Even though moving to a new home can be an exciting experience, it doesn’t come without it’s stresses and hassles, especially when there are children involved. Whether it’s just a few blocks or to a whole new city, moving can be an overwhelming endeavor that can take a toll on
Kite Packaging’s Midlands based Regional Distribution Centre has chosen Macmillan Cancer Support as their nominated charity for the year, a charity that provides an incredible support service for all those with a cancer diagnosis. Managing Partner for Kite’s Midlands RDC, Justin Filby, visited Macmillan Cancer Support team last month
It doesn’t matter whether you live in a mansion or a cardboard box, you’re going to need to be aware of what pests operate in your area and how to stop them from getting into your house. Many people wait until there is an issue and then call the exterminators.
There are endless methods in which someone can use to cut material. There are even multiple types of laser cutting that can be applied to a job. Lasers are not used solely for cutting. They can be used for drilling, marking, or engraving as well. What is Cutting with a
The kitchen is one of the popular places in the home, and there are many advantages to installing granite & other types of natural stone in this space. Popular Reasons You Should Go with Natural Stone Counter tops in Your Kitchen Whether you are remodelling the entire kitchen or replacing
Did you know that water jet cutting applications are one of today’s fastest growing precision machine processes? In an era of increased global competition and rapidly advancing industrial technology, companies need to embrace innovative new processes if they’re going to survive and thrive. Water jet technology boasts fast turnaround times,
Adding Strength And Sturdiness To Your Tubular Design Ensure your product design is entirely robust by using tube connectors to add the finishing touch. Tube connectors are the final part of a tubular design that acts to bind the finished product together. So, take for example a school chair made
Chandlers Building Supplies unveils a fully ‘pimped up’ and refurbished Reliant Rialto for its entry into the Pavestone Rally 2019. The family-owned builders merchants bought the 1986 classic three-wheeled car on Ebay for £200. It has been at Hastings College’s Automotive Training Centre since March, where 43 students worked on
Do you already have a porch basking in sun and begging to become a sunroom? Or you wish to have an additional room where you will greet the sun? In the latter case, you would have more leeway when it comes to the size of the room, as least as
Ahead of this year’s Armed Forces Day, top-10 UK housebuilder, Linden Homes is pledging to continue its support for ex-armed forces personnel and veterans. As the housebuilding division of Galliford Try, Linden Homes also supports Galliford Try’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant. With this the company pledge to treat
Even though moving to a new home can be an exciting experience, it doesn’t come without it’s stresses and hassles, especially when there are children involved. Whether it’s just a few blocks or to a whole new city, moving can be an overwhelming endeavor that can take a toll on the whole family. Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do before, during and after the move to lessen your children’s worries and ensure the moving process goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some guidelines for making your upcoming move simple and stress-free: Prepare your children in advance Moving can be a drastic change in your child’s life; not only will their room and living environment change completely, but the neighbourhood they’ve gotten used to and the friends they see every day are suddenly replaced by new ones. While it’s best to make sure your children are out of the way when the boxes and furniture is being moved, to ensure their safety, you should talk to them about the moving process, so they are aware of what’s going on. Tell them that their furniture and their favourite items aren’t going away forever, but that they are simply being stored away temporarily so that they can enjoy them in their new home. When you talk to your children and keep them in the loop, they’ll manage the moving process much more easily. Pack your items as early as possible The earlier you start packing, the less chaos and unexpected setbacks you will have to deal with as the moving day approaches. Start packing several weeks in advance, so that you only have a couple of quick and simple tasks to complete the night before the move. In order to avoid a radical change in your home that might affect your children negatively, pack up your least used rooms first, such as spare bedrooms, home offices and other rooms where children rarely spend time in, and always leave your children’s rooms until the very end, to make the move as comfortable as possible for them. Choose the best moving option Even though hiring a full-service moving company seems like a good idea, it might be best to opt for Budget truck rental when you’re moving house with children. This will give you more freedom to move at your own pace, since you won’t be constricted to a tight schedule and you won’t have to depend on other people. Not only will you be able to organize the move according to the needs of your family when you decide to rent a truck, but you might even save some money on moving and transport costs. What’s more, you will get the opportunity to turn the moving process into a fun bonding activity you can do as a family, helping your children feel more positively about the experience. Create a detailed moving day schedule To avoid the turmoil and confusion that often comes with moving and ensure a smooth and stress-free moving day, get organized and construct a detailed schedule, as well as a to-do list. If you can, start planning the move at least two or three months in advance. Make lists of everything you need to do, then divide those tasks up so that the list gets shorter every week. Even though there will always be some last minute changes and unexpected setbacks, having a detailed plan will help you tackle them more quickly and efficiently. Including your children in this plan is also a good idea, as it keeps them in the loop and helps them feel actively involved in the moving process. Get settled into your new home Get your kids’ rooms situated as quickly as you can by unpacking their boxes as soon as you arrive in your new home and making the space as familiar as possible with their favorite bedding and stuffed toys. It would be a good idea to include your children in the unpacking process to keep them occupied and help ease your own workload. Once you’re settled in, feel free to play lots of games, such as tag or hide and seek, which will encourage your children to explore their new home. As they deal with the stresses of moving, you might expect some tears and tantrums, which is why it’s always best to create a safe space for them where they can talk about their feelings. Lastly, give both your children and yourself plenty of time and space to settle in. Moving house can be a drastic change, and it can take a while for life to feel normal again.
Kite Packaging’s Midlands based Regional Distribution Centre has chosen Macmillan Cancer Support as their nominated charity for the year, a charity that provides an incredible support service for all those with a cancer diagnosis. Managing Partner for Kite’s Midlands RDC, Justin Filby, visited Macmillan Cancer Support team last month with a Kite colleague, where they met with Pauline Lewis a Senior Fundraiser for the charity, The Kite team were proud to pledge their support and hand over a cheque for £1,000. The donation will help provide the funding for a Macmillan nurse for almost one week in support of care for people living with cancer, as well as ensuring their families receive essential, medical, practical and emotional support. A member of Kite’s Midlands team has experienced the incredible support from Macmillan first hand with a loved one being given emotional and practical support throughout a very difficult time. Donating to Macmillan Cancer Support is a very fitting cause for Kite Midlands team. If you would like to make a donation towards Macmillan Cancer Support or to find out more about the charity, visit https://www.macmillan.org.uk/
It doesn’t matter whether you live in a mansion or a cardboard box, you’re going to need to be aware of what pests operate in your area and how to stop them from getting into your house. Many people wait until there is an issue and then call the exterminators. While this is an effective tactic, it does mean that your house may be damaged before you have the issue dealt with. Termites can eat wood surprisingly quickly and mice can destroy your electrical cables in virtually no time. It’s better to speak to your local pest control firm and get them to help you pest-proof your home, preventing pests from becoming a problem. Here are some easy ways in which you can get started: Clean Your Home Cluster, dirt, food debris, and standing water are all very attractive to pests, this gives them the perfect conditions to live in. Of course, the fact that it’s inside your home means they’ll also be warm and dry. In short, they’re getting all the benefits of your home without paying the mortgage You can eliminate this attractiveness by removing all standing water. That’s pet bowls, water collecting in your gutter, and even uneven ground outside. If you have a pond or a pool make sure the water keeps moving. Next, remove all food debris. The first step is keeping all open food packets in sealed containers. The second is cleaning all your countertops and floors. Even a crumb can represent a significant meal to a pest, you’ll want to clean the place thoroughly. Finally, focus on removing clutter. Piles of books, magazines, or boxes, are all great hiding places for your pest friends. Get rid of them and your home will be less attractive. Don’t forget, you need to apply this philosophy to your yard as well. Seal Gaps Having removed the attractiveness of your home you can start sealing it up, preventing pests from getting access. To do this you’ll need to walk around the perimeter and look for any gaps or cracks. They are commonly found around windows and doors. But, they can also be where your cladding ends, especially if there is a small gap. Get A Pet It may seem like an unusual idea but a pet can actually keep when pests away. Cats and dogs are remarkably good at smelling pests, they may even hunt them. But, if they don’t, the fact that there is a pet in the house can be enough to deter some pests. There are easier homes to target! Traps You should also consider placing some traps around your home, ideally where children and pets can’t get to them. Monitoring these regularly will show you whether you have an issue and what type of pest you’re dealing with. This will help you take the appropriate steps to avoid the issue. Of course, if you appear to already have an infestation then your best bet is o simply call pest control. They will eliminate the source of the issue while you tidy your home.
There are endless methods in which someone can use to cut material. There are even multiple types of laser cutting that can be applied to a job. Lasers are not used solely for cutting. They can be used for drilling, marking, or engraving as well. What is Cutting with a Laser? In the simplest of terms, it is defined as the cutting of various materials using a laser beam. A high-intensity light is made up of a single infra-red wavelength. This light structure is contained within the constructs of a CNC housing mechanism, becoming a directed and controlled beam of light. In the technical sense of the phrase, the process is actually an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Why Use It? Cutting material with a laser beam provides a cleaner, more precise cut on the finished product. The use of a laser beam cuts a smaller, much thinner line, creating less wasted material. The process directs the heat needed to create a direct and focused point of contact, a safer method of precision cutting. By applying more direct pressure using a smaller area of contact, the cut becomes that much more precise than alternative cutting measures, such as torch or plasma cutting. Other benefits over its counter options include its non-contact process, leaving the material with less damage surrounding the first cut. How Does it Work? Laser cutting starts in a CNC machine. Inside the machine, multiple mirrors hang in specific positions that allow the beam to bounce off. The beam travels from the resonator through the machine and into a copper tip located inside the CNC housing. Before beginning the cut, the copper tip travels down to the material, determines the resistance between itself and the material to be cut. The tip then self-adjusts to the desired cut height set up in programing and accounts for variations in the material. From there, the beam can focus on the piece of material prepared for cutting. What Can Lasers Cut? This process of cutting is such a precise and technical method; it is used for almost any type of material desired. Many think it can only be used for hard materials such as metals, steel, and titanium and even gemstones. While they are correct in a sense, CNC programmed lasers can also cut nonmetallic material such as woods, silicone, glass, and plastics. Not only are the materials virtually limitless when cutting, but the laser can also cut intricate corners, shapes, and holes out of selected materials. Cutting with a laser creates highly accurate and repeatable cuts every time. What are the Methods of Laser Cutting? Cutting through the material may require different methods, depending on the desired outcome. One option is a continuous wave cut, which closely resembles more melting away the material than cutting. The second option is using a pulsed beam. The pulsed method directs less consistent heat over the material and instead triggers a pulsing tactic to apply repeat cutting to one location, for example, to cut a deep hole through thick material. These methods require the combined use of a gas such as nitrogen or oxygen to assist with the direct heat. Along with continuous and pulsed type cutting, machinists also have the option of using CO2, crystal, and fiber laser cutting methods. Each cutting method has its benefits and power. The overall process includes the use of a high-intensity light beam, invisible to the human eye, to stream the heat and light onto a piece of material and create a cut into it. It is precision at its best.
The kitchen is one of the popular places in the home, and there are many advantages to installing granite & other types of natural stone in this space. Popular Reasons You Should Go with Natural Stone Counter tops in Your Kitchen Whether you are remodelling the entire kitchen or replacing the counter tops only, you have numerous surface choices. While narrowing down your options, you might consider price, return on the investment, and of course, appeal. One option that stands out is natural stone. Natural stone counter tops are growing in popularity, especially for kitchen remodels. However, the upfront investment often creates sticker shock when you’re looking at using it in your home. If you find yourself not sure whether to pay the high upfront cost of natural stone, you should consider the vast benefits of doing so before going for a cheaper alternative. Reasons Natural Stone Counter tops Are Worth the Investment Yes, natural stone will cost more, but will last longer. These surfaces include everything from granite to marble to soapstone and even limestone surfaces. While they cost more than linoleum or laminate surfaces, there are benefits to paying a little extra upfront, including: 1. Natural Stone Counter tops Are Easier to Maintain and Offer Superior Durability When compared to laminate counter tops or even linoleum, natural stone is easier to maintain and will last longer in your home than other counter top types. Furthermore, if you invest in a non-porous natural stone, such as quartz, you get something that requires little to no maintenance. Granite, marble, and other non-quartz surfaces do require annual sealing, but outside of that, they are relatively easy to maintain. Likewise, they will have fewer scratches or cut marks from daily use like laminate surfaces, and that means you have fewer chances of replacing it over the next few decades. If you properly care for your natural stone counter tops, they can last a lifetime, while everyday use wears out laminate surfaces within ten years or even more. Every natural stone has different care procedures, and not all natural stone is as durable as the other. For example, quartz is stain-resistant, but marble is not. Regardless, when you compare natural stone surfaces to non-natural stone, they are much more durable and easier to care for. 2. A Quick, Easy Way to Update Your Older Kitchen Do you have an outdated kitchen that could use a pick-me-up, but you do not want to pay the average cost of a kitchen remodel? To do a full remodel, you could be looking at anywhere from $10,000 to over $35,000. Instead of gutting your entire kitchen, you can add new counter tops as a quick revival. With a fresh coat of paint and brand-new natural stone counter tops, your kitchen is reformed without the high price tag or inconvenience of a full renovation. 3. Increased Home Value More home buyers see potential in natural stone versus laminate and non-stone surfaces. After all, they know a kitchen with granite or even quartz is easier to maintain, and they would rather pay more for a home that has gone through the upgrade process than one where they will have to upgrade themselves. Natural stone counter tops do pay you back over time because your home’s value increases the more natural stone you have in kitchens and bathrooms. Also, it can make your listing competitive in a “buyers” market. 4. Family-Friendly Surface for Daily Use The kitchen is the gathering zone for most homes. Whether you have small children, your counter tops take quite the beating with everyday use – from cooking to tossing a gym bag on the surface while grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. Natural stone can withstand the daily abuse you throw at it, and when you have smaller children that do not understand the damage their spilled juice or crayons can make, it is worth the investment. Laminate counter tops stain and bubble quickly, while most spills and messes are wiped up without much fuss on natural stone. 5. Variety of Colours and Options to Choose From One of the best features of natural stone is the colour. Every type of natural stone surface has a unique colour and pattern waiting for you to use in your kitchen. Regardless of your colour preferences, you can easily find a natural stone surface that matches your new remodel. Take quartz, for example. You can find quartz in colours ranging from white and marble-esque to sleek black with crystal sparkles. With granite, you have shades ranging from black to white to red to brown and even blues. You can browse the endless rows of natural stone slabs and find one colour that suits your budget and colour preferences with ease – making it easier to match the natural stone to your new kitchen. Bottom Line: Natural Stone Counter tops Provide Durability, Longevity, and Value to any Kitchen Whether you are remodelling the entire kitchen or just replacing your surfaces, natural stone is a contender. If you want a counter top that will last you for years, hold up against everyday use, and still provide your home with value, then you need natural stone. Natural stone is a category of counter tops, and within that category, you can find a surface that suits your budget – and the prices might surprise you. If you are on a tight budget, start with granite. If you want something that is indeed maintenance-free, look to quartz. If you want a surface that is sleek, rustic, and still durable, consider soapstone. No matter which natural stone surface you end up using, you will have a counter top that lasts your home for decades and with proper care can look as great as the day you installed it even 20 years from now.
Did you know that water jet cutting applications are one of today’s fastest growing precision machine processes? In an era of increased global competition and rapidly advancing industrial technology, companies need to embrace innovative new processes if they’re going to survive and thrive. Water jet technology boasts fast turnaround times, high precision cutting, minimal environmental impact and the ability to cut virtually any material. This means that a wide variety of industries have been able to utilise it to gain an advantage in the following key areas: Efficiency Productivity Cost effectiveness Environmental sustainability. Contrary to what a lot of people think, water doesn’t actually perform the cutting on abrasive water jet machines. Instead, it acts as a vehicle for minute garnet abrasive particles which are accelerated to supersonic speeds to provide highly efficient cutting via erosion. To give you a bit more of an idea of the versatility of water jet cutting applications, we’ve put together an overview of the ways in which it is utilised in three very different industries. Medical Component Manufacturing When it comes to manufacturing medical components, water jet cutting applications offer substantially higher cutting speeds than traditional metal-cutting processes. The set-up process is also much less time-consuming. The ability to cut a broad range of materials is also highly beneficial to many medical manufacturers. Other than informing the controller of changes in material, there are no other programming or equipment steps required to accommodate cutting composites, ceramics, metals or other materials. When it comes to other cutting processes, both laser and electrical discharge machining (EDM) technologies create heat-affected zones in the material being cut. This can alter its chemical properties and cause surface hardening. As a cold cutting process, water jet cutting prevents both of these unwanted side effects. In addition to this, water jet cutting exerts a very small amount of force on the workpiece being cut. This allows the cutting of delicate features that would otherwise be impossible – or too costly – to produce. The Aerospace Industry The aerospace industry is responsible for producing everything from aircraft engines to military hardware (such as guided missiles) and space vehicles. As such, it demands complex technological solutions and complete precision. Because it has no margin for error, the aerospace industry industry utilises the accuracy and versatility of water jet cutting to create a wide range of different components. Working with a range of high-strength and exotic materials means that machining parts for the aerospace industry is much more complex than making other consumer goods. Water jet cutting has become favoured because of its versatility and precision. As is the case with medical component manufacturing, the cool-cutting process helps to eradicate any heat-affected zones that could lead to structural weakness in components. Not only can abrasive water jets be adjusted to the specific needs of any given part, they can also be standardised for uniform and precise production on a large-scale basis. They’re also able to work alongside control and automation technologies that make production processes more standardised and straightforward. Considering the precision and scale required in aerospace manufacturing, this has proven to be a huge benefit. Crafting Ornamental Glass While it is undoubtedly very useful for heavy industry, water jet cutting does have some more artistic applications as well. This includes the crafting of ornamental glass. Because of its versatility, water jet cutting simplifies the cutting and penetrating of all kids of glass, whether it be thin and delicate or thick and laminated. It makes cutting glass to various profiles and shapes a lot more easy and affordable than it used to be. This is because, due to its brittle nature, cut glass is similar to stone and tile cutting. It has a tendency to crack, which means that perforation needs to start at a low pressure and gradually increase to the final cutting speed. Water jet cutting applications are able to prevent damage by automatically adjusting and restoring the pressure when cutting precision materials like ornamental glass. This means that not only is it faster and more reliable, but it can also perform cut geometry that is beyond the capability of common machining.
Adding Strength And Sturdiness To Your Tubular Design Ensure your product design is entirely robust by using tube connectors to add the finishing touch. Tube connectors are the final part of a tubular design that acts to bind the finished product together. So, take for example a school chair made with metal tubes as the legs and feet. To connect each of the tubular legs to the bridge which sits beneath the plastic seat, you’ll need to use tube connectors to create a sturdy design. By doing so, you can be assured that the chair won’t buckle and break a leg off when a child sits on it. The tube connectors bind each of the individual tube legs together to create the finished product. Of course, this is just one example where a tube connector might be used. But in any tubular design, you’ll need to bear the following factors in mind. Plan Your Tube Configuration When considering the number and type of tube connectors you might require, begin by making a plan of your final design, including the number of tubes you have and where exactly you’ll need them to join together. From here, you can work backwards to determine the role of tube connectors in your plans. Tube connectors are incredibly versatile and can join together 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 tubes where required. Ensuring A Perfect Fit The connectors simply sit within your hollow tubing but must be the same shape as your tubes to provide a great fit. Typically, tube designs are made from either round or square tubes, so you’ll need your connector to match. If you require a particularly solid structure, as with your school chair, then you’ll likely require a connector with a solid steel core. Fitness equipment including treadmills and weight machines will undoubtedly require this type of connector due to the requirement for them to be robust. But lighter designs such as children’s toys can make do with a plastic moulding that consists of two clip parts. Considering The Purpose Of Your Connectors When looking at the configuration of your tubular design, consider the purpose of your connectors and how you’ll need them to be positioned. Some connector designs allow for rotation which is useful if you need your tubes to be able to be manipulated at various angles. Connectors are available that provide rotations of 0-190 degrees, 45-195 degrees, 60-300 degrees and 45-200 degrees, and some can move in small increments for better control. Aesthetics Tube connectors aren’t usually meant to be a core aesthetic focus of your design and in many cases you’ll either want to opt for a regular black colour, or match them more closely to the shade of your other tubes. So, with this in mind, you’ll need to choose connectors that come in the same material as your existing tubular components. If you’ve been wondering how to pull the various components of your tubular design together to create a robust product, then tube connectors are an essential item to have on your shopping list. Remember to take note of the internal diameter of your existing tubes to ensure you select a set of connectors that add the perfect finishing touch to your design.
Chandlers Building Supplies unveils a fully ‘pimped up’ and refurbished Reliant Rialto for its entry into the Pavestone Rally 2019. The family-owned builders merchants bought the 1986 classic three-wheeled car on Ebay for £200. It has been at Hastings College’s Automotive Training Centre since March, where 43 students worked on rebuilding the engine and over hauled the bodywork to create a daring Darth Vader-mobile. Rally driver, Trevor Mudd from Chandlers Building Supplies is taking the wheel for his fourth consecutive year competing in the event. Trevor said: “The enthusiasm and marvelous engineering work done by the students on the car is exceptional. This is an amazing piece of workmanship. I can’t wait to rev her up! Part of this project’s challenge was to also allow the car to be easily adapted to a new creative theme every day of the rally, with themes including ‘Underground’, ‘Superheroes’ and ‘Back from the Dead’. Trevor, who is being accompanied by Sam Hanks of Cembrit, said “This challenge is our most daring yet and we are delighted to have had such young talent supporting us. The input by the students will make a huge difference in getting us across the finish line, raising lots of money for charity and hopefully bring the trophy home. We aim to make the students proud!” Jamie Nash, 17, a student on the project, said: “I loved working on the car and thinking about how each element could be achieved. We even made a working prototype of a luminous green water jet cannon and a working light sabre for the Darth Vader theme.” Fellow student, Bailey Reed Simmonds, 16, said: “This was fantastic. I’d love to be going on the Rally myself. It was a great team effort by everyone here at the college – challenging and great fun.” Sue McKinney, head of marketing at Chandlers Building Supplies said: “We have a great relationship with the college due to our existing in-house apprenticeship schemes and, as a business, we are always keen to support young apprentices in every vocational field. Taking part in the rally is just one element of our business’s commitment to supporting charitable initiatives.” Chandlers Building Supplies has entered the Pavestone Rally for the last three years, finishing in first place in 2016, and second in 2017 and 2018 – the team also won Best Dressed Car and Best Dressed Team last year.
Do you already have a porch basking in sun and begging to become a sunroom? Or you wish to have an additional room where you will greet the sun? In the latter case, you would have more leeway when it comes to the size of the room, as least as much as the free space allows you to. The first step, however, is to decide the purpose of the sunroom, since that will give you an idea about the necessary budget and the interior design. And when it comes to building it, the best option is to hire professionals. As an oasis of peace If you wish to use this room for leisure, the essential element to have in mind is the furniture. It needs to be comfortable and inviting so you could enjoy your morning coffee before work as well as reading a book on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Think in terms of reclining chairs, soft sofas and many pillows while the sun gently touches your skin. Also, colors are not a feature to be disregarded: they should be relaxing to the eye, so make sure you avoid bright colors. Even if the space intended for your sunroom isn’t too big, don’t worry since a leisure-themed room doesn’t have to be spacious, it only needs to be comfortable. As a space for fun If the sole purpose of this room is entertainment, size does play an important role, depending on the things you wish to place in it. For example, a pool table might take up a lot of space, so be mindful where you hang darts and where you put the bar. Yes, you can even install a bar and anything you, your friends and family find entertaining. If you intend to organize parties there, besides notifying neighbors, make sure that the sound insulation is adequate so you can enjoy it without worrying whether you are keeping somebody awake with loud music. As for the furniture, you might want to throw in a few bean bags for relaxing between darts rounds and high stools to go with your bar. As a setting for a home office If you wish to have a pleasant place to work, then a sunroom can be the perfect space to both calm you and inspire you since one of the perks of working from home is the atmosphere which allows you to sit in your pajamas. So, for example, you can fit in more tables of different sizes to have more nooks to work from and so that other people can keep you company. However, if you feel you cannot concentrate at some point, or you wish for more privacy, shutters could be the optimal solution for you. When installing them, you can ask experts for a recommendation for the right material so that you can still benefit from the sun while you maintain a peaceful working atmosphere. As a place for hobbies Are you an artistic soul who enjoys numerous hobbies so you finally decided to find a place to practice them? In that case, the space you need solely depends on your interests, but unless you are into carpentry, for which a workshop is a better choice, you probably don’t need a space that is too big. Regardless of the type of art you practice, natural light will allow you to see the colors and materials as they are, not to mention that the view will probably be all the inspiration you need. When it comes to the interior, you will probably need a large table so that you have a nice, clean surface for your crafting. As for the furniture, it would also be good to have a sofa to relax on while you look for inspiration. Sunlight has been known to be beneficial for a long time: it triggers the release of serotonin which people call ‘the happiness hormone’. Sunlight boosts your mood and helps you feel calm, so why not build a room entirely devoted to it? If you have space and some budget, you can start by thinking about what you would use it for. It is mostly a place for leisure, but you could also benefit from that sun-induced serenity by making the sunroom your office. But if you decide to throw a party there, a matinee combined with all the colors of the sunset will entrance your guests. Whatever the size and the purpose of the room, you are bound to spend many sunny and blissful afternoons there.
Ahead of this year’s Armed Forces Day, top-10 UK housebuilder, Linden Homes is pledging to continue its support for ex-armed forces personnel and veterans. As the housebuilding division of Galliford Try, Linden Homes also supports Galliford Try’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant. With this the company pledge to treat those who have served in the armed forces and their families with fairness and respect. Signing the pledge is part of a continuing commitment by Linden Homes to help ex-armed forced personnel. Linden Homes recently supported Matt Knight into a career in the housebuilding industry, following his time in the Royal Navy. After a three year career in the armed forces, Matt joined Linden Homes’ South Division as a trainee site manager in November 2018. Matt has begun to build a new career in housebuilding and has used the skills he gained in the military to help do this. Matt explained: “There are a lot of similar skills you need for a successful career in the Royal Navy and as a site manager. In both roles you need to have excellent communication skills, as you’re often dealing with people from all different walks of life – whether that’s the different trades you’re working with on site, or dealing with company directors, that can be like dealing with Navy officers.” Matt has built his skills and expertise in his new career, and taken advantage of opportunities on offer to him through Linden Homes: “Linden Homes has been fantastic when it comes to offering training to help me get where I want to be. So far, I’ve undertaken the Site Management Safety Training Scheme, as well other relevant health and safety to ensure everyone working on site is doing so in a safe manner. In the coming months I will be undertaking an NVQ in Construction Contracting Operations, which will help me progress to assistant site manager and then hopefully to site manager”. Andrew Hammond, CEO of Linden Homes, said: “In the run up to Armed Forces Day we are extremely proud to be able to continue to support former service men and women into new careers. During his time in the Royal Navy, Matt learnt many life skills that make him ideally suited to the role of site manager. He is organised, has excellent communication skills and knows how to work as part of team. Housebuilding offers a diverse range of job opportunities and we always welcome applications from ex-armed forces personnel and former veterans who are considering a change in career.” Armed Forces Day takes place on Saturday 29 June with a number of events taking place up and down the country, to find an event near you visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk/find-events. For further information about the careers on offer at Linden Homes visit: www.lindenhomes.co.uk/careers
