Business : BDC Blog News

Design a Perfect Sunroom: Tips and Tricks

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

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Linden Homes pledges support to armed forces personnel

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

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Entry now open for the PPMA group industry awards 2019

Entry now open for the PPMA group industry awards 2019

The 2019 PPMA Group Industry Awards will be held at the National Conference Centre (NEC), Birmingham, on the evening of the first day of the PPMA Total Show 2019 – Tuesday, 1 October 2019. Award entry submissions are FREE and now open to all PPMA Group members (PPMA, BARA and

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Roll Converting Equipment and Its Benefits

Since the beginning of time, humankind needed tools. They used tools to hunt, forage, make fire, and survive. It made everything so much easier, even in those early days. Since then, humans used tools and invented machines to help them in everyday activities and hard work. Exhausting physical labor has

Read More »

Why You Should Do Tenant Screening

Whether you are a landlord or a lease agent, there should be no rush in entering into a lease contract when you are just starting to talk with a prospective tenant. Due diligence should be observed when trying to deal with a prospective tenant; otherwise, you may risk ending up

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People-focus key to home building industry’s success

The importance of placing people at the heart of home building is one of the key messages being delivered to over 1000 senior industry representatives attending the Annual Lunch of trade body Homes for Scotland in Edinburgh later today (Friday 17 May). Highlighting examples where such focus has delivered tangible

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Business : BDC Blog News

Design a Perfect Sunroom: Tips and Tricks

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.

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Linden Homes pledges support to armed forces personnel

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

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Inaugural awards to support young talent in the construction industry

The future of the construction industry will be on show at an event next week when the hard work of some of most skilled and talented apprentices from across the region will be recognised at an awards ceremony. The Swansea Bay Construction Support Group’s inaugural awards ceremony will take place on 20 June at the Village Hotel, Swansea to support and recognise the achievements of new entrants, apprentices and future talent within the construction industry in the South Wales region. The awards ceremony, which will be hosted by Swansea legend Kev Johns and includes a three-course meal, is also part of an overall objective to promote the construction industry’s image and showcase the benefits of considering the construction industry as a career path, and what skills individuals can gain from this profession. The evening will see awards presented to nominated apprentices from member companies of the Swansea Bay Construction Support Group, including: ASW Property Services; John Weaver; Cyfle Building Skills; Hale Construction; Craftsman Flooring and V&C (SW). There will also be awards for the Best Overall Apprentice and Best New Apprentice.  The awards ceremony is sponsored by AB Glass, Peter Lynn & Partners and Barry Training Services.  Anthony Thomas, chairman of the Swansea Bay Construction Support Group Awards, said: “The construction industry is often overlooked by young adults about to leave school who are considering what career path they want to embark on. The Swansea Bay Construction Support Group Awards will allow us to not only reward the hard working and dedicated apprentices who work for our members but will also allow us to spread the word and positivity about the opportunities available to other young individuals who are weighing up their options. “We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the nominated apprentices during the ceremony and hope that we continue to do so every year going forward.” Gemma Mineur, training officer at NPT Group, said: “It is a pleasure to organise the first Swansea Bay Construction Support Group Awards to showcase the achievements of local people beginning one of many career paths available in the construction industry.” Alan Brayley, managing director of AB Glass, comments: “We are thrilled to be supporting the Swansea Bay Construction Support Group Awards and all those who have been recognised for their achievements in the construction industry. Encouraging new entrants and young people into this sector is incredibly important to the future of the construction industry, as it welcomes new talent and helps to build upon the unique skills and confidence of young people to the benefit of the sector in Wales. These awards will showcase the many opportunities and fulfilling career paths the industry can offer. We look forward to meeting the rising stars of construction in Wales at the awards ceremony.” Darren Lewis, partner and commercial property solicitor at Peter Lynn & Partners, comments: “We work with a wide range of businesses in the construction sector from individual tradespeople to multi-million-pound property developers, and we are proud to support this excellent event which recognises excellence within the sector.” Sean Boyle, director of Barry Training Services, said: “We are very pleased to be able to sponsor this event, which recognises the valuable role in which apprenticeships offer to the workplace and given the number of construction related courses we offer to this industry, we can see the value in developing these skills for the future.” During the evening, there will also be an auction and raffle to raise money for local charity Hands Up for Downs. This support group brings families, parents, carers and children with Down Syndrome together to share advice and support, and as a group ensure that children living with Down Syndrome are given access to services they need.  Sam Fisher, a founding member and trustee of Hands Up for Downs, said: “At Hands up for Downs, our main mission is to bring together families with children who have Down Syndrome across the Swansea Bay area, ensuring they are united and supported, promoting inclusion and raising awareness so that our children can flourish.” “We are extremely appreciative of the Swansea Bay Construction Support Group for choosing our charity to raise funds for during the evening and would like to thank everyone who donates in advance. These funds will go towards continuing to provide support for our members and their families, ensuring children with Down Syndrome are given access to the services they need to ensure they reach their full potential.”

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Housebuilders sponsor the Housebuilder Mountain Marathon, supporting the Youth Adventure Trust

Three of the nation’s biggest housebuilders Linden Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Redrow Homes have committed a combined £90,000 in sponsorship to the Housebuilder Mountain Marathon, taking place in September 2019. With each of the housebuilders contributing £30,000 in sponsorship, the money raised will go towards the funding of the Youth Adventure Trust, which provides adventure camps and day activities for vulnerable 11 to 14-year olds. The Mountain Marathon is a two-day event covering some of the UK’s most difficult terrain across the Lake District. As well as providing sponsorship for the marathon, volunteers from the three housebuilders will be entering the race, working in teams to battle across unfamiliar environments, reflecting the work and mission of the Youth Adventure Trust.  For 27 years the Youth Adventure Trust has hosted adventure camps for children selected by schools and social workers, aiming to inspire personal confidence and improve teamwork.  Over the course of its history, the Trust has helped over 3800 vulnerable young people realise their potential. Looking to the future, the Youth Adventure Trust is aiming to double the number of children it works with by 2022. Linden Homes CEO, Andrew Hammond, said: “It’s fantastic to be joined by our colleagues from across the industry to continue our support for the Youth Adventure Trust in 2019, through our sponsorship of the Housebuilder Mountain Marathon. We share the same passion for developing skills in young people and helping them realise their potential. Karen Jones, HR Director at Redrow commented: “Our employees who participated last year spoke so highly, we were keen to get more involved. We are passionate about inspiring the next generation and supporting charities, therefore, sponsoring this fantastic event made perfect sense.”   Pete Redfern, CEO of Taylor Wimpey, said: “We are delighted to be taking part in this event, for the second year running.  Whilst the event is a challenge, it is also good fun and a great way to bring the housebuilding industry together, whilst raising money for the Youth Adventure Trust, one of Taylor Wimpey’s five national charities.”

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Entry now open for the PPMA group industry awards 2019

Entry now open for the PPMA group industry awards 2019

The 2019 PPMA Group Industry Awards will be held at the National Conference Centre (NEC), Birmingham, on the evening of the first day of the PPMA Total Show 2019 – Tuesday, 1 October 2019. Award entry submissions are FREE and now open to all PPMA Group members (PPMA, BARA and UKIVA) and others involved in the industry. The deadline for submissions is 17 July 2019. Now in its eighth year, the PPMA Group Industry Awards 2019 brings together more than 300 industry professionals and stakeholders to celebrate the finest examples of innovation, smart manufacturing and entrepreneurship. There are 12 Awards categories, ranging from most innovative technologies in processing, packaging, robotics, vision systems and ancillary equipment, to achievements in sales, export and the environment. The ‘Apprentice of the Year’ Award serves to acknowledge the most promising young talent within the processing and packaging, robotics and automation and industrial vision industries. Companies that have developed a comprehensive apprenticeship or training programme have the opportunity to be recognised too through the PPMA BEST Award. All entries will be judged by a panel of eight independent industry experts, including academia, end-users, editors and engineers. This year’s Awards, featuring a three-course gala dinner, will be hosted by UK television presenter and magician, Stephen Mulhern, who has appeared as host on Britain’s Got Talent, Catchphrase and Big Star’s Little Star. For further information on the Awards and details on how to enter, visit: https://www.ppmatotalshow.co.uk/awards/ppma-group-industry-awards. Notes to Editor: The PPMA Group Industry Awards 2019 The PPMA Group Industry Awards are organised by the Processing and Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA).  https://www.ppmatotalshow.co.uk/awards/ppma-group-industry-awards. About the PPMA Group The PPMA Group of Associations comprises the Processing and Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA), British Automation & Robot Association (BARA) and UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA). Its mission is to actively help its 550-plus members through services, tools and initiatives to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Its PPMA Show and PPMA Total Show exhibitions are hailed as the UK’s unmissable, free-to-attend, processing and packaging machinery events. In 2017, the Group also launched the first UKIVA, Machine Vision Conference and Exhibition, which is now in its third year. More information of all of these events can be found on: www.ppma.co.uk Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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NYEs Building Supplies raises £794 for charity during family fun day

Kingsfold-based builders’ merchant NYEs Building Supplies has raised £794 for the charity Rainy Day Trust during a family fun day at its depot.   The event, named ‘Have a NYEs day’, was held to celebrate the company’s recent rebrand and completion of its new 1000m2 warehouse. Attended by more than 1,000 people, it included a variety of free activities and the chance to meet Bob the Builder.    Raffle tickets were sold in aid of the charity during the event, which was run by one of the charity’s trustees, Aaron Frogley, along with his son, Connor. Top prizes included family days out to Drusillas Park and Fishers Farm Park, cinema tickets, power tools and restaurant vouchers.   The Rainy Day Trust is the UK’s only charity supporting the home improvement workforce in times of need.   Rex Nye, who is Managing Director at NYEs, said:    “It was a hugely successful day with lots of families turning up to enjoy our celebration. We couldn’t have hoped for a better turnout. We’d like to thank everyone who came along, supported us and helped to raise money for a very worthy cause at the same time. We hope the money will help the charity to continue its vital work supporting people in the building sector who have fallen on hard times.”   Aaron Frogley, Trustee at the Rainy Day Trust, added:   “Our warmest thanks to NYEs for supporting our charity and giving us the opportunity to be part of its excellent event. Sadly, more and more people are turning to us for financial assistance. The money raised at NYEs family fun day will go towards supporting them by helping to make ends meet, and providing the necessary advice, counselling and training so they can get back on their feet.”

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Roll Converting Equipment and Its Benefits

Since the beginning of time, humankind needed tools. They used tools to hunt, forage, make fire, and survive. It made everything so much easier, even in those early days. Since then, humans used tools and invented machines to help them in everyday activities and hard work. Exhausting physical labor has been changed with machines. So, people don’t have to lift a finger to do anything. Nowadays, there is a machine for every single thing. You just have to push some buttons, and it is all taken care of. There is absolutely no need for you to do anything demanding and draining. When it comes down to choosing the proper machine for your need, you need to ask yourself one question. That question is what you need from that machine. What problem you need solving. Some people require roll converting machinery. If you are unfamiliar with this term, these machines are a part of the converting industry that transforms rolls of various materials into final products. It is not that easy as it sounds. The product goes through multiple phases until it reaches its final form. Some businesses are in desperate need of these machines. So, it is good to have some information about them before purchasing them. Cost   The first thing anyone wants to know before buying something is how much it will cost them. It is not easy investing in something if you are not so sure it will pay off in the end. First, it is essential to have some money saved up because they are quite pricey. This is not that surprising since all kinds of tools and machines cost a fortune. However, they make our life so much easier, so you get to complain that much. Then, after the first step is taken care of, you can look for the perfect tool for your needs. You have so many options to choose from. It all depends on you. When asking around how much these things cost, do not be shocked when you hear that their prices vary between 8,000 to 10,000 USD. It is a lot to pay for at once, that is for sure. However, a lot of Roll Converting Equipment owners are quite satisfied with them.  The manufacturers of these machines provide excellent quality for that cost. The most crucial thing is to be aware and read more about how each device contributes to your needs. There are so many different types to choose from. So, be sure to do extensive research and read more about them online. Productivity After paying for any type of product, machine, or tool, you want to know how much you will use it and how much it will change your life. You want to it to pay off till the last penny. So, do not worry about this. You are guaranteed to get about 40% productivity when you compare it with having to do this all manually. That is why we invented machines, isn’t it? To change manual labor with machines. The technology and software that comes with this converting equipment are made with cut optimizers. That way, they arrange things to increase in productivity. Additionally, the software comes with its precise cuts. They result in less waste, which is very good to hear. That way, you get the most out of your materials. Also, you make your contribution to making the environment less damaged and waste-free. That is a great relief, especially to larger companies. Moreover, these precise cuts end up with fewer rejections and fewer complaints from customers. That way, everyone is happy. New Technology In these last few decades, there have been thousands of new inventions and technological advancements. So, it is no wonder to hear that these types of machinery work with a brand new technical system. It is known as computer numerical control or CNC. This helps slitting and cut planning, as well as control over the master rolls and goods. It does bar code label printing. Also, it does an excellent job at job management. With its precise cuts, you do not have to worry about waste and pollution. Learn more about CNC here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerical_control Various Types of Materials It is essential to know that these roll converting machines can process different types of materials. Ranging from wallpapers, papers, and photo papers to heat transfer materials and digital magnetic papers, it can prepare them all and convert them into a final product. It is a great relief to the potential buyers to hear about this. However, not all machines can process every type of material. So, it is vital to get more information before investing in something like this. Importing and Processing of Orders Another benefit to purchasing a roll converting equipment is that its software makes importing a lot easier. It grants importing as well as order data processing from your systems. All this makes your order processing faster and more efficient. You do not have to worry about anything of the sort. Customizable Every buyer will be pleased to learn that most manufacturers can customize their equipment. All products may be suited to most of the customer’s needs and specifications. That way, the machinery can accommodate and satisfy any needs. All you have to do as a buyer is to mention your wishes and requirements to your manufacturer. Hopefully, your wish will be granted.

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Removal of industrial machinery is no easy task without the help of an expert

Planning the removal or relocation of heavy industrial machinery can be a daunting prospect. It is not just the dismantling and reinstallation, but the logistics of the entire project, including transportation, that is difficult to coordinate. Added to the challenge is the knowledge that every single day the machinery is not in operation for its intended purpose is a day that the business is losing production time and therefore revenue. It stands to reason that the best course of action is to hire an expert to deliver this tricky piece of work for you, and here are some things to consider when choosing whose services to procure. Using a single provider reduces risk to your project The removal, transportation and installation of heavy industrial machinery is no easy task. It has not been unusual in the past for companies to hire several different providers to cover each part of the process, even for a single project. This was simply because it was virtually impossible to find a company that could safely, and expertly cover all aspects of machinery removals, covering only perhaps part of the process. This coordination of multiple suppliers in a project is a nightmare, and introduces a lot of additional moving parts and risk to project timelines that is completely unnecessary. Nowadays it is entirely possible to hire a company that can cover everything, from mechanics, electricity, electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, plumbing, welding and cutting of structures, movement to loading, transport and start-up for any industry sector. Hire a company that values training its workforce Of course if you are trusting a single vendor to provide all of the services in relation to industrial machinery removal and installation, you need to be able to trust in their expertise. As part of your vetting procedures and due diligence during contract negotiation it is very important to look at how professional and well trained the staff are, and make sure they are trained to an adequate level to fulfil any quality standards you need. You want someone who has years of experience in the industry too. After all every project will be completely unique in almost every respects, so you need enough experience to be able to adapt to any possible roadblock or issue encountered during the project. You also want to be sure that they can handle the scale of the project, whether large or small, and that they have the equipment and resources available to deliver what you need, on time and to the highest standards. Finally safety standards are also incredibly imports, especially when it comes to operation and set up of industrial machinery. You should be looking for a zero-incidents orientated provider.   Innovation and flexibility is key to success As previously mentioned, no two removal or relocation of industrial machinery will be the same. Not only should a services provider have years of experience, but you also need them to be flexible and innovative – able to come up with ingenious solutions to a multitude of problems they could encounter along the way. They also need to be flexible to moulding to what your business needs operationally, and be sensitive to production lines. You want a company with access to sophisticated tools, a highly trained workforce, and be able to offer a complete service that lives up to your expectations. After all you need to be up and running as quickly as possible. Ultimately you need to choose someone who puts the customer first in their delivery, and can offer administrative, logistical and technical personnel and guidance at each stage of the project from start to finish.

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Why You Should Do Tenant Screening

Whether you are a landlord or a lease agent, there should be no rush in entering into a lease contract when you are just starting to talk with a prospective tenant. Due diligence should be observed when trying to deal with a prospective tenant; otherwise, you may risk ending up with a lease agreement which is pre-terminated, and worse, having unsettled rental payments. It would be wise and beneficial if you would be able to invest in tenant screening services to protect or secure your rented properties so that you will be able to gauge whether or not it will be favourable for you to enter such tenancy agreement with that certain prospective tenant or lessee. It is also critically important that you have tenants that you know will be able to pay monthly rent on time, preserve the property that you have rented him or her, as well as be admirable residents, too. Though it might not appear necessary to take the time to screen those tenant applicants comprehensively, failure to do so would later on cost you significant time and expense. If you hastily decide to accept money from a prospective tenant that has cash on hand and ready to pay you right then and there, it might end up backfiring on you. It might also be a huge mistake if you just approve a tenant basing on his or her job just because you are very keen to lease out the property. It does not always mean that if the tenant applicant has a job then he or she has a good rental history. It does not also indicate that because the applicant has the deposit readily available, that he or she is a good payer and that he or she does not have any criminal record. As a landlord, a set of tenant screening considerations will help make sure that your tenant would not contribute to your neighbourhood’s crime rate. Having a tenant screened or doing a background check on the applicant will enable to fully verify and confirm that the person is representing himself or herself truthfully. This way, you would be assured that you are not turning a blind eye on potential dangers that might harm you, the neighbours and your property. It is also really vital to carry out credit checks because most, if not all, landlords would never want to negotiate with someone who does not have good credit scores. Although nobody can stop you from contracting with those with bad credit, this could actually expose you from the chances of having late rental payments, or even worse, wasting time and effort in going after the lessee because he or she just suddenly disappears. In the long run, it might also mess up your credit score because you might not be able to fulfil your own credit obligations because your tenant or lessee did not pay on time. It would be best to know the financial capability of your tenant because it will provide you the certainty that said tenant is capable of paying his or her rent. With having this tenant screening, you are now discouraging those with bad credit scores from renting out your property which is actually beneficial for the business. In addition, if you are the owner of the properties being rented out, naturally you would only want to enter in a contract with tenants that you are confident with that can take care of your rented property – as if it was their own. By screening out tenants, you will then have an insight on the way that certain lessee’s capability to carry out adequate care of your property. Doing background check will let you be aware of future problems such as history of substance abuse or the tenant being a part of a terrorist group. It is quite obvious that dealing with and being connected with these types of people will do no good, not only to your rented property, but also to you, as the landlord, and to your business. Doing tenant screening will aid you in revealing red flags about the tenant applicant before even entering to an agreement to lease your property. In planning to avail tenant screening services, you should evaluate first which provider would be best to suit your needs. Since you are the primary owner and you know your business quite well, it would not be hard for you to come up with factors and standards which you think are acceptable or unacceptable when looking for tenants. Although there are already several online tenant screening services providers, these providers just typically use only computerized databases to run background checks, making it more likely that only those readily available information such as credit histories and criminal records will be checked. This would then tend to leave out other investigative options that would necessitate talking with old landlords and other references. Moreover, online tenant screening services only check a number of databases for each person; therefore, they will simply tell you that the tenant is cleared for the background check if nothing turns up. On the other hand, a competent investigator will give you more detailed information about the tenant applicant if the standard background check does not turn up anything. Although hiring an investigator is recommended to do a thorough background check, it is still not for everyone. It is an alternative choice which is more detailed and complete but, also, far more costly than doing online background checks. So it would be best to consider closely regarding all the possible risks you would take and your investment’s perceived value. Hiring an investigator is perhaps the preferred option for those long-term lease agreement, business and top-notch rental properties who would want a thorough and complete background check for potential tenants. It is certainly not an easy feat to find the perfect tenant for your rental property, which is also one of the reasons why a lot of landlords would choose

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People-focus key to home building industry’s success

The importance of placing people at the heart of home building is one of the key messages being delivered to over 1000 senior industry representatives attending the Annual Lunch of trade body Homes for Scotland in Edinburgh later today (Friday 17 May). Highlighting examples where such focus has delivered tangible results across a wide range of areas (including customer satisfaction, quality and placemaking) Chief Executive Nicola Barclay will say: “I talk about homes all the time, but today I’d like to talk about people.  We build homes and great places to live but it is people who bring them to life – by living in them, designing them, consenting them, funding them and constructing them.  So we are, by any definition, a people business. “And what I hope today will demonstrate is that it simply doesn’t matter what size of company you are – if you put people at the heart of it, you’ll get great results.” With the industry having been challenged on a number of fronts in recent months, Barclay will also add: “We are often told that as an industry we must evolve. I believe that evolution is well underway and will continue to gather pace as we move towards a decarbonised society.  As we compete for talent and the future pipeline of people to work within our industry, it is vitally important that we continue to innovate and create flexible, attractive environments for our people to work in as well as for our customers to live in.”

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