Keen to show their thanks for all the tremendous efforts of NHS front line workers during these unprecedented times, four construction specialists have united in a bid to raise as much money as possible, expressing their appreciation towards those risking their lives, to save ours. The Mick George Group, MJS
A typical structural inspection averages at around £90 per hour in the UK, according to MyBuilder. Assessing buildings for damage and structural soundness is a crucial part of ensuring safety and longevity. One can say it’s just as important as controlling the dust that comes from their construction. However, building size complexity
Manufacturing businesses are always looking to increase efficiency and reduce waste. The modern manufacturing unit mostly comprises machinery, robotics, computers, and humans who all work in tandem to deliver the final product. The machines are primarily used to reduce the element of human involvement in the manufacturing process to increase
The aerospace and aviation industry is continuously changing, while the importance of creating reliable, safe parts remains essential to the industry’s advancement. New advancements in aviation directly affect how our military’s implement strategies, our commercial flights, and deliveries. Without high quality, expertly engineered parts, none of this would be possible.
Double garages are becoming increasingly popular in new builds and residential areas as a practical addition to any home. Previously, double garages were considered as a luxury for larger properties, however, now they are commonly included within the build design of many residential homes. The addition of a garage to
SD Sealants, the UK’s leading sealant and cosmetic repair company, is looking to expand its workforce after growing rapidly in the North of England. The Caldicot-based company, which provides sealant application, cosmetic repairs and tiling for homeowners, housebuilders and commercial businesses, has seen continuous growth for the past year with
Scaffolding is a vital part of building and constructing, and if you are planning on doing home renovations, you will likely be needing scaffolding services. However, before you hire a scaffolding firm, it is essential to consider some factors that will help you choose the right Scaffolding company and also
Building a beautiful landscape is a sensitive balancing act. On one hand, you want to end up with a beautiful landscape, and on the other hand, you want to keep the amount of resources consumed during the building process and through the life of the garden as low as possible.
A new study by Draper Tools, the UK’s leading distributor of hand and power tools, has revealed that the average tradespeople have more than double the household repairs and home improvement jobs on their list than the rest of the UK population. The survey of 2,000 people found that those
Data analysis by LinkedIn reported that STEM had more women enter the field over the last four decades than any other. Philanthropist and former general manager at Microsoft, Melinda Gates, said: “Innovation happens when we approach urgent challenges from every different point of view. Bringing women and underrepresented minorities into
Keen to show their thanks for all the tremendous efforts of NHS front line workers during these unprecedented times, four construction specialists have united in a bid to raise as much money as possible, expressing their appreciation towards those risking their lives, to save ours. The Mick George Group, MJS construction (March) Ltd, MJS Projects (March) Ltd and Morgan Sindall Group plc. have combined in creating a crowdfunding page where willing donors can contribute to this fantastic cause – https://www.gofundme.com/f/thank-the-frontline-nhs-workers. To kick start the proceeds, the Mick George Group on behalf of employees and MJS have each gifted £10,000 to show their gratitude to all those courageous staff doing their part to improve the current conditions relating to Covid-19. Together, the efforts of the respective companies will present NHS workers at four specified hospitals with funds to benefit from a wide range of ‘Thank You’ activities; including a family meal, spa day, afternoon tea, red letter activities, plus much more. Two of the identified hospitals to date, include Peterborough City Hospital and Hinchingbrooke Hospital. Michael George, Managing Director at the Mick George Group commented: ‘’These are unprecedented times, the likes of which I hope we never experience again. The impact is being felt worldwide, creating different challenges for everyone. Words cannot justify the genuine appreciation for our NHS staff and other Key Workers throughout the country that are doing all they can to protect us in such extreme conditions. It is pleasing to see that this is being recognised and those in a position to do so, are contributing to offer some reward to these individuals. The Construction Industry has undoubtedly felt the effect of Covid-19, yet, four separate companies have combined to do their part. We would urge others to follow suit, where feasible. A little contribution can go a long way.’’
A typical structural inspection averages at around £90 per hour in the UK, according to MyBuilder. Assessing buildings for damage and structural soundness is a crucial part of ensuring safety and longevity. One can say it’s just as important as controlling the dust that comes from their construction. However, building size complexity can present a challenge to that requirement, beyond driving up costs. Made to skip time-consuming disassemblies and ventures into cramped spaces, borescopes allow inspectors to focus on problematic sectors and diagnose issues quickly and efficiently. Here’s why borescopes play a vital role in building construction and maintenance. How Video Borescopes Compare to Mirror-Based Before fiber-optic technology, borescopes were stiff, narrow tubes that contained an angled mirror on the far end and an eyepiece on the other. Rigid borescopes could only be inserted in relatively straight holes. Nowadays borescopes are also known as videoscopes and are fitted with every available technology to assist visibility. High-definition cameras are increasingly becoming the standard with modern videoscopes. These models have the ability to capture videos and photos, just as modern cameras do. The landmark difference between videoscopes and old borescopes, however, is that most videoscopes possess a frame of flexible steel wires. This frame allows it to be articulated at will, letting it snake through meandering holes with ease. A modern borescope has the ability to provide brilliant clarity on any screen that ranges from 6 to 60 inches. It allows for detailed observation of an internal area. This articulation gives it a non-destructive way to view the insides of any machine or structure that would fit the videoscope. Guidelines For Selecting Borescopes It is often difficult to judge what length and diameter you need until you have the borescope in your hands, so it’s useful to consult borescope dealerships that offer free demos. As a rule of thumb, there are several things to remember when selecting a borescope. As the foremost example, tube diameter and length are the main qualities to pay attention to for any application of a borescope. These define the range of use of a borescope. It is also worth remembering that as borescopes get smaller and picture quality higher, the tradeoff for cost or durability often gets larger. When the pathway to the inspection area is winding, a borescope that can articulate well would be the only choice. For a cramped target area, a borescope must be able to articulate the tip just as well. This is so that the camera can focus on the target despite having little room to maneuver. Applications and Proper Use The biggest defining factor of its range of use is the diameter of the tube. However, with the steady shrinking of camera tech over the past few decades, borescope users can have both compactness and visual fidelity in the same package. Nowadays, insertion tube diameters have been reduced from 6 millimeters to 2.8mm. With this, borescopes can now visually inspect the most cramped of spaces, as well as the most minute internal components. Virtually no disassembly is required to perform such observations, speeding up the process of diagnosing mechanical and structural issues. Even small sections cut out from those could bring damage and make something that only needs a touch-up need full-on repairs. They’re also useful for inspecting instruments that need to be constantly running, such as pumps. With greater flexibility and compactness comes a touch of fragility. Borescope operators are not to let the tip collide too sharply with anything, as the camera and LED components housed in it are very prone to breaking. Operators are advised to feel for resistance being encountered by the inserting tip in order to better avoid obstacles. It is also recommended to take more documentation than is needed, to prevent repeating an inspection. Remember not to select a borescope with too much spare length. As much as possible, a borescope user must select a unit with as large a diameter as the object being inspected will allow. Larger tubes are more durable, can house more and better lighting instruments, as well as higher-definition cameras.
Manufacturing businesses are always looking to increase efficiency and reduce waste. The modern manufacturing unit mostly comprises machinery, robotics, computers, and humans who all work in tandem to deliver the final product. The machines are primarily used to reduce the element of human involvement in the manufacturing process to increase its efficiency. But despite that, when it comes to making crucial decisions while operating these devices, the human mind is used, and that can lead to potential errors. This is where Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines come in. CNC machines eliminate the need for human intervention, are incredibly accurate, and help avoid accidents. CNC machines have a high demand in the manufacturing industry, and the market of CNC machining is expected to reach USD 100.86 billion by 2025. What are CNC machines and what is CNC milling CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, and as the name suggests, a CNC machine is controlled through a numerical computer program. A 3-D design of the desired product is created with the help of a Computer-aided design. This design is then converted into a manufactured physical product with the help of computer-aided manufacturing. These two processes complete the CNC machining. There are various types of CNC machines, including winding machines, lathe machines, welding machines, milling machines, grinding units, and lasers. The market shows an increasing trend of opting for CNC machines that are compact sized, come with automatic tool changers, and possess multi-axis machining technology. CNC milling falls into this multi-functional machine category, and right now is the second biggest segment, behind lathe machines. The division of CNC milling machine is further expected to grow, as it provides the benefit of reducing the operational costs. Applications of CNC parts CNC parts machining has gained popularity globally because of their higher tolerances and unmatched repeatability. This rise in popularity is because, unlike a human operator, the performance and precision of a CNC machine do not drop with time due to external factors, and more parts are produced in the same time frame. This makes rapid prototyping very easy and eliminates the need for breaks so that the plant can keep operating round the clock. CNC parts are used in many sectors ranging from prototypes to industrial products. Because of their ability to create extremely complex geometries, and their high precision, CNC parts are prevalent in industries like the aerospace industry. Advantages of CNC Automation, and how they are improving the manufacturing industry CNC milling presents a large number of benefits when compared to the traditional human operator reliant machines. Some of these advantages are listed below: Increased efficiency CNC machines can significantly reduce the wastage per piece due to their high precision. When the material wastage from production is reduced, the cost of production is also reduced. This reduction increases the efficiency of the manufacturing plant. CNC milling also increases efficiency because these machines significantly reduce human error. Since CNC milling does not require direct human intervention, it means that they can work at any time of the day, without stopping or taking breaks, especially round the clock. This way, CNC milling allows the manufacturing unit to remain open and function round the clock. Increased safety When the instructions for the production of parts are programmed into the machine, it then acts on its own without the need of an operator or individual intervention. This property of CNC milling makes these machines ideal for the manufacturing processes that involve substances that are toxic or corrosive, including incredibly high temperatures or any other factors that can pose potentially dangerous scenarios for the workers. In a way, CNC milling increases the safety of the workers in the manufacturing industry. Increased consistency and capacity CNC automation means that the machines will run 24/7 and 365 days if you want to with the end product that is the same, piece after piece. The only time the machine will stop is when it needs maintenance or repairs. This is possible because no human intervention is required, and the precision stays the same, so does the consistency. Since the machines run for more extended periods and can handle more parts, this increases the capacity of the manufacturing plant. Sustainability CNC milling reduces the carbon footprint of the manufacturing plant, thus playing their role in making the earth a more sustainable planet. This is achieved as a result of various factors. Firstly, CNC milling reduces the wastage in the manufacturing process. Secondly, since these machines are more efficient, and there are fewer chances of errors in production, fewer materials are thrown away. Thirdly, these machines do not require additional parts like sanders or drills, as the main body of the device includes everything. Prototype machining Prototyping in manufacturing can prove to be very expensive and time-consuming. Thus many businesses skip this part, although it is essential as it helps to minimize mistakes and help understand the product in a better way. CNC milling makes prototyping less expensive, more accessible and affordable to attain. To have a better idea of the steps to come in the process, the manufacturers can create mock-ups through CNC milling at an affordable price. CNC milling and the new technologies associated with it also allow the manufacturers to develop designs that are more complex and comprehensive. Reduced labor costs The actual hard and complicated work relating to the manufacturing is done solely by the machines that include drilling, cutting, or stamping. A single human operator that does not necessarily have to be high-skilled can operate several CNC machines. Thus labor costs are significantly reduced. Conclusion CNC milling provides high efficiency, excellent precision, tolerance, and quick processing. CNC parts can be made out of metal, wood, and various other materials, and this makes CNC milling the perfect option for sectors that require customized components. Therefore, regardless of whether you are currently using manual machines and looking to upgrade or looking to use the process of machining for the first time, CNC milling is the perfect tool that
The aerospace and aviation industry is continuously changing, while the importance of creating reliable, safe parts remains essential to the industry’s advancement. New advancements in aviation directly affect how our military’s implement strategies, our commercial flights, and deliveries. Without high quality, expertly engineered parts, none of this would be possible. Where to Find Parts for Aerospace/Aviation Manufacturing When looking to find the best aerospace and aviation parts, quality is of the utmost importance. Finding the right aerospace forging companies will make a big difference in the quality of products you receive. From actuators, runway light covers, and specialty parts, you want to make sure you find a manufacturer who is experienced and qualified to produce the parts. Finding an experienced manufacturer in crafting these specialty parts is crucial to ensuring you get the very best options that are safe and reliable. Forging vs. Casting When shopping for aerospace and aviation parts, there are two conventional methods of manufacturing many of these specialized parts. Depending on the stress these parts are going to be under, and what type of material they are made of, they may be forged or cast. Forging is the process of heating the material being used to create the part until its just hot enough to shape with a hammer or forced within a die. This process produces durable and robust components that can handle a lot of stress. Casting is a process of melting the metal material and pouring it into a die. Once the part has cooled off, the metalworker then continues to finish the small details of the piece. This process is excellent for more intricate part shapes, as the mold can be made to handle more complicated designs. Both forging and casting come with their own set of pros and cons, each playing an essential role in the aerospace and aviation industry. What is Aerospace Part Forging? The process of forging components for aerospace parts is done by taking a billet (metal material) and compressing that metal into the shape desired. This is done using extreme compression and force, and the result of these efforts are parts with incredible strength. When making parts that are going to be under high levels of shock or stress, such as gears, wheel spindles, or pistons, forging them gives them that extra strength to perform well. There are a few ways of forging parts for aerospace and aviation. Two common types are open-die and closed-die. The open-die process is the preferred method for working with larger aluminum components. This process is done using flat-faced dies without any precut profiles. This process of forging is often preferred as it allows the metal worker to make larger, more unique designs. Closed-die forging is a similar process where the metal is restricted as its put within the die. This process makes very detailed designs to exact specifications. Using the closed-die method works best for smaller parts, requiring great attention to detail. What is Aerospace Part Casting? Casting is the process of creating parts by pouring or injecting molten metal into a preshaped mold. To cast aerospace parts you need to bring the metal to a high enough temperature that it will melt, when the molten metal hardens in the frame, the metalworker can then touch up the component and work it until it meets the specifications needed. Compared to forging parts, casting parts cant take the same levels of stress. These parts are best for lightweight applications. The benefits of casting parts is that it can be formed in a large variety of sizes and shapes, They require less work in the secondary machining process, and casting parts tend to be lighter than if they were forged. Knowing What Part to Choose When choosing how a part is made, it’s necessary to understand what type of application it will be used for. Casting offers a great way to produce valves, swirl nozzles, engine rings and blades, and most light-duty metal parts. When looking for high strength parts for high-stress situations, its best to choose forged parts. Each process of creating parts serves the aerospace and aviation industry with great benefits according to what job needs to be performed. By having this information on the processes used to create parts, ordering the right ones should come easily. The important thing is to choose a professional manufacturer who understands how your parts are going to be used.
Double garages are becoming increasingly popular in new builds and residential areas as a practical addition to any home. Previously, double garages were considered as a luxury for larger properties, however, now they are commonly included within the build design of many residential homes. The addition of a garage to your property can be a great investment, as well as having many practical day-to-day uses. Here are some of the benefits that you can expect from the addition of a double garage. Increase kerb appeal With a double garage, there are many possibilities for what can be done with the extra space, with this extension onto your property adding instant value to your home, with a double garage increasing a property’s value by up to 20%. There are numerous designs for double garages, that feature high-quality materials, giving them aesthetic value and the ability to increase a properties kerb appeal. If you’re wanting to increase the value of your property and add instant curb appeal, double garages from Lidget Compton are a smart, long-term investment. More space for vehicles and additional storage Many households today own more than one car, so it goes without saying that many of us need more space to keep them than a single garage can provide. One of the benefits of a double garage is the safety it offers for vehicles, as well as other items that are stored in the garage. With a standard single garage, other vehicles are parked outside, which can make homeowners worry about their security. A double garage allows two average sized cars to be stored easily, as well as offering peace of mind to the owners during the night and when away from home. A double garage also provides alternative space for storage and are ideal for storing large items such as bikes and storage equipment. A larger garage means more room for shelving and cabinets to store extra clutter, freeing up space inside your home. Additional living space If you have some spare room in your double garage, it can easily be utilised as additional living space with some homeowners even choosing to convert their garages into home offices, gyms or utility rooms. It can also be easily converted into a social space for parties and gatherings, or even a bedroom for guests, or to rent out as a studio space for additional income. Vehicle safekeeping and protection Keeping your car inside a garage will keep it away from potential hazards and outdoor elements, but more importantly, it will mean that your vehicle is safer from theft and damage. A 2019 study found that there were over 114,000 motor vehicle thefts in England and Wales in 2018/19, which is an increase of over 8,000 offences when compared with the previous year and a nine year high for motor vehicle theft offences. By knowing your vehicles are safe in your garage and not outside overnight, this minimises the worry many vehicles owners may have surrounding theft and damage. There are many uses for a double garage, with a staggering 650,000 households in the UK converting their garage into another room, and many more planning on investing in a double garage, it’s clear to see that there are several amazing benefits that a double garage can provide to both you and your property, so it’s definitely an additional feature that many homeowners should consider adding to a home.
SD Sealants, the UK’s leading sealant and cosmetic repair company, is looking to expand its workforce after growing rapidly in the North of England. The Caldicot-based company, which provides sealant application, cosmetic repairs and tiling for homeowners, housebuilders and commercial businesses, has seen continuous growth for the past year with a new office in Leeds and the acquisition of sealant company H2O Sealants. The recruitment drive will see up to 20 new recruits, from experienced/ skilled workers to those starting out in the trade, join the company in order to keep up with a period of growth which has seen the business turn over more than £1million in what has been a record-breaking 12 months for the firm. SD Sealants has been involved in a number of significant construction projects in the UK, particularly in the North of England, including Liverpool FC’s training ground and Aintree racecourse in Merseyside, Lincoln Cathedral and the Dewsbury and District Hospital, Yorkshire. SD Sealants Tiling division recently won a prestigious contract worth £600,000 for contemporary flats in Bristol’s city centre and other highlights include Sir Thomas Rich’s school in Gloucestershire, which called on the tiling team to carry out a full refit of its swimming pool facility and the brand new York Stadium, home to York Football Club and York City Knights rugby league team, which is a £44m development boasting 8,000 seats. And, just last year, SD Sealants rooted itself in Yorkshire with the purchase of a new 2,600sq unit in Leeds last year as well as the acquisition of Leeds-based H2O Sealants. The new unit is at Gelderd Trading Estate, West Vale and will allow the business to create a real foothold in the North. The demand for work has grown significantly and more jobs will be created to make sure that future projects are also finished to the usual high standards. He said: “We set up our first office in the North two years ago and the demand for work has just grown and grown. We’re thrilled to be growing our team. We’ve already had the opportunity to work on some fantastic projects around the UK and we look forward to welcoming some new members to the SD team who can help us to continue our hard work. “We’ve found there is a great deal of skill and expertise all over the UK and we’re looking forward to having some new faces on our team. We pride ourselves on having the best crew in the business.” Launched in 1973, SD Sealants and Cosmetic Repairs originated as a family run business in Somerset that specialised in the supply and application of sealant. Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength, becoming one of the UK’s largest sealant companies, with eight offices across England, Scotland and Wales. SD Sealants has extended its services to include cosmetic building repairs, tiling and as of 2019 has introduced both painting and decorating and marine repairs services to its portfolio.
Scaffolding is a vital part of building and constructing, and if you are planning on doing home renovations, you will likely be needing scaffolding services. However, before you hire a scaffolding firm, it is essential to consider some factors that will help you choose the right Scaffolding company and also evaluate if there is a need for Scaffolding. To make your job easier, you can read through some of these factors below. But first, what is a Scaffolding? Significance of the Scaffolding Scaffolding refers to the temporary structure used to support workers, equipment, and materials during construction. Scaffolding may also be necessary during house renovations and repairs. Its primary function is to get workers and materials to where would ordinarily be too high or difficult to go and to support workers while working above ground level. Factors To Consider Before Hiring Scaffolding Services For Home Renovations 1.Do You Need a Scaffolding: The first thing to consider is whether you really need Scaffolding or not. You may need a professional opinion to make this decision. For example, repainting a ground-level house might not need Scaffolding, but you will definitely need the services of a scaffolding company if you are repainting a story building. Nonetheless, your decision to use a scaffold should be determined by the difficulty and risks involved in the renovation project. 2.Hiring the Right Scaffolding Firm: The kind of Scaffolding services you hire can either result in an excellent job or ruin your renovation plans. Hence, making sure you hire the right firm is one of the things you will have to consider. Location matters a lot when hiring the ideal scaffolding company. You will need to know that they are capable of reaching your site quickly and vice versa. This might mean going for a local scaffolding service or hiring one that can adequately cover vast areas such as Cambridgeshire Scaffolding Firm that caters to Cambridge and its environs and a more significant part of the United Kingdom(UK). The right scaffolding firm should also be able to provide the necessary certifications to assure you of quality service and equipment that suits your needs and budget. 3.Type of Scaffold: Another factor you need to consider is the type of scaffold you need. There are basically three types of Scaffolding, they are Suspended Scaffolding, Supported Platform Scaffolding, and Adjustable Scaffolding. Suspended Scaffolding, as the name suggests, is suspended in the air and built with wood, metal, and ropes. This type of scaffold is ideal for construction and renovation projects that require workers to work at a very high position or an uneven terrain. Supported Platform Scaffolding, on the other hand, has an elevated platform raised from the ground. It is also the most common type of Scaffolding and ideal for almost all types of projects. Last but not least is the adjustable scaffold. It is a type of suspended scaffold that can be adjusted to your suit your needs. The flexible platform gives you control; you can either lower or raise the platform and direct it to wherever it is needed. Now that you know your options, your choice of Scaffolding should be based on your renovation needs. 4.Budget and Financial Costs: one of the most important things you will need to resolve is your budget and the financial costs of hiring a scaffolding company. It might help if you use a local scaffolding firm such as hiring Royston Scaffolding for your home renovation services in Cambridge and its environs. Using a local company will reduce the cost of moving equipment and workforce. You will also need to consider the cost of the type of scaffold you want to use. Suspended Scaffolds are the most expensive, and this is because they are usually custom-built for a specific project. Adjustable Scaffolds are also costly, but one advantage is its flexibility of use. The least expensive is the Supported Platform Scaffold. Whichever you decide to go with, make sure it is proportionate to your needs and budget. 5.Safety Concerns: Scaffolding mostly involves working from an elevated position, and with working at heights comes safety concerns. If your renovation projects include working from far heights or unusual designs, then you need to make sure that the Scaffolding Firm you hire has all the necessary safety measures in place, including licenses and permits. You also need to ensure that the firm carries out a thorough risk assessment before starting any work. A good Scaffold company will have a safety guideline and insurance in case an accident occurs. Some of the safety measures that should be in place include sturdy and secure platforms, handrails and guardrails, etc. 6.Company’s Experience: You must check the scaffolding company’s experience, track record, and reviews; this will help you evaluate their efficiency and integrity. Besides, you will also need experienced workers to deliver quality service and reduce the risks of accidents while working. Conclusion Scaffolding can make your renovations safer and faster when used appropriately, and it is only wise to consider certain factors to ensure you get the right scaffolding companies. Factors such as verifying if Scaffolding is necessary for your home renovations, considering the cost, your budget, and the expertise of the scaffolding firm can determine the type of performance you get at the end of the day. This post was written by Royston Scaffolding Ltd- a fully CISRS qualified and CITB accredited Cambridgeshire Scaffolding Firm, providing industrial, commercial and domestic scaffold services.
Building a beautiful landscape is a sensitive balancing act. On one hand, you want to end up with a beautiful landscape, and on the other hand, you want to keep the amount of resources consumed during the building process and through the life of the garden as low as possible. The only way to achieve both things is to opt for sustainable architectural landscape design. Understanding Sustainable Landscape Design Landscape designers agree that sustainable landscape design has to use very few resources, ensuring to minimize input and maximize output. The way to do this is to find materials and plants that are sustainable and to monitor the amount of water consumed through the life of the landscape because water is a precious commodity. Managing Long-term Materials Because cost-saving is an integral part of sustainable landscape design, companies such as Architectural Landscape Design place an emphasis on using materials that last a very long time. Also, materials have to be cost-effective and make sense for the surface they are used on. Landscape designers will often use stones for outdoor areas that are not covered in plants. For this, you can go with stones or gravel, with gravel being the more cost-efficient option between the two. Gravel will last for a very long time and is a very good option for areas that have a lot of foot traffic, precisely because gravel is very hard to wear down. Gravel also ensures runoff is not trapped outside your house as it does not trap rainwater. When laying down gravel, try not to compact it as it will ruin the soil underneath. Also, getting rid of gravel is almost impossible, so be sure to use it on areas you are sure will never have plants on them. Plants and Irrigation In keeping with the theme of sustainability and low-cost options, try to find plants that acclimate will with your region’s climate. Try to find plants that will not be affected by the amount of rain, sunshine, humidity or other climatic factors in your region. Doing so ensures that you have plants that will last for a very long time. If you want some color in your gardens throughout the year, try to find perennial plants. These plants bloom for several years. That way, you do not have to replace the plants every year and you have a beautiful garden to look at through the life of the plants. Treat Water as a Scarce Resource Sustainable landscape design also calls for treating water as a scarce resource, especially in drought-prone areas. To do this, find areas that you can save water on. Start by using plants that require very little irrigation and plan out your irrigation schedule for nights or the early morning before the sun becomes too hot. When considering what plants to get to conserve water, choose native and exotic plants. Meadows are a very good option for those looking to reduce grassy areas in their properties to save water. Sustainable architectural landscape design can be both fun and challenging. Once you understand the principles behind it, like treating water as a scarce resource, keeping your costs down and using long-lasting materials, you will have a blueprint on where to start to get the sustainable landscape you have always wanted.
A new study by Draper Tools, the UK’s leading distributor of hand and power tools, has revealed that the average tradespeople have more than double the household repairs and home improvement jobs on their list than the rest of the UK population. The survey of 2,000 people found that those who worked in a trade such as construction, plumbing or electrics had on average 18 DIY and maintenance jobs currently on their list to do at home. By comparison the average person had just eight. Furthermore, tradespeople will spend an average of five weeks each year on their own home improvements, whereas the rest of the public will spend around three weeks a year getting their DIY jobs done. Draper’s ‘Job Done’ study looked at the nation’s attitudes to some of life’s essential but often put off jobs. From everyday home, garden and car maintenance, right through to DIY and household repairs, the research explored how Britain gets the job done, paying close attention to the nation’s hard-working tradespeople. The research revealed a staggering number of unfinished jobs on UK tradespeople’s to do lists. Among the most common tasks needing to be done were cleaning the car, painting walls, bleeding the radiator and cleaning the patio. Other neglected jobs included checking tyre pressure, building flat pack furniture, hanging a picture frame, weeding and clearing out the shed. It seems hectic lifestyles and busy work schedules are mainly to blame for tradespeople having so many jobs left undone at home, with over a third of trades saying they just never have the time. A quarter of tradespeople said they often made a mental note to fix something around the home but ultimately went on to forget it. While 1 in 5 tradespeople admitted they didn’t have the right tools for the jobs on their list. Clive Richardson, Marketing Director at Draper Tools said: “When you consider that the UK’s tradespeople often spend their working lives coming to the rescue in other people’s homes and sorting out the general public’s DIY dramas, it’s easy to see why they may not always have the energy to take on their own home improvements. And, once the list of jobs start to build up, it understandably becomes overwhelming, even for a seasoned professional. However, with the right tools and some dedication to getting the job done, these tasks don’t have to take over anyone’s life. It can even be very rewarding. More than 85% of the tradespeople we surveyed actually said that nothing beats the satisfaction of a getting a job done – so it can be incredibly worthwhile when you finally tackle those put off jobs.” Despite the number of jobs on their list, tradespeople have a better attitude towards home improvements than the general public, with nearly half of them saying they actually enjoy DIY and repair jobs, compared with just 15% of the general public. Perhaps unsurprisingly, tradespeople also rate their DIY skills highly with almost 90% of them scoring their skills as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’. Meanwhile just over a third of the general public claimed to be this accomplished at household maintenance jobs. However, even the most skilled tradespeople sometimes need to ask for help with their home improvements and when they do, Draper’s Job Done study found that they’ll turn to a mix of both traditional and modern sources. Jointly topping the list of popular resources for help getting a job done were tradespeople’s own dads and YouTube videos. In fact, 93% of tradespeople said their dad was the first person they’d call on for help with repairs, maintenance and DIY jobs. It seems the old adage of ‘If A Job’s Worth Doing, It’s Worth Doing Well’ rings true for the UK’s tradespeople too. Almost 90% of them admitted that if they set out to do some DIY, they get the job done right. Draper’s Job Done survey has revealed the most common unfinished household jobs on UK tradespeople’s lists. The top ten jobs on UK trade’s to do lists: Cleaning the car Painting walls Cleaning the patio Hanging a picture frame Bleeding a radiator Replacing a doorknob Painting a door Checking tyre pressure/inflating tyres Organising or clearing out the shed Weeding
Data analysis by LinkedIn reported that STEM had more women enter the field over the last four decades than any other. Philanthropist and former general manager at Microsoft, Melinda Gates, said: “Innovation happens when we approach urgent challenges from every different point of view. Bringing women and underrepresented minorities into the field guarantees that we see the full range of solutions to the real problems that people face in the world”. In 2018, Fitbit was criticised for the period tracker having a 10-day cycle. If more women were involved in the creation, they would’ve realised this was three days too long. In the States, the tech industry is one of the highest paying fields — yet women are still paid less than their male counterparts. This year however has seen some of the biggest names and influential figures in the industry being women, such as Kate Bouman, the woman who engineered the first image of a black hole. In this article, we track how more women have entered STEM than any other field in the past four decades. In fact, statistics from 2017 show that women made up only 23 per cent of the STEM workforce. Although this is low, this is 105,470 higher than the number in 2016. Battling the taboo… We’ve been raised with the idea that men are better suited for certain jobs than women. Charles Darwin described women as intellectual inferiors and universities rejected women up until the 20th century. Laura Segal, senior vice president for the American Association of University Women, said: “Teachers and parents provide explicit and implicit messages starting in early childhood that boys and men are ‘better’ at math, and the gaps in the professions reinforce the opportunities, culture and lack of role models that perpetuate male dominance”. As a result of this, since 2012, there has been an increase in initiatives from schools, universities and recruitment agencies in the UK to encourage females to pursue STEM-related careers. Previously, female students reported avoiding STEM courses because of a lack of female role models to identify with. If girls were taught about female role models like Marie Curie, for example, who discovered the effects of radiation, perhaps they’d be more inclined to pursue a career in the field. To combat this bias, exam boards have introduced more content with famous women in the industry. Rosalind Franklin, a woman central to the understanding of DNA, has been taught across the nation. This has been linked to this year’s A-level results, which saw female students studying STEM courses (50.3%) outnumber male students (49.7%). Funding Many women have been reported leaving male-dominant work environments like engineering due to a toxic masculine culture. They noted that they had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously and to earn respect. Philanthropists keen to fix the gender gap in STEM industries have donated towards supporting women in the industry. $25 million has been funded to boost girls’ interest by changing the narrative that they’re masculine careers. It’s expected to inspire other girls to follow other successful women. Lyda Hill Philanthropies have introduced 125 female ambassadors to represent the different STEM-related careers. Part of the donation will be used to fund grants for women to study STEM courses. How are Apprenticeships helping? Apprenticeships have an equal gender balance, yet only nine per cent of STEM apprentices are women. A disappointing statistic, the government is trying to fix this disparity by helping women become more informed about apprenticeships to help them access STEM-related careers. In fact, according to a report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a lack of skilled STEM workers in the UK is costing the nation £1.5 billion a year. Lookers, retailers of used cars for sale, launched a female apprenticeship scheme back in 2018. The aim is to double the amount of their female apprenticeships and provide a positive environment to encourage and attract women to STEM. Civil Engineering Consultancy, Patrick Parsons are also an example of a company that are trying to break the taboo. Positive steps are being taken forward, such as having STEM advertisements use more gender-neutral language. However, there is a lot of progress to be made for women in STEM… Sources