listen to your instincts. If you don’t feel safe around the therapist for some reason, you should not hire them. It doesn’t matter whether the psychologist looks good on paper. Your instincts will always direct you on what is right. Here is how you can find highly skilled psychologists team in Newcastle who uses tried and tested strategies and interventions to help children and families live a brighter life. Always remember that your comfort should be your priority in any psychology session. Trust your gut before making the final decision. Psychologists are essential people in the community because they help individuals deal with their problems and approach life positively. If you want to find a reputable one, consider the factors above. You won’t regret it…

Read More »
Smart Improvements to Keep Your Home Insulated

Smart Improvements to Keep Your Home Insulated

It’s starting to look like we will all be spending a little more time at home again over the next few months and with the colder weather approaching, it could be a costly time for home owners. With more people working from home once again and curfews being introduced, it’s an opportune time to invest in insulating your home – not just to keep it cosy – but also efficient in terms of heat retention and cost savings. John Evans of home improvement specialists Stormclad, said: “Over the last six months we have all spent more time at home than usual, and our homes now more than ever play a vital role in keeping us safe and secure as well as being the backdrop to home working, home learning and everything in between. “To ensure the home remains a pleasant place to be for all the family, temperature plays an key role and as it begins to get colder outside, it could be the perfect time to make home improvements to increase the homes thermal efficiency. “There are a number of simple modifications you can make to your home to reduce heat which can be installed in a matter of hours, days or weeks.” Draught-proofing There are countless gaps in our homes that we usually never even think about. However, these are letting out the warmth from, and letting the cold inside. Often you can fill all the gaps and holes yourself with some simple DIY. Internal doors are a good place to start when trying to cover drafts. You can buy removable draft excluders such as the classic sausage dog, or have a draught excluding door seal fitted underneath the door. Ensure you keep these shut as often as possible to retain the heat in each room, and to stop draughts coming through. Replace windows with modern double glazing Windows are one of the most prone areas to heatloss in the home. An old single paned window will emit around 84% of a room’s heat into the cold air outside so it is definitely worth the investment. Installing double glazed windows will retain the heat in your home by trapping a layer of air between two panes of glass which stops the air from circulating, resulting in a decrease of heat loss across the window. With modern double glazed windows, the space between the panes is often filled with denser argon gas which will slow down heat loss even further. Older windows can look outdated and deteriorate quickly, so replacing them a with durable frame such as aluminium will transform the look of your home outside and in. External door replacements Older doors are prone to holes and gaps which allows draughts to enter the home. Doors can often become warped and unsettled in their existing frame, which means its time for an upgrade. Solid wood doors are a popular choice as timber is a natural insulator, absorbing and retaining heat, as well as composite doors, which are a thick door made of a combination of timber and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) – a robust thermo-plastic door skin. Top top: Ensure your door is fitted with a quality letterbox flap or brush, to reduce the amount of heat loss from the letterbox.  Conservatory refurbishments Do you avoid this room in the winter because it’s too cold? Could this be your new home office? Making changes to your old conservatory can vastly reduce the amount of heat lost and make the space welcoming and usable all year round. Older conservatories are often made with plastic polycarbonate roofs which have very little thermal insulation. Replacing the roof with high performance glass, a solid roof or a combination of the two, is one of the most effective improvements you can make to increase a conservatory’s thermal efficiency, which not just affects the conservatory but the whole home’s thermal efficiency.

Read More »

Relationship Between Community Education and Community Development

Every country has different communities, which are answerable for different aspects. One may find economic, medical, industrial, and other communities. Each community regulates its sector and affects others. The united effort of all communities affects the growth and development of the entire country. Of course, education plays a vital role and can ensure success or lead to the failure of a community in general. A professional team of essay writers from EssayLib writing service tried to dig deeper into the relationships between community education and community development. This informative guide highlights the way they are linked to one another and what importance for people they may bring. What is Community Development? Before we begin to seek the links between education and development, we should understand the phenomenon of a developed community in any country. Community development is a complex and important process, which is designed to make people knowledgeable and competent in a targeted geographical area. They are supposed to have certain skills, knowledge, and motivation to develop under certain economic circumstances. This approach is used to transform the area and thus affect the wellness of the country by embedding competencies. People are supposed to “know” what to do, rather than reading and following the instructions. This is when education steps up. Community development is frequently taken as an economic indicator to define the efficacy of development. If the community isn’t properly developed, the economic situation is poor. Education as the Basic Building Block It’s really hard to underrate the role of education in the life of every citizen. When a person is educated, he/she knows a lot about the world and specific industries. He/she can efficiently apply his/her knowledge and skills to enjoy success. The success will be personal, as well as social because those skills and knowledge help society. This relationship is clear for every community. An educated nation equals a prosperous nation. Boost in Economic Growth If a group of people (who belong to a concrete community) is incompetent, the country will hardly reap many dividends. People with poor skills and a lack of knowledge simply don’t know how to work fast, efficiently, and productively. Thus, a certain sector begins to delay the development of other sectors. Did you ever wonder why some countries are more successful and the other fall behind? Some people say it’s because of the many natural resources. However, many African nations are undeveloped even when they have precious gems and other resources. Why can’t they enjoy economic success? The answer is obvious – a huge part of their population is uneducated. People have the potential but have almost no idea how to use it. As a result, they require the help of developed countries to show the right path. In the meanwhile, their own people are unemployed because workers from other countries can do that better. Accordingly, economic growth is heavily dependent on the level of education in the country. Cultural Progress and Evolution Education is the most efficient and important medium to pass the experiences of the previous generations. When children learn the history, customs, and traditions of their country, they preserve their own culture. If a country forgets about its cultural heritage, it is doomed to vanish. It is impossible to exist without knowing your own language, culture, history, traditions, etc. Every next generation creates something new and changes its culture. Nevertheless, authenticity survives because people do not forget their ancestors, history, and culture. Education helps to pass that knowledge and experience. Technological Progress Undoubtedly, a well-educated nation can follow the pace. We mean the creation of innovative technologies, which make our lives easier. Highly technological nations are the most successful ones. If a nation continuously creates new mechanisms, applications, medical equipment, industrial equipment, etc., it shows that it’s a wealthy nation. It has genius scientists, mechanics, engineers, physicians, etc. who have been educated in this community. The level of education is high to create technological marvels that improve the wellness of the entire country. It surely leads to economic growth and stability. What Are the Main Benefits? As we review the relationship between community education and development, we should summarize the main benefits of their collaboration. The government and other structures invest in education to achieve certain results. What are those results? Make allowances for the following essentials: Economic growth and stability; Technological progress; A reliable method to preserve cultural heritage; Intelligent and happy children; Bright perspectives for future development; Economic independence and prosperity; Development of social institutions; Progress of medical and scientific industries, etc. The benefits are almost immeasurable, but all of them are possible thanks to an educated nation. That’s why different governments, nonprofit organizations, and international development agencies invest in education. They know that a high level of education benefits the development of the community. They implement and improve the methods of teaching to ensure an intelligent nation. This investment will surely provide the desired results, which help to overcome an economic pit and improve the wellbeing of the country. As you can see, the development of any community is directly dependent on its compliance with the educational sector. If a separate group of people is not educated, that community falls behind and does not complete its functions. It negatively affects the country in general. Accordingly, educated communities are the foundations of economic development in every country.

Read More »
Must-Have Home Improvements for COVID

Must Have Home Improvements for COVID

Homeowners looking to adapt spaces for potential future lockdowns and optimal home working during the COVID-19 pandemic can look to suggestions from property experts. With government guidelines tightening restrictions, it is important that homeowners and potential buyers consider the viability of future lockdowns and home working and adapt in the best ways they possibly can to be safe and comfortable at home. From converting unused spaces, to developing outdoor areas, the property experts at North Sands Developments, share top considerations for adapting homes for COVID working and living. James Hartley, director at North Sands Developments, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has tested everyone, and with government restrictions tightening and a potential second-wave looming, there are many important learnings that we can take away from this time, to safeguard our futures in terms of creating a more comfortable, secure and optimised living and working environment. “From zoom-proof rooms, to pet proofing, good internet connection and ensuring access to open plan and outdoor spaces – whether you are looking to purchase a new home or have an existing home that requires improvements, we have compiled a list of considerations for reference, to help homeowners and potential buyers thinking about living arrangements during the pandemic.” 1. Outdoor space When spending large amounts of time at home, outdoor space is vital for health and wellbeing, whatever the weather. To make the most of outdoor spaces – home and garden improvements such as extending the size of the garden, improving decking and patios, adding a fire pit for use during the cooler weather, adding a balcony to bring fresh air into the home, and swapping patio doors for new ones such as bi-folds, to connect the home with the garden to accentuate the space is worth the investment. 2. Zoom-proof rooms and spaces Working from home and juggling family life isn’t always easy and it can be disruptive when important virtual meetings are interrupted with noise. Creating a zoom-proof space in the home is very much an essential when it comes to peaceful working. The ideal zoom space will be as sound proof as possible, with a simple fuss-free backdrop, away from busy areas of the house to avoid any disturbances. If in an open plan home, organise a space in a quieter area of the room, with a divide to hold calls. 3. Convert unused spaces Converting unused spaces in the home such as a garage, loft or cellar, can provide much needed extra room in the household. The spaces can be used for a new home office, relaxation zone, utility area or a play room, but it is important to ensure that a property possesses comfortable living areas, should another lockdown be enforced. Extra spaces can also significantly boost the value of a property, especially if extra bedrooms and bathrooms are added. Most conversion projects do not require planning permission as it qualifies as a ‘change of use’ to the property, which is another great reason to consider a home improvement of this kind. 4. Add an annexe or garden Increasing the space in your home with a build project is a great alternative to moving house completely. Adding an annexe or extension to a property, is a larger investment and one that could significantly improve a living environment and add value to a property. Adding a room that is completely separate from the rest of the property, can create the ideal environment for undisturbed home working, or a quiet and tranquil space for relaxation. It will also be a place for extra family or members of a support bubble to stay and visit that isn’t in the main home. If not an annexe, it’s worth converting any loft space to ensure all space in the home is utilised. 5. Divide your open plan spaces A cost-effective way to create separate zones for different functions is to divide existing open plan areas. Installing partition walls or sectioning off areas with the careful placement of furniture are just two ways to create segregated space, allowing members of a household to live together without getting on top of one another. Freestanding shelves act as great temporary partitions that also provide storage space for any home office essentials. 6. Good internet connection A commonly overlooked home improvement is a stronger and more efficient internet connection and good WIFI is essential when working remotely for virtual meetings and conferences. This can be as simple as installing extenders to boost internet signal, or may mean changing internet providers altogether for a connection that supports working activity and home living. Before switching provider, it’s sensible to do research online to check which company has the best service in the area. 7. Get a pet and pet proof your home In terms of overall happiness and wellbeing – pets can certainly provide comfort and company for the long term. Getting a pet is a great life choice for lockdown and beyond, but furry friends need appropriate flooring and space to run around, so it’s important to ensure a home is pet proof by opening up spaces if possible and replacing carpet with floor tiles which can make managing a regular house clean easier.

Read More »

BUREAU VERITAS LAUNCHES NEW SWAB TESTING SERVICE AS COVID-19 FOUND TO SURVIVE 28 DAYS ON SURFACES

Responding to latest research showing Covid-19 can remain infectious on surfaces for up to 28 days, leading health and safety authority Bureau Veritas has developed a new swab sampling service.  Giving employers the peace of mind of knowing their workplaces are COVID free, the new offering involves Bureau Veritas’ highly-qualified occupational hygienists swab testing various surfaces on business sites in line with MDHS 97 – Methods for Sampling Surface Contamination. Recognising the many challenges businesses face in remaining open and operational when dealing with a potential coronavirus outbreak, the swab sampling service includes a speedy 24hr turnaround time for all samples. Following this, a sample analysis report is issued to businesses within seven working days from the final visit to a site. Crucially, if traces of the virus are detected, Bureau Veritas can pin-point exactly where and provide accurate recommendations on adapting and improving cleaning practices to help eradicate COVID-19 from the workplace. The launch of the new swab sampling service comes as latest research shows the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive for up to 28 days on surfaces such as the glass on mobile phones, stainless steel, vinyl and paper banknotes1. Joe Marais, Occupational Hygiene Team Leader at Bureau Veritas comments: “Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and new research showing the COVID-19 virus can survive almost a month on certain surfaces, employers face an ever-escalating pressure to prove their premises are clean and COVID free. “To support businesses in demonstrating that reassurance, we’ve developed our new tried and tested swab sampling service, which as restrictions continue to tighten, will be essential to keeping many sites open, operational and safe enough for employees, visitors and customers to use. We’d encourage all businesses, whatever the sector, to make use of this critical new service.” According to Bureau Veritas, one of the main areas to consider when managing coronavirus risks in the workplace includes heating and the movement of indoor air. Joe adds: “Reducing the amount of fresh air in workplaces and using Air Handling Units to manage internal climates brings an increased risk of retaining COVID-19 within the environment. Therefore, it’s really important that duty holders assess and identify the risk this presents for work surfaces. “For many sectors, this is still new territory where following best practice via a third party consultancy such as Bureau Veritas provides confidence to employers, their staff and customers during what remains a challenging time for us all.” As part of its commitment to helping employers navigate the coronavirus pandemic, Bureau Veritas is hosting a free webinar on developing appropriate controls in the workplace. The webinar will be hosted by Joe Marais, covering current issues with Air Handling Units, the risks of air recirculation as well as a panel discussion with Suhail Bakawala from independent laboratory Eurofins. To register for Swab sampling: Control measures and indoor air quality in the COVID-19era webinar, please visit:https://bureauveritas.zoom.us/webinar/register/8516020712759/WN_CdZJ7dA0Sy-nyv7P1JfuGA For further information, call 0345 600 1828 or visit www.bureauveritas.co.uk

Read More »

What’s The Difference Between A Good And A Bad Landlord?

Being a landlord isn’t an easy job. While you may not have to sit at a desk all day, the work that comes with this can be just about endless. It will take a long time to find the right tenants for your property, but this won’t be the end of the work that you have to do. There is a big difference between good and bad landlords, though it doesn’t have to be too hard to achieve the right results with something like this when you’re prepared to put the work into it. To help you out with this, this article will be exploring some of the key elements that make a good landlord. Communication Communication is absolutely key when you’re a landlord. Your tenants need to be able to talk to you when they need help, and you need to be able to talk to them if there are ever any issues with things like rent. Having multiple forms of communication available is a great way to do this, with things like phone calls and WhatsApp giving your tenants loads of options when they want to get through to you. Property Management Property management is another crucial job that landlords have to handle. Even if you put loads of work into maintaining a property, it will always need to have things done to it from time to time. In some cases, this can involve minor work, but it can get a lot more difficult when you have a serious issue to deal with. A property management company for landlords can be a great service to take on when you’re worried that you can’t give your tenants the management they need. Flexibility Your tenants are likely to have ever-changing situations, especially if they are young people. While you can’t be expected to give your properties away for free, a certain amount of flexibility should be exercised to make sure that you’re not putting too much pressure on them. Having rent a couple of weeks late isn’t the end of the world, and you can probably afford to deal with issues like this as long as you stay on top of it. Care & Attention Finally, as the last area to consider, it’s time to think about the care and attention you give the place your tenants call home. Good landlords are always looking for ways to improve the lives of their tenants. Making small improvements to properties that already have people inside them will make your tenants very happy, essentially adding to the good deal you’ve already given them. Of course, though, this sort of work has to have limits. Being a landlord can be an exciting and fulfilling role. Of course, though, even when you work extremely hard at something like this, it can be a challenge to make sure that you have the time to throw yourself into it. As time goes on, it should get much easier to be a good landlord, avoiding all of the little issues that could make you a bad one.

Read More »

NATURAL VENTILATION SYSTEMS: reducing the risk of Covid-19 in schools

In the current “Covid” climate, concerns are increasing over traditional air conditioning units and recirculating systems redistributing contaminated air within rooms.  Consequently, the importance of Natural Ventilation is growing as we look to provide healthier environments that are less “virus friendly”. Natural Ventilation is a method of supplying fresh air to a building or room by means of natural forces (wind speed or air buoyancy). Passive ventilation with Heat Recovery (PVHR) is a Natural Ventilation system capable of recovering heat without using electricity. It ensures that all of the air we breathe, within the built environment, is fresh and can be introduced comfortably without the need for further power, heating or inefficient cooling. Ventive®, a building services innovator, design and manufacture ventilation solutions for schools and other high occupancy buildings. It pioneered the design of naturally intelligent ventilation systems that deliver fresh, comfortable air at minimal energy cost.  Its proven, ‘displacement’ ventilation systems not only reduce the reliance on costly, energy- hungry mechanical systems but also ensure that stale, contaminated air is safely removed from occupied spaces without mixing with incoming air (which is the case with both recirculating and mixing mechanical systems). Ventive has worked with top UK university researchers from Imperial, UCL and Brunel and the development of its technology has received multiple industry awards and central government support (BEIS’s Energy Entrepreneurs Fund, Innovate UK and the Energy Systems Catapult); Ventive is also part of the Made in Britain campaign. The company is based in West London. To date, Ventive systems have been installed to over 20 schools (primary and secondary, state/free/fee-paying), a number of high occupancy buildings and over 200 homes in the UK. The main advantages of their systems are: 100% Fresh air – reduces the risk of recirculating aerosolised viral particles Displacement ventilation – the most effective way of reducing infection risk according to science Reduction in Carbon emissions; each system runs by harnessing nature and is net-zero in terms of emissions Cheaper to install and operate than full mechanical plant; the Carbon Trust found that commercial buildings with natural ventilation saved an average of £30,000 per year Requires less maintenance than air conditioning or fan-driven systems Free night cooling reduces daytime starting temperatures and cools the building for free Remote monitoring of air quality and remote system adjustments The systems are Cloud connected and “smart”, autonomously reacting to their environment and transmitting data, allowing remote monitoring and over-the-air upgrades to optimize performance. Ventive’s award-winning Windhive® system combines passive ventilation, heat recovery and system intelligence to supply up to 200 litres of fresh air every second. It adapts to real-time conditions to deliver an optimal balance of ventilation and comfortable temperatures, whatever the weather. Ventive systems (prices from £5,000) are presently being installed at Crest Nicholson’s development at Bicester Eco Village and are installed at over 20 schools including: o Guildford High School, Surrey Horniman Primary School, Forest Hill o Petra’s Place, Fulham Talbot Heath Girls’ School, Bournemouth o o Beechwood, Reading Southwark Pupil Referral Unit Connah’s Quay High School, Deeside Southend High School for Girls

Read More »

Five Things We Can Learn From the Way Doctors Take Care of Themselves

Self-care is extremely important. It includes everything from how we move our bodies to how much time we take for self-care activities, like reading a book or taking a long bubble bath. Even though it’s important, and most of us know it’s important, taking care of ourselves is still really hard. Knowing how to start taking care of yourself better can be a challenge, but no other profession has a harder time than doctors. Although it’s true that not every doctor takes care of themselves quite like they should, there are things they are more likely to do than the general population that we can all learn from. They Take Care of Medical Problems Quickly It’s normal for many of us to live with pain and various symptoms for a long time before we get help. This often makes things worse. Doctors, on the other hand, are more likely to take care of medical problems as soon as they crop up. If they become injured, they are more likely to hire an attorney to help long-term disability benefits, and they are more likely to schedule an appointment with a specialist to assess their condition. It’s also important to note that they are more likely to say on top of their routine healthcare appointments too says this dentist who does high-quality dental implants in Chattanooga. That means scheduling mammograms and colonoscopies, but because they work with other medical professionals, they are often asking each other questions about new symptoms and whether they should see someone or not. Exercise Is Part of Their Daily Routine Doctors don’t have a lot of time for exercise, and it’s true that some doctors still don’t make time for movement, but many do. The ones that do exercise regularly are successful because they make it part of their daily routine. Among the doctors who exercise regularly, first thing in the morning is the most popular time to squeeze in a workout. Many doctors like to jog, but you’ll also find physicians lifting weights, going for walks, and doing yoga. This is important because doctors who exercise regularly are more likely to prescribe it to patients, and most patients would do well to get a little bit more exercise. If your doctor practices what they preach, you’ll be more likely to follow through with an exercise routine of your own. More Restraint Around Tobacco and Alcohol There are almost no doctors who smoke because they understand just how severe the health effects can be. Just a few of the health effects most commonly associated with smoking include: They also understand the dangers of drinking, but that doesn’t mean doctors don’t drink. They are actually more likely to drink, but licensed physicians are also more likely to drink moderately when they do drink. They are much more likely to have just a few drinks every week, and they are less likely to drink more than four drinks in one evening. More Mindful Eating Doctors are more likely to pay closer attention to what they eat. It’s true that doctors aren’t immune to eating on the run, which means driving through a fast food restaurant on the way home, but they are also more likely to squeeze in healthy meals and snacks throughout the week. Many doctors follow advice that includes things like eating heart healthy fats like nuts and avocados. They are more likely to limit their intake of red meat, and they squeeze a few servings of fish into their weekly diet, which has many health benefits. They Take Their Vitamins Doctors are busy. Most understand that they simply don’t have the time to eat well all the time, so they make sure to take their vitamins. They follow the advice from nutritionists which includes taking vitamins like vitamin D and calcium. You’re also more likely to find doctors taking vitamin C as a way to try and stay well throughout flu season, especially if they work closely with patients who are sick. Vitamin B-12 and E are popular too, as are multivitamins that can be taken without thinking about the specifics of each and every ingredient. Doctors are human, just like we are. That means they aren’t perfect, but because they are in the healthcare field, they understand the importance of taking care of themselves. Take a page from their self-care book and follow the tips on this list to take care of yourself the way they do.

Read More »