Businesses can stay open with peace of mind about the safety and security of customers and employees, after G4S launched an autonomous shortwave ultraviolet light robot that destroys up to 99.99 percent of bacteria and viruses. G4S, in partnership with Netherlands-based tech firm Loop Robots, has introduced a security solution
New football sponsorship arrangement the latest community initiative to be implemented and follows similar recent tie-up with British Basketball Team Leicester Riders. Glencar, an expanding construction company specialising in the industrial, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, life science and pharmaceutical sectors has today announced a new community partnership with Championship football club
Matt Mccall is one of the latest stock traders to turn their hand to an online trading platform. Mccall joins the growing trend of traders leaving Wall Street to help ‘the average man’ make money by investing in stocks. Mccall has very little online presence and isn’t even the first
Research by national estate agent, Keller Williams UK, has revealed that despite Covid causing a -38% year on year decrease due to lockdown restrictions, the property market in England and Wales still rallied to see a total of £171.7bn worth of residential property sold in 2020. Keller Williams analysed all
When it comes to starting a business, there are various realms that you can look to go down, from selling services to making and selling products, there are a lot of options to choose from. However, if you are not someone who wants to create and sell their own brand
Homeowners wishing to refresh and update their homes can look to five simple ways to add value to properties quickly, as suggested by home improvement experts. Whether you are looking to sell your home this year or simply wish to make changes to improve your living space, there are a
Now the global positioning system, more commonly known as GPS is the essential component of any device helping to determine its geolocation in real-time that helps to find lost devices, build the routes and follow the shipments simplifying our lives. Primarily designed for military purposes, now it’s a valuable addition
What is the first image that pops up in your head, when you think about casinos? Probably, these attracting slot machines that light up dozens of colors. And what would be the first place that you would think of if you got asked about a luxurious casino to visit? There
Academics at Northumbria University, Newcastle, have been backed by the Government’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) to develop an antiviral coating suitable for use on everyday surfaces. DASA, part of the Ministry of Defence, has commissioned a research team from Northumbria to develop a new type of multifunctional antiviral coating
Many homeowners love conducting home renovations and projects every once in a while as a way of improving their homes and these home improvement projects are more than just hanging a banksy canvas on the wall for interior design. We’re talking about renovations that can potentially increase your home’s value.
Businesses can stay open with peace of mind about the safety and security of customers and employees, after G4S launched an autonomous shortwave ultraviolet light robot that destroys up to 99.99 percent of bacteria and viruses. G4S, in partnership with Netherlands-based tech firm Loop Robots, has introduced a security solution that prevents infection, keeps assets and people safe, and can be used to quickly and efficiently sanitise very large areas if a positive case of COVID-19 is detected. A specially-trained security professional and the SAM-UVC robot can surgically sanitise 4500 square metres within three hours without human labour – up to 20 times faster, and without harsh chemicals. The option of digital mapping a space allows for regular and autonomous cleaning, alongside physical security measures. The solution will be available from G4S from January throughout Europe. “This solution will protect the daily operations of our clients using powerful UV-C technology and highlights the value of an integrated security approach,” Marc Rensing, Business Development Manager at G4S Netherlands, said. “Integrated Security is about more than just keeping assets safe – though that is important. It’s about our combination of expertise, security professionals, technology and data analytics that meet the needs of our clients’ unique businesses and the specific risks they face. “That means protecting them from outbreaks and viruses that could harm employees or prompt temporary closures that damage productivity.” While COVID-19 particles have been shown to survive for up to 24 hours on cardboard and 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, UV-C light (254nm) is an effective way to kill all pathogens on a surface as it destroys the RNA of viruses and DNA of bacteria in seconds. “This integrated solution can be applied to the medical field – hospitals and laboratories, for example – as well as care homes and other places where surfaces need to be regularly disinfected,” Marc said. “But also retail spaces, food manufacturing locations, pharmacies – places where essential operations must continue. While the UV-C light application clearly works for COVID-19, it also kills other dangerous bacteria that can cause diseases.” The SAM-UVC robot generates a report as it scans and disinfects an area, providing important audit data so businesses can clearly demonstrate how their operations are safe, secure and sanitised. “Our mission at Loop Robots is to provide superhuman tools to empower our customers. Leveraging the SAM-UVC robot, G4S is able to provide a unique sanitising security service with truly groundbreaking efficiency compared to disinfection using hand wipes and chemicals,” Per Slycke, CEO at Loop Robots, said. “We are excited to see our robots made widely accessible as a service, creating tangible results and value for G4S and its customers.”
New football sponsorship arrangement the latest community initiative to be implemented and follows similar recent tie-up with British Basketball Team Leicester Riders. Glencar, an expanding construction company specialising in the industrial, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, life science and pharmaceutical sectors has today announced a new community partnership with Championship football club – Watford F.C by becoming a regional partner. As a Watford F.C Regional Partner, Glencar will see its branding displayed throughout the stadium during every home game boosting brand awareness and engaging with over 20,000 fans within the clubs fanbase and wider community. Glencar Managing Director Eddie McGillycuddy explained what appealed to Glencar about becoming a Watford FC Regional Partner: “The business, which was founded in 2016, enjoys strong foundations in Hertfordshire and affinity with Watford F.C with several of our colleagues having grown up in the town and with a direct association within the community. So we are therefore enormously proud to become a regional partner and build our association with the club and reach out to a broader community audience. It provides Glencar with an opportunity to invest in the communities in which we operate as part of our efforts to conduct our business in a socially conscious way that goes towards our approach to delivering positive economic, environmental outcomes for our business, our stakeholders and the world more broadly. Brand exposure is vital to our business and becoming a partner offers a fantastic opportunity to get our name into the community. When you are connected to a club so grounded in the community, that reputation spreads. For us being connected to Watford FC enhances our reputation and give us a level of trust. As a Watford Regional Partner, Glencar will see their branding appear on crowd-facing LED boards at the clubs stadium Vicarage Road, displayed on StadiumTV and StatTV within the concourses. The business also features on StatTracker social media content, which is shared to the club’s official channels, reaching a global audience. Additionally, Glencar will connect with local businesses through exclusive Regional Partner events, which have included Q&A evenings with former Watford players, such as John McClelland. Also commenting, Ricky Levenston, Glencar Chief Information Officer explained why the partnership is a fitting one for Glencar: “It’s been great to follow Watford F.C’s achievements over the past few years and we feel the club is an organisation whose core values align closely with our own” he said. “The regional partnership supports our community engagement plan and will be one that’s close to the hearts of many Glencar colleagues.”. For further information about the announcement visit: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/watford-fc-business-club/
Matt Mccall is one of the latest stock traders to turn their hand to an online trading platform. Mccall joins the growing trend of traders leaving Wall Street to help ‘the average man’ make money by investing in stocks. Mccall has very little online presence and isn’t even the first Matt Mccall that comes up during a Google search. For this reason, many people are more vary about purchasing his program, more so than the programs of well-established names like Paul Mampilly and Paul Scolardi. In this article, we’ll be looking at who Matt Mccall is, what his platform has to offer, and how his platform compares to some of the other market leaders. Who is Matt Mccall? Matt Mccall is a former stock trader with a Masters Degree in Science, specializing in Finance. Mccall has over 18 years of experience in finance and investment. He began his time on Wall Street at one of its biggest firms, Charles Shwab. Eventually, Mccall retired from Wall Street and became the lead technical analyst for the radio show and podcast, Winning Wall Street. Since leaving Wall Street Mccall has started many enterprises including Point B publishing house and CrowdVest.Co. He has also written multiple books in an attempt to demystify the world of stock trading for the general public. Since leaving Wall Street he claims to have made over 1000 television appearances. Mccall has also traded Investment Opportunities, a subscription service. His research team shares tips with his subscribers about where they should be investing their money. Mccall has a particular focus on investing in new technology. What does his service offer? ‘Wall Street won’t tell you this, but by the time the general public hears about a major investment trend, the big money has already been made… by those who got there FIRST.’ -Mccall This article will very briefly cover what Mccall’s service can offer its subscribers, if you’re looking for more reviews on Matt Mccall, check out this article. So what do Investment Opportunities subscriptions include, and how much does it cost? Investment Opportunities only comes with one level of subscription that costs $99 for the year. The following things are included in this subscription: Monthly investment reports – Investment Opportunities owner’s manual – This is Mccall’s equivalent to Stocks 101. This manual talks you through the best ways to buy and sell stock; how to research stock before purchasing it; as well as talking you through how Mccall approaches the marker. Urgent Updates – If there is any major news in the market, or a major change in one of Mccall’s focus companies then Investment Opportunities will send out immediate updates to subscribers. Subscriber Only Reports – As part of your subscription, you will also get Mccall’s 12-36 page reports on businesses and parts of the market that he feels are worth watching. If you look into what some of the other trading platforms are offering this does seem very spartan. This is why his prices may be low, Mccall also does not have as big a reputation as some of the other market leaders. How does his service compare to other leading trade platforms? Mccall has a good reputation, solid product, and great pricing – but how does Investment Opportunities compare to the other trading platforms on the market? Investment Opportunities vs Profit Unlimited vs Super Trades Let’s end by comparing Investment Opportunities to its most similar competitors Profit Unlimited and Super Trades. The Prices By looking at the prices of these subscriptions we notice the first major differences between the three big players. Investment Opportunities offers only one level of subscription that costs $99 for the year. A whole year of Investment Opportunities costs less than one month of Super Trades. Super Trades offers two levels of subscription – one for $149 a month, and one for $249 a month. Profit Unlimited offers three different subscription offers ranging from $49 a year, to $479 a year. What they offer Whilst all three companies are run by ex-stock traders the level of advice offered varies wildly. Despite being the second most expensive Investment Opportunities offers the least to its subscribers. See above for more details on what it offers. Profit Unlimited not only offers its subscribers monthly trading advice and emergency updates, but Mampilly also offers a range of daily tips and weekly video calls. Super Trades seems to charge an extraordinary price. However, when you consider that you are sent roughly the same amount daily as Investment Opportunities sends once a month the price starts to make more sense. The subscription also includes weekly videos, a chance to talk to the Superman himself in the chat room, and access to his own investment records.
Research by national estate agent, Keller Williams UK, has revealed that despite Covid causing a -38% year on year decrease due to lockdown restrictions, the property market in England and Wales still rallied to see a total of £171.7bn worth of residential property sold in 2020. Keller Williams analysed all residential property sales to complete via the Land Registry between January and December of last year, to see just what impact the current stamp duty holiday has had on the market. The research shows that in 2020, a total sum of £171.7bn worth of residential property was sold across England and Wales. An extremely respectable performance given the tricky landscape posed by the pandemic, although this is a marked decline on the £2.8bn sold in 2019. Highest sum of property sold When it comes to the most valuable pockets of the property market, London takes the silver gold and bronze. Westminster saw the highest sum of property sold prices, with £2.9bn worth of residential bricks and mortar sold in 2020. Kensington and Chelsea came second with £2.7bn worth of property sold, while Wandsworth was the third most valuable home selling hotspot with a total of £2.5bn worth of property selling last year. However, London far from dominates the top 20 most valuable areas of the property market in England and Wales. With a total of almost £2bn in property sold over the last year, Cornwall is the most valuable market outside of the capital. Birmingham also ranked high with £1.8bn in property sales throughout 2020. Leeds (£1.75bn) Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (£1.7bn), Wiltshire (£1.5bn), Bristol (£1.45bn), Dorset (£1.45bn) and Cheshire East (£1.4bn) also ranked as some of the most valuable areas of the property market outside of London. CEO of Keller Williams UK, Ben Taylor, commented: “Despite the radical market turn around spurred by the reopening of the property sector and the introduction of a stamp duty holiday, Covid has clearly had a lasting impact on the market in 2020. While the average house price has surged this year, a -38% reduction in the total value of property sold demonstrates the detrimental impact the pandemic had on market activity over the last year. This is even more significant when you consider that it’s compared with a 2019 market that was already operating sluggishly due to Brexit uncertainty. However, when considering all of these factors, it makes the late rally shown by the property market in the wake of a stamp duty holiday introduction all the more impressive. To think that this market revival still saw £171.7bn worth of residential property sold in what is a relatively short period of time is actually quite remarkable.” England and Wales 2019 2020 Change Total sum of property sold £277,490,140,743 £171,670,833,785 -38% Data sourced from the Land Registry Sold Price Records (Jan 2020 to Dec 2020) Table shows the top 20 areas to have seen the largest sold price sum of property sold District Median sold price Total sum of property sold CITY OF WESTMINSTER £950,000 £2,943,088,454 KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA £1,270,000 £2,686,441,764 WANDSWORTH £655,000 £2,514,098,748 CORNWALL £240,000 £1,984,888,965 CAMDEN £780,000 £1,856,469,571 BIRMINGHAM £180,000 £1,770,788,359 LEEDS £185,000 £1,754,133,158 BROMLEY £460,000 £1,747,027,590 BOURNEMOUTH, CHRISTCHURCH AND POOLE £290,000 £1,719,482,316 BARNET £540,000 £1,699,882,208 LAMBETH £550,000 £1,691,080,834 RICHMOND UPON THAMES £676,000 £1,609,154,142 HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM £765,000 £1,544,470,757 WILTSHIRE £270,000 £1,534,911,451 CITY OF BRISTOL £285,000 £1,454,265,744 DORSET £299,000 £1,451,908,502 CHESHIRE EAST £220,000 £1,406,148,108 CROYDON £390,000 £1,310,803,894 ELMBRIDGE £600,000 £1,278,730,756 SOUTHWARK £532,000 £1,194,475,137 Data sourced from the Land Registry Sold Price Records (Jan 2020 to Dec 2020)
When it comes to starting a business, there are various realms that you can look to go down, from selling services to making and selling products, there are a lot of options to choose from. However, if you are not someone who wants to create and sell their own brand of products but still wants to create product ranges, you might want to consider starting a business that manufacturers products for other companies. There is very high income potential within this area; there’s fantastic potential for success, it’s just a case of taking the time to think about how you can go about launching this kind of business. It’s the kind of startup that takes a lot of time, effort and money and can take time to get going. However, with the right approach you can see some fantastic levels of success and amazing growth in a short period of time. Bearing that in mind, below is a guide to the steps that you can take to make your new concept a success. Read on for all of the best tips and pieces of advice that you need! Find the right location The first step to seeing success from starting a business that creates products for other companies is to find the right location. You need to select a location that’s accessible and has good transport links, it’s also worthwhile selecting somewhere that’s close to major distribution centres as this may make product distribution and logistics simpler and more affordable. You also need to think about the size of your facility and how large you would like it to be; do you plan on fulfilling mass orders or do you want to simply work with small, bespoke orders? Create a strong ethos that sets you apart It’s also a good idea to take the time to create a strong ethos that sets you apart from your competitors. If you want to boost your chances of seeing success, it’s worth thinking about creating a niche for your business, such as being an eco-friendly and sustainable product producer, for example, or being a producer that only manufacturers vegan approved products. Having a niche can help to define your success, so it’s something that it’s worth thinking about. Invest in key tools If you are going to build a viable business, it’s vital that you take steps to invest in the key tools that you need to see success. This means thinking about your budget and how much vital tools like chemical scales for instance, will cost you to invest in. If you want to give your business a good chance of success, you need to have the right tools in place. If you’re worried about your budget, perhaps you could consider looking into sourcing some financial backing to help make your business concept a more viable one. There you have it, a few simple tips to make starting a business that manufacturers products for other companies a little easier.
Homeowners wishing to refresh and update their homes can look to five simple ways to add value to properties quickly, as suggested by home improvement experts. Whether you are looking to sell your home this year or simply wish to make changes to improve your living space, there are a number of ways you can add value to your property that will prove to be a worthwhile investment, lasting for years to come. As many of us are now spending more time indoors and working from home, it is important to consider upgrades to your home that can improve your quality of living and prospects of selling, so the home improvement experts at Stormclad have compiled their top suggestions for adding value to your home quickly. “With everyone spending more and more time in the comfort of their own homes during lockdown, the start of 2021 is the ideal time to make new and valuable home improvements. For homeowners thinking about selling their property this year to relocate – while it is now too late to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday before 31st March, it’s still worth ensuring your home is the best it can be to maximise your living enjoyment, and should the time come to put your property on the market, you know it will be ready for the future,” said Managing director of Stormclad, John Evans. “As home improvement experts with over 20 years’ experience, we have listed five ways you can add value to your home – from installing a conservatory, to upgrading windows and doors – giving your home a facelift will not only add value, but also guarantee quality fixtures that will last well into the future.” Here is the list of five ways to add value to your home: A new front door A front door is one of the first things that guests – and potential buyers if you’re selling your home – will notice in a property, so making a good first impression is key. Whether you are looking to make a quick sale in the current market or just want to add value to properties for the future, a new front door will improve the focal point of any home and help with the success of a sale. From the materials used, to the colour, glass and energy efficiency – there are many things to consider when choosing a new front door. The best way to begin is by ascertaining a realistic budget, so you can narrow down the most suitable options available to you. Aside from kerb appeal, a new front door will also help heat retention in your home, potentially saving you money on energy bills, as well as providing added security with the latest locking systems. Replace existing patio and back doors A new patio or back door can breathe new life into the interior and exterior of any property, adding unique character to all architectural home styles – from contemporary builds to period pieces – often maximising natural light in any property. With an array of patio door styles available including French doors, bi-folding doors and sliding doors, a back door upgrade can be a great way to bring the outdoors in, further securing access points and depending on the door option, improving the view out to a rear garden or courtyard – something you may find yourself yearning for as you spend more time at home. Replace windows Replacing windows is one of the single biggest improvements you can make to your home, with the largest impact. Not only will new windows improve the performance of your home in terms of energy efficiency, by retaining heat and regulating the temperature during the summer months, but it will also provide added security and aesthetic appeal to your property. 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 and add sell-on value, consider investing in double glazing to retain heat in your property and save money. 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. Refurbish your existing conservatory Conservatories that may be suffering with damp or a leaking roof, or struggling with temperature control, 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 somewhere to enjoy a hobby you have chosen to start in the new year. This can provide you with a tranquil place to escape to for some much-needed down time during lockdown, and will also demonstrate how the space can be used to potential buyers, if you’re looking to place your home on the market. A brand-new conservatory A brand-new conservatory extension is a great way to add a light and airy room to your home which can serve as a versatile space that could function as a dining room, living area, playroom or home office. This option may suit you and your family more than a traditional extension, as it will bring you closer to your garden or outdoor space, connecting you with nature, greenery and blue skies. It is a great option if you are looking to enjoy a peaceful setting, away from the rest of the house.
Now the global positioning system, more commonly known as GPS is the essential component of any device helping to determine its geolocation in real-time that helps to find lost devices, build the routes and follow the shipments simplifying our lives. Primarily designed for military purposes, now it’s a valuable addition to any business with the logistics department. Here are the main changes it brings to the logistics industry helping to ensure optimal resource usage: Enhancing drivers’ security As GPS systems allow to track parameters like distance per day, average speed, frequency of refueling, and so on, it’s possible to assess the driver’s safety by comparing the stats against the generally accepted security requirements. It helps to recreate the driving behavior and ensure that the drivers do not miss the regular break times and do not exceed the speed limits minimizing their chances of getting into a road accident making the drivers more secure. Minimizing the risks of vehicle theft Following the previous security point, there were cases when vehicles carrying precious cargo were stolen causing financial damages both for transportations companies, and their end customers. With GPS tracking for trucks, logistics managers will be able to monitor all the deviations from the route to reach out to a driver to find out the reasons, and even if an incident happens, it will be easy to find the missing vehicle. Live resource monitoring Advanced GPS-based applications make it possible to organize the live resource monitoring and track the usage of the resources. Also, with a faster method of communication between a logistics operator and a driver, if something goes wrong, it will be easier to calculate the distance to the nearest repair station and keep the end customer informed about the delay. It’s also useful during unplanned road maintenance events and extreme weather conditions, as checking the current location, it will be easier to check all the alternative routes to choose the best option. Simplified fleet management There might be cases when the route is changed in the middle of the way, or additional pickups and delivery points are added. Using a ready GPS tracking solution or developing a custom one allows us to introduce changes in the route on the go, and it will be synced with the driver’s application making the communication faster and operations more productive. Tracking the stats received from every vehicle will help to determine when they start consuming more fuel and require regular repairs, and as a result, you will be able to arrange the purchases of new vehicles to cope with the business load “GPS fleet tracking is revolutionizing the logistics industry, providing unparalleled efficiency and cost savings for startups transforming last-mile logistics.” – As per the founder of Route4Me. Costs reduction The tracking tools help to reduce the human resources necessary to manage the transportations, as the work that was previously done by people can be delegated to smart GPS software. The office maintenance costs can also be reduced, as monitoring the work of the GPS system is possible to arrange remotely. On the basis of data received from a single-vehicle regarding their average distance per day, stops, and refueling frequently, it will be easier to analyze the costs, establish the best route planning, and monitor your drivers to have better visibility on what’s happening on their way. As a result, these positive changes that GPS fleet tracking is bringing to the logistics industry, business owners can free the time spent previously on operational activity and dedicate more resources to strategic planning and expansion following the current market demands like the transportation of machinery or modular homes. Last but not least, it allows us to shift the focus to the end customer. With the optimized logistics, your business will be able to deliver top-notch customer service improving their experience providing users more precise data on the delivery dates, and enable them to receive their shipments faster.
What is the first image that pops up in your head, when you think about casinos? Probably, these attracting slot machines that light up dozens of colors. And what would be the first place that you would think of if you got asked about a luxurious casino to visit? There is a high chance that you would name Las Vegas with its hundreds of casinos of all types, where everyone can find something to their taste. Fair enough, because it is tacitly considered to be the center of the casino world – a place of luxury, gamble, and both happy and sad moments. Las Vegas might be a must-visit for many, but we may all agree on one thing – it has become somewhat, a cliché, since we’ve seen it so many times in the movies, travel shows and so on. Now, let’s explore the world of new, up-to-date abodes of the elite. Apart from being a high-end hotel for those, who opt for palatial accommodation, impeccable service and extensive facilities, this building in the shape of three columns with a giant ship on the top, also has a grand casino. It possesses more than 2,000 slot machines and around 500 tables for gaming. After an evening at this paradise of gambling, you can have a swim at the rooftop pool with a view, which covers the whole city. Even Gclub Casino with their famous slot games can’t compete with that luxury. More than 500k square feet space, full of gambling tables and slot machines – pure pleasure for gamblers. What’s more, this place has multiple replicas of Venice’s most popular tourist attractions, including canals! Yes, you heard it right, you can have a boat ride down the canals right inside the building, what a wonder. You can see lots of such things in many casinos of Asian region. If you are a parent, you won’t have to worry about bringing your child in, since there is a big area for kids, where they can play and simply have some good time, interacting with their peers. This casino is one of the most luxurious and popular out there. It is an embodiment of luxury and wealth, so if you want to approach that lifestyle even if for a day, pay a visit to this wonderful place. You may also stop by the cars, parked at the entrance, to see what are the latest trends in the motor industry. The name of the casino itself, suggests us that spending some time there may result in the highest pleasure. Surrounded by one of the most beautiful national parks in South Africa, this casino provides its visitors with a real African experience. Once you see this place, with its large pool and all of the attractions the casino has to offer, you won’t regret travelling this far. One of the oldest casinos in the world is located alongside a high-end SPA resort. Even though this casino can’t boast of its grandiose size, it has a lot of other things to offer, otherwise Marlene Dietrich wouldn’t entitle it as the most beautiful casino in the world. The chandeliers, the furniture – all has the smell of luxury. Find our more about arabic real money earning games https://arabcasinohex.com/real-money-earning-games/ with HEX
Academics at Northumbria University, Newcastle, have been backed by the Government’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) to develop an antiviral coating suitable for use on everyday surfaces. DASA, part of the Ministry of Defence, has commissioned a research team from Northumbria to develop a new type of multifunctional antiviral coating which could form part of the country’s biodefence – crucial to combatting public health crises such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), academics from the University’s Department of Applied Sciences are working to create a unique “superhydrophobic” – low friction – coating that enables surfaces to be functionalised in a way that destroys viruses whilst maintaining robust and easy-to-clean properties. While antiviral coatings are not a new concept, existing approaches can release undesirable chemical compounds into the environment, are not long lasting or are difficult to clean and maintain. This novel coating aims to provide a solution to the drawbacks of current formulas. Funding from DASA will enable the research team to explore wide-ranging applications, to understand whether the coating is universally robust on an array of surfaces and materials. It is hoped that in the future it could be used on high-contact surfaces such as handrails on public transport, hospital trolleys or shop till-points, as well as domestically – on door handles or bathroom taps, for example. Such a scientific development is a vital biodefence tool that could help bring down the COVID-19 ‘R’ rate, while allowing more scope for ‘normal’ life to continue. Dr Matt Unthank, project lead and Associate Professor in Polymer Chemistry, said: “Having the ability and insight to design multifunctional coating systems that can create long lasting defence against viruses, whilst also being compatible with everyday life, is challenging yet important. “It’s not just about destroying viruses in the laboratory. New coating systems and surface treatments need to be robustness, easy to clean, universal in their application, safe and low cost. Our research seeks to explore these interdependencies and to develop new antiviral coating systems for the current and future pandemics.” Routes to antiviral surfaces Disinfecting methods such as chemical, bleach or alcohol-based products actively destroy, or deactivate, microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses on contact. However, this approach requires constant retreatment of the surfaces with disinfecting agent which can be labour intensive and impractical. An alternative approach is to create a permanent or semi-permanent surface that destroys virus particles on contact, known as an ‘antiviral’ surface. These fall into two major categories: 1) those that slowly leach virucidal chemicals from a coated surface into the environment resulting in an antiviral effect, known as ‘controlled release’ biocidal or virucidal coatings. 2) those that have a surface that is permanently capable of destroying microorganisms, such as coronavirus and are known as ‘contact biocidal’ or ‘contact virucidal’ coating Ian Shortman, technical partner and Senior Scientist at Dstl, said: “This work aims to develop transparent coatings which are both biocidal and water repellent. The approaches being adopted could provide a wide range of benefits, and be easily applied to a range of surfaces such as textiles and plastics.” Andrew Caldwell, Head of DASA, said: “Congratulations to Northumbria University, we look forward to seeing the progress of this important and exciting project. “This work is a great example of how DASA working with others finds, funds and helps accelerate the development of important innovations that help keep us all safe.” Dr Matt Unthank and his team are focussing on developing new multifunctional contact biocidal and virucidal coatings, which are safe, do not release chemicals to the environment and are user friendly and universal in their application. One disadvantage of all biocidal and virucidal coatings is that surface contamination by dust, debris and dirt can disable its antiviral capabilities overtime. An ideal coating system would be both potent in its antimicrobial properties but also easy-clean or even self-cleaning in nature. This concept is the inspiration for the low friction, or ‘superhydrophobic’ qualities of the coatings under development by researchers at Northumbria University – a vision that sets it apart from existing antiviral coating technologies.
Many homeowners love conducting home renovations and projects every once in a while as a way of improving their homes and these home improvement projects are more than just hanging a banksy canvas on the wall for interior design. We’re talking about renovations that can potentially increase your home’s value. Your house is not just a home, but it’s also a valuable and possible lifetime investment. If you work hard to take care of your home and preserve its quality and stability, your home value will also increase. An increased home value can be your valuable source of income as you age. As you decide to improve your home, there are two factors you may have to consider first: improvements that can increase your house’s value to you or improvements that could increase your home’s value to others when you soon sell it. While deciding, keep in mind that the most valuable home improvements are those projects that increase your house’s worth more than the amount you’ve spent on it. However, it may be hard to say how much your home could be valued over time, as sometimes it depends on uncontrollable factors like the economy, the number of homes available in the market, and more. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that your home gets the top value it deserves when you soon sell it. Here are the five home improvements you can do to increase your home value: Get Your Roof In Shape You may not see your roof every day as you move in and out of your house, but it’s actually one of the easiest parts to see by prospective buyers. Your roof doesn’t only serve as your home’s shield from natural elements, but also boost your home value. A well-maintained and stable roof will look appealing to your buyers and can positively add value to your resale price too. To ensure your roof stays in shape, schedule regular roof maintenance and inspections with a roofing company like www.topglaze.com.au, especially before winter. A roof that’s regularly checked is guaranteed to have a longer lifespan. 2. Upgrade Your Kitchen One of the massive changes you can make to your homes is kitchen remodeling. Your kitchen is also one of your house’s areas that buyers check before purchasing. The good reason for this is that kitchens are the heart of your home, and that’s where homeowners prepare their food to fuel their bodies with energy. Hence, it’s essential for homeowners and homebuyers to have an updated and functional kitchen. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a big budget to remodel your kitchen. You can start by modernising your kitchen countertops and cabinets and updating your faucets, sinks, and flooring. You can either DIY this or call the help of a contractor. 3. Renovate Your Bathroom A renovated bathroom can guarantee you an excellent return of investment. There are a few ways to renovate your bathroom without involving the electrical and plumbing system. Some smart DIY changes you can do include: Upgrading your bathroom’s lighting Adding new tile floors Replacing your bathroom mirrors Changing your old toilet with an updated water-saving design Do valuable research first to make sure all your bathroom renovations can guarantee you a return of investment. 4. Window Replacement Your windows are the eyes of your home. They also help create your home’s first impression from the outside. When they’re rusty and unclean, people may think your house is not well-cleaned and maintained. Thus, replacing them is a great way to add value to your home. Besides that, upgraded windows can also enhance your home’s energy efficiency, which means you wouldn’t have to spend much on HVAC. The cost for upgrading your windows will vary on your home’s size and the quality of windows you choose. Nonetheless, new windows can earnestly complement the overall look of your house. 5. Basic Home Updates The best way to keep your home at its top value is by conducting regular home updates. That includes keeping your home’s paint fresh, replacing wood that shows potential rot, fixing the roof as soon as it shows leaks, and getting rid of all the mold you see. Keeping up with these updates will help your home be in its best shape and away from any risk of deterioration. Everyone knows that one thing all buyers look for is a safe, solid, and well-cared home, and you can guarantee that to them by being consistent with your routine maintenance. Wrapping Up There are still endless options on how you can improve your home and boost its value. To make sure you’re doing the suitable projects, focus your home improvements on smaller projects that can enhance your home’s quality and make it more appealing to buyers. Be more mindful about energy efficiency and updates that can boost your home’s character and comfort. Don’t hesitate to consult custom home builders for a professional opinion on how to do so.