Business : BDC Blog News

Steps to Follow If You Were in Manhattan on 9/11

September 11 of 2001, now simply referred to as 9/11, was one of the darkest days in American history. The incidents of that day, in which several commercial planes were hijacked and used for suicide attacks, left close to 3,000 people dead and thousands more injured, with the bulk of

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Band of Builders Charity and DEWALT Tools Support Tradespeople

Band of Builders and DEWALT Tools Support Tradespeople

National construction charity Band of Builders has teamed up with professional tools brand DEWALT in a partnership that will provide help and support to tradespeople impacted by illness, injury or financial crisis across the UK. Band of Builders (BoB) is a registered charity that aids members of the construction industry when times get

Read More »

HW Martin Waste Supports Courage Awards 2021

This year the Rotary Club of Mansfield celebrated 30 years of the Courage Awards – the annual event celebrating the courage and achievements of young people in the area.  HW Martin Waste Ltd was proud to be involved once again, as one of the main sponsors of this special event

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6 Casinos With the Most Beautiful Design

Today there are a huge number of gambling establishments in the world, but everyone can come in and play cards, roulette or slot machines https://nationalcasino.com/ without leaving the computer. So how do you get people to come back to the real world? You can entice people wanting to see firsthand

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7 Things You Need to Know Before Your First Mining Job

Mining can be a difficult yet rewarding profession. You need to consider relocation, long working hours, skill set, and understand the different types of mining There are many job opportunities in the mining industry. Mining is digging out valuable materials from underground where it is usually located. The common items

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Three largest casinos in the world

Humanity’s addiction to gambling is invincible. There will always be those who like to gamble an extra hundred dollars to try their luck. Although fortune is not favourable to all players. But judging by the fashionable appearance of gaming centres, gambling addiction brings huge profits to casino owners. The same

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Top Tips to Spruce up Your Home for Spring

Top Tips to Spruce up Your Home for Spring

Homeowners wishing to spruce up their properties this spring can look to these top tips from home improvement experts to give homes a refresh in time for the new season. From improving natural light levels and energy efficiency, to transforming a room with a bold statement wall, the specialists at Stormclad have

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Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Business : BDC Blog News

A changed market, and changed lifestyles, but the post-Covid demand for housing in Scotland is as enduring as ever

Spring is in the air in the Scottish residential property market and, after a winter which both dampened and at times froze growth, activity and interest is burgeoning again, raising hopes of a bountiful and fruitful summer. We are in quite a different place from a year ago, when the storm clouds were just beginning to gather on the horizon. Now, cautious optimism is permeating not just the housing arena, but many other sectors of the economy as well. It is not hard to see why. After 12 months in the doldrums, there is a widespread sense that restrictions may be beginning to lift at last – with less of a threat that the cell door will slam shut again. Schools are heading back, the vaccine rollout continues to be a spectacular success and people are drifting back to work. Spring and summer promise to be periods of frenzied activity, comparable to July and August last year when lockdown was first eased. Then, the market bubbled away nicely until the brakes were hastily applied again on Boxing Day and activity dropped down several gears in January and February. Now that we are back on the road, agents are reporting that they have a cornucopia of stock lined up on their books just waiting for the sellers to press the start button. There is a feeling that people are champing at the bit to get on with their lives. But unlike last year, when we had to cram a completely lost Spring market into a frenetic Summer market, this year promises a more measured market, which should allow the pent-up demand to come through in a controlled manner, rather than as a dam burst. And there is no doubt that aspects of the market are irrevocably changed. While in pre-Covid times aspirational moves tended to be price-driven, the new, fluid job market in which the majority of people are now operating has focused attention on other attributes. An increasingly dominant factor on the wish list now is more space – a most understandable imperative for families in which both parents are hot desking in the kitchen while trying to maintain some educational stability in their children’s home schooling. Gardens, views, countryside and local amenities have assumed a much greater importance for people whose lives have been confined for a year and, as a consequence, peripheral markets have done very well of late. As well as offering a different lifestyle, they have the added attraction of being significantly cheaper. Of course, Glasgow and Edinburgh will always be vibrant, but buyers in this more comprehensively interconnected period are also looking further afield – in the case of the former to Renfrewshire and Ayrshire, and in the latter to Fife, the Borders and East Lothian. The North East has always been a distinctive market in its own right, still dominated by the hydrocarbons industry, and the North West has seen a surge in demand, with our offices in Oban, Elgin and Inverness reporting huge interest in lifestyle opportunities. We can have little to complain about in a year where official statistics report average prices across Scotland rising by 8.4% and the number of sales rising by over 30%, but there has to be a degree of disappointment that the extension of the stamp duty holiday in England until June, with tapered relief until September, has not been matched in Scotland. The rationale in Holyrood for stopping the limited concessions in Land and Buildings Transaction Tax at the end of this month (March) appears to be that the market is active, the stimulus has done its job and therefore it is no longer necessary. It has to be remembered, however, that the property market is always a major economic driver and there surely also has to be an argument, as seems to have been recognised by the UK Chancellor, for keeping it stimulated as we claw our way to post-Covid recovery. And that recovery, when it comes, could well be a rollercoaster ride. The Bank of England note that significant amounts of money have been accumulating in people’s pockets over lockdown – in December the estimate was over £100 billion – and, when it is unleashed, we could be heading for a new Roaring Twenties. Scotland has great choice and diversity in its housing, as well as affordability, and there is no reason why we should not also forge ahead. But perhaps, by the end of the summer, a more desirable state might be a steady but unspectacular market with stable price growth. John McHugh is Managing Partner of DM Hall Chartered Surveyors.

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FAILING TO PLAN IS PLANNING TO FAIL – WE MUST GET PROCUREMENT PREPARATION RIGHT

THERE is a big focus in the Construction Playbook on procuring for value and harnessing the power of SMEs within the industry. Chief executive at Pagabo, Simon Toplass, discusses how our approach to SME relationships and treatment, and the procurement planning process will deliver on several of the core principles outlined in the playbook. Programme versus project With social value to consider as well as physical delivery costs, there is a huge education process that needs to happen led by framework providers, contractors, and consultants to help identify what best value and whole life value actually is. Framework providers like ourselves need to work with public sector organisations to define this, looking at whole programmes rather than on a project-by-project basis. We have an important role, especially as many clients seek to use frameworks to ensure they get the best possible outcomes. This outcome-based approach is another key focus within the playbook, and it is where the creation of a gold standard for frameworks would benefit absolutely everyone working in procurement. For example, frameworks will vary in commercial offerings, so transparency of cost will be important, to ensure contracting authorities aren’t caught out by hidden extras. In the same way that the public sector needs to consider the suitability of a consultant or contractor, it also must choose a framework provider equally as carefully. This means providers must provide simple, affordable and accessible solutions, but more than this they must be transparent about their costs and compliance as well. An excellent example of the action of looking at outcome-based approaches of a programme of work is our recently launched developer-led framework. The projects procured via this framework will be many, and lasting for many years, so all parties must work together to examine the best value – not just simple, monetary cost – beyond the construction phase and across the whole lifecycle. This whole life approach to best value enables us to embed all the key elements we need to be considering for the built environment moving forwards, from delivering true social impact on a local basis, to working towards the government’s goals for net zero carbon. This can all be outlined and embedded into the procurement process, and even within the contracts themselves as KPIs too, particularly within the NEC4 suite of contracts. Preparation is key One of the earliest lessons of my career was that the biggest enemy of good procurement is lack of time, and that rushing the preparation should be avoided at all costs. This is something that has stuck with me throughout several decades of working in procurement, and feeds into our focus on excellent, expertise-led procurement services at Pagabo. What has really resonated with us about the Construction Playbook is that ten of the 14 key policies outlined fall within the first of the five phases of procurement – i.e., within the preparation and planning phase. This section alone is half of the entire 83-page playbook, so it demonstrates the old saying ‘failing to plan is planning to fail’. A huge focus must be placed on getting the preparation spot on to make sure that project success is not threatened, and the best outcomes can be achieved for all parties involved. SMEs are the future of construction The Construction Playbook ultimately aims to deliver a better and fairer industry, including prompt and fair payments – something that is really important to focus on in the conversation around SME engagement. It’s clear that the government is keen to involve SMEs, and ensure their early engagement in programmes, but it’s crucial that this involvement is fair – including proper and prompt payment. This is highlighted even further when we examine the impact of the pandemic on these businesses. Insolvency practitioner Real Business Rescue recently released its Business Distress Index for Q4 2020, with the data revealing that the number of UK SMEs in significant financial distress is now 620,000. If this isn’t startling enough, that figure had risen by 14 per cent from the previous quarter. Construction is second only to fishing as one of the least innovative sectors in the UK, which means we have a real opportunity to make a huge stride forward in how we do things – and SMEs are central to this. They serve as the engine room of our industry, being best placed to bring forth the new ideas, products, services and tech adoption and will help us move out of this comfortable zone where we keep to ‘this is the way we’ve always done it’. The industry has been banging the SMEs and innovation drum for years, but the important thing is to put words into action. At Pagabo, 70 per cent of the suppliers across our ten frameworks are SMEs, and during the latest episode of our ‘Building Blocks’ podcast it was great to hear from Peter Masonbrook at Faithful+Gould that 83 per cent of its supply chain are SMEs. Willmott Dixon’s national account manager Andrew Brookes also joined the podcast discussion. He shared the various innovations taking place within the main contractor organisation, from the small pockets that are constantly happening across its live sites and offices, to larger, business-led approaches such as investment in products for standardisation and digitisation – another two key areas covered by the playbook. Pagabo’s relationship with industry SMEs goes beyond simply appointing them to our frameworks. We have a set of robust KPIs in place which ensure our suppliers are working with local supply chains on every project they undertake. By putting this process in place we’re able to track both the spend on and engagement each supplier has with local SMEs. Another example of this is our work with health tech brand Moodbeam. We’re currently undertaking a series of trials to understand how to best integrate its wearable wellbeing device into our on-site health, safety and wellbeing strategies in the construction sector. Simply put, we cannot afford to lose SMEs within our industry. They will be central to building

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Steps to Follow If You Were in Manhattan on 9/11

September 11 of 2001, now simply referred to as 9/11, was one of the darkest days in American history. The incidents of that day, in which several commercial planes were hijacked and used for suicide attacks, left close to 3,000 people dead and thousands more injured, with the bulk of those figures centered around the destruction and collapse of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. The incident itself caused a lot of death and destruction, and the recovery process for the city of New York and the nation itself was a long one. Even now, many years after the incident, the effects of 9/11 can still be felt in more ways than one, and in recent times, studies have shown that those who were present in Manhattan around that time are at a higher risk of many types of cancer. In the wake of these developments, many people who were present in the Manhattan area on or after September 11, perhaps working in the area or living nearby at the time, have begun to worry about their own health and want to know what to do next. This guide will cover all of the key information you need to know regarding the right steps to take. The Basics Before we get into the steps you should follow to potentially make claims, get medical care, and even potentially receive compensation for cancer connected to 9/11, it’s important to go over the basics of the situation in order to understand your rights and what you may or may not be entitled to. You can find various resources regarding this matter online. As a brief overview, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is the main fund to be aware of. This was actually set up shortly after the attacks of 9/11 but is still paying out and accepting claims today as research reveals more about the long-lasting risks and threats posed by the attacks. By learning more about this, you’ll be better prepared to make your claims and proceed. Remain Calm and Speak with Your Doctor Even though you may be at a higher risk of cancer because of your presence in the Lower Manhattan area during September of 2001, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are or will become ill. There are many people who were present at the time and who have gone on to enjoy perfectly healthy lives, so it’s important to try to remain calm and speak with your doctor to learn more about the situation, rather than panicking or jumping to conclusions. Many people are naturally worried about their health after learning about these findings, but speaking with a doctor can provide you with some much-needed clarity on the situation. A doctor may also be able to run tests and checks to identify any signs of illness too, as well as suggesting lifestyle alterations or treatment options to improve your health if needed. Speak to a Lawyer When it comes to making claims and seeking compensation, it’s usually best to contact professionals. So as well as speaking with a doctor, it’s also recommended that you contact a legal professional too. There are various legal firms out there that specialize in helping people who may be suffering from health issues connected to the incidents of 9/11. These attorneys will be able to answer questions you might have on the matter, clarifying any confusion and helping you make the right decisions, and contact the right people. They can also help with your claim applications and any appeals you might need to make if your claim gets rejected, as well as aiding with the process of gathering the evidence you need to support your claim, as you’ll need to provide documents and other evidence to show you were actually in the area at the time. Final Word Those who were present in Lower Manhattan on or after the events of September 11 2001 may have been exposed to the large dust cloud that formed in the area when the attacks occurred. This cloud was filled with a range of potentially harmful elements and particles, including asbestos, jet fuel, and more. Unfortunately, as studies have shown, the long-term risks of such exposure can be very damaging, but by contacting a lawyer, speaking with a doctor, and making a claim, you can get some degree of justice and compensation. So don’t suffer in silence; contact the right people today and get the help you need.

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Band of Builders Charity and DEWALT Tools Support Tradespeople

Band of Builders and DEWALT Tools Support Tradespeople

National construction charity Band of Builders has teamed up with professional tools brand DEWALT in a partnership that will provide help and support to tradespeople impacted by illness, injury or financial crisis across the UK. Band of Builders (BoB) is a registered charity that aids members of the construction industry when times get tough through hands-on support, as well as providing help and advice through its extensive online community. The organisation was founded by tradesman Addam Smith in 2016 to assist his friend and fellow builder, Keith Ellick, after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Addam recruited volunteers from around the country to ensure that the home renovations Keith had originally commenced were completed for his family. Since then, the charity has undertaken numerous projects throughout England, Scotland and Wales to support trade professionals facing adversity or hardship. “We’re excited to welcome DEWALT as a partner this year. Having the backing of a global brand in this way will undoubtedly strengthen our profile and drive awareness on a larger scale than ever before. Our aim is to reach as many construction workers across the country as possible and having DEWALT championing our cause will enable us to communicate our message to a significantly larger audience. Most importantly, it will also allow us to help a greater number of beneficiaries over the coming months and years,” said Gavin Crane, chair of the Board of Trustees at Band of Builders. “The pandemic has hampered many of our fundraising activities and projects over the last twelve months, with countless events postponed or cancelled. With DEWALT’s support, we will be able to resume work almost immediately, and our goal is to complete many more projects throughout 2021.” As part of the collaboration, DEWALT will supply tools and equipment for volunteers to use during construction or renovation projects, and the company will also engage in a programme of activities throughout the year to raise vital funds and drive awareness of the charity’s essential work. “We are passionate about supporting the professional trade community and are eager to start work with Band of Builders – a hugely inspiring charity that is run by tradespeople, for tradespeople. This partnership is an important opportunity for DEWALT to give back to individuals within the industry who have backed our brand for many years. Our teams are extremely keen to participate on a personal level, to boost awareness and fundraising efforts, and provide a helping hand to professionals through the toughest of times,” Chris Wayne, group marketing manager at DEWALT, added.

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HW Martin Waste Supports Courage Awards 2021

This year the Rotary Club of Mansfield celebrated 30 years of the Courage Awards – the annual event celebrating the courage and achievements of young people in the area.  HW Martin Waste Ltd was proud to be involved once again, as one of the main sponsors of this special event held on the evening of Tuesday 2nd March. Due to the social distancing restrictions currently in place, the event was held virtually via Zoom, which posed a new challenge for Rotary Club President Kate Allsop and the event organisers.  However, it was a great success with over 100 people viewing the proceedings. The 11 young people recognised at the Awards were: Leoni Bragg and Abigail Cross, of Meden School, Warsop; Owen Brown and Rachel Tweedie, of Portland College;  Adam Hooley, of Reach Learning Disability; Corey Root, of A Place To Call Our Own; Annabelle Pye, of West Nottinghamshire College;  James Slaney, of R.E.A.L. Education; Daisy Marie–Stanley, of The Beech Academy, Mansfield; Connor Summerell, of Samworth Church Academy, Mansfield; and Joshua Stead, of The Joseph Whitaker School, Rainworth. Each received a plaque from the Rotary Club and a civic citation from the Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams. Many comments of appreciation were received from parents and attendees.  Louise and Richard Stead, parents of 12 year-old Josh, commented, “I would like to extend my thanks to the Rotary Club of Mansfield for recognising the bravery or our son Josh at this afternoon’s Bravery Awards. 2020 has without question been tough on the whole community, but the added difficulties a shock diagnosis has brought to Josh and our wider family makes the recognition even more special. The positive news is that he is essentially brain tumour free and should be able to continue a normal life. He has already resumed rugby training and hopefully will be playing as soon as lockdown permits. Thank you once again.” Details on each of the young people recognised at the Awards can be seen HERE. Mansfield Rotary Club is one of over 34,000 clubs in 200 countries, which form Rotary International.  The Mansfield Rotary Club’s Courage Awards is an example of the community work it undertakes throughout the year to benefit youth groups, families in need, the infirm and service men and women. HW Martin Waste Ltd, based on the border of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, has pledged to support local initiatives through the provision of funding and resources.

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GF Piping Systems donates 5’000 ELGEF Plus Fittings to quake-stricken Croatia

On 29 December 2020 central Croatia was hit by strongest earthquake in 140 years and the three waterworks of the cities Sisak, Petrinja and Glina were heavily damaged. With the help of their Croatian partners PTMG, GF Piping Systems organized the donation of 5’000 pieces of ELGEF Plus Fittings in various sizes to help repair and replace the damaged water pipes as fast as possible and to ensure sustainable water transport. The earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 Mw hit central Croatia was the strongest recorded in 140 years, with the epicenter located 3 km west-southwest of the city of Petrinja. The adversely affected areas were mostly in the Sisak-Moslavina County, but the strength of the earthquake was felt in all surrounding countries, even in Austria and Germany. The cities Sisak, Petrinja and Glina along with their surrounding villages were badly damaged, while the center of Petrinja was totally destroyed. The earthquake caused shifts of soil with an amplitude of up to 70 centimeters. The water distribution for the affected areas is provided by three waterworks: for the city of Sisak – Sisacki Vodovod, for the city of Petrinja – Privreda Petrinja and for the city of Glina – Vodovod Glina. Together, they manage almost 600 km of water pipelines.​After the earthquake, Sisacki Vodovod managed to deliver water to all habitants, despite numerous water leakages that resulted in a total water loss of almost 3’000 cubic liters per day. But even 30 days after the earthquake, Privreda Petrinja was still not able to produce water because their water stations were destroyed and they are dependent on Sisacki Waterworks. Vodovod Glina’s warehouse collapsed and they had to ask for instant help from the surrounding waterworks. All three waterworks are trying to locate damaged existing pipes. Their next step will be to replace damaged pipes with more suitable material for earthquakes, such as PE material.​The donation of almost 5’000 pieces of ELGEF Plus Fittings in various sizes from GF Piping Systems will be a tremendous help to start repairing and replacing the damaged water pipes. It helps the waterworks to act fast and eliminate the water loss that was caused by the earthquake. ELGEF Plus is the correct choice for all water, gas and multiple industrial pressure applications. Corrosion-free, low weight, high chemical resistance, low overall costs and an extensive service life of installations are just a few of the many advantages of the ELGEF Plus system. The extensive customization of ELGEF Plus products, coupled with the system’s flexibility, offers decisive advantages.Using PE material will be a resilient and sustainable flow solution for the future.  For more technical product details on ELGEF Plus Fittings, visit: https://www.gfps.com/com/en/products-solutions/systems/elgef-plus.html

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6 Casinos With the Most Beautiful Design

Today there are a huge number of gambling establishments in the world, but everyone can come in and play cards, roulette or slot machines https://nationalcasino.com/ without leaving the computer. So how do you get people to come back to the real world? You can entice people wanting to see firsthand the colorful halls and unprecedented luxury, which even the sheiks did not dream of. On the beauty and grandeur of today’s casinos, we are now going to talk to you. The more so because these giant architectural embodiments really amaze you with their luxury, unusual and daring designs, they can not leave you indifferent to themselves. Casino de Monte Carlo The Casino de Monte Carlo is a jewel in Monaco and the richness of its interior is exquisite; onyx columns, frescoes and marble work add to its grandeur. You’ll not only enjoy your favorite games of blackjack, craps and roulette but also the ballet and opera stars that have performed here for over 100 years. Bellagio  The Bellagio, which was opened over 15 years ago, was of course a large-scale casino on a grand scale at the time. The casino has two hundred tables for every kind of game, from roulette to blackjack. In addition to the casino, the building functions as a hotel complex with three thousand nine hundred and thirty-three rooms, all of them richly decorated. But that’s not all! It is, shall we say, its own little town, as here you will find – boutiques and fashionable stores, restaurants and bars. At Bellagio casino, there is a posh pool with a fountain under the pleasant sound of which you can rest and relax, of course after the exciting game. The water is wonderfully soothing and relaxing. Venetian Macao Venetian Macao can rightly be called the Chinese Las Vegas, as its hall can seat over twenty thousand people and it hosts world-famous poker tournaments. The hotel complex has three thousand luxurious rooms, there are stores and everything, but the most interesting and is a highlight of Venetian Macao – a miniature Venice with floating gondolas on the canals. Marina Bay Sands Many tourists want to see this amazing building in Singapore, although the casino opened relatively recently, in 2011. But most likely the tourists are attracted not by the fact to play the slot machines, and there are two thousand of them! There are 500 gaming tables and even video poker. Tourists are attracted by the incredible beauty and uniqueness of the hotel complex with 2500 rooms and a terrace on the fifty-fifth floor with a total area of one hectare! Not only does this terrace offer a magnificent view over the whole of Singapore, so there are cafes and nightclubs, and most importantly the pool and not just a pool, and the illusion that you’re swimming in the sky! Baden-Baden Baden-Baden in Germany was opened in 1809. Of course it’s not as huge and pompous as other modern casinos but Baden-Baden is as beautiful and luxurious as they are. Here you can recharge your adrenaline by playing American and French roulette and other no less gambling. Basically this casino is also considered to be the most expensive, but then again do not get upset if you can not go there, there is online roulette, which will give you the opportunity to feel like a customer of this legendary Baden-Baden. Circus Circus Casino The casino building houses a circus. It is also known for its themed entertainment center. But that’s not all. Circus Circus Casino is associated with the James Bond movie. The building itself is similar to the circus arena. Guests will be able to watch the acrobats flying over the heads of the audience, see the numbers performed by beautiful gymnasts, strongmen and jugglers. 

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7 Things You Need to Know Before Your First Mining Job

Mining can be a difficult yet rewarding profession. You need to consider relocation, long working hours, skill set, and understand the different types of mining There are many job opportunities in the mining industry. Mining is digging out valuable materials from underground where it is usually located. The common items that we get from mining are metals, coals, limestone, chalk, potash, gravel, and clay, etc. There are almost always openings for jobs as miners and the opportunities are promising too. For these lucrative opportunities, many people are now eager to get degrees in mining and take up mining as their profession. Before you want to start your career as a miner, you need to know a few things. But first, let us look at the different types of mining and how they work. Different Types Of Mining There are Four Main Types of Mining and all fall under these four categories. 1. Underground Mining As the name suggests, underground mining is to excavate expensive and valuable materials from under the surface of the earth. It is the process of digging deeper into the ground and extracting large amounts of ores and mines where they are deposited. The valuable part of these ores is then dug up while the waste and lesser valuable rocks and materials are left below. 2. Surface Mining This is the opposite of underground mining. Instead of digging deeper into the earth’s layer, surface mining gathers valuable materials that are present right at the surface of the earth. To get the materials, trees and bedrocks are removed so that the valuables present in shallow depths can be found. 3. Placer Mining Placer mining is usually done on riverbeds, sands, or areas that have high sediment. Whenever there are precious materials found in riverbeds or areas with high sediments or sands they are rinsed with water or wind and then collected, this method of extraction is known as Placer Mining. 4. In-situ Mining This is also referred to as Solution mining. Unlike other methods, this does not work by digging or bringing up materials from the surface, riverbed or underground. Instead, in this method, chemicals are poured into the ores to make a dissolved solution of the ores. Then the dissolved solution, known as “Pregnant Solution” is pumped up into the surface. The solution is processed, and the raw material is recovered. Things To Know Before Starting A Mining Job 1. You Might Need To Relocate Mining is a very location-specific job. It can only be done where mines and ores are found. So if you are living in an area that does not have any mines and ores nearby, then it will be hard to get a mining job. If you however wish to get a job in the mining sector, then move to a place near mines and ores. So relocation can be an issue that you need to consider. 2. Mining Has Long Working Hours Unlike other jobs, mining does not follow the daily 6-7 hour working schedule. Sometimes you will find yourself working very late at night or start your day very early in the morning. Since the mining industries are always open, it requires miners to be active at all times and for a long period as well.  Not only working long shifts, but miners are also expected to work for long consecutive days, even 10-14 days without any off or vacation days. 3. The Skill Sets Required Mining is a job that is only suitable for highly skilled people. So only a qualified person can get a miner job. Since mining is a complex process and technology is also advancing, miners also need to have higher levels of skills and qualifications. So, recruiters look to hire people who have graduated from a mining school or have a degree in mining. 4. The Health Risks Are Higher Than Other Jobs Mining requires you to work in difficult situations. Sometimes, circumstances might get risky, and you will have certain health hazards. For example, during underground mining, you might come across toxic gasses and increased heat, while the tools you work with are also dangerous. So you need to be aware of these health hazards. But luckily, advanced technology and protective gear have reduced such risks by a great margin. 5. Salary Of The Job You need to consider the salary of the job as a miner. We have so far seen the negative sides of mining as a profession like long work shifts and health hazards, but the salaries make up for it. Even as a starting job, the salary of a miner can be as much as $35,000, increasing up to $85,000 after two or three years of experience. 6. A Great Workplace For Women As Well In the past, women were considered to bring bad luck if they were seen working in mining. So the whole mining industry was dominated by men. But as things have changed, women are also getting involved in mining. There are many great opportunities for women in this field. So, being a woman, should not hold you back from mining. 7. The Recent Setbacks In Mining Although there is always an opportunity in mining, things have seen some setbacks in recent years. This is because most recruiters are now looking for temporary miners who work only on one project. So long-term miners are having difficulty. But that does not mean there are fewer opportunities. The only downside is that the working contract is mostly based on individual projects and not long-term contracts. Final Thoughts Many people might think that mining as a profession is very difficult, and few people are suitable for it. Though some part of it is true, since miners need to have higher stamina than others, mining is still a great opportunity for job seekers. Hopefully, this article has helped if you are eager to start your first mining job.

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Three largest casinos in the world

Humanity’s addiction to gambling is invincible. There will always be those who like to gamble an extra hundred dollars to try their luck. Although fortune is not favourable to all players. But judging by the fashionable appearance of gaming centres, gambling addiction brings huge profits to casino owners. The same goes for betting, but at least you can rely not only on your luck but get advice from experts at bookmaker-ratings.com At Casinoes some attract visitors with free drinks and excellent cuisine, others with the prestige of the establishments, the original interior design, the imposing appearance of the buildings. The entertainment complexes presented in the review are the largest casinos in the world.  City of Dreams, Macau  This major casino in Macau is the world-famous entertainment centre from the City of Dreams. It is one of the three world leaders among gambling establishments. It is located next to the ferry crossing and the airport. Became part of a huge complex with the Grand Hyatt Macau, next to the huge luxury hotel Hard Rock.  1.5 thousand machines, 450 tables are located on 210 thousand m2. Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, gyms, swimming pools, relaxation areas with all types of massage and SAP procedures are open to visitors. In the main game room, there is a huge fountain that occupies almost half of the area. Golden carps swim slowly in it – the eastern symbol of good luck. To services of visitors with children – foreign language animators. With them, babies are left for the whole daylight hours. Intellectuals can visit the nearby art museum.  Bellagio, Las Vegas  The Bellagio Las Vegas gaming complex is the second-largest casino in the world. An outwardly unremarkable skyscraper in the form of an open book is a favourite place for Hollywood filmmakers. Different casino scenes of various films with world stars were shot here.  The complex is part of the Steve Wynn empire, the owner of luxurious hotels and entertainment centres around the world. At the time of opening, in 1998, this complex was the largest. It was conceived not only as an entertainment venue. On the territory, there is a gorgeous art gallery, a huge swimming pool, a large concert hall where international competitions are held. But the biggest pride is the spacious gaming halls with expensive finishes. They have more than 2.5 thousand machines and 200 gaming tables.  Venetian Macau, Macau  Venetian Macau is the largest casino in the world. Venetian Macau in Macau’s gaming hub of China would house eight mid-sized casinos. The entertainment complex is considered the largest in the world, located in the fifth-largest building in the world. 3.5 thousand slot machines, 850 poker tables, bridge and roulette tables are located on 27.5 hectares of multi-level gaming zones. The centre is an enlarged copy of the Venetian Las Vegas casino plus a wonderful sports and recreation complex, designed for 15 thousand visitors, a modern entertainment centre with a luxurious hall. Venetian Macau hosts championships and festivals of various levels. There is only one building in the world that is larger than the Venetian Macao — the Boeing aircraft factory. There are always a lot of people in “Venice”, some just come to take a look, but it is extremely difficult to resist the game, so everyone leaves Macau’s currency there. 

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Top Tips to Spruce up Your Home for Spring

Top Tips to Spruce up Your Home for Spring

Homeowners wishing to spruce up their properties this spring can look to these top tips from home improvement experts to give homes a refresh in time for the new season. From improving natural light levels and energy efficiency, to transforming a room with a bold statement wall, the specialists at Stormclad have compiled a list of their top five tips for homeowners to consider when looking to improve and spruce up their homes this spring. As many of us are spending more time indoors, working from home, educating our children and looking after loved ones – it’s important to consider how a property complements or inhibits new living habits and routines, and ways in which you can upgrade your property to suit lifestyle changes. John Evans, managing director of Stormclad, said: “As spring is just around the corner, it’s a great time to give your home a mini makeover, refreshing it with upgrades that are not only going to improve your living space, but also add value to your property. “We’ve compiled this list of ideas to consider for improving your home ready for the new season, many of which are simple and easy to do and will provide you with lasting results. The comfort, space and quality of our homes have become even more important since lockdown, so whether you’re looking for a productive home working space or somewhere to relax away from the rest of the house, these tips can help you enjoy your home as the days grow longer and summer approaches. “With everyone spending more and more time in the comfort of their own homes during lockdown, now is the ideal time to make new and valuable home improvements.” Here is the list of five top tips to spruce up your home for spring: 1. Home office space If you are working from home, it is worthwhile creating an environment that will inspire productivity. Whether you have dedicated an entire room as an office or have a nook to yourself in one of the main living areas of the house, it is important to make it uniquely yours so that you’re always in the right frame of mind for a day’s work. Consider adopting a minimalist style for your home office space, as clutter can often become distracting and leave you wishing you were somewhere else. Desk plants and flowers will offer a burst of greenery, livening up the space as well as improving the air quality around you. Adding some of your favourite artwork to the walls will inject some personality and colour into the space, brightening it up and making it your own. 2. Conservatory refurbishment Conservatories offer valuable extra space to homes that, if properly maintained, can be used all year round. If your conservatory is suffering from lack of upkeep, is struggling with temperature control or has a damp or leaking rook, it may be in need of refurbishment. Refurbishment is a great way to utilise some of the old components or rebuild a new structure on your old conservatory’s base to provide a refreshed space.   Consider transforming an under-utilised conservatory into an entirely new room – such as a home office or somewhere to enjoy a hobby you have chosen to start in the new year. 3.  New doors Investing in new external or internal doors can completely transform the look and feel of a home – providing a modern and contemporary upgrade that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. New patio, bi-fold or sliding doors that lead out to a garden or courtyard will help to bring the outdoors in, connecting you with nature, and allowing natural light to flood into your home. A new front door will make a huge difference to the exterior of your property, making a modern statement and improving your home’s security, insulation and energy efficiency, that could save money on energy bills over time. 4. New windows Although often overlooked as one of the obvious home improvements – installing new windows in your home can make an instant impact on a number of fronts. From increasing the amount of natural light that comes into your home, to drastically improving insulation, outside noise levels and home security – new windows are a fantastic investment that will last for years to come, adding quality and value. 5.  Add a splash of colour For a quick and easy home improvement that really makes a splash, consider painting a statement wall in the living room or bedroom. Simply choose one wall to paint with a bold colour – such as a deep blue or warm mustard yellow – the braver you are with your colour choice, the bigger the impact! You can be extra creative with it too, by selecting an alcove or fireplace wall, so that the colour really stands out and becomes the main feature of the room.

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