Business : BDC Blog News

Tips for Styling Glam Dining Tables

Glam dining tables set the mood for an elegant dining experience in any home. It’s important to surround the table with complementary accents to achieve a luxurious look and feel. There are several ways to bring class and sophistication into your dining room, whether you’re adding a new rug or

Read More »

The Importance Of Green Areas In Housing Developments 

Property development companies are always keen to extract as much space from a development plot as possible. This will inevitably mean covering as much of the area in housing as they can. The reason for this is fairly obvious; the more houses available, the more they can sell. Thus, the

Read More »

How To Add Charm To The Outside Of Your Buildings 

It is critical to the first impression that your property creates that you work on improving the charm of your home or business premises’ outside. Second, the vast majority of exterior improvements also have the additional benefit of increasing your home’s energy efficiency. It follows that it has the potential

Read More »

A Review: Laguna Tools Range

Computer numerical control (CNC ) tools are high-precision, machining instruments generally used in manufacturing plastic and metal parts. One of the go-to CNC tool brands increasing in popularity nowadays is Laguna Tools. This range of CNC tools is comprised of band saws, jointers, and quality panel saws. This article covers

Read More »

Different career paths in real estate

The field of real estate is ever-changing, which keeps the demand for jobs and careers high. In fact, the ARELLO (Association of Real Estate License Law Officials) estimates that there are almost 2 million active real estate licenses in America alone. Working in real estate is a great option for

Read More »

Demand For Tradespeople Up By 50% In Just Two Years

Demand has skyrocketed, but tradespeople have also been hit with a series of challenges because of Covid and Brexit, so Rated People explores the true effects of ‘the home improvement boom’ and looks at what’s in store for 2022 62% of UK tradespeople said 2021 was the ‘busiest year they’ve

Read More »

Tips to Relocate for More Financial Comfort

People relocate for several different reasons. However, finding a better quality of life, moving to a safer country, or searching for more financial freedom are some of the most common reasons. If you’re hoping to relocate for enhanced affordability, we’ve listed some expert tips to help you achieve your goal.

Read More »

The World’s Most Lavish Gaming Establishments

If you love your gaming and want that authentic experience, there’s only one place to go: the casino. However, while your run of the mill land-based venues will be fine for some, for others, it’s the lavish gaming venues they want to visit. And thankfully, the world has a number

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Business : BDC Blog News

Tips for Styling Glam Dining Tables

Glam dining tables set the mood for an elegant dining experience in any home. It’s important to surround the table with complementary accents to achieve a luxurious look and feel. There are several ways to bring class and sophistication into your dining room, whether you’re adding a new rug or installing an intriguing chandelier. Here are some tips to help you create a glamorous dining experience. Furniture One of the most important style elements to accompany your dining room table is the surrounding furniture. Once you’ve chosen the right table, decide which chairs fit best with your overall design scheme. Choose high back chairs with rich colored upholstery in velvet or leather for a classic look. If you’re into more modern designs, go with an elegant industrial look by choosing acrylic chairs with sparkly metal legs. To accent your table, consider purchasing a matching buffet piece or add a bar cart to showcase your cocktail accessories and glassware. Main Lighting Hanging a sophisticated light fixture above the center of your dining table makes the room stand out. Chandeliers come in an assortment of styles and are made from several different materials. A crystal chandelier has been a staple in wealthy homes for centuries and creates a timeless aesthetic. Modern light fixtures made of metal can often look like a work of art and become great conversation pieces. Select a minimalist style light fixture if you’d like to keep the focus on other features of the dining room. Table Accents Adorning your dining room table with glam accents might be the easiest way to add a touch of class and sophistication. Splurge on luxury flatware and dinnerware to impress your guests at dinner parties. Choose gold- or silver-plated items and set them against placemats or a table runner made from luxurious fabrics. A large centerpiece of fresh flowers effortlessly ties the whole look together and provides a welcoming atmosphere for everyone sharing a meal at the table. Room Décor The dining room is the perfect place to show off an art collection. Hang interesting pieces around the room to create visual interest and spark up conversations. Depending on the overall style of the room, choose either classic or modern pieces to complement the aesthetic. Add wall sconces or candles to enhance the main lighting and add more warmth to the space. When entertaining guests, don’t forget to set the mood with some classy music. Consider adding a record player to the dining room and play some vintage jazz records to enhance the atmosphere. Rug Adding a plush rug underneath your dining room table is an easy way to glam things up. Classic oriental rugs are a timeless home luxury staple and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Choose a rug with an interesting texture or thick fur to offset an industrial style room. When selecting a dining room rug, consider one that’s easy to maintain and clean in case there are any spills or stains.

Read More »

The Importance Of Green Areas In Housing Developments 

Property development companies are always keen to extract as much space from a development plot as possible. This will inevitably mean covering as much of the area in housing as they can. The reason for this is fairly obvious; the more houses available, the more they can sell. Thus, the more money is made from the housing development.  However, it is vitally important that green areas aren’t neglected when developing new housing estates. While the intention could be to provide as many new homes as possible, it is often better to sacrifice some plots for green patches of land instead. From here, these green areas can be turned into a communal park or garden for residents to enjoy. Developers can even give the new residents a few options or ask for suggestions as to what to do with it. Even something as simple as a green open field to walk dogs or play sports will be beneficial for the wider community.  In fact, green areas in property developments are becoming more and more important to implement. Why? Let’s find out. Entice families to the development The majority of people purchasing homes in a new housing development will be families. People are looking for a new place to live and settle down with their children. Or, they have kids on the way and foresee this new housing estate as a great place to watch them grow up.  Consequently, having green areas can attract families to your property development. You are showing that there are places within this housing estate for kids to go outside and play. For parents, this is so important as it means they can properly imagine their children living here, playing with neighbours, etc.  Not only that, but nearby green areas can also attract families with pets, giving them a close place to take dogs for a walk. It is simply a more attractive proposition to live somewhere with a few wide open spaces than it is to live in a housing development full of other buildings and nothing else.  It’s good for the environment Property developers need to think about the consequences of building new houses and the impact this has on the environment. Therefore, implementing some green spaces can be beneficial for the planet. It reduces the amount of building materials used, cutting the carbon footprint of the whole operation.  Of course, the key is to use eco-friendly materials when nurturing these green spaces – such as chicken manure to help the soil become healthy and grow luscious green grass. Planting trees and other plants in the green areas can also be a way to combat a lot of the timber than might be used to build the houses.  Effectively, these green spaces can be a way to give back to the environment and minimise thenegative impact your property development has had.  Whichever way you look at it, green areas are becoming a crucial element of housing developments. No longer can property developers fill the land with buildings and more buildings. Space needs to be left for green places to flourish!

Read More »

How To Add Charm To The Outside Of Your Buildings 

It is critical to the first impression that your property creates that you work on improving the charm of your home or business premises’ outside. Second, the vast majority of exterior improvements also have the additional benefit of increasing your home’s energy efficiency. It follows that it has the potential to generate a significant return on investment. For people who may be thinking about selling their buildings and relocating in the near future, it is crucial to emphasize how most of these improvements will raise the resale value of their buildings. Overall, adding character to the exterior of your home or business premises is an intelligent decision that will benefit you in a variety of ways. Here are a few examples of how to go about it. Renovate the exterior of your property. Those ready to invest in enhancing the exterior of their property will find that rebuilding their façade is a wise decision. There are a plethora of various concepts to experiment with here. For example, you might simply repaint it or make a more considerable investment to give it a more textured appearance. Keep in mind that the façade of your commercial property or home and the rest of your property must be complementary to one another. As a result, attempt to imagine the full end result. Make sure your roof is in excellent condition. Another item to think about is whether or not to invest in restoring your roof. Even though this is a costly improvement, it may be the best time to consider it at this point. Why? As a result, there is less demand for roofing workers and materials than ever been. The roof covering market had a 20% decline due to COVID-19. Price decreases as a result of a reduction in demand, which is why, by the time you have planned everything and completed your budgeting, costs may have fallen into the range you consider acceptable. Aside from being a beautiful addition to your building’s façade, it also serves as a functional enhancement that keeps your property safe while also increasing its energy efficiency. Using High-Pressure cleaning Next, you might want to think about having your façade pressure washed. It is a low-cost, high-efficiency method that consistently produces the intended output. Simply put, renting a pressure washer is relatively inexpensive, especially if you just need it for a day, and it can remove years and even decades of filth from the walls of your property. Take into consideration the fact that your walls are not the only item you may clean. In the meantime, you might consider washing the driveway with the pressure washer that you have on hand. Using a high-pressure washer on the concrete can be really effective. Also, it is for this reason that it is a good idea to wash the sidewalk in front of your property. Rendering and cladding  In terms of boosting the appeal of your business premises exterior, this is one of the more expensive options you may consider. However, it also makes it more resistant to weather conditions such as rain, hail, and snow. The spectacular results last for years and years after you have completed that task once. Different building rendering techniques are available, each with its own set of advantages and downsides. Each rendering has a significant impact on the exterior of your property, which is another issue to bear in mind. Traditional cement rendering is one of the most cost-effective solutions available, but it is also one of the most productive. If you already have it and it is looking less than perfect, See Brilliance can make a huge difference. New windows  Replacement of your external windows should also be on your list of considerations. Before you start, you need to be aware of two crucial points. First and foremost, replacing windows is a necessary expense, but it is an investment that will pay for itself over time. Installing new windows can save you hundreds  each year on your energy bills. However, this is dependent on the total energy efficiency of your home as well as the temperature of the surrounding area. Also noteworthy will be the general image that your property will also leave on visitors will be noteworthy. With the old-fashioned windows remaining in place, a new façade will not be nearly as stunning as it could be.

Read More »

What are Entry Level Construction Jobs and is There Career Progression in the Industry?

The construction industry is one of the world’s largest and most economically important sectors, employing millions of people and generating trillions of dollars in revenues each year. Because of this, it’s often seen as an attractive option for anyone who wants to get into a profession that will have a consistent demand for their skills, and a good amount of portability and flexibility to go along with it. If you’re considering a job in construction, but you don’t know where to get started, or what opportunities for advancements there are, here’s an overview of the basics to bring you up to speed. All-purpose laborers For a lot of workers in construction, their first experience of the industry is as an unspecialized manual laborer or operative. Duties can vary wildly, from handling materials and tools to putting finishing touches to projects already in progress. You may need only a basic license to fulfill this type of role, and many laborers have only temporary contracts with their employers. This is why it is sensible to take construction training programs via services like Construction Ready. You’ll need the right training and qualifications to take any career in this industry to the next level, and move beyond the often restrictive and unstable world of casual laboring. Painting & decorating Preparing the interior of domestic or business premises after the bulk of the construction has finished is a mixture of science and art. Designs need to be followed, and there is room for creative flair alongside the more rigid, manual aspects of applying paint and fulfilling other decorative needs. This is another type of job which can be carried out by newcomers, and yet also has opportunities for progression for those that take up training and apprenticeships to hone their skills and make themselves more valuable to prospective employers. Maintenance While new construction projects are increasingly common, another huge aspect of the industry is the maintenance of existing buildings. This can require a different set of skills, but still means that you need to be ready for a decent amount of manual labor, as well as being good with your hands and equipped with decent problem-solving faculties. Maintenance in construction can involve everything from hanging doors and repairing flooring to fixing leaky roofs and even full-blown carpentry. Plenty of people who begin a career in maintenance-related roles will start out working for others, and then eventually strike out on their own, starting a business which they are responsible for running. This reveals the additional flexibility of getting an entry-level construction job; while you can simply tread water year after year, there are also opportunities to take the bull by the horns and achieve your own progression if you have an entrepreneurial spirit as well as the skills and know-how to serve clients well. Transport Getting materials to and from construction sites is key in order to ensure that projects are completed on time and to budget. Thus a lot of the people employed in this industry work as part of the transport operations, without necessarily needing to get stuck into the construction work itself. Of course, there are skills to learn and qualifications to acquire in order to forge ahead with a career in transport. To drive the highest capacity vehicles and operate the machinery for loading and unloading materials, for example, is not something you can do with a basic license. Transport skills and qualifications acquired in construction are also completely transferable if you want to work in other forms of transport later on, such as long-distance haulage. So as you can see, there is career progression to be had in all manner of construction roles, and opportunities aplenty for people of different dispositions.

Read More »

A Review: Laguna Tools Range

Computer numerical control (CNC ) tools are high-precision, machining instruments generally used in manufacturing plastic and metal parts. One of the go-to CNC tool brands increasing in popularity nowadays is Laguna Tools. This range of CNC tools is comprised of band saws, jointers, and quality panel saws. This article covers the features and uses of the Laguna Tools range. By learning about their functions, you’ll be able to choose the ones appropriate for your industrial projects.  Drum Sander Laguna’s drum sanders are classified into different types, including 16-32 and 19-38. They have a simple alignment feature, with only a nut aligning the sanding head, so the conveyor-sanding head alignment becomes fast and easy. These tools are ideal for sanding wooden boards and planks to produce consistent thickness and smooth surfaces. What’s more, they’re a great solution to hardwood floor problems, such as protrusions, grooves and pits, and deep discoloration.   In addition, the tool’s height adjustment mechanism and handle-and-nut position prevent it from being out of alignment. Other features of Laguna’s drum sanders include the following: load-based conveyor speed adjustment excellent grip for raw wood high prevention of overlaps self-cooling drum reduced set-up time Band Saw Laguna’s band saws are suitable for cutting irregular shapes. Apart from cutting irregular shapes, they’re used for tearing lumber into thinner slabs or resawing. With the right blade, they can even cut other materials, such as metal. They have an average of a 115-inch blade, ideal for cutting thick lumber and curves, like in developing cabriole legs. Their wide table tilt allows for more precise crosscutting of short pieces. The band saws also have dust ports for a manageable dust collection, as well as these great features: quick-release tension ceramic guides magnetic blade guard cast iron wheels 12-inch resaw Planer Available in two configurations—7.5 HP single-phase or 10 HP three-phase—the easy-to-install planer comes with a six-row carbide cutterhead. Its T-step design prevents knife cracking, leading to a superior wood finish despite maximum hardwood solidity. It has four-sided carbide insert knives for better planing performance. Moreover, this tool contains deep grooves that minimize noise and enhance shaving. They feature a segmented infeed roller that allows simultaneous cutting of pieces with thickness variations. It has an electronic variable speed as well, which slows down or speeds up the process, depending on the user’s preference. Other features of the tool include: ergonomic control panel four-post bed support six-inch pull-out extension enhanced dust collection In terms of purpose, a planer is used for smoothing out a rough surface or reducing its thickness. It’s a common tool that cabinet makers and carpenters rely on. You can even use it for DIY projects. For instance, if you have misaligned floorboards, you can fix them with a planer. One more practical application of the planer is trimming the bottom of the door, so you can open and close the door easily.  Jointer In contrast to the traditional cone design, the Laguna jointer includes a T-shoulder, which prevents insert damage. It has a six-row carbide insert cutterhead and parallelogram table adjustments that help produce better flat edges. It features a knee-height emergency stop too for stopping the machine quickly in case of accidents, maximizing safety when using industrial tools. Besides these features, the jointer boasts an ergonomic body design that allows the user to work closely with the table. It’s built with flip-down fences for a more intricate performance. You can install an LED work light and power-feeding because of the built-in bracket and outlet. A jointer is used to level out cupped boards and create one face of a board and one adjacent edge that’s square and straight. Applications of this tool include fitting doors for furniture or cabinets and making tapered legs for desks and tables.   Lathe This machining tool contains two control panels, making its use more manageable. It has a 3HP motor that fuels its consistent workpiece rotation as the user removes the unwanted parts of the metal or wood. It offers a self-ejecting tailstock quill, a variable frequency drive, and other useful features: 38-inch max outboard swing 19 ¾-inch swing-over banjo 3/8-inch through-bore 12-inch tool rest poly-groove drive belt Shaper If you’re into door-making and similar projects, you may consider using a Laguna classic shaper. This tool takes pride in its high-powered motor and top-precision fence. It comes in different spindle sizes, such as ¾-inch and one ¼-inch types, and includes router collets. But that’s not all—the shaper has other features: table T-slot flat poly-groove belt built-in wheel system four-inch under nut capacity Industrial Dust Collector To keep your industrial workspace decluttered, you can install a dust collector. This tool boasts a 5 HP motor that powers the machine to suck in any particulate matter in your area. It’s designed with 10-inch-port cyclones and an extensive diameter pipe system. Additionally, it has smart drums with fill-up indicators that alert the user when it reaches full capacity and comes with a timer-controlled canister cleaning. Lastly, it has 16-inch steel fans and impellers and plastic drum collection bags for optimal results. Belt Sander The single-belt metal belt sander is perfect for leveling surfaces, such as replacement boards for your hardwood floors. You can use a belt sander in finishing metal parts.  This tool has a 25- to 37-inch machine width, electronic table elevation control, and one-HP feed speed. It features three dust ports, two-speed settings, and 1720 revolutions per minute (RPM). It also offers the following: programmable logic control sanding belt oscillation motor break table-lifting motor Sliding Panel Saw The 7.5 HP motor, 16-inch blade, and 126-inch anodized aluminum table make this sliding panel saw a standout. The tool comes with an adjustable wheel that makes sideways movement easy. With its 51-inch rip fence, it can cut perfect straight edges and various wide strips. It consists of a five-inch dust collection hookup, micro-adjustment for fine-tuning, and T-handle through cast stop scoring adjustment. To boot, it has an ergonomic design, a hold-down clamp, and 8000 RPM scoring blade speed. Final

Read More »

Different career paths in real estate

The field of real estate is ever-changing, which keeps the demand for jobs and careers high. In fact, the ARELLO (Association of Real Estate License Law Officials) estimates that there are almost 2 million active real estate licenses in America alone. Working in real estate is a great option for those that do not want to work a more traditional nine to five job, but what are the different careers open to you? There are many real estate jobs that you may not even know exist. Whether you want to become a realtor or a real estate agent, whether you want to work for yourself or for a brokerage like Compass – here is a rough guide to some of the different career paths you can take in the real estate sector. Real Estate Investor This can be the most rewarding career in real estate – they are the ones who buy the property or land, try to maximize their profits, and then sell on their investment. This job is about understanding investment opportunities, when and where to buy, through extensive knowledge of the market. Real Estate Agent This is the most common career in real estate, they are the professionals that help people to buy or sell properties. An agent can be either a buyers’ agent or a sellers’ agent. They can also be a residential or commercial agent. Residential – they facilitate the process of buying a home. They can be specialized agents focusing on specific kinds of properties such as single-family homes, luxury homes, vacation homes, or condos. This kind of role is all about how well you meet your clients’ needs, it is about customer service, networking, and marketing skills. Commercial – rather than working on residences, they work in the commercial sector of the real estate agency. Instead of houses, they sell properties to businesses. This specialty is more about being business and financial-minded, working with data such as gross rent multipliers, capitalization rates, and internal rates of return. Both residential and commercial real estate agents work on commission meaning that agents who find more leads and close more deals make more money. However, commercial real estate agents often earn up to twice as much as residential agents. Real Estate Broker A broker and an agent are very similar with the main difference being who they work for. Essentially, real estate agents have to sign with a brokerage and so agents work for brokers. Brokers, however, have the option to work independently or start their own brokerage. This role is all about your entrepreneurial drive. Not only do you need an agency license, but you will also need to complete real estate training courses and pass the broker licensing examination. Real Estate Developer Real estate developers buy land and build real estate property on it, this can be anything from a family home to an office building. They are responsible for planning and coordinating the construction process, financing it, and bringing in the team to execute their plans. This role requires you to work with architects, contractors, engineers, construction teams, leasing agents, lawyers, and other professionals.

Read More »

4 Important Factors to Consider When Implementing an Access Control System

Access control systems are designed to improve the security of a building. They maintain basic components that work together to promote optimal functionality. These systems are security techniques meant to regulate those who can view or use the resources within a computing environment.  Access control systems give you control over who can get into specific areas of your business property. You can use them to limit entry into your building. Here are a few factors to consider as you implement an access control system.  The Areas that Need Monitoring How many areas in your facility do you hope to monitor? The answer may help determine the best ways to implement your access control system. Most facilities have at least two openings that need security. In addition, the number of employees that require access varies from one property to another.  Think about the credentials you would need to manage, accommodate, and document, especially when dealing with many employees. When getting an access control system, ensure that it governs as many multiple card credentials as you need.  In addition, you should involve your security company in the process of choosing your ideal control access system. The company should help you decide if the system needs attendance monitoring and time monitoring.  Even though all locks need to be monitored, an effective system balances security and extra features. Note that all users need information on how to use the system. They must have a level of monitoring. Will You Need an Intercom System? The need for an intercom system will depend on your facility’s needs. Always check to confirm that you work with a licensed and experienced intercom company. That way, you are sure that all your sensitive details are in safe hands.  Traditional intercoms are great when you only need basic intercom capabilities. They are great for teams that aren’t very tech-savvy. If, however, you are comfortable with various apps and notifications, IP intercoms are a good idea. Ensure that your access control equipment is reliable. How Will You Track Changes? Various events could force you to change your access control protocol. Common ones include when some employees get promotions, change departments, or leave the company. You would need to update their access control information.  In addition, some parts of your company may adopt different operations. You would then need to adjust your processes and access restrictions. You have to track these changes and enter them into the system as soon as possible. It may be impossible to keep running the facility efficiently if you can’t.  You would be wise to schedule regular reviews with your control manager to ensure that your database has the appropriate level of access.  Who Needs Building Access? Will you be working with a security company? If so, you must determine who needs building access and who will monitor the system. Additionally, you should consider access to those who don’t have a direct relationship with your business. For example, consider if the facility gives cleaning or maintenance companies and vendors access. Does it require after-hour deliveries?  Your visitors may require temporary access. Common visitors may have access codes to help foster a solid control system.  Consider the Software Access control software should match your needs. It should help you enter the relevant information, create permission procedures, and review information easily. The right software acts as the bridge between technology and the user. It simplifies security processes and keeps the property safe.  Implementing an access control system can be great for your property. However, you need to consider a few things during the implementation process. They can mitigate risks and promote efficiency.

Read More »

Demand For Tradespeople Up By 50% In Just Two Years

Demand has skyrocketed, but tradespeople have also been hit with a series of challenges because of Covid and Brexit, so Rated People explores the true effects of ‘the home improvement boom’ and looks at what’s in store for 2022 62% of UK tradespeople said 2021 was the ‘busiest year they’ve ever had’ and 86% expect to be ‘very busy’ in 2022 Carpenters, painters, tilers, handypeople and builders were the most in-demand trades last year Nine in 10 (89%) tradespeople say their costs increased in 2021, 84% experienced material supply issues and 62% had to cope with staff shortages 43% of tradespeople experienced increased stress last year, and one in four (25%) say they suffered with exhaustion Bathroom fitters, tilers, roofers, plumbers and plasterers are set to be the top five most in- demand trades in 2022 New research from the find-a-tradesperson platform, Rated People reveals homeowner desire for home improvement went through the roof in 2021. Nearly half (49%) of UK residents improved their homes and demand for tradespeople increased by 32% in just one year. Almost two in three tradespeople (62%) say last year was ‘the busiest year they’ve ever had’. In fact, compared to the start of the pandemic in 2020, demand for home improvement has gone up by 50%. The findings are taken from the 2022 Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report, and the study shows that 77% of UK tradespeople experienced increased customer demand in 2021. Carpenters/ joiners are the trade that’s reported to have experienced increased consumer demand the most, with almost nine in 10 (89%) saying demand went up in 2021. The top 10 trades that say they experienced increased homeowner demand in 2021: Carpenter / Joiner – 89% (say they felt demand increase in 2021) Painter and decorator – 83% Tiler – 82% Handyperson – 81% Builder – 78% Roofer – 75% Plasterer / Renderer – 74% Gardener / Landscape gardener – 73% Electrician – 73% Plumber – 72% Opportunity in a Challenging Time The surge in demand since the start of the pandemic has brought about huge opportunities for tradespeople. But they’ve also been hit with a series of challenges – almost nine in 10 tradespeople (89%) say their costs increased in 2021, 84% experienced materials supply issues and just under half (44%) had workforce shortages. As a result, four in five tradespeople (83%) had to increase their prices and almost two thirds (62%) had to delay or cancel jobs. More than one in three tradespeople (43%) went on to say the challenges from last year led them to feel an increased level of stress, and a quarter (25%) say they felt exhausted. But, one in three UK tradespeople (34%) did also say that the opportunities resulting from increased demand meant they felt an increased sense of motivation, and a quarter (27%) said they had increased job satisfaction and an increased sense of achievement last year. Material and workforce shortages Unsurprisingly, Covid was a major cause of disruption in 2021, but the main reason for cancellations and delays was actually materials shortages, with 44% of tradespeople saying they had to delay or cancel work because of supply issues. Supply issues were felt across the industry. Plasterers/renderers were the most affected, but nearly all trades experienced shortages. Between 75% and 96% of the top 10 most affected trades found it difficult to get the materials they needed. The top 10 trades that were most affected by materials shortages in 2021: Plasterer / Renderer – 96% (experienced materials shortages) Builder – 95% Gardener / Landscape gardener – 87% Carpenter / Joiner – 87% Painter and decorator – 85% Bathroom fitter – 85% Handyperson – 81% Electrician – 77% Plumber – 77% Roofer – 75% Workforce and contractor shortages were also experienced by many trade businesses in 2021, with the main causes being Covid isolation and a lack of skilled workers. The top reasons why UK trades suffered workforce shortages in 2021: Needing to isolate because of Covid – 29% Lack of skilled/experienced workers – 22% Staff/subcontractors not wanting to work because of Covid risks – 15% Loss of staff members due to Brexit – relocating out of UK – 15% Fewer people getting into the trades industry – 14% Increasing Costs = Increasing Prices For Homeowners This year, nine in 10 tradespeople (91%) expect their costs will increase, and 82% say they will need to put their prices up in 2022. 97% of builders, 91% of heating engineers and 89% of plasterers say they’re planning to increase their prices this year. And when looking at the top 10 trades most likely to charge higher prices, a minimum of 77% from each trade say they will need to put their prices up in 2022 to remain profitable. The top 10 trades increasing their prices in 2022: Builders – 97% (are upping their prices this year) Gas/ heating engineers – 91% Plasterers/ renderers – 89% Carpenters/ joiners – 89% Handypeople – 88% Plumbers – 84% Roofers – 82% Gardeners – 81% Painters/ decorators – 79% Electricians – 77% The Most In-Demand Trades in 2022 This year, demand doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon, as 86% of tradespeople across the UK say they expect to be very busy in 2022. According to the study, all of the bathroom fitters and tilers surveyed said they are gearing up for another year of unprecedented demand, and across the top 10 trades set to be the busiest this year, a minimum of 82% expect to be very busy. The top 10 trades with the most homeowner demand in 2022: Bathroom fitter – 100% (expect to be very busy in 2022) Tiler – 100% Roofer – 89% Plumber – 86% Plasterer / Renderer – 85% Electrician – 85% Carpenter / Joiner – 85% Painter and decorator – 85% Builder – 84% Gas / Heating engineer – 82% Adrienne Minster, CEO of Rated People commented:  “The last two years have been challenging for many reasons, but it’s great

Read More »

Tips to Relocate for More Financial Comfort

People relocate for several different reasons. However, finding a better quality of life, moving to a safer country, or searching for more financial freedom are some of the most common reasons. If you’re hoping to relocate for enhanced affordability, we’ve listed some expert tips to help you achieve your goal. Choose an Affordable Destination When financial comfort is the goal of your relocation, it’s wise to only look into the most affordable countries in the world. These regions include the Philippines, South Africa, Russia, Morocco, and others. These countries typically offer pocket-friendly housing prices, cheaper food prices, and other low costs of living. In addition, you must research each destination thoroughly to determine which is affordable enough to provide you with a comfortable quality of life that you can maintain. Invest in a Home When relocating abroad for financial comfort, it’s best to buy a home instead of renting since renting costs the same as paying off a mortgage loan, if not more. The main difference is that you won’t have a property in your name. That said, don’t forget to look for property listings in affordable countries to determine how much it will cost to buy a home. Let’s say you’re planning to relocate to the Philippines. In that case, you can find an affordable house and lot for sale in Iloilo City and in other metropolitan cities like Manila, Quezon City, and Pasig. Assess the Job Market Another crucial factor to weigh in when choosing a country is the condition of the local job market. Unless you are a digital nomad or freelancer that works in the international job market, you’ll need employment security. Consider job market specifics like minimum wage, in-demand skills, and the general work-life balance in the country. Get Health Insurance Whether traveling for a vacation or relocating, it’s important to get health insurance. Not all countries offer top-quality healthcare access, especially for most developing countries. In this case, the best approach is to purchase international health insurance. This type of insurance cover will give you access to quality health care no matter where you relocate. Before the big move, make sure to research if there are certain country-specific conditions. Sell Everything for an Affordable Move Relocating can be a massive expense, even more so if you move all your household contents. Instead, you can save a fortune by selling your things or giving them away. Before moving, sell your items at platforms that accept pre-loved goods or host a yard sale. You can also give some of your things to your friends, relatives, and loved ones as memorabilia. Moreover, the money you make from selling your possessions should be ideal for purchasing new items when you arrive at your destination. Evaluate Expat Tax Responsibilities Tax is substantially higher in some countries, which can hold back the working class. Although some countries have a low cost of living, they might have a significantly high income tax. South Africa is one such country where affordability is almost abolished when considering the tax. Instead, look into affordable countries and find options that don’t expect too much income tax for expats. In fact, some regions don’t charge expats any tax. These countries include Morocco, Bermuda, and the United Arab Emirates. When relocating for affordability, there are several important factors to weigh in as an expat. Overall, it’s vital to choose a country that allows you to enjoy its benefits without breaking the bank.

Read More »

The World’s Most Lavish Gaming Establishments

If you love your gaming and want that authentic experience, there’s only one place to go: the casino. However, while your run of the mill land-based venues will be fine for some, for others, it’s the lavish gaming venues they want to visit. And thankfully, the world has a number of them. Bellagio, Las Vegas We’re going to kick off our list of the most lavish casinos to be found on planet earth by mentioning an establishment that features in Las Vegas, which is very much the home of gambling. And one thing is for sure, the Bellagio, which is the creation of Steve Wynn, is now one of the most popular gaming venues around. It has everything, from superb poker rooms to video slots. And some of the top casino tournaments, such as the World Poker Tour, have taken place there over the years. The Bellagio is also famous for its luxurious hotel rooms and suites, which means guests can play and stay, creating an excellent all-round experience. Wynn, Macau The next stop on our adventure is Wynn Macau Casino. Macau is known as being the Las Vegas of Asia, and for good reason. We mention the word lavish in the title, and if you want luxurious, then look no further than this establishment. It’s loved by the rich and famous, which tells you everything you need to know, and it goes beyond being a top choice in its own continent by being a hit on the global scene. What Wynn Macau does well, similarly to Vegas venues, is that it provides all the gaming alongside over 1,000 luxurious rooms for guests to stay in. The Venetian, Macau Usually, these lists will feature Las Vegas venues in the main, but we’re staying in Macau with our next pick. What you will find with the Venetian Macau is that it is a sure bet to feature on most top-five and top ten lists of casinos. Of course, there is a Venetian in Vegas, which is just as good as any, but the Macau offering has more appeal and is currently the biggest casino around. But, alongside the size, everything about the place is big, such as the exteriors and décor, making it a lavish offering of the highest order. Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco How can we list the most lavish casinos on the planet and not include one from Monaco? The place itself is a hotspot for the rich and famous, with celebrities and the like frequenting the town regularly. So, any casino will have to live up to incredibly high standards if it’s going to attract serious clientele. The Monte Carlo Casino more than lives up to the demands of the location by looking visually impressive outside and inside. And, because high-rollers will be venturing inside, the venue has all the gaming machines, tables and rooms to cater to their demands.

Read More »