Business : BDC Blog News

Corksol UK launches a state of the art antiviral spray solution to help protect surfaces against harmful bacteria and viruses, including SARS and Coronavirus

Corksol UK, the Yorkshire-based company that exclusively distributes Corksol SprayCork to approved applicators across the UK, has announced the launch of a new, innovative spray solution, Protesol Anitviral, which is scientifically proven to protect treated surfaces against 99.99% of harmful bacteria and viruses, including SARS and Coronavirus. With COVID-19 dominating

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Everything You Need To Know About CIPP Lining

When it comes to repairing water and waste pipes in present times, Cured-In-Place Lining is by far the most technologically advanced technique. The installation process for the same works on the principle of creating a pipe within the pipe with the help of trenchless technology. When one works with the

Read More »

How to Create a Garden Oasis Indoors

Surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature is a sure-fire way to make you feel more relaxed and calm. Usually, you would go outside to smell the fresh air, but what happens when you can’t leave home or plant flowers outside? Well, you could bring nature indoors, instead! Start growing

Read More »

5 ways to upgrade your back patio for Summer

With the summers fast approaching with warm temperatures and longer hours of daylight, it is time to have a look at your back patio to see if it is summer-ready. You might have to make some backyard improvements as well to ad more functionality and value to your home. If

Read More »
Five Eco-Friendly Home Ideas for 2021

Five Eco-Friendly Home Ideas for 2021

Homeowners and prospective buyers looking for eco-friendly living ideas can look to a list of the latest sustainable home trends from property experts. Since the start of the first lockdown in 2020, many of us have found new meaning in our homes as a result of spending more time indoors

Read More »

Top 5 iconic buildings in the world

The current state of the world makes it extremely difficult to travel around and see some amazing architecture. Yet, it is imperative that architecture lovers should make it a priority to visit new places and see these amazing buildings once normality returns from the coronavirus pandemic. But while our lives

Read More »

Top 5 Football Stadium Constructions

Since football is the most popular sports in the world, there are several thousands of stadiums, which are capable of hosting football games in spectacular fashion, dotted around the world. Each of the stadiums comes with its own unique architecture, which has been shaped over decades of input from the

Read More »
Construction Industry's Recovery Far From Over

Construction Industry’s Recovery Far From Over

Construction might be the only sector of the economy that is growing, but its recovery is far from over. These are the words of Lesley McLeod, Chief Executive of Association for Project Safety (APS) who says members of the association are concerned about the impact of Brexit. Recent data published

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Five Things to Consider When Building Your Dream Home

Owning a home is still a popular choice, and while property markets can fluctuate significantly, the market for houses continues to grow. As exciting as the idea of buying a house is, the hunt for their dream home can be a frustrating process. It can be hard to find the

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Latest Issue
Issue 330 : Jul 2025

Business : BDC Blog News

Corksol UK launches a state of the art antiviral spray solution to help protect surfaces against harmful bacteria and viruses, including SARS and Coronavirus

Corksol UK, the Yorkshire-based company that exclusively distributes Corksol SprayCork to approved applicators across the UK, has announced the launch of a new, innovative spray solution, Protesol Anitviral, which is scientifically proven to protect treated surfaces against 99.99% of harmful bacteria and viruses, including SARS and Coronavirus. With COVID-19 dominating the health agenda, Corksol took matters into its own hands sourcing an antiviral solution that seeks to reduce transmission of Coronavirus between individuals by protecting surfaces. The ground-breaking new spray solution, developed and certified in Spain, can be retro applied to surfaces in a wide range of settings from healthcare facilities and public transport, through to educational establishments and leisure spaces in a bid to provide extra protection when it comes to hygiene and sanitation measures. Not only does this coating help to eliminate 99.99% of harmful bacteria and viruses from surfaces, including COVID-19, applying Protesol Antiviral Spray will also cut down on time spent cleaning as well as provide a more eco-friendly solution as it eliminates the need for single use wipes and bleach-based products. Effective for use on a variety of materials including plastic, ceramic, metal, laminate and some painted surfaces, Protesol Antiviral Spray can be applied to most nonporous surfaces and is suitable for both commercial and domestic use. The coating works to destroys any harmful bacteria and viruses currently cultivating on the surface, before creating a barrier-effect which eliminates any opportunity for bacteria or viruses to grow. Most viruses, including Coronavirus, have a fatty surround and in order to kill the virus effectively, a cleaning agent must get through this robust fatty layer to get to the virus itself. This is what sets Protesol Antiviral apart from other shop-bought cleaning products. Joff Ward, director of Corksol UK comments: “Last Autumn when we realised the extent of this pandemic and how long we would be facing this invisible battle, we searched for a solution that could protect surfaces and individuals against harmful viruses. Our Spanish manufacturer has developed a validated, accredited solution that can be retro sprayed on to a huge range of surfaces to help cut down transmission. We have worked with them to develop ways of applying it using our skillset, and have launched an easy to use solution that be used in a wide variety of settings. “We have trialled it on numerous surfaces from desks to rugby balls and have seen for ourselves that the solution remains after cleaning and everyday use.” When it comes to rolling this product out, places with high traffic footfall and urgency will take priority. Hospitals and doctors surgeries, schools, colleges, universities, supermarkets will be protected first, with sports stadiums, clubs and gyms and pools following suit. Protesol Antiviral has already seen successful trials in Spain, most recently with furniture giant IKEA. The coating was applied to serving trays in restaurants and trialled over a four week period, with the solution remaining intact and active even when put through the dishwasher repeatedly. Protesol is also running a trail period with Aldi for use on their basket handles, and a number of other large companies in Spain, including a train and furniture manufacturer. The first company to trial the use of Protesol Antiviral was Ofita, manufacturers of designer furniture. CEO of the Spanish company, Camilo Agromayor added: “The virus-safe desks are a unique milestone in the challenge of achieving safer offices, particularly against Coronavirus. This protection is a guarantee of greater safety to our customers, both in individual workstations and in common spaces shared by multiple people.” Application of the coating is simple and straightforward, making it a viable option for any maintenance team who can easily apply it. The solution is sprayed onto a non-porous surface using a spray gun for large scale coverage, or simply add drops of the solution onto the surface and apply by hand with a microfibre cloth for smaller areas. To set the coating, using a paint stripping heat gun will help seal the resin in place, but it can be left to cure naturally in some circumstances, like in a school over the summer holidays. Protesol Antiviral will be available to purchase through Hardgear Healthcare, specialist provider of protective equipment. For further information about Protesol Antiviral, please visit www.protesol.co.uk

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Everything You Need To Know About CIPP Lining

When it comes to repairing water and waste pipes in present times, Cured-In-Place Lining is by far the most technologically advanced technique. The installation process for the same works on the principle of creating a pipe within the pipe with the help of trenchless technology. When one works with the CIPP lining process, he can expect the resulting pipeline to be loaded with several benefits instead of when he uses the traditional pipe repair process and the related replacement techniques. Working of CIPP The first step of the CIPP installation is cleaning out the pipe. If one tries to attempt the installation without cleaning the pipe, it will result in a failed pipe restoration. The resin will be able to coat it evenly and cure it only if the line is clean. If corrosion, grease, or rust is found, cleaners can remove it using abrasive cleaning methods. After ensuring that the pipe is clean, the technicians will proceed to insert a video camera inside the pipe to search for sources of damage. This information is crucial since it will tell them where they need to make the repairs. A fundamental advantage of CIPP liners is that you have both options: to repair not such big areas of damage or repair the whole pipe length in one go. After the technicians have determined the area which needs repairs, they start inserting a tube coated with layers of repair material into the pipe. Subsequently, they prepare a balloon or bladder and put it inside the line. This ensures that the tube is held in place against the pipe. The bladder has coated the damaged pipe with the required repair material and will keep it until it cures. With most materials, one can expect the pipe to cure in around two to three hours. The technician removes the balloon and deflates it once the material is completely dried. They might insert the video camera once again to check whether the process was successful and sealed the damage. There should be a solid and durable pipe instead of the old one, which was not in good condition. When we compare trenching and CIPP lining, we find that the latter provides several benefits compared to the former. There might be some situations where CIPP liners might not be the solution for specific problems; one can look towards trenchless solutions for such cases. Consult some of the experts in trenchless pipe solutions to perform a diagnosis of your water system before you decide which method of repair or replacement you would like to go for. Identification of sewage problems When we compare sewage issues with other ones, we discover that they are relatively easier to identify. You should not ignore the first signs of a leaking sewage system. The more you ignore them, the worse the damage can become. Naturally, you might not know when there are problems. However, you can learn what things to take care of and when to seek professional help. Funny sounds In the scenario that you hear the sound of water gushing but can’t seem to find the source, it might be that there is a leak in either your sewer pipes or building. Squishy floor When you step on your floor, and it makes a squishy sound or feels spongy, it might have happened due to a sewage leak. When an issue arises with the link to the sewer main, the water seeps close to the connection, which results in the floor getting filled with moisture. Bad odor Although it is known that sewage does not have a pleasant smell, but some foul odors in your house might arise from mold and mildew that flourish with the help of sewage leaks. These odors might be detectable outdoors too. Rodent woes Rodents are attracted to the odor of leaking sewer lines. It might be too late before you notice the issue, and they have arrived in large numbers drawn by the smell. If you cannot pinpoint any other reason for the rodent problem, it is definitely a sewer leakage. Cracks present in the foundation When sewer lines drip, they cause pooling in the soil present around your home. This leads to the shifting of the house and the development of cracks in the foundation. It might also result in damage in driveways, concrete patios, and sidewalks. Why choose CIPP trenchless pipeliners? Even though traditional trench methods might seem a cheaper option, this is not the case. When the actual costs are computed, CIPP lining appears to be a better option economically. CIPP pipelines can work for several types and sizes of pipes. You need not think about the size or placement of the original line. CIPP pipeliners are a much safer option for you and the workers. There is less risk of exposure to several dangerous natural elements. Plagiarism Report:

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How to Create a Garden Oasis Indoors

Surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature is a sure-fire way to make you feel more relaxed and calm. Usually, you would go outside to smell the fresh air, but what happens when you can’t leave home or plant flowers outside? Well, you could bring nature indoors, instead! Start growing an indoor jungle with these tips. Before you know it, you’ll turn your space into an oasis. How to Choose the Perfect Houseplants There are far too many plants and flowers to choose from, but the most common florals, like roses, orchids, and succulents, are available at most garden centers.  While browsing on a website that offers flower delivery, you may stumble upon multiple unique Mother’s day flower ideas. Don’t forget that you’re only weeks away from Mother’s Day! Choose Easy-Care Plants Unless you’re some kind of plant-savant, you should stick to easy-to-care-for plants that don’t require a lot of attention, water, and sunlight. This way, you won’t have to hire a house sitter when you take a vacation. Consider these low maintenance house plants: Aloe Vera Snake Plant (Mother-In-Law’s Tongue) Bromeliad Rabbit’s Ear India Rubber Tree Spider Plant All of these plants can handle a bit of neglect and can survive with little sunlight and water. Match Plants to Their Environment Some plants have special needs, even if they’re easy to take care of. For example, the Pothos is a low-maintenance plant but will die if placed in direct sunlight. Pothos grow underneath larger trees in the rainforest and love humidity, so ensure your home isn’t too dry. Another example is the Bird’s Nest Fern which prefers bathrooms for its moist air. Use the Right Soil Most garden centers and online flower shops will stock a general potting soil mix that will suit most plants. However, cactuses and succulents need special mixes that drain faster because they reside in places with little soil. You’ll likely run into these common potting soil mixtures: Sphagnum Peat Moss: Well-draining and well-aerated. Coir Fiber: Byproduct of coconuts. Has more nutrients than peat moss. Perlite: Lightweight and sterile. Holds three times its weight in water. Vermiculite: Adds calcium and magnesium to the soil. Sand: Improves drainages and is excellent for cacti. Pick the Right Indoor Containers Plants and flowers need to drain water from their soil, or else they’ll drown. Orchids need special pots with slats or cut-out shapes at the side for better drainage and airflow. Since orchids grow off of rocks, trees, or bushes, they can’t be planted directly into the ground. Other common plants, like the kalanchoe, are comfy in almost any sized pot of any material. Use These Tips When Creating Your Garden Oasis Know Your Light Light is an essential requirement when starting an indoor garden, so ensure that all of your plants are near a window or UV lamp. Some plants, like Aloe Vera, require over 8 hours of sun, while the Peace Lily would quickly die from too much exposure. Adjust to your plant’s needs. Try Planting Vertically Planting vertically gives you more space for more plants while dressing up your walls at the same time. Gardening vertically will make your home truly feel like an indoor jungle oasis. You can plant succulents vertically in picture frames with a fabric backing or plastic sheetings. Group Plants Together Plants that prefer humid environments will do better in a bathroom or finished basement, while dry, climatized flowers would want an open space with plenty of sunlight. Be sure to group plants based on their specific needs to double the possibility that they’ll stay happy and healthy. Get a Standout Plant Don’t just buy plants that are low to the ground or have to be hung from the ceiling because your space will start to look too “samey.” Put in a standout plant, like the Fiddle Leaf Fig tree, to add height and depth to your oasis. This large indoor tropical tree is easy to grow and care for.

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MC Construction goes for gold in a bid to raise £10,000 for cancer research

MC Construction, a leading construction firm based in Salford, will raise more than £10,000 for North West Cancer Research, to mark its 50th anniversary. The golden anniversary challenge will see the firm’s employees come together to walk, run, cycle or swim a combined total of 10,700 miles – which is the distance from its headquarters in Salford to Australia’s Gold Coast. As well as the golden anniversary challenge, a calendar of bespoke fundraising activities is planned throughout the year, including an 11,000 ft sky dive for six of the firm’s daredevil employees in May. North West Cancer Research was chosen as MC Construction’s charity of choice, following a survey in which staff overwhelmingly voted for the charity. North West Cancer Research is an independent charity dedicated to putting the region’s cancer needs first, funding pioneering research to tackle the cause, improve the care and find the cure for cancer. The charity currently funds 50 life-saving cancer research projects across the region. MC Construction has opted to raise money to pay for the laboratory supplies needed for an innovative prostate cancer project, the most common male cancer in the North West. There is currently no effective screening programme to help early diagnosis and the project hopes to discover ways to improve detection rates. As part of the firm’s commitment to the health and well-being of its employees, it will also launch a series of educational and awareness programmes to help staff better recognise symptoms and encourage regular checks and GP visits. Dave Lowe, Managing Director at MC Construction, said: “For this very special 50th year we wanted to support to a local charity whose cause was close to the hearts of our employees. “Through North West Cancer Research, we can directly contribute towards vital, pioneering work in cancer prevention, detection and cure in our region.” Alastair Richards, CEO at North West Cancer Research, said: “We are grateful to MC Construction for naming us as their charity of choice this year. “As an independent charity, we rely solely on the donations from businesses and individuals to help us continue our mission to reduce cancer rates in the North West and achieve a cancer-free future for all. We would like to offer our congratulations to MC Construction on their Golden Anniversary and wish them luck for their fundraising challenges ahead.” You can donate towards MC Construction’s Going for Gold challenge here. To find out more about the work being carried out by North West Cancer Research and ways to support the charity visit its website www.nwcr.org.

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5 ways to upgrade your back patio for Summer

With the summers fast approaching with warm temperatures and longer hours of daylight, it is time to have a look at your back patio to see if it is summer-ready. You might have to make some backyard improvements as well to ad more functionality and value to your home. If you do not make those changes in time, probably, you would not be able to enjoy the summers and your patio to the full. So, start well ahead in time and make the essential improvements needed for the patio in the backyard. You will be amazed that how with just a little effort, you can turn your backyard patio into a heavenly oasis for your family this summer. Here are some simple and effective ideas to spruce up the back patio for summer this year. Add a fire pit- If your patio is still missing out on a fire pit, it is time to give it one. Just give it the classic patio upgrade with a stacked stone fireplace and with a supply of fuel. It is a great idea to build a customized fire pit and make it a fun and satisfying project. A fire pit is much needed for those cooler nighttime temperatures and extends the life of and entertainment at the patio. So, a fire pit is indeed one of the best things to happen to your backyard or patio. Nothing is better than enjoying good company while sitting around a warm, soothing fire on a cool summer night. Enhance the outdoor living space- Refurnish the patio and add some useful furniture items. It could be comfy seats with a table set or a sofa with chairs and a coffee table. Just make sure to have a heavenly arrangement with flowy curtains to create an absolutely enchanting atmosphere at night. One can also go for customized patio chairs that are not only comfortable but easy to carry, fold and store. Install some lights- Adding a string of lights is indeed one of the most enjoyable and great ideas to liven up that patio in the backyard. Those stringing lights across the patio indeed brighten up space and do not cost much. So, now you can enjoy the outdoors even more and once the sun goes down. Moreover, it is an easy and simple addition to the backyard that is well within every budget. A grill – Why not add a natural gas grill in the outdoors and near your patio? Grill the choices of food cuts and meats in the company for your family and friends. Now you need not worry about running out of charcoal or propane as a natural gas line will ensure that you will always have the fuel for outdoor grill. Look for a commercial-grade quality with high-end performance and innovative features for the ultimate outdoor grill. Only go for the good quality grills with great performance and some useful features. Have an outdoor bar- Nothing could be better than having an outdoor bar located at the right place on the backyard patio. You could make good use of every inch of the patio space and can even add an outdoor television and enjoy your favorite shows or sports with your favorite drink. A built-in fridge or cooler is just perfect for that outdoor bar on the patio. Today, people look forward to socializing and entertaining friends and family on their backyard patio. Whether one wants to enjoy a simple evening with friends for some happy hours or plan a special dinner, just keep the above-listed ideas for a  convenient and cost-effective way to make your [patio a lot more livable and fun.

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Five Eco-Friendly Home Ideas for 2021

Five Eco-Friendly Home Ideas for 2021

Homeowners and prospective buyers looking for eco-friendly living ideas can look to a list of the latest sustainable home trends from property experts. Since the start of the first lockdown in 2020, many of us have found new meaning in our homes as a result of spending more time indoors and adapting to new routines. This has influenced many of the property trends that are gaining popularity in 2021, including homeowners’ desire to introduce eco-friendly elements into their homes. “The trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly living continues to accelerate, and this is reflected in our eco-friendly living habits, what we are looking for during our property searches, and in the way we are building new homes in the UK. At North Sands, we are proud to design and build homes that use sustainable materials that have an extended life and are low maintenance, offering high quality features that look to the future, such as smart technology and electrical charging points,” said James Hartley, director of property developer North Sands Developments. “Staying at home a lot more in the last year has made many of us reconsider our homes and the way we live, and even as we plan to move away from lockdown restrictions over the coming months, many of us are still considering improving homes for the long-term. “For those looking to live more eco-friendly lifestyles this year, there are lots of sustainable home and living elements you can consider to achieve this. From utilising smart technology to energy-efficient features, we have compiled a list of ideas to inspire sustainable living.” Here is the list of eco-friendly home trends: 1.Smart technology Smart technology encompasses a broad category of home and lifestyle products that are designed to save time and improve the efficiency and smooth-running of your home. From smart speakers to lightbulbs, there are many products available on the market – but if you’re looking for something to increase the eco-friendly credentials of your home, some of the best features you can invest in are smart heating and lighting. These gadgets operate using an app on your smart phone, and allow you to control the heating and lighting in your home while you’re out of the house or sat comfortably on the sofa. Having the power to control these elements of your home from your fingertips means that you can switch the heating and lighting on and off as needed so they aren’t running unnecessarily, saving energy and money on your bills over time. Smart LED lightbulbs are also low energy – meaning they require less electricity than traditional bulbs, but offer the same brightness and light quality. For an all-encompassing approach, all-in-one security systems are available to purchase which allow control of interior and exterior cameras, and include smart doorbells, plugs, thermostats, alarms and much more – which can be easily monitored and controlled to maintain performance and energy usage. Some of these systems may be available to purchase through your home insurance provider for a discount, depending on whether they meet certain requirements, as set out in your policy. 2.Windows and doors For an easy upgrade to your home that is going to last for years to come, improving the insulation in your property is one of the best investments out there. A staggering amount of heat is lost through single glazed windows – up to 84% in a room – so double glazing dramatically improves heat retention, meaning you will rely on the central heating less. A well-functioning front door, and new doors throughout the house will also go a long way in retaining heat in each room, preventing draughts. 3.Go electric According to Rated People, investing in an electric car is among the top three eco improvements homeowners want to make by 2025. Electric cars offer less maintenance and lower running costs compared to petrol and diesel counterparts, and with no emissions they are much better for the environment. With electrical charging points popping up all over the country – as part of many new home developments, at retail parks, motorway services and petrol stations, it’s clear that the future of car travel is electric. 4.Recycling An instant way to become more eco-friendly, pledging to recycle as much as possible is one way to make a real impact on the environment. More of the consumable products that we buy today come in recyclable packaging, making them easier to separate into designated recycling bins at home. Your local recycling centre will be able to take larger items, such as electrical appliances, to be reused again in the manufacturing processes.  You can start turning your bathroom into a plastic free space by choosing the products that are natural, conservative and eco-friendly. 5.Eco-friendly new builds As the government has pledged to transform the UK to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, many cities are already implementing plans to build more eco-friendly homes to reach their targets. If moving to a new home is your plan for 2021, then choosing a new build property that boasts excellent eco-friendly credentials is becoming easier, as the construction industry shifts towards using sustainable materials and practices as standard. Choosing a home that has been designed and built with sustainability in mind will ensure that the materials used have a long life and require less maintenance than traditional houses, offering excellent insulation and good quality for decades to come.

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Top 5 iconic buildings in the world

The current state of the world makes it extremely difficult to travel around and see some amazing architecture. Yet, it is imperative that architecture lovers should make it a priority to visit new places and see these amazing buildings once normality returns from the coronavirus pandemic. But while our lives do not go back to normal, Paddy Power Promo Code has proven to be an excellent way to have fun without leaving home. There are several events from different sports, and all the bonus features are aimed at ensuring the user’s happiness. After the end of the pandemic, Paddy Power will accompany you even in these 5 places you must visit: La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona This is easily one of the finest choices considering the scale and magnitude of construction. The foundations were laid out in 1882 and it has been under construction for more than 100 years now. It is not expected to be complete until 2026. Even though this was not meant to be a cathedral in the first place, the iconic towers and Art Nouveau style make it hard to look beyond this idea. It remains a tourist attraction in Barcelona. Forbidden City in Beijing This is an iconic destination located within the massive city of Beijing. In many ways, it is the equivalent of a city within a city. It was originally set to be constructed over 72 hectares back in the 15th century. However, it soon became a symbol of the Chinese government and it has stood in a majestic way for more than 500 years. Hagia Sophia in Istanbul This may not be a modern architecture after having built in 537 A.D. Yet, this is one of the defining buildings that has brought about a huge change to the architectural history of the world. It has been able to showcase the Byzantine architecture, as it became a symbol of the biggest cathedral in the world for almost 1000 years before it was ultimately overthrown by the Spanish cathedrals. Roman Coliseum in Rome This is one of the iconic structures that was constructed in 72 BC. It was designed as an Amphitheatre to be able to hold around 80,000 spectators. The design and idea behind the construction remains a spectacle even now. The structure was able to accommodate a massive chunk of the audience while being able to fill in and out very fast. It was an arena built for witnessing some amazing gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris This is a Gothic architecture and the construction of this iconic building started in 1163. It took almost 2 centuries to complete. Even though recent fires have been able to damage much of the building, a major chunk of the main structure remains intact even now. The coronavirus pandemic has brought an early end to the renovation progress, but it is expected to resume once it is over. Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku This is one of the must-visits for architecture lovers. Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid designed this structure which was opened in 2012. It is a neo-futuristic building with multiple folded surfaces. It is no wonder that the structure received the iconic design award from the Design Museum in 2014. As one of the few modern buildings which were able to grab the world’s attention, the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku is a must-visit.

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Top 5 Football Stadium Constructions

Since football is the most popular sports in the world, there are several thousands of stadiums, which are capable of hosting football games in spectacular fashion, dotted around the world. Each of the stadiums comes with its own unique architecture, which has been shaped over decades of input from the fans, environment, and more. Although football is one of the greatest passions in the world and the biggest star in Betway betting, we cannot fail to talk about casino games. Betway Casino Bonus offers an incredible welcome pack for all new users who sign up, in addition to the great variability of games on the platform. With the information passed on, we can discover some of the most iconic football stadiums in the world: Wembley Stadium, England This is a ground which is regarded as the home of the English national football team and it is located in London, England. Since England is the birthplace of football, Wembley is also considered as the home of the game itself. Naturally, it has witnessed some amazing moments in its extended history. It was first constructed on the site in 1922 before being replaced with the new stadium in 2007. Apart from the FA Cup finals that take place every year, this ground has also witnessed several iconic moments like the 1966 World Cup finals. Foster + Partners along with Populous were responsible for designing this 90,000-seater stadium. Santiago Bernabeu, Spain The Santiago Bernabeu is the home for Spanish club Real Madrid. The stadium was initially built in 1944 under the design layout by architects Luis Alemany Soler and Manuel Muñoz Monasterio. Over the years, the stadium has witnessed numerous renovations and expansions. The most recent renovation was proposed in 2014 and it involved a design by architects GMP from Germany. As part of the new renovations and expansions, many new features were brought into the ground like a retractable roof while increasing the capacity to more than 80,000. Camp Nou, Spain The Camp Nou is the place where Barcelona CF play their home matches. This ground was built in the 1950s courtesy of architects Francesc Mitjans and Josep Soteras. It has the capability to hold almost 100,000 spectators thanks to the various renovations that have taken place in 1995, 2008, and 2018. As one of the largest grounds in world football, the Camp Nou is a breath-taking site even when there is not much football around. Old Trafford, England Old Trafford is one of the oldest constructed grounds on this list after having been built in 1909 by architect Archibald Leitch. The ground serves as the home for Manchester United, who are one of the top clubs in English football. The capacity of the ground is not one of the largest in the world but it is certainly huge amongst English stadiums at 75,000. Old Trafford is also dubbed the ‘Theatre of Dreams’. Estádio Do Maracana, Brazil Brazil’s iconic Maracana stadium opened in 1950 and it underwent major renovations for the World Cup 2014. The stadium was designed by seven architects from Brazil like Waldir Ramos, Michael Feldman, and Pedro Paulo Bernardes Bastos. The construction of the stadium was done by engineer Humberto Menescal. In the past, the Maracana stadium has enjoyed capacities of almost 200,000. The construction of the ground lasted for almost 2 years from its inception in 1948. Apart from the major renovation in 2014, two other works have also been carried out.

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Construction Industry's Recovery Far From Over

Construction Industry’s Recovery Far From Over

Construction might be the only sector of the economy that is growing, but its recovery is far from over. These are the words of Lesley McLeod, Chief Executive of Association for Project Safety (APS) who says members of the association are concerned about the impact of Brexit. Recent data published by the Office of National Statistics shows that new work has increased by 1.7% in January. Private commercial and infrastructure lifted the sector which increased by 4.5% and 3.1% respectively. However, with shortages in building supplies continuing to cause disruption, it will be some time before the construction industry returns to pre-pandemic new work levels. “It’s been nearly three months since the end of the Brexit transition period, and construction professionals are still very concerned that recovery is far from over,” comments Lesley McLeod, Chief Executive of Association for Project Safety. “Our members are still reporting difficulties in sourcing specialist materials and supplies. This is a worry as it’s both holding up projects in Northern Ireland it’s delaying the importing of materials from EU. They’re just stuck at ports. “In addition, there is concern over the reciprocal recognition of qualifications. Professionals across the industry are worried they will no longer be able to accept work in EU countries or attract personnel for projects in the UK. As an association representing 3,900 members across the UK, we urge the government to ensure the construction industry – a major driver in the UK’s economic recovery after Covid-19 – to relax immigration rules. In doing so, projects will not be delayed due to lack of properly qualified and skilled professionals plus the industry will be able to re-establish with EU colleagues a mutual recognition of professional qualifications.” Founded in 1995, the Association for Project Safety is a professional body dedicated to eliminating deaths, reducing injury and tackling ill-health associated with construction. It helps individuals and businesses achieve the highest professional standards in design and construction health and safety risk management. Members are across the UK and include those working in architecture, engineering, architectural technology, project management and surveying. The Association for Project Safety recently formed a partnership with Cardo Crew, which offers wireless communication technology to the construction industry, as part of efforts to support the construction industry during uncertain times. Shachar Harari, Chief Business Officer & Head of Cardo Crew, says: “The construction industry has had a hard time. Not only have workers had to adapt to social distancing and new ways of working, they have also been faced with shortages in both materials and skills. It’s been relentless, which is why we have partnered with the Association for Project Safety. We want to help its members in any way we can to ensure the construction industry is back on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.”

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Five Things to Consider When Building Your Dream Home

Owning a home is still a popular choice, and while property markets can fluctuate significantly, the market for houses continues to grow. As exciting as the idea of buying a house is, the hunt for their dream home can be a frustrating process. It can be hard to find the right house, at the right price, in the right area and those elements are such a balancing act that it can feel like an impossible task. For those who cannot find a home they want, building their own is an increasingly popular choice. Those that choose to build their own home want to ensure that they have as much control as possible over every aspect of the home-buying process by creating the home of their dreams from scratch. While this can be hugely exciting and a cost-effective way to get the home you really want, there is a lot more to building a dream home than many people realise. Designing your dream home The self-build movement has gathered momentum over the last few years, with many homebuyers getting frustrated with the traditional process of finding and buying a house. The ever-changing nature of the housing market means that people can be priced out of their local areas without ever getting a chance to buy their own home. A self-build property can be a cost-effective option that allows you to prioritise the things that are most important to you. You can choose an energy-efficient design that will maximise the natural resources of the area you’re building in and can save you money on your ongoing running costs. You will be able to design a house that suits your needs exactly, so you can build in the space-, labour- and time-saving features that make a household run smoothly. You can include anything you want from a wet room to a workshop or even an annexe or a stable.  Things you need to consider before starting a self-build project As with all large projects, preparation is key and there are several areas to consider when deciding whether a self-build house is the right choice for you: Location – it is easier to find suitable plots in some areas than others, and you will need to ensure that you have or can get planning permission to build. Specialist services are available to help you get an idea of what’s available, but this will represent a significant portion of your build budget so you need to research it thoroughly and choose wisely. Budget – there are plenty of ways to save money with a self-build so your budget can be more flexible than when buying through the traditional route. Detailed financial plans are important to ensure that you have the funds you need available. Specification – from the most basic build to more elaborate projects, you will need to decide on the scope of your build and have an idea of your priorities for your project. Balancing quality and cost is important to ensure you stay on budget, so choosing the right building materials is vital. Involvement – some people choose to take an active role in their build, living on-site and completing as much of the work themselves as they can. Others hire a team to take care of everything, but most fall somewhere in between. It is important to be realistic about how much you can or want to do yourself. Find the right team: Your house build is your top priority, and you want a team that will work with you to ensure that your project comes in on time and on budget. Delays can push costs up, so you need a team that works efficiently and to your plan. A home is so much more than just a roof over your head: it’s a place to share with your family and friends, a space to relax and have fun, and a sanctuary that allows you to shut out the world. A self-build project allows you to choose everything about your home and focus your time and budget on the things that are most important to you. If you research your project thoroughly, you can make the most of others’ experience and expertise to help you maximise your budget. A self-build project could be the secret to finding your dream home with the added satisfaction of a home designed to your specification and with everything on your wish list.

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