As a landlord, the last thing you need is an empty property. Attracting and securing good tenants is a vital skill when you’re in the property rental market. The easiest way to make sure your rental property is always occupied is to ensure they are comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing
For this year’s International Women’s Day, Parker Building Supplies, Chandlers Building Supplies and Fairalls celebrate some of the inspirational women that are leading the way within the business and helping to smash stereotypes. Allun Pittingale, MD of the Independent Builders Merchant Group, said: “Working in a male dominated environment these
1) Zoning regulations Every city and town has zoning regulations that dictate what can be built in specific areas. Unfortunately, these regulations vary widely from place to place, so it is important to consult with your local zoning board before beginning any construction project. Ellisons Solicitors is an excellent option
The oil and gas industry generates trillions of dollars each year, making it one of the biggest revenue-generating sectors. Therefore, it’s evident that this industry has numerous lucrative employment opportunities. This shouldn’t be a surprise considering oil and gas play a central role in the daily running of several other
Machine downtime can be a severe threat and crucial problem, particularly for the manufacturing industry. A longer manufacturing time caused by downtime may equate to extensive financial loss for any company. On the other hand, if product manufacturing is maximized and takes minimum time, more profit can enter the business.
Job interviews are loved by some and loathed by others but whichever category you fall into, a few tips to help you along the way never hurt. When it comes to real estate job interviews, it’s especially important that you do your best to communicate as effectively as possible, as
Instructional design, or instructional system design (ISD), is the development of learning experiences and materials that result in gaining and applying knowledge and skills. The discipline is based on a system of assessing needs, designing a process, developing materials, and evaluating their effectiveness. ISD is a practical and systematic process
Are you about to redecorate? If that’s the case, you need to know which floors are suitable for the ground floor of your home. Dining room For some, the dining room is the hub of the home. It’s a chance for family and friends to get together, and often encounter
THE government’s long-awaited levelling up whitepaper has been unveiled in full at long last. The document outlines the government’s commitments to rebalancing the UK’s services and economies, which is segmented into 12 key mission statements. Gerard Toplass, executive chairman of The 55 Group, which heads a collective of businesses operating
Your master bedroom should be the most relaxing and peaceful spot in your home, where you can simply relax and unwind. As a result, the design elements should be nothing short of spectacular. You should feel welcomed as soon as you enter your room, thanks to furniture items from a
As a landlord, the last thing you need is an empty property. Attracting and securing good tenants is a vital skill when you’re in the property rental market. The easiest way to make sure your rental property is always occupied is to ensure they are comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces to potential tenants. Renovating your rental should be an easy decision to make. The more value your property has, the more money it will make you. These five tips below will help to enhance your rental property and increase your rental income in 2022: Add A Garage Garages add instant value to your home because they offer tenants the ability to protect their vehicle, no matter what the weather conditions are outside. Adding a detached garage onto your rental property can increase your rental turnover by as much as 10% more per year. Some tenants will immediately rule out a property unless it has a garage, so add one on as soon as possible – so you don’t miss out on some of the better tenants. Bathroom Remodel Modern bathrooms are a major selling point in today’s rental market. Potential tenants are drawn to fancier looking bathrooms because they hold the appeal of a relaxing place to wind down in after a long day. Maximize your bathroom and provide adequate storage space, that will give your tenants a functional area that is also pleasing to the eye. Property Management Hiring full-service property management in Toronto, might not seem like an immediate enhancement but it absolutely is. Service enhancements are equally as important as physical ones. The right property management team will respond to your tenant’s problems and enquiries, freeing up your time to focus on other things. These teams are a must, especially if you own multiple rental properties. Replace The Carpets Replace the old, tired carpets in your rental with newer options. It isn’t a massive job, and it can be done in a relatively affordable way, it just takes some time. If you don’t want to replace them, you could choose to remove them entirely and expose the flooring underneath. Sometimes, older houses have the most beautiful hardwood flooring underneath the carpets – you just need to uncover them. Add Natural Lighting Natural lighting has the most incredible way of completely transforming your rental house. Break down a few walls and make the windows bigger – that way it will encourage the sunlight to brighten up the space. Naturally, well-lit houses are mood-boosters, and they feel newer and cleaner. That is a necessary renovation, especially if your house is dark and dank. Houses with more natural lighting can command higher monthly rental amounts. To End Don’t view housing enhancements as an expense – instead, view them as adding value to your property. Keeping your properties up-to-date and properly maintained will keep the tenants staying for longer and guarantee you a steady passive income for many years to come. Be smart about your enhancements, and do them as quickly as your budget allows. That way the tenants won’t be disturbed, and you can all get on with your lives.
For this year’s International Women’s Day, Parker Building Supplies, Chandlers Building Supplies and Fairalls celebrate some of the inspirational women that are leading the way within the business and helping to smash stereotypes. Allun Pittingale, MD of the Independent Builders Merchant Group, said: “Working in a male dominated environment these women demonstrate the best of equality and how women within our group of builders merchants are thriving and leading from the front in all areas of the business.” Emma Goodship is used to surprising people at work. Turning up in her 26 tonne HGV to building sites, she’s often greeted with a startled look by builders! Originally from Brockham village, Emma, 36, now lives in Horley working for Fairalls builders merchants in Gatwick. Having worked in the equestrian sector for many years, Emma took a break to travel around Australia in 2011. It was here that she noticed the enormous trucks that traverse the immense continent. This sparked her interest in investigating a career change. Emma said: “I thought to myself, I could do that – I could drive those trucks and I think I’d really enjoy it.” On her return to the UK, Emma successful passed her Class 2 (rigid) and Class 1 (artic) at first attempt. She has been working with Fairalls Builders Merchant for the past five years. Emma said that her mother is the woman who has most inspired her. “My mum has always been the one to say ‘give it a go’. From when I was young she was always keen for us to try new things, whether it was learning guitar or riding a horse. She’s been great.” “I love my job at Fairalls. I love driving. Of course there has been a bit of skepticism from some men about my driving a HGV, but not anymore. They know that I am pretty good at my job. In fact some builders request me in particular to do their delivery. I’m good at getting into tricky areas and also my truck has the largest crane for deliveries! “By virtue of my job, and how well I do it, I feel I’m helping to break stereotypes of what a women’s career should look like. I’m happy about that. Long may it continue.” Milly Boden – Branch Manager Designate Parker Building Supplies, East Grinstead. Milly Boden, 30, has been working in the builders merchant sector for seven years. When she first started in the sector her role was in counter sales. Since then Milly has swiftly moved up the career ladder and is now helping to manage the East Grinstead branch of Parker Building Supplies. When asked what attracted her to work in the builders merchant sector, Milly says that she likes a challenge. “The fast paced, competitive, rough and ready construction industry – who wouldn’t want to be a part of that life!” She says that the countless women, in every sector, that have worked hard to build something successful, inspire her everyday to achieve more and always aim high. “These are women who fight against bias and boss it anyway,” she said. Her advice to other women wishing to join the builders merchant sector, is: “Go for it! Learn as much as you can to be the best at what you do. Stick up for yourself. Nobody, man or woman, wakes up knowing the ins and out of the construction industry – men have to learn, women have to learn.” “Working in a very male dominated sector can be challenging but in a fun way! There is still an element of ‘surprise’ that women, like me, can be very knowledgeable about everything to do with building and construction. I’m not sure why this ‘element of surprise’ should still be around. However, it is improving. “It is always empowering when the hard work you have put in pays off! For this International Women’s Day let’s continue to #BreakTheBias. Women can do everything that men do – and often better.”
1) Zoning regulations Every city and town has zoning regulations that dictate what can be built in specific areas. Unfortunately, these regulations vary widely from place to place, so it is important to consult with your local zoning board before beginning any construction project. Ellisons Solicitors is an excellent option to choose when you want to hire a professional lawyer to help you through this process. Failure to comply with zoning regulations can result in hefty fines or even the demolition of your new building! Zoning regulations are put in place to ensure that buildings are constructed safely and don’t violate any existing laws. For example, you wouldn’t want a factory to be built next to a school because of the noise and air pollution it would create. Zoning regulations help prevent these types of problems by dictating where certain types of buildings can be constructed. If you’re unsure where to start, the best place to begin your research is with your local zoning board. They will be able to provide you with a list of regulations that you need to comply with. Once you have this information, you can begin the process of designing and constructing your new building! 2) Building permits To construct a new building, you will need to obtain a building permit from your local government. This document is proof that the appropriate authorities have approved the construction project, and it outlines all of the specific regulations that must be followed during construction. Building permits can take anywhere from a few days to several months to process, so it is important to start this process as soon as possible. If you fail to obtain a building permit or violate any of the conditions outlined in the permit, you may be subject to fines or even imprisonment! It’s also important to note that not all buildings require a building permit. For example, detached garages and sheds typically don’t require one. To find out whether or not your project requires a permit, you can contact your local building department or do some research online. 3) Hiring a licensed contractor Once you have obtained the necessary permits, you can begin the process of hiring a licensed contractor to help with the construction of your new building. It is important to only work with properly licensed and insured contractors. This will protect you from liability in the event that something goes wrong during the construction process. When hiring a contractor, there are many things to consider, such as their experience, price, and reputation. Be sure to get multiple bids before making a final decision. Once you have selected a contractor, be sure to sign a written contract that outlines all of the terms of your agreement! Constructing a new building is an exciting endeavour, but it’s essential to make sure that you understand all of the legalities involved before getting started. By taking the time to do your research and consult with the appropriate authorities, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your project is completed successfully!
The oil and gas industry generates trillions of dollars each year, making it one of the biggest revenue-generating sectors. Therefore, it’s evident that this industry has numerous lucrative employment opportunities. This shouldn’t be a surprise considering oil and gas play a central role in the daily running of several other industries, from manufacturing to construction. But, what reasons make a career path in the oil and gas sector viable? Here are some enticing benefits to help you see why a career path in the energy industry is a wise decision: Great Earning Potential Financial stability is one of the main reasons why people search for jobs in the respective industries of their choice. And, if you choose to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry, you’re guaranteed handsome compensation for your skills and troubles. On average, the salary in this sector is USD$76,883 per annum, making it one of the best paying industries. And, with a 23% rise in oil work in Alberta and other parts of the world, you shouldn’t miss out on the potential to earn such a lucrative income. This high earning potential applies to your starting salary and even as your career advances. Therefore, you can make a six-figure salary in the long run after obtaining relevant experience and expertise. In addition, there’s the potential to earn lucrative bonuses. Broad Range Of Opportunities The oil and gas industry provides you with an unparalleled range of opportunities, be it technical or non-technical roles. Therefore, you’re sure of finding a career path that suits your skills and expertise, and a niche that fascinates you. You also get the option to work in a broad range of environments besides heavy machinery or around oil rigs offshore, which is what most people assume. Instead, you also get the option to work in the office or lab. This range of different work surroundings is something jobs in other sectors don’t offer. Travel Opportunities Another advantage of working in the oil and gas sector is that you get to enjoy immense travel opportunities. This is a privilege you’d only dream of in careers across numerous sectors. So, if you enjoy traveling, a career path in this industry will undoubtedly be perfect for you. This is because the oil and gas sector is global and in every country across the globe. Therefore, you can be required to travel for short-term assignments, business meetings, training, or work projects in any country in the world. During these many travel opportunities across different areas of the world, you’ll have the chance to interact with lots of people, with different mindsets and perspectives. You’ll also better understand the industry by learning of the unique challenges and conditions in these different countries. Environmental Sustainability Many companies have put in great effort to make the environment more habitable, including those in the oil and gas sector. And, if you’re passionate about curbing environmental degradation, a career in this industry is the right way to go. Companies in this sector have done this by developing innovative ways of making their operations more environmentally sustainable. These include the use of advanced software and modern equipment to help safeguard the coming years for the wellbeing of future generations. Room For Professional Growth No one person enjoys career stagnation because this results in a loss of morale and, consequently, reduced productivity. If you also share such a concern, a career in the oil and gas sector is the best route to take. You’re guaranteed to go up the ladder and career mobility in this industry regardless of your initial job role. The career progression in this industry is thanks to the numerous trainings that allow you to learn skills, such as time management, effective communication, business basics, and conflict resolution. Learning such skills will help propel your career to greater heights rather than remaining in the same position for several years. Technological Innovation Companies in the oil and gas sector have allocated considerable sums of money to develop innovative technologies that can help improve efficiency and cut operation costs. If you enjoy access and working with advanced technological equipment, this industry is a perfect fit. Besides being up-to-date with the latest technological innovation, you’ll also gain invaluable knowledge on how to use such technology, which can help you later on as you progress with your career. Takeaway It’s easy to be on the fence on whether a career path in the oil and gas industry is advisable due to the changing market dynamics toward electrification. However, you shouldn’t have any such concerns as this sector is here to stay. But, if you need further convincing, this guide has detailed reasons to consider a career in the oil and gas industry.
Machine downtime can be a severe threat and crucial problem, particularly for the manufacturing industry. A longer manufacturing time caused by downtime may equate to extensive financial loss for any company. On the other hand, if product manufacturing is maximized and takes minimum time, more profit can enter the business. With that said, it is necessary to find ways to maximize manufacturing productivity and reduce machine downtime. To help you, take a look at the seven ways below in reducing machine downtime in manufacturing. Create A Technology Plan And Adapt Modernization Creating an updated and strategic technology plan for your manufacturing plant allows you to integrate new technologies and implement modernization. A step-by-step plan is vital to have a clear outline and plan of action to achieve your goal in adapting and implementing modernization. Having a technology plan and adapting modernization will help your company achieve increased productivity, better automation which improves production performance, and better machine and equipment performance, which reduces unplanned machine downtime. Overall, this increases your company’s manufacturing rate. To explore more about high-quality equipment and machinery with added technologies to help your company implement modernization, you can visit onemotion.info. Improve Staff Communication Communication between departments, supervisors, and personnel should be at its peak. Every team member must be informed and provided details concerning downtime and business profits. The supervisor must provide details on what should be done, at what time, and what shouldn’t be done. This makes every team member feel part of the team in making important decisions which implements an increased sense of urgency and efficiency. More importantly, having good, quick, and efficient communication between departments helps appropriate personnel address issues faster, minimizing downtime. Upgrade Manufacturing Equipment Upgrading your manufacturing equipment improves your production performance and often reduces manufacturing downtime. Unreplaced machinery slows down the manufacturing performance. Hence, making the company unproductive. Installing new parts in the machine allows your plant floor to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies. Set A Maintenance Plan It’s always good to have a budget and a plan for upgrading machinery equipment to reduce downtime. Additionally, having a maintenance plan and carrying out machinery repair is critical to maintaining a high level of business productivity. A developed strategy should include preventive, predictive, and conditioned maintenance. Preventive maintenance is performed during planned downtime. It’s a regularly scheduled check-up done whether the machine is down or not. While on the other hand, predictive maintenance is the most important because it requires a specialist that checks on the machinery failure before it occurs and deals with it before the production process is disrupted. Conditioned-based maintenance is repairing equipment after failure has occurred. Unlike preventive and predictive, conditioned-based happens during the unplanned crisis, making it costly to solve the downtime. Track Your Downtime It’s advised to know where, when, and how downtime occurs. An easy way to track how and when downtime occurs is by recording all the maintenance, troubleshooting, and overhaul that have been done, including its costs. By carefully and accurately following these records, you’ll know when downtime is more likely to happen and which part to prevent it earlier. Properly Train Equipment Operators Human errors are one of the causes of downtime in product manufacturing. It’s advised to ensure proper training for production line employees to be familiar with the machine and what they’re doing in the factory. Also, the operators should be shown how to maintain all equipment and how to handle a breakdown. Personnel training must be one of a company’s utmost priorities. This is because aside from producing efficient results, it also helps to improve safety in the production line. Conduct Regular Risk Audits Risk audit is critical to be conscious about in the manufacturing business. You can experience losses due to unplanned downtime. Therefore, it’s necessary to perform risk audits, whether regularly or occasionally. This can help identify which equipment should be replaced or repaired. For the old machine, you can replace them with new ones because finding old replacements can be complex. A risk audit will help notify the problem before it happens, reducing frequent downtime in the manufacturing process. Conclusion Downtime can cause damages to your business and is also known to cause hazards, especially when it is unplanned. Therefore, it must be managed and handled properly. However, it is significant to note that it can be reduced and prevented in many ways. Remember to follow the tips mentioned above to help reduce machine downtime, avoid encountering losses, and ensure a high level of productivity in your manufacturing business.
Job interviews are loved by some and loathed by others but whichever category you fall into, a few tips to help you along the way never hurt. When it comes to real estate job interviews, it’s especially important that you do your best to communicate as effectively as possible, as this is going to be such a big part of the role if you do get it. Here we are going to explore some ways for you to nail your next real estate job interview. Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail… Preparation is absolutely key for most job interviews, but particularly so with real estate ones. The market is saturated so you’re likely to be up against a lot of other candidates. So, you’re going to want to understand the company that you’re having an interview with and how they work – for example, check out how Compass real estate makes money here. Oftentimes, you will be asked what you already know about the business and why you want to work for them, so make sure to have thorough answers prepared for this type of question. This leads us on to practice questions. Create a list of questions you could be asked and write down strong answers. There are so many resources online that can help you with possible questions and good answers to go with them. However, you do need to ensure you’re not just copying and pasting – make your answers personalized to you. You also need to consider the skills needed for the role, as specified in the job advertisement. Study this and ensure that you highlight how well you match up to the skills needed when prompted in the interview. Try Your Best to Relax Although it’s easier said than done, in a real estate interview you are essentially selling yourself, which is an integral part of the role you’re applying for – real estate roles usually revolve around sales. So, a few tips on how to feel as relaxed and comfortable in your interview are as follows: ● Take long, deep breaths in through the mouth and out through the nose. This should lower your heart rate. ● Take your time and think over your answers – this will show you’re taking care and consideration over your words. ● Get a good night of sleep beforehand so that you wake up fresh and ready. Make sure to get a good breakfast in too so that you’re not distracted by a rumbling stomach. ● Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview (if it’s in person) so that you’re not rushed and stressed unnecessarily. Being punctual is also a desirable quality you want to be able to show off to your prospective employer. ● Fake it until you make it – if you are nervous, try to channel that into excitement. Tell yourself how much you’re looking forward to the interview to try to trick your brain. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, if you don’t get it, it’s all good experience and you can learn something from it. Interviews get easier the more you have, so don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t work out straight away. You will improve and you will find a job that is right for you. Fingers crossed!
Instructional design, or instructional system design (ISD), is the development of learning experiences and materials that result in gaining and applying knowledge and skills. The discipline is based on a system of assessing needs, designing a process, developing materials, and evaluating their effectiveness. ISD is a practical and systematic process for designing an effective curriculum. Instructional Design Models One of the most commonly used ISD models is Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation (ADDIE). In the past few years, the utilization of more agile, iterative approaches has come into play. Agile models, such as the Successive Approximation Model (SAM), involve shorter design sprints in which a prototype is quickly created, reviewed, and revised until the stakeholders are happy. The most common instructional design models include ADDIE, Cathy Moore’s Action Mapping, the Dick and Carey Model, the Kemp Design Model, Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction, SAM, and Agile or rapid prototyping. Part of designing models that inform and convey clear information is using the right visualizations. A line chart provides a clear graphical representation of time-dependent variables and is the best method of showing trends or variables over a period of time. This simple chart comprises data values plotted as points along X and Y axes and connected with line segments. The X-axis represents time while the Y-axis represents a metric of interest of the period being tracked. There are several different types of line graphs, including multi-series line charts, multi-axis line charts, step-line charts, zoom line charts, scroll line charts, and spline or fitted curve line charts. A line chart is a useful visualization tool when tracking a time-dependent variable, watching trends, and spotting and comparing patterns between variables. What’s an Instructional Designer? An instructional designer uses this methodology to design and develop content, experiences, and other solutions that support the gaining of new knowledge or skills. They conduct a needs assessment to determine the learning needs, including what the learner needs to know and do as a result of the training and what knowledge and skills the learner already has. Instructional designers then create a course design and all instructional materials such as presentation materials, participant guides, handouts, and job aids. They are also responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of the training and determining whether the learning solution resulted in a measurable behavior change. Instructional design requires analyzing and selecting the best strategies, methodologies, and technologies to maximize the learning experience and knowledge transfer. The best way to achieve your career goals and earn the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed is to pursue higher education. The University of Cincinnati’s Master of Instructional Design and Technology degree is ranked among the best by U.S. News and World Report. The online program focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of instructional materials and programs, as well as the use of technology to deliver educational and training services. The education technology online program delivers an interdisciplinary educational experience with coursework in the fields of cognitive science, education, design, information technology, and computer science. Over 30 credit hours, students complete coursework in instructional design, multimedia studio use, designing online assessments for data-driven decisions, and trends and issues in learning technology evaluation. Upon completion of the online masters instructional design program, graduates are prepared for careers as online instructors, corporate online trainers, online learning content developers, e-learning consultants, educational technology specialists, and e-learning managers. Instructional Design Components The components of most instructional design models and processes are similar. A needs analysis includes understanding learners’ needs and why a learning solution is necessary. In some instances, a learning solution isn’t necessary and another type of performance improvement or non-training solution is more appropriate. During the analysis stage, the goals of the training are developed, including learning objectives and determining how the training will be given. Design and development include the design and creation of instructional learning materials and delivery methods. The evaluation process looks at how to determine whether or not the learning solution was successful. Popular evaluation models include Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Training Evaluation, Brinkerhoff’s Success Case Method, Philips ROI Methodology, and the Learning-Transfer Evaluation Model. Use this information to decide whether or not instructional design is a good field for you!
Are you about to redecorate? If that’s the case, you need to know which floors are suitable for the ground floor of your home. Dining room For some, the dining room is the hub of the home. It’s a chance for family and friends to get together, and often encounter lots of food and drink. We understand accidents happen, so you need a floor that’s durable and water-resistant. Lucky for you, we have the perfect one. LVT flooring is a great floor to have in the dining room. Not only is LVT water-resistant, but it’s also scratch-resistant and durable, making it the no.1 choice for dining rooms. You can get it in a wide range of colours and textures too from smooth grey, to brushed white. The options are endless! Hallway Looking to make a grand entrance? Then you need solid wood parquet flooring. Hallways and stairs are areas of the home that encounter lots of foot traffic, so you need a floor that’s durable as well as practical. Solid wood floors are known for being strong. They can withstand heavy foot traffic while looking gorgeous in your home. Solid wood can last a lifetime too, so there’s no need to replace it. If you don’t like the worn look, just sand it down! Bedroom The bedroom. A place where we go to sleep, relax and wind down. Bedroom floors don’t get much use, so you have the freedom to choose any floor based on your interior style. But if you’re a person who leads a busy lifestyle, you need a floor that can cope with heavy foot traffic. If this is the case, luxury vinyl tiles are a great option. Not only are they stylish, but they come in a wide range of colours, textures and finishes. Not to mention, they’re also really easy to install too! Bathroom If you’re looking to decorate your bathroom, then you need a floor that’s waterproof. SPC vinyl is a great choice for bathroom floors. Not only is it stylish and practical, but you can also get the solid wood look without the expensive price tag. So, if you want to create the spa you’ve always wanted, then vinyl flooring is the one for you. Living room If being warm and cosy in front of the fire in the living room sounds like your ideal Friday night, then you need a floor that’s warm as well as practical. Living rooms are often places where friends and family get together, and often come with accidental spillages. This is why engineered flooring is the best option for you. The beauty of engineered wood is that you can have a solid wood look, without the worry of water damage. Whether you’re having parquet in the hallway, vinyl in the bathroom or engineered in the living room, there is a floor suitable for every room in the home. We hope we’ve helped you make your decision a little easier.
THE government’s long-awaited levelling up whitepaper has been unveiled in full at long last. The document outlines the government’s commitments to rebalancing the UK’s services and economies, which is segmented into 12 key mission statements. Gerard Toplass, executive chairman of The 55 Group, which heads a collective of businesses operating within the construction sector – including national framework provider Pagabo, along with risk, compliance and contract management software company Sypro, social value specialists Loop, and digital-first training platform Tequ – has a positive outlook on the whitepaper. He said: “The levelling up whitepaper has been long-awaited by us all, and it’s great to see it has finally been published in full. While generally speaking, the 12 missions outlined by the government cover pretty much every aspect of daily life, we’re especially pleased to see a number of aims that align with our values. “Our businesses operate nationally but are headquartered in central Hull, which is a city that understands the value that comes from investment – something that we have supported by investing in the transformation of 55 Whitefriargate to bring it back into use. “We are really encouraged by the approach to devolved administrations, decentralising the power from Whitehall and putting it in the hands of people in the areas it is needed. It’s really pleasing that our region is one of the first areas to be able to open negotiations on this topic and we look forward to seeing how this develops in time.” A number of mission statements within the whitepaper focus on improving infrastructure and huge regeneration projects, which will need to be led by local authorities and public sector bodies. Jason Stapley, managing director of national framework provider Pagabo, believes that construction professionals and their expertise will be the key in taking these schemes beyond promises and into reality. He said: “The whitepaper puts great emphasis on restoring local pride, detailing how the government will support 20 towns and city centres with the undertaking of ambitious regeneration projects. It’s a proven fact that positive environments and delivering the infrastructure communities need will elevate an area or region in terms of jobs, productivity and economic boost. “Such large-scale ambition for regeneration is met with the detail of dozens of local authorities set to be supported by the High Streets Task Force to transform town centres. For built environment specialists, our support of public sector bodies for the delivery of such schemes will be key – and ensuring the gold standard of procurement will make sure that true value can be delivered to communities in a way that creates maximum positive impact, while streamlining processes and budgets. “Equally, there is a focus on levelling up infrastructure and transport connections. With net zero carbon targets also set in place by government, it is these large-scale projects that provide huge opportunity for decarbonisation, along with an approach to refurbishment and retrofit to make sure existing building stock also minimises impact on our environment. “Our frameworks are placed to support with all of these aims, with the ability to track all-important KPIs around a scheme as required, such as social return on investment, carbon reduction and local impact. We are set to go live with our civils and infrastructure framework in the coming weeks, which has been designed with these kinds of schemes in mind – so we look forward to working with clients on their projects that will work towards the levelling up agenda.” Social value is a hot topic within the industry, and one that will extend into every reach of life. One of The 55 Group’s businesses is social value calculation specialist, Loop. With several of the mission statements outlined by the government focussing on social-led topics, making sure that organisations are able to identify the actual positive impact of their work on communities will become a big operation. Angus Townsend, group social value lead, said: “Some of the missions outlined within the whitepaper may appear to some as ‘softer elements’, such as improving life expectancy. However, these elements are all interlinked and very much tied to social value and the types of outcomes we help our clients demonstrate from their operations. “It’s likely that generating social value and delivering the levelling up agenda will become synonymous with each other – but the responsibility on doing both will be on all of us. It will be important to make sure we can examine the impact of everything we do and how that plays into the core mission statements from the whitepaper. As ‘the social value people’, we are primed and ready to work with our clients to help demonstrate both quantitative and qualitative evidence to show how they are helping to work towards these outcomes.” Gerard concluded: “There has been a mixed reaction to the whitepaper so far, but we are hopeful that it will mark a moment where direction changes towards making actionable change to rebalance the country. The key will be ensuring it delivers what it promises – and it will be up to us all to keep momentum and hold leadership accountable to making process. “Of course, a lot of our operations are within the construction industry so there are ample ways our work will be able to support the aims around regeneration and infrastructure. However, our work stretches far beyond this, working on key areas including social return on investment and seeking to modernise skills and training to make it fit for the modern world. “Seeing a focus on research and development and improving education standards is hopeful – but will largely rely on adequate funding. Part of levelling up is putting the power into the hands that need it, so making sure that we are working towards practises fit for the future will be a huge part of the journey. For example, in the construction sector there is an ongoing shortage of skills that training courses are simply not fit for purpose in tackling due to relevance, complexity or overall length.
Your master bedroom should be the most relaxing and peaceful spot in your home, where you can simply relax and unwind. As a result, the design elements should be nothing short of spectacular. You should feel welcomed as soon as you enter your room, thanks to furniture items from a reputable retailer such as Eva Australia, as well as the paint and aroma. This article will teach you everything you need to know about designing your master bedroom and how to hit the nail on the head when it comes to doing so. So let’s begin: The color schemes The first and foremost element when it comes to designing your bedroom is the color scheme you decide to go with. As a general rule, you should go for hues that are soft to the eyes, so much so soft shades like pink, light blue, lilac, or tan may be fit for the bedroom. The issue that is prevalent with adding very vibrant colors is that they keep the energy busy, making sleeping hard. Suppose you are using wallpaper; try to use subtle and chilled art. For instance, you may have a forest or a beach mural, which is always associated with relaxing and unwinding. The mattress and headboard The mattress is yet another design element that will definitely change how your bedroom looks and feels. There are numerous kinds and designs in the market, so select one that is comfortable fits your bed like a glove. When it comes to the headboard, you also have to factor in your nighttime habits. For instance, if you are a reader, before hitting the sack, select one that has cushioning so that your back is secure and comfy as you read. To get the best of both, always test them out first at the store before buying them. Lighting fixtures Next, you need to include light fixtures that accentuate the room’s appearance. Again, if you are a reader, including a bedside nightshade lamp may be a very wise decision. These lamps are great since they only produce soft light, and if someone else is sleeping in the room, they do not get distracted by the main ceiling light just because you have to read. Bedding The bedding you decide to use is also a critical element that will make your master look grand. These include the pillow you select, which also involves an accents pillow that is a design element rather than a functional element. For extra synchrony, you may match the duvet cover pattern to some of the pillows covers. Some people also go ahead and create curtains with the same pattern. Each of the bedding elements should be characteristically soft, comfortable, breathable, and easy on your skin for maximum relaxation. Furniture in the room The next big thing to add to your master bedroom is a deliberate list of furniture. In this case, besides the bed, you may add a side table where you would ideally add the lampshade and even your reading glasses and books. Another item you may add is a storage ottoman where you would place your accent pillows and bedding. If you have enough room, an accent chair should also be part of the decor in your room. Be sure to match the color scheme to the hue of that seat. All these pieces and more can be found on Eva Australia to match your aesthetics. Curtains Yet another element that could elevate the look in your bedroom are the curtains you decide on. As aforementioned, you may match them up to the bedding color or pattern or simply go for an independent shade. But one thing you should note is to ensure is that the curtains are the entire length of the wall and almost touching the floor. They should never be too long as that will make them appear tacky. Also, if they are too long, they may get dirty as fast. So keep them away from the ground. Take away Your master bedroom should look and feel relaxing, and the above elements may help you achieve just that. You may choose to add a carpet if the floor tends to get cold, but that depends entirely on you and what you prefer.
