Working with wood is not just an essential part of most homeowners in the modern world; it is also a stress-relieving therapy for tired minds that need rest. It can also boost creativity in ordinary folks as they learn to make functional and innovative items with various wood types. Beginners
With the increased pace of life and tiresome routine, most of the extensive gestures of interior and home décor are being neglected easily. Though that might seem like an efficient move at the moment, the absence of a homely image often leads to more severe problems. This can range from
Many individuals find the notion of leading a simple life with fewer material possessions appealing. But they often become overwhelmed, nervous, and dejected upon the prospect of owning less. It’s true that decluttering your home and decluttering your life might not be as unpleasant as some people make it out
Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said: “New data has revealed that the number of people employed in the UK construction industry jumped by 21,000 at the end of last year, which is the largest increase since 2009. This is brilliant news for the sector. “In December, the workforce rose to
Rigging machines like cranes use various components to operate, including a wire rope. Proper choice, installation, use, and maintenance are essential to keep the rope in top condition for a longer time. However, even with appropriate care, it will eventually reach its end of life, as it’s still an object
Regular office cleaning is critical to ensuring a healthy work environment. It makes the workplace more enjoyable for personnel and visitors while minimizing the danger of spreading sickness. Whether you own a restaurant, a big office, or any other kind of workplace, keeping up with the clutter is a significant
Organised by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), Women in Construction (WIC) Week highlights the increasing role women are playing in the building sector, whilst emphasising the need for a levelling-up of the gender imbalance that still exists. Despite signs that more women are considering a career in
With the world stability being in great difficulty today, raw materials are being looked at, closely. Some may become difficult to acquire, as war rages on, in Europe. Zamak is a non-ferrous alloy that is somewhat lesser known and possess many advantages. Below you will find information on the product,
Construction business accounting tends to differ from general accounting when it comes to construction business. Therefore, hiring someone specialising in laws, regulations, and techniques is necessary. Understanding the financial technicalities is essential if you want to put accounting matters in the right direction and enhance your business growth. Hiring accountants
Ordinary potted houseplants can potentially make a significant contribution to reducing air pollution in homes and offices, according to new research led by the University of Birmingham and in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). During a series of experiments monitoring common houseplants exposed to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) –
Working with wood is not just an essential part of most homeowners in the modern world; it is also a stress-relieving therapy for tired minds that need rest. It can also boost creativity in ordinary folks as they learn to make functional and innovative items with various wood types. Beginners can refer to reliable guides offered on reputable sources like Saws Hub to know more in-depth about woodworking as a hobby or profession. The details provided in these websites can help them pick the right tools, invest in the appropriate safety equipment, and know which project is best to begin with. In the meantime, you can browse the ensuing information to understand the basics of woodworking better and go about it the apt way. Woodworking and its types Although it began as a profession, the art of making fantastic pieces of functional and decorative items from a wide range of wood varieties is more of a hobby today. The growing interest in this spectacular art is the reason behind the increased production of cutting and forming tools in recent years. But most people might not know that there are different types of woodworking, such as whittling, which involves raw wood pieces using a sharp knife, and woodturning, where one can make stunning bowls and pivots using a lathe. Then there is the scroll-saw machine that people use to make curves on thin wood to create delicate 3D artifacts. Many people indulge in wood carving as a hobby, creating intricate designs on tupelo and basswood using chisels, mallets, gouges, and knives. Others are more construction-oriented, fashioning chairs, cabinets, tables, recliners, sofas, and a range of other functional items. Skills you need It is indeed true that you need not be an expert to start woodworking. However, knowing a few basics of the job and being armed with specific skills can help take you long. For example, knowledge of various wood types, their properties, and what each variety is suitable for can be constructive for beginners. Along the same lines, you should try finding out more about the tools you will soon be using when you begin woodworking. You can start by studying the tools needed to polish, carve, sand, and finish, among other things. Also, learn how to choose screws and develop a keen eye for diverse joints and cuts. What tools to buy It is critically important to buy the right tools before you begin woodworking if you want to do an excellent job. Find the appropriate hand tools that work without electricity, such as chisels, a sliding bevel, hammer, punches, hand saw, and utility knives. Also, remember to buy measuring tape and layout squares to mark the wood effectively. When it comes to power tools, popular options include angle grinders, drills, a jigsaw, wood router, table saw, nail guns, and more. Ensure to buy from reputable dealers with experience in selling high-quality woodworking tools at reasonable prices. Use expert guidance Dependable sources such as Saws Hub can guide you through a range of essential tasks before woodworking like a pro. For instance, you can check their guides on determining the right tools to buy or the kind of wood to begin working with. Similarly, you can also ask your local, trusted expert for tips on becoming adept at cutting, shaping, and polishing various types of wood. People who view woodworking as a full-time profession will benefit from an apprenticeship at a reputable company or under a renowned contractor. Consider starting small Several amateurs make the mistake of taking on massive, complicated projects after being inspired by what they find on the internet. But this can be a terrible mistake as it can destroy their confidence if the result is not as expected. So, instead of rushing, start by building relatively small albeit challenging items, such as a chair or a coffee table, and build from there as you keep getting better with each project.
With the increased pace of life and tiresome routine, most of the extensive gestures of interior and home décor are being neglected easily. Though that might seem like an efficient move at the moment, the absence of a homely image often leads to more severe problems. This can range from a mild degree of discomfort to full-blown depression. Thanks to the innovative thinking of service providers, there are currently teams that provide all necessary help in these endeavors. Here are a few such service groups which you should keep in mind while decorating and maintaining your home scape. Apps and memberships One of the most common complaints with maintaining a fully designed house is the maintenance. It is safe to say that most people even despise the monthly or annual maintenance checks. If you fall under that category, you are in for a treat because there are currently several apps and software-guided platforms that provide help with all the processes involved. These apps also come with provisions that allow customers to subscribe to their services for a specific period of time. This usually covers the regular maintenance checks along with the rectification and clarification of any issues that may arise within the time frame for which the membership has been purchased. Online Yellow Pages Initially, the most common response to any issue arising within the household ranging from a water leak to a blackout, would be to scroll through the yellow pages and find the appropriate professional for the situation and then call them for help. With digitalization happening in every possible sector, the yellow pages are also available for easy access on several online forums which are commonly used by all individuals. These records are often updated and contain authentic information from skilled service providers. These compilers often take it upon themselves to inspect and review these service teams before adding them to their data list, thereby ensuring proper quality of work. The review wing With the increased curiosity of customers and their concern for proper services, there has been a notable increase in the readers of homestyle magazines on both online and offline modes. This prompted these magazines to improve on their customer-written columns and review pages, which eventually led to the creation of an exclusive section for articles providing reliable reviews and suggestions. Online forums There are several chat rooms and small groups which are devoted to sharing information regarding home decor on many popular social networking sites. These groups often include individuals sharing their personal findings and suggestions for everyone to review and reflect upon. They also hold specific question and answer sessions where the users are encouraged to clarify each other’s doubts and concerns while also providing expert opinions on the issue at hand. For example, if there is someone enquiring about carpet fitters Brighton, any user in the forum can provide appropriate suggestions. This widens the population from which suggestions are being taken, thereby allowing for raw and natural reviews which are not altered or edited. Conclusion To wrap things up, it is to be noted here that the process of decorating and designing your living space does not have to be a very elaborate or difficult process, with all the professional help and services which are up for grabs. These services often differ from place to place since they are often provided by small local groups which are limited to a specific area. Hence be sure to make a note of such available services in your own place and around, as it would help make your housing process several times easier and take off a serious part of your burden.
Many individuals find the notion of leading a simple life with fewer material possessions appealing. But they often become overwhelmed, nervous, and dejected upon the prospect of owning less. It’s true that decluttering your home and decluttering your life might not be as unpleasant as some people make it out to be. The advantages are numerous. And with help from Shift’s man and van service, the whole process won’t be as daunting as you think. The Advantages of Organizing Your Life There are several advantages to having less stuff. Even so, taking action is difficult. That is… until the numerous advantages of decluttering become apparent: Less to clean. Cleaning is already a pain, but having to clean around things you have no personal connection with (or worse, actively dislike) increases stress levels significantly. Less to organise. You can now freely move about your house and appreciate the space without having to push around things that are getting in your way. Less stress. When your house gets cluttered enough, taking a look around is nauseating. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to wander about and see a home you enjoy? Less debt. Shopping less for physical items and accumulating clutter means your wallet and bank accounts are fuller, your credit card bills are lower, and your home does not get filled with expensive things you don’t need. More financial freedom. According to a recent poll done by Charles Schwab in May 2019, almost 60% of American families live on the edge financially. Almost half of those polled had credit card debt. Decluttering, when combined with minimalism, may assist you in building up a reserve of cash that will help you weather unexpected crises. More energy for your greatest passions. You can now concentrate on the things you enjoy rather than “Keeping up with the Joneses,” which will make you happier in the long run. So, you’ve heard all about the advantages of decluttering your life. You may be stumped, though, by the next question… Where do you start? 5 Creative Decluttering Tips If you’re having trouble decluttering, you’ll need to be creative with your ideas. Here are a few interesting decluttering methods to get you started: 1- Start with 5 minutes at a time. If you’re just getting started decluttering, you may gradually increase the amount of time you spend doing it. 2- Give away one thing each day. Every year, you’ll get rid of 365 items by doing this. If you upped it to 2 per day, you’d have given away 730 things you didn’t need any more after a year. Increase the total number as soon as it gets too simple. 3- Fill a garbage bag to the brim. Fill a trash bag as quickly as you can with objects that may be donated to chairty. 4- Donate clothes that you will never wear. They’ll be easy to spot if you hang all of your garments on hangers in the wrong direction. After putting on an item, face the hanger in the appropriate way. After a few months, discard any clothes you’ve never handled. 5- Make a decluttering to-do list. It’s simpler to tidy up when you have a visual representation of where you need to begin. You may use our decluttering guide as a template.
Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said: “New data has revealed that the number of people employed in the UK construction industry jumped by 21,000 at the end of last year, which is the largest increase since 2009. This is brilliant news for the sector. “In December, the workforce rose to 455,000 employees, which represented a rise of 5% from September, and the most significant increase since June 2009. “This trend looks set to continue, as there are still 50,000 vacancies for jobs in the industry (December to February 2022), which is the most since records began in 2001. “Furthermore, workers are also benefiting from record levels of income, with the average weekly earnings in construction reaching £691. This is up £3 from the previous data, and the highest on record. “Earnings in the electricity, gas and water supply sector also rose, from £749 in December to £753 in January. This is up £3 from the same period last year. “In terms of hours worked, the average weekly figure dropped slightly, from 35.3 (October to December) to 35.2 (November to January). However, this is still considerably higher than in 2021, when it stood at 32.2 hours. “Furthermore, for women in the construction industry, the typical number of hours worked actually rose. Between November and January, the average was 29.3 for female workers – up slightly from 29 between October to December. “This all suggests that UK construction is set for a positive spring and summer, and with the cost of living and inflation rate soaring, this will be welcome news for many.” For more information on IronmongeryDirect, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/ For more information on ElectricalDirect, visit: https://www.electricaldirect.co.uk/
Rigging machines like cranes use various components to operate, including a wire rope. Proper choice, installation, use, and maintenance are essential to keep the rope in top condition for a longer time. However, even with appropriate care, it will eventually reach its end of life, as it’s still an object prone to natural wear and tear. There are various causes of wire rope damage, and you must be familiar with them as a crane owner. It helps determine an issue on the first sign and act on it immediately before it leads to failure. Neglecting it may cause injuries, property damage, and delay in the business operation. Check out some of the common causes of wire rope problems below. Abrasion Improper wire contact to the drum, sheave or other objects can cause abrasion damage. Other causes include incorrect rope size, wrong fleet angle, poor spooling, and frozen rollers. Signs of this damage are worn ends as thin as the edge of a knife. Prevent this problem by ensuring proper installation and using the right wire rope size. Corrosion You would see the corroded part externally, but it would be hard to tell the extent of the damage through the naked eye, thus making it more dangerous. Some of the causes of corrosion damage are improper lubrication, exposure to substances like acid, and improper storage. Store equipment appropriately and ensure proper lubrication to prevent corrosion on wire rope. If you want to ensure that it is still safe for use, consult an expert like a service provider specialising in PM, ATLAS, and Hyva cranes. If the rope needs replacement, they can also advise the right one to use and help with proper installation. Fatigue The repetitive rubbing of the wire rope on the sheave and drum could cause damage due to fatigue. It’s one of the easiest to detect because you can immediately see it with your naked eyes. Individual wires would break, making them weak and eventually affecting the other wires, then leading to failure. Excessive rubbing may be due to vibration, worn bearings, and incorrect rope diameter. Prevent these issues to avoid premature failure due to fatigue. Kinked The kinking of wire ropes could be due to improper unreeling of the rope, incorrect sheave size, and poor rope installation. Be sure to choose the correct sheave size that matches your rope. Moreover, ensure that you unreel and install it the right way. Looped wires also have similar causes. Tension Carrying a load more than its capacity can cause the wire rope to break due to tension. You will see cuts on the individual wires on one end. Consider the load limit of the rope, and ensure that you stay within that limit to extend its life. Core protrusion This is characterised by the rope’s core protruding out. One of its causes is unwanted rope twists, which may occur with improper installation. Poor seizing methods and shock loading are also other possible causes. Keep your wire rope in check for any damage, and fix or replace it as needed to ensure safe operation.
Regular office cleaning is critical to ensuring a healthy work environment. It makes the workplace more enjoyable for personnel and visitors while minimizing the danger of spreading sickness. Whether you own a restaurant, a big office, or any other kind of workplace, keeping up with the clutter is a significant undertaking! However, how often should you clean, and may you profit from the services of a professional janitorial services company? When designing a strategy for adequately cleaning and disinfecting the surfaces in your company or institution, several variables have to be addressed. It is critical to examine the room’s surfaces to identify the most efficient technique for keeping bacteria, germs, and viruses from spreading. Find Out All The Factors That Contribute To Needing Cleaning How often are surfaces touched? Frequently touched surfaces, such as light switches and doorknobs, will need more care. Clean all of the high-touch surfaces at least once a day; more regular cleaning may be required in some instances. Who is the most frequent occupant of the space? Suppose the surfaces are regularly used and handled by individuals who may be more susceptible to infections, such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. In that case, your cleaning regimen may need to be more frequent or strict and may necessitate disinfection methods. How many people are currently working at your company on a daily basis, including visitors, clients, and any other individuals who may come and depart? If you own a small company with a few employees, you may be able to get away with a weekly clean. Bathrooms and the kitchen or food preparation facilities should be cleaned at the end of each workday, even if your crew is small. A medium-sized workplace with about 20 employees may need two or three cleanings every week. Large enterprises with a large workforce may require daily or perhaps multiple daily cleanings, particularly in the restroom and kitchen areas. Similarly, if the site is frequented by small children who may not always wash their hands correctly or mask their coughs or sneezes, it may be required to clean more regularly or implement disinfection measures. What Surfaces Are You Working With? Each business or institution will have a variety of surfaces and equipment that employees or several individuals regularly handle. It will be critical to disinfect these surfaces and items regularly. In public bathrooms, surfaces such as door handles, desks, light switches, phones, and faucets will need to be cleaned and disinfected at least two times daily, and maybe more often, depending on the degree of usage. Other items that need thorough washing and disinfection in public settings include shopping cards and keypads at self-checkout facilities. Between each use, these things should be cleaned and disinfected. To thoroughly clean and disinfect hard and non-porous surfaces such as glass, metal, or plastic, unique materials and procedures are required. Soft and porous materials and surfaces, like your carpets, rugs, seats, and cushions, are often more challenging to disinfect than hard and impervious surfaces. Cleaning and disinfecting products for these things will need to be thoroughly examined to ensure their safety. What Should You Do? Clean surfaces and items that are often touched by employees or consumers at least once a day. It will be critical to keep a schedule for cleaning these surfaces and record when they are cleaned daily to adhere to established guidelines. Suppose you have the resources to commit part-time or full-time workers to cleaning. In that case, you may be able to hire janitorial services or custodial staff to perform all of the essential cleaning activities on a roster basis. Reviewing the EPA’s authorized list of cleansers and disinfectants is vital. Achieve that you follow all manufacturer’s label directions to ensure the maximum degree of efficacy, concentration, dilution, application techniques, contact time, and any other specific application instructions. Why Use Professional Janitorial Services? When determining the most successful method of disinfecting the surfaces in your business, it is prudent to consult with professionals in disinfection and sanitation. Why do it yourself and worry about doing all possible to safeguard your employees and customers when specialists are appropriately educated to create and maintain correct procedures and have access to the latest supplies, equipment, application techniques, and know-how? Concentrate on your main business and leave the heavy lifting to a professional janitorial services company that can help you keep your office clean and safe.
Organised by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), Women in Construction (WIC) Week highlights the increasing role women are playing in the building sector, whilst emphasising the need for a levelling-up of the gender imbalance that still exists. Despite signs that more women are considering a career in the construction industry, the figures tell a different story. According to website Go Construct women account for just 14% of the sector’s professional workforce, an underwhelming number particularly with the industry in urgent need of new recruits in order to address the current skills shortage. The building trade has long stood accused of being reluctant to change, which might be why it’s been slow to embrace the idea that it should no longer be considered a ‘male-only’ career. But the barriers to women playing a significant part in this fantastic industry are gradually being removed – and not before time. The sense that times are a changing might explain why one-third (37%) of new entrants into the UK construction industry from higher education are women. Diversity is a mainstay of Recticel’s culture. We thrive on employing a workforce that is dependent on the collaborative skills and experience of our personnel, rather than their race or gender. This inclusive policy is borne out by the number of women who hold senior roles at Recticel and our tapered insulation division, Gradient. This year, for example, four women have taken-up leadership roles in key areas of the business in address gender imbalance: Jen Shepherd, Naomi Lucas and Sally Wright. How women can benefit construction Given the opportunity, women have shown themselves as capable as men in terms of performance throughout all levels of the building trade. They’ve also given the industry a fresh outlook, bringing new ideas and creating a more pleasant, less misogynistic environment. Studies show women tend to be more risk-averse than men. Therefore, as females take-up more site-based roles, there’s reason to think health and safety in these areas might improve accordingly. Women are more than equal to their male colleagues in terms of workplace communicators. This has certainly helped level things up in the sales aspect of the construction industry, with female sales representatives having far greater access to key suppliers than they were previously afforded. It’s now understood that these women really know what they’re talking about, and that their product knowledge is crucial to improving sales. But whether in an engineering capacity on construction’s frontline, or putting their skills to use in a customer service role, women are starting to find their place in the construction sector. If this trend is to continue then the industry must do more to present itself as an equal opportunities career – particularly in terms of pay – if it’s to become a more attractive proposition for women. Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that across the building industry in 2020, women earned 11.4% less than men. Wide-ranging opportunities Improved training and work placement opportunities is also key in recruiting women to fulfil traditional roles within construction, as well as positions less associated with the industry to address gender imbalance. For a number of years Recticel and Gradient have run a programme for post-graduates and interns to gain a year’s valuable work experience. Not only has each of our trainees thoroughly enjoyed their time with us, they’ve spoken about having their eyes opened in relation to the opportunities a construction-based career present. This is particularly true of sectors such as marketing, which some people might think is more relevant to retail or the food and drink industry, but can actually play a huge part in promoting the building trade as a desirable profession. In this respect, perhaps the construction industry should take a leaf out of Recticel’s book and partner-up with local colleges and universities to form a relationship that is beneficial to both parties. Sending the right message Ultimately, the construction industry needs to send a message to women of all ages that the sector is in a different place to the one it occupied in the previous century. It needs to highlight that the building process itself is a relatively small part of the industry, which requires a plethora of expertise to function effectively in the form of designers, planners, surveyors and engineers. Construction needs problem-solvers, people who like a challenge and enjoy meeting other people because in the building trade, employees do not exist within the confines of their own organisation. A tradesperson’s network will involve many building-based organisations and even competitors, who will be committed to achieving the goal that inspired us to join the industry in the first place i.e; we wanted to make the world a better place. For women who have the same aim, then a career in construction is definitely for them. By Paul Simpson, Commercial Director at Recticel Insulation
With the world stability being in great difficulty today, raw materials are being looked at, closely. Some may become difficult to acquire, as war rages on, in Europe. Zamak is a non-ferrous alloy that is somewhat lesser known and possess many advantages. Below you will find information on the product, as well as what it is currently used for. An Ideal Solution for Various Applications If you are looking for the meaning of the word, look no further that the letter it is composed of. It contains the initials of the four components that take part into creating the alloy. Z stands for zinc, A for aluminium, MA for magnesium and K for copper. This said, it is important to know that the non-ferrous alloy contains a greater part of zinc. It is used in construction, mostly for its resistance and how hard it is. Zamak is also known to be great in terms of ductility and is a much cheaper solution in production processes than other comparable, such as brass and aluminum. It is, therefore, no surprise that it has found its way into various industries, including costume jewelry, modelling, furnishing decoration, leather goods as well as for some mechanical uses (mainly for holding parts together). Offers Many Advantages ECO-FRIENDLY AND ENERGY EFFICIENT The world of construction, as well as most industry sector, has been asked to become cleaner. Zamak is an eco-friendly material, which is one of the reasons why many builders choose to make the switch to it, whenever they can. That is because Zamak does not produce large amounts of emission in the air or water. But there is more. Those who produce it, can recycle the waste, and the energy consumption to manufacture it is considered low. That characteristic, in itself, is a major advantage as well. Since its melting point is reached at 400° Celsius, it is much easier to process than other similar materials. It reduces the cost of energy, which makes the price much more stable. As we are now seeing, the price of energy can fluctuate greatly, creating variations in productions cost, that become a serious issue for producers, but also for buyers who never know if the prices will rise suddenly. GREAT THERMAL DISSIPATION, HIGH FLUIDITY AND CASTABILITY Time is money. With Zamak, the time it takes for it to solidify is extremely short, if compared to aluminium die casting or plastic injection molding. In fact, thanks to its thermal dissipation quality, it solidifies almost immediately when it is injected into the mold. Zamak offers the possibility of developing various shapes that can also be quite complex. In fact, it is often used to create areas with undercuts, inclined holes and external threads, to give a few examples of the possibilities offered to the designer of the pieces. Engineering new components becomes easier with Zamak, when starting from its liquid shape. HIGH-VALUE OF ZINC ALLOYS In the industry, zinc alloys have the highest value for all mechanical characteristics. Whether you compare it to aluminium or magnesium, it comes first in terms of yield strength, breaking strength and hardness. It is no wonder that it is growing in popularity.
Construction business accounting tends to differ from general accounting when it comes to construction business. Therefore, hiring someone specialising in laws, regulations, and techniques is necessary. Understanding the financial technicalities is essential if you want to put accounting matters in the right direction and enhance your business growth. Hiring accountants for construction industry will help maintain the accounting records, understand the expenses, and grow the company. Benefits Of Hiring Construction Accountants Hiring a reputed construction accountants firm can be highly beneficial for a construction company. Here are some of the benefits of receiving their services: Taxes and regulations are something that a construction company cannot ignore. Every day the taxation laws and other regulations keep changing. In this light, having a team of experts working can be pretty helpful. Accountants are well aware of the taxes and everything related to the construction sector. They can guide and help meet the tax requirement, reducing liabilities’ risk. Various factors like equipment, tools, staff, crew, etc., are significant sources of company expense. However, not controlling the costs can lead to reduced revenue and profit. This can harm the finances of the company in the long term. Accountants can help keep the expenses in check and help plan the flow of money through various business departments. This will help keep the expenditure within the budget and help reach the long-term growth goals. When it comes to a business, different decisions are needed to be taken regarding capital investments. Accountants can help bring more significant financial decisions like capital budgeting and growth planning. They will help understand each asset’s risk and reward and the imminent tax implications of each decision. Finding The Right Accountant It would help if you kept in mind different factors while looking for an experienced construction accountant. Let’s see some of these factors: The first thing that you should pay attention to is the experience of the construction accountants. What projects they have worked in and their field of operations are two things you should pay attention to. Check the reviews and testimonials from past clients to get an idea about the satisfaction level of the services. Credentials, licensing, and certifications are factors that will define an accountant’s skill level and knowledge. An accountant should be certified by ACA or FCA. Also, they should be recognised by ICAEW, which monitors the ethics of the accountants in the field. One of the most crucial factors you need to pay attention to is the service provider’s tools and software. Most of the accountants for the construction industry prefer to work with cloud accounting software that can be easily integrated with the company’s IT framework. It is imperative to ask about the chosen software, its benefits, and how it matches the existing systems. Every construction accountant company tends to provide a range of services to their clients. It would help if you learned about their services and which ones align with the company objective and requirements. One should also check if the construction accountants company has indemnity insurance coverage. Every service provider will have its pricing. You should decide what your company’s current budget bracket is and where precisely the construction accountants fit in. talk about the cost of each service, the add-ons, and discounts you can get. Ask about their charges on VAT, tax digital, and CIS. Also, you should discuss the payment terms. Some companies ask for full payment, while others work around with monthly payments. Lastly, you should pay attention to the experts working on the accounting team. Talk to the accountants, and understand the flow of work and their communication skills. They should be open to communicating, sharing honest opinions, and having a fair way of judging a situation. Specialised accountants are trained to handle sector-specific taxation, laws, regulations, and financial requirements. You can pay attention to the business’s operations while taking the accounting part of it.
Ordinary potted houseplants can potentially make a significant contribution to reducing air pollution in homes and offices, according to new research led by the University of Birmingham and in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). During a series of experiments monitoring common houseplants exposed to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) – a common pollutant – researchers calculated that in some conditions, the plants could be able to reduce NO2 by as much as 20 per cent. The results are published in Air Quality Atmosphere and Health. The researchers tested three houseplants commonly found in UK homes, easy to maintain and not overly expensive to buy. They included Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii), Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) and fern arum (Zamioculcas zamiifolia). Each plant was put, by itself, into a test chamber containing levels of NO2 comparable to an office situated next to a busy road. Over a period of one hour, the team calculated that all the plants, regardless of species, were able to remove around half the NO2 in the chamber. The performance of the plants was not dependent on the plants’ environment, for example whether it was in light or dark conditions, and whether the soil was wet or dry. Lead researcher Dr Christian Pfrang said: “The plants we chose were all very different from each other, yet they all showed strikingly similar abilities to remove NO2 from the atmosphere. This is very different from the way indoor plants take up CO2 in our earlier work, which is strongly dependent on environmental factors such as night time or daytime, or soil water content.” The team also calculated what these results might mean for a small office (15 m3) and a medium-sized office (100 m3) with different levels of ventilation. In a poorly ventilated small office with high levels of air pollution, they calculated that five houseplants would reduce NO2 levels by around 20 per cent. In the larger space, the effect would be smaller – 3.5 per cent, though this effect would be increased by adding more plants. While the effects of the plants in reducing NO2 are clear, the precise mechanism by which they do this remain a mystery. Dr Pfrang added: “We don’t think the plants are using the same process as they do for CO2 uptake, in which the gas is absorbed through stomata – tiny holes – in the leaves. There was no indication, even during longer experiments, that our plants released the NO2 back into the atmosphere, so there is likely a biological process taking place also involving the soil the plant grows in – but we don’t yet know what that is.” Dr Tijana Blanusa, principal horticultural scientist at the RHS and one of the researchers involved in the study said: “This complements RHS efforts to understand scientific detail behind what we know to be a popular passion. Understanding the limits of what we can expect from plants helps us plan and advise on planting combinations that not only look good but also provide an important environmental service.” In the next phase of the research, the team will be designing sophisticated tools for modelling air quality indoors encompassing a much wider range of variables. The new project, funded by the Met Office, will use mobile air quality measuring instruments to identify pollutants and test their effects in both residential and office spaces, producing a wealth of data to inform the tool’s development.
