Homeowners or buyers wishing to settle down in a ‘forever home’ can look to these six simple considerations when creating a house to call a home. A ‘forever home’ is a property that suits requirements in the short and long term – so it needs to be a flexible space
Land-based casinos are ever-evolving to keep up with the latest glitz and glamour trends The gambling industry has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of decades. Improvements in technology have helped drive online growth but have also given more scope to land-based casinos to use technology in
Although most people are currently working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, it seems likely that a high percentage of people will return to the office at least in the coming months with many employers keen to have workers together in one location. So, what might this look like
Many people spend a lot of time, effort, and fortune to decorate their bathrooms. Gone are the days when bathrooms were relegated to the back of the house and comprised nothing more than the most essential fixtures. Hotel and resort bathrooms are always great sources of inspiration. Some ooze with
Passing the Civil iteration of the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam is a vital step for any professional who wants to take their career forward and unlock the most promising opportunities. Thousands of individuals go through this process every year, and it is something which you will likely
Gyms have been growing in popularity in recent years with an increasing number opening. No one could have imagined how terrible 2020 would be for them. As the ongoing pandemic continues to affect our lives, gyms in the UK have had a stop-start year with several closures forced on them.
Winning a lottery prize of £1 million is a thrilling experience. But have you thought about what to do if you win the lottery? If not, then you have come to the right place. Here, we will tell you an investment strategy that can give you remarkable returns in 2020.
Blenheim Estate has created a series of new waymarked permissive paths that give access to its wider estate to help local residents enjoy their environment. To date, four circular walks varying from 30 minutes to two hours have been made available with start and finish points linked to their Hanborough
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt the UK, tradespeople are among those who have been advised they are still able to work under the national restrictions that came into effect on 5 November, including working in and around people’s homes. The news is certainly positive for the construction industry
Experienced business development professional joins growing UK structural steel contractor Elland Steel, a growing structural steel contractor, are excited to welcome Simon Jones into the team to spearhead the planned growth at Elland Steel. Simon will be looking to grow the already expanding customer base, specifically in and around London.
Homeowners or buyers wishing to settle down in a ‘forever home’ can look to these six simple considerations when creating a house to call a home. A ‘forever home’ is a property that suits requirements in the short and long term – so it needs to be a flexible space to fall in love with. Whether future plans are growing a family, downsizing and retiring, or making a return on investment, it’s important to consider how a living space can be shaped to meet specific needs and goals. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown has prompted many to consider whether it’s time to move to a new house or start improvements on current properties. When it comes to making your home work for you, the property experts at Stormclad have shared their thoughts on achieving your ideal ‘forever home’. John Evans, managing director of Stormclad, said: “With everyone spending more time in their own homes, now is the ideal time to either carry out exciting upgrades on existing properties, or search for your next home, to improve your quality of living. “Here at Stormclad, we have more than 20 years’ experience in helping our customers transform their houses into dream homes. Whether it’s deciding what can be done to a current property now, or assessing whether a new property has the potential for extensions and improvements in the future, we wanted to share our tips on ways you can add value and quality features to your home, that will last the test of time.” Here are six things to consider for your ‘forever home’ 1. An extension to create space Adding an extension is undoubtedly one of the biggest changes you can make to your home – whether you’d like to extend the kitchen, add a utility or study room, or an extra bedroom – there is plenty of scope for you to enhance your home with the additional space an extension provides. An extension will almost always add value to a property, so it is well-worth the investment once you have done your research and secured planning permission. If you are looking to buy a new home, consider whether there is potential to extend the house at some point in the future. Local estate agents will be able to offer you advice, and you can also look to other properties in the neighbourhood to see whether they have benefited from an extension, so you know that you have the option, if you decide it’s something you want. 2. Maximising the space available For the interior of your home, consider where you can create spaces of value for yourself and your family. In these uncertain times, with many people staying at home and working remotely, it is important to create suitable, comfortable spaces for yourself and your household to ensure a good living quality for everyone. Quiet, tranquil spaces for relaxation and reading, a study for working, and a well-maintained garden are just a few suggestions when considering how to ensure your property is a ‘forever home’. 3. Outdoor space An often under-utilised area of the home is the garden – whether you’d like to transform it into a children’s play area, a space for your pets or an alfresco dining and relaxing spot, there are easy ways you can improve your outside space for the long run. If you want a dry outdoor space for your summer barbecues or winter fire pit, then consider adding a veranda to your property. Whatever the British weather has to throw at you, adding a veranda to the exterior of your home provides a stylish shelter from the sun and the rain. 4. Invest in upkeep and quality appliances One of the easiest ways to ensure your house is a ‘forever home’ is to commit to a regular maintenance regime to keep everything running smoothly and looking and feeling fresh. Adding a new layer of paint, deep cleaning carpets and investing in new blinds or stylish shutters are just some of the ways you can update and refresh your home quickly and easily, so that it remains a place you enjoy being. If you’re moving into a new home, these are simple steps you can take to stamp your own personality on a property straight away. It is also worth investing in quality fixtures in the home – appliances and electronics such as ovens, fridge freezers, tech, heating controls and dishwashers are worth spending a little extra money on as their quality means they will last much longer than cheaper alternatives. 5. Money-saving double glazing Windows are one of the areas most prone to heat loss in the home, with single paned windows capable of emitting around 84% of a room’s heat. To safeguard your home for the future, consider investing in double glazing to retain heat in your property and save money. 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, so replacing them with a durable frame such as aluminium, will transform the look of your home outside and in and continue to look smart over time. 6. A spacious conservatory A brand-new conservatory extension is a great way to add a light and airy room to your home. The versatile space is ideal for a whole host of uses, and can function as a dining room, playroom, living area or home office. This option may suit you and your family more than choosing a traditional extension, as it provides a space with a different feel to the rest of the home and helps to bring the outdoors in with plenty of natural light.
Land-based casinos are ever-evolving to keep up with the latest glitz and glamour trends The gambling industry has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of decades. Improvements in technology have helped drive online growth but have also given more scope to land-based casinos to use technology in improve the games offered, as well as the environment for the punters. There has been substantial growth in the online casino industry, with increasing revenue across the globe. It is estimated that the online gambling industry was worth just under $67 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach just under $93 billion by 2023. At the same time, there have been revenue reductions across land-based casinos. In Las Vegas, there was growth in revenue between 2009 and 2017, and revenues had started falling by a staggering 8.9% by January 2018. Similar figures were seen in the UK, where casinos saw small rises of just 1% in 2017, and 3% revenue losses. Nonetheless, there is still a huge amount of money generated by land-based casinos. In 2017 there was over $72 million generated in tax revenue in Las Vegas alone, and those designing casinos have huge budgets to work with when designing new building and new areas within existing casinos. The competition from online Casinos With the rise of online casinos, land-based venues are now facing huge competition. Offering a range of different games for all sorts of players, 888 Casino is one of the major players, they offer live casino games, which enable you to interact with the dealers as you might at a real land-based venue, on top of this they have thousands of slots and a great selection of table games, giving this online casino the advantage over many venues. Online casinos can make their customers feel special in the same way you might receive comps at any venue. A VIP club can reward frequent players with exclusive content, prize draws and giveaways, as well as free vouchers and cash bonuses. At online casinos, VIP events happen throughout the year, including an annual Christmas party, concerts, and exclusive weekends away in different European cities. The different levels of VIP status help make players feel rewarded and special when playing online. The developers work hard to help recreate the feel of a casino accessible from the comfort of the players own home and being able to play online give payers additional flexibility of being able to play from any location, and on the go. Land-Based Casinos Nothing quite beats the glitz and glamour of land-based casinos, with elegant cocktails on demand, the clinking sound of machines, and the excitement of socialising with others. However, thanks to their online competitors, land-based casinos have had to take a new innovative approach to attract and keep customers, such as these impressive casino designs around the world. Everything from the layout of the slot machines, the pattern on the carpet, to the use of natural lighting has become an exact science, and architects are innovating to create ever more comfortable and attractive locales. Many land-based casinos have grown to become full-blown resorts to offer something different to what can be found online. Alongside the traditional gambling games, many venues now include shopping centres, spas, bars, restaurants, and tend to be based in large, cosmopolitan cities, offering something for everyone. Hotel de Paris and Place du Casino, Monte Carlo, Monaco Place du Casino in Monte Carlo offers players all the thrills and glamour you’d expect in a classic casino. Perhaps one of the most glamorous locations to have a casino, and featured in several Hollywood films like the James Bond franchise, Confessions of a Cheat, and The Red Shoes, the Place du Casino is elegant and sumptuous, featuring floor to ceiling marble, Grecian style columns and marble table-tops. Located inside the Hotel de Paris, the imposing chandeliers of the grand lobby lead to the elegant marble staircase of the casino, which features a range of games such as poker, blackjack, and baccarat, as well as slot machines and a cocktail bar. Additionally, this hotel provides exclusive access to some of the most beautiful Mediterranean beaches a private country club, golf club, and the thermal spas. This was one of Princess Grace’s favourite hotels, and in 2019 was restored to its former glory following a US$280 million-dollar refurbishment. The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is undoubtedly an iconic venue. It has 638 luxury guestrooms and suites and is designed to look like back-to-back guitars. It certainly attracts plenty of attention as it spans 450 feet in the sky and is covered in glass panes. It resides in South Florida so you’re most likely to see it doused in sunshine, which only adds to the spectacle. The structure was designed by Hard Rock International’s famous architect, Steve Peck of the firm Klai Juba Wald Architecture. It took a total of 10 years to design and build, but it was certainly worth the wait, it even features a spectacular light show at night! Casino de Genting, Pahang, Malaysia The Casino de Genting in Pahang, Malaysia, is the only legal land-based casino in the country, and there has been no expense spared when designing it. There are five hotels, including the First World Hotel and Plaza, which, at 7,351 rooms holds the world record for world’s largest hotel. Additionally, there is a theme park, shopping mall, restaurants, night clubs, bars, and a waterpark, making this the ideal holiday destination for gamblers and their families. The site has also hosted award ceremonies and TV shows have been filmed there. Sun City, Rustenburg, South Africa Sun City casino is decadently designed with a safari theme to offering something different. Renowned for being the resort that has it all, here there are manmade beaches, waterfalls, pools, two world class golf courses, as well as nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. At the heart of this, is the casino,
Although most people are currently working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, it seems likely that a high percentage of people will return to the office at least in the coming months with many employers keen to have workers together in one location. So, what might this look like in the office as we emerge from the pandemic? Socially Distanced Workspaces One of the most important steps that employers need to take when it comes to the office is creating socially distanced workspaces. People need to be at least one metre away from one another, which will also be intelligent after the pandemic as it could reduce illness. Obviously, this is a challenge which is why many businesses may have to have some people WFH and some in the office and rotate. Health & Safety Health and safety will be critical as we emerge from the pandemic and business will want to do all that they can to provide a safe and healthy work environment for staff. Staying compliant with changing regulations will be vital and is likely to include things like proper ventilation, regular cleaning, availability of hand sanitiser and the use of contactless technology. New Equipment & Technology Following this point, businesses may need to invest in new equipment and technology that will enable them to carry out their operation safely. Many businesses have had to adapt as a result of COVID-19 which may require large investments in tech and equipment such as remote working tools, contactless solutions and augmented reality. This can obviously create a financial challenge, so a business cash advance could be a smart way to get the capital that you need to replenish the business for a post-COVID-19 operation. Employee Management Businesses will also need to consider the way in which they manage staff when they return to the office. It will create a challenge, but trying to enforce social distancing, reducing meetings and making sure that people are greeting each other in a safe manner will all be key moving forward. It is likely that people will start to return to the office in the coming months even if this involves WFH a few days a week. Businesses need to take action to make sure that they are providing a safe work environment for their team so that they can protect the health of employees and the public as a whole – the above are a few changes that will need to be made to create a suitable office space for staff.
Many people spend a lot of time, effort, and fortune to decorate their bathrooms. Gone are the days when bathrooms were relegated to the back of the house and comprised nothing more than the most essential fixtures. Hotel and resort bathrooms are always great sources of inspiration. Some ooze with minimal sophistication, while others go crazy with colours and themes while still accomplishing the jaw dropping effect. Tiles and fixtures combine wonderfully to achieve a bathroom ambiance like no other. Regardless of what you’re going after, here are some bathroom tile ideas to elevate your bathing space and turn it into a work of art. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #1: Stone Cladding Considered as a decorative covering, wall cladding comprises the application of one material over the other. If natural stones are used, it is referred to as stone cladding, and it follows the same principle of putting a thin layer of stone or, in this case, tiles that simulate stone on another layer. Tiles from Limestone UK can provide you with designs that can make your rustic or vintage style bathroom a reality. Complement it with some rustic bathroom lighting from Furniture Fuse to complete the vibe. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #2: Mosaic Tiles Mosaic tiles are also called glass tiles and are known for their intense colours that makes your design scheme vibrant. You can create your own eye-catching designs using the same colour palette or contrasting hues. Mosaic tiles can complement your bathtub, walls, and other bathroom fixtures. It can also become the centerpiece of your entire restroom. Mosaic tiles pique the visual interest of the observers. If you want to go extreme, cover your whole wall with tiles and even the small space between your basin and lavatory. Should you want to use mosaic tiles on your floor, use the anti-skip kind to avoid accidents. Head on to Mosaic Village for some tile designs and inspiration. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #3: Faux Wooden Tiles Wooden floorings provide an overall luxurious feeling; bathroom included, but hardwood is costly and is not a practical material for a bathroom. You can still achieve wood-like flooring by using some wooden tiles. ToppsTiles has a huge variety of tiles made of ceramic or porcelain. It is quite similar to the usual hardwood floors but won’t cause too much dent in the budget. Note that wooden tiles are elongated in shape, similar to wood planks for that realistic look and feel. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #4: Over The Shower Tiles Convert your bathroom into your very own spa and literally extend it over the edge. Extend your tile pattern up to your bathroom ceiling. The overhead design has two purposes – an artistic masterpiece for you while at the same time providing a layer from humidity. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #5: Patchwork Tiles A patchwork of shapes, textures, patterns, and vibrant colours on just a single wall of your restroom can give extra character and personality to your comfort space. With patchwork tiles, there is no restriction on which tiles you can use. Combine mosaic tiles and limestone tiles with marble and granite for a sheer finish. These Mediterranean-influenced designs can create an interesting story. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #6: Wall Mural in the Shower Have a theatrical and unique experience while having your shower by creating a mural in your shower using tiles. It can just be a simple floral mural, or you can take things further and go for an all-aqua theme. Kids will nag you for bath time when you incorporate some cartoon character inspired tiles like the ones in Zazzle. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #7: Contrasting Tiles Make the most of the colour wheel and use contrasting colours to make a pattern. Try the classic with black and white tiles or work on a deep grey colour scheme – coordinated colours, when done right and with the correct colour choices, make an interesting design. You can base your colour scheme on the current palette of your furniture. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #8: Floral Fantasy Turn your boring bathroom into a floral restroom by using floral tile accents. Pair them with subtle pastel or dark-coloured tiles so their design can really pop. Go for floral tiles that have texture on it. You can further create a floral centerpiece either on your floor or on one side of your wall. Florals are for both genders anyway, so it is a top choice for bathroom design ideas. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #9: 3D Shower Tiles Texture accompanied by movement results in playful 3D bathroom tiles. Let your imagination take over and incorporate tiles of all sizes, styles, and shapes. Make your illusion a reality and get those 3D tiles from 3D Tiles UK and make every bathroom experience an interesting one. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #10: Pastel and Candy Tiles Suitable for the young female who spends half her time inside the bathroom, these tiles ooze freshness and youthfulness. Convert your traditional white tiled bathroom into a pastel, bubble gum sweetness haven. Pastel and girly looking tiles with little hearts and butterfly accents is just a pretty place to be.
Passing the Civil iteration of the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam is a vital step for any professional who wants to take their career forward and unlock the most promising opportunities. Thousands of individuals go through this process every year, and it is something which you will likely be looking towards shortly after passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam early in your career. Of course pass rates can be perilously low, so there is no guarantee that you will make it through this process unscathed on your first attempt. Thankfully there are a few things you can do to increase your chances and hopefully come out on top when the big day arrives. Here is a look at a handful of strategies that are worth pursuing as you approach your Civil PE exam. Image Source: Pixabay Establish your eligibility Before you can even think about passing this test, you will need to make sure that you meet the criteria that the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) sets out for prospective applicants. As well as having already attained a passing grade in the aforementioned FE exam, it is also necessary for you to have worked for at least four years in the engineering discipline of your choosing; in this case, working in civil engineering will clearly be the best option. It is also worth noting that each state has its own engineering licensing board, with these bodies controlling their own registration procedures, which can differ from place to place. Being aware of these ahead of time will give you a greater chance of making a successful application. Take a prep course There are lots of PE prep courses available, as this guide explains. A good course can provide you not only with the information and resources you need to study for successful performance in the exam itself, but also with the structure you need to manage your preparations effectively and make sure that you have done as much as you can in the time you have available before the exam date rolls around. It is also necessary to factor in the points at which the Civil PE exams are held; in general they are twice a year, although certain PE disciplines are tested either more frequently or less often, so it is always sensible to work this out well in advance so you can plan your studies accordingly. A modern prep course will be a multifaceted experience that includes everything from live instruction from expert tutors to the provision of practice questions and even entire mock exams that you can take to gear yourself up for the real thing. Since the exam will last for eight hours and cover a total of 80 questions, it definitely pays to prepare thoroughly and put yourself through this process in realistic conditions, so that you do not find it as daunting or crumple under the pressure. Take a break One of the most important tips for exam success in any context, whether you are aiming to pass the Civil PE test or are facing any other educational hurdle, is to minimize the chances of burnout during the rigors of preparation. There is no doubt that hard work and expert guidance will set you on a course to exam success, but you also need to give yourself breathing room in between, especially if you are still working full time in addition to studying. This is where the merits of early preparation really come into play, as rushing to cram everything into the final days and weeks will rarely work in your favor.
Gyms have been growing in popularity in recent years with an increasing number opening. No one could have imagined how terrible 2020 would be for them. As the ongoing pandemic continues to affect our lives, gyms in the UK have had a stop-start year with several closures forced on them. Lockdown was the last thing that anyone wanted this year. We could see that the pandemic was getting out of hand, but such a drastic course of action has hit us all hard. The days of going to a local gym have been seriously disrupted. Why aren’t gyms allowed to open during a lockdown? Surely keeping fit is an essential part of life. Or is still being able to buy kebabs and fried chicken more essential? Most gyms are large enough for social distancing to easily take place and most gym owners already do all they can to make their venues spotlessly clean. The latter is important as touching gym equipment and then your face could see the virus being transmitted. As in many other areas of life, not everyone is following the rules. Some gym users are still not doing all they can to keep gym equipment clean. Yes, you might come into contact who is infected with the virus but not showing symptoms. But the same can happen when going to the supermarket or on buses where some people aren’t wearing masks. One reason given for the need for gyms to close has come from virologist Professor Jonathan Bell. He believes that vigorous exercise can cause people to “breathe rapidly and quite deeply.” This can lead to droplets being formed that can transmit the virus. Scientific advisory group Sage have stated that closing gyms and leisure centres could cut the R number by 0.1. However, they stressed that this estimation was “very difficult.” With scientific evidence like that, gyms have had no choice to abide by the strict government rules. It’s not good for those who wish to use the gyms, both physically and mentally. They can get some home equipment but would rather be in the gym, that’s what they are used to. People also see their routines changed and that can affect mental health. As for the gyms themselves, there are financial problems to deal with. That steady stream of new members isn’t happening during the pandemic. The Anytime Fitness group are probably regretting that name at present. They don’t agree with the decision to again close gyms. The closures have led to them calling for “comprehensive financial support” to help keep them afloat. With more lockdowns possible, gyms continue to worry about their futures. With the gyms being closed, more focus is now being turned towards home fitness. The amount of home gym equipment being purchased is on the rise. This has seen people seeking out the Best Home Treadmill as they strive to carry on exercising. With so many online sites offering such items, it seems there are still some in the fitness industry that are doing well.
Winning a lottery prize of £1 million is a thrilling experience. But have you thought about what to do if you win the lottery? If not, then you have come to the right place. Here, we will tell you an investment strategy that can give you remarkable returns in 2020. The housing sector is one of the safest and profitable areas to invest your money. This sector has immense potential that has always paid good returns to people. In addition to buying a real estate property, there are several other ways in which you can park your money in the housing market. Let us explore these options. What to do if you win the Lottery Here are some of the ways you can do after you win a hefty amount in the Lottery. 1. Invest In A Property Whether you invest for the first time or an experienced investor who wishes to grow its investment portfolio, real estate investment is lucrative to enhance your potential.You will benefit from the increase in property prices every year and monthly rental income. Looking at the current rental prices, an investment of one million dollars in a rental property can earn you a rental income between 60,000 and 100,000 dollars annually. Along with that, your rental property price will also increase. Thus, it will give you dual benefits. To invest in the housing market, you need to perform a detailed neighborhood analysis to locate a good place to invest in a rental property. You can find several options to rent a property, such as Single-family commercial spaces, and multi-family. Analyze available investment real estate properties for sale to find the best offer. You can even take the help of real estate investment tools to help you find the best property in accordance with your preferred location, growth potential, and budget. 2. Investment In A Land Now the next option can be to buy a terrestrial area. Hold the land for some years and then sell it for massive profits. In a place, you can even buy a home and sell it later when the housing market is at its boom. If you want incredible returns and are in no hurry to make profits, we suggest purchasing land a little far from the major city.Hold it for the long term, i.e., around twenty years or so, and sell it later. Choosing far areas is beneficial because cities have become very populated, and the property price is high there. The place outside the city is growing at a constant rate. Developers and builders will soon be exploring their areas. Many corporations also choose distant locations to set up their units, such as business parks, IT centers, etc. So, if you are thinking about what to do if you win the lottery of £1 million, then buy land of that much worth and keep it for twenty years.The sale of that land would solidify your affluent status. Go for agricultural land that is far from commercial hubs. You can get such places at ten or twenty times lesser than the price. Soon, that place will develop with common amenities and utilities as available in the commercial sector. With a lesser investment, you are going to make a large sum of money in the future. 3. Property Investment Trusts Real estate investment trusts, also called REITs, are indirect ways to invest in residential areas. These specialized firms collect money from interested investors to build, purchase, or manage property assets.They trade in various trusted publicly-traded REITs funds that are into investing in real estate properties. There are a few advantages that this method provides real estate investors: • As you are not directly investing in real estate, it needs less time commitment than what you incur when owning properties. • This method spread your risk across hundreds and thousands of properties. So, a sudden hefty maintenance cost would not break you. • These are highly liquid investments that can easily be purchased or sold in a few minutes. • They invest your money in the housing market via a tax-advantaged retirement account and pays above-average dividend yields than what you would get by investing in house stocks. 4. Crowdfunded Real Estate Crowdfunding is another method to invest in the housing market.There are times when an experienced real estate investor finds a lucrative opportunity but do not have adequate finances to either purchase or renovate it. So, they list the financing opportunity on a crowdfunding portal intending to raise capital from individual investors. In return, they will offer an equity interest in this project. This method involves high risks but can give you high returns. Go for this method only when you have a high-risk tolerance ability, and don’t think much about what to do if you win the lottery. Only those investors should invest in this scheme who do not need money in the near future. 5. Homebuilder Stocks Homebuilders companies engage in buying and selling of housing properties. A few of them also publicly trade on key stock exchanges.You need to note that homebuilders are more economically sensitive than rental properties. So, if any world economic crisis hits, your tenant will keep on paying rent (rental properties) but can lead to a decline in home sales dramatically. It is a highly profitable long-term housing investment strategy but not for short-term yields. Conclusion Investment in the housing market is indeed a smart investment decision in 2020. These are some of the best ways to invest in homebuilders and the real estate sector. Based on your needs and preferences, you can find a perfect investment strategy. You can even choose a combination of strategies to accomplish your investment objective.
Blenheim Estate has created a series of new waymarked permissive paths that give access to its wider estate to help local residents enjoy their environment. To date, four circular walks varying from 30 minutes to two hours have been made available with start and finish points linked to their Hanborough Gate development. Roy Cox, Blenheim Estate’s Director, said: “Spending time in green space, taking exercise in the fresh air and communing with nature are all well-proven ways of reducing anxiety and depression. The aim of the permissive paths is to share the estate with others and to promote the benefits both of exercise and interacting with the countryside for mental and physical wellbeing. “Rarely has this access to the outdoors been more important than now. The spacious immediate surroundings of Hanborough Gate combined with the back-door access to country walks, is a big draw for potential purchasers. “Our Rural Team have been hard at work clearing the various routes and putting up way-markers and signage. We are planning to provide additional interpretation and information about the routes and local wildlife in the future to provide a richer experience. “One of the real pleasures of living in this area is its rich history and heritage, and the outstanding natural beauty. We hope that by opening up new areas of the estate to local residents we will be able to share these fantastic open spaces with as wide an audience as possible.” Pye Homes, in partnership with Blenheim Estate Homes, continues to release new homes at its Hanborough Gate development, just south west of the Blenheim Estate in Long Hanborough. A total of 169 homes will be built by May 2022, which include help to buy, shared ownership and affordable rent options. Interest in the development has been high with buyers particularly drawn by the village’s rural location combined with accessibility with mainline trains direct to both Oxford (10 mins) and London Paddington (1 hour, 5 mins). Its location on the edge of Long Hanborough village and just five miles from Witney and Woodstock makes it part of a wider local community with Blenheim Palace itself on the doorstep. The development will incorporate play parks, a new doctors’ surgery alongside other local amenities including a dentist, pharmacy and Post Office. All of the properties benefit from superfast broadband as standard allowing seamless, high speed communication, essential in today’s working-from-home climate. Property is an integral part of Blenheim’s 10-year development programme that includes tripling the Estate’s contribution to the local economy and creating a £45m endowment fund to ensure the long-term future of the World Heritage Site.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt the UK, tradespeople are among those who have been advised they are still able to work under the national restrictions that came into effect on 5 November, including working in and around people’s homes. The news is certainly positive for the construction industry and homeowners in England, as it means people can take advantage of the new Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme, which will see the Government fund up to two-thirds of the cost of energy-efficient home improvements. The scheme is a key part of the UK’s green economic recovery following the pandemic. However, only TrustMark Registered Businesses can do work under the Government’s new scheme, meaning tradespeople and businesses who are not registered could be missing out on work. Simon Ayers, Chief Executive of TrustMark, explains, “There are certain steps that must be completed in order to become a Green Homes Grant installer. Firstly, the businesses must hold a PAS 2030 certification and/or MCS certification for low carbon installations, which can be achieved through UKAS accredited certification bodies. “They must also register with TrustMark which in turn, will allow them to register with the Government’s scheme administrator as a Green Homes Grant installer. “There are thousands of UK customers looking for someone to carry out work under the scheme right now, so it’s most certainly worth businesses getting involved.” The levels of work that will be created over the next decade to improve the homes we live in means a sustainable and growth driven market for businesses to operate within, an investment with rewards. To communicate this message, TrustMark has created a number of assets to make it easier for businesses to become Green Homes Grant installers, outlining the steps in more detail at: www.trustmark.org.uk/ghgvsopp And, since the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, the Government and industry have worked hard to ensure written safety guidelines are in place. To keep everyone safe, TrustMark, has created Work Safe Safe Work: a three-part guide to help customersknow what to do before, while and after they have tradespeople working for them. “We know that many people have reservations about what is expected of them and what they need to do while the work is taking place to ensure it’s safe. That’s why we would recommend tradespeople send out the Work Safe Safe Work guide to their customers at least 48 hours prior to the work being done”, says Simon Ayers. “In providing such clear and simple information, the guide will keep both tradespeople and customers safe, while giving them confidence in this new reality we are finding ourselves in.” For further information, please visit TrustMark’s dedicated Green Homes Grant page for trades: www.trustmark.org.uk/ghgvsopp.
Experienced business development professional joins growing UK structural steel contractor Elland Steel, a growing structural steel contractor, are excited to welcome Simon Jones into the team to spearhead the planned growth at Elland Steel. Simon will be looking to grow the already expanding customer base, specifically in and around London. Simon had previously held business development and commercial positions at Bourne Construction Engineering and SCA Group. Mark Denham Elland Steel Chairman and MD comments: “Elland Steel has always punched above its weight as a structural steel contractor, driven primarily by our outstanding people and industry leading levels of expertise. As we look to further develop the business, I am personally delighted to add Simon to the team and look forward to working with him. He was the outstanding candidate and will no doubt bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and know-how into the business” Simon Jones, Business Development Manager comments: “The team’s expertise backed up by the existing client base means this is a really exciting time to join Elland Steel. The company’s ethos and vision make me confident that we are well positioned for further growth.”
