Business : BDC Blog News
Mental Health Event Success Sees Quintain Living Tackle Burnout

Mental Health Event Success Sees Quintain Living Tackle Burnout

On World Mental Health Day, Quintain Living resident and international speaker Rob Wall hosted a hugely successful session – ‘Living by Priorities, Not Pressure’. Now, fellow resident and leading business psychologist Dannielle Haig is hosting a further session, designed to support anyone coping with burnout and help people build a

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How to match flowers and plants to your wall color

Flowers and plants are beautiful to look at, but it can be difficult to know what color matches your wall. As you may or may not know, flowers and plants come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and levels of brightness. They also have different needs depending on where they are

Read More »

Why outdoor lighting matters for landlords

All landlords understand the importance of ensuring that their properties comply with building regulations. They also make the necessary changes to secure fire, gas, and electrical certification. But things that are less heavily regulated tend to almost get forgotten. The provision of outdoor lighting is a classic example of this.

Read More »

4 Benefits of Having a Property Built from Scratch

For many of us, homeownership is a major life ambition that we work for consistently over a prolonged period of time – and it’s natural that, since this is the case, virtually everyone has some sense of what they would like their “dream home” to look and feel like. The

Read More »

Additions (Accessories) That Will Boost the Performance of Your Farm

When you have a farm, it’s essential to know that your equipment is functioning correctly. This article will show you the top 7 additions that will help improve performance on your farm and increase its profitability! Renewable Energy Installations Today, many farmers face the problem of adding renewable energy generation

Read More »

THE CONSTRUCTION PLAYBOOK: PRINCIPLES TOO SLOW TO BE IMPLEMENTED

THE Confederation of British Industry has this week stated that the adoption of the principles for better contracting set out in the government’s Construction Playbook is too slow. This is a view echoed by Gerard Toplass, group CEO of The 55 Group, which is the parent company for national framework

Read More »

Improving Warehouse Efficiency

Over the past year or so, many businesses across the UK have begun to rely heavily on their e-commerce stores, more so than brick and mortar shops. As a result, the demand for increased warehouse space and improved warehouse efficiency has increased massively. From more inventory, a wider range of

Read More »

5 Must-Know Secrets To Achieve Welding Success

Welding plays an enormous role in many industries. It’s a necessity in automaking, construction, and aviation. In most cases, welding enables frames and connections between the metal parts. Welding’s importance reaches homes as most appliances, tools, and equipment are generally welded. Yet, welding can be challenging. Workers require time, practice,

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Things to Consider When Choosing Concrete Formwork for Construction

The concrete’s properties can affect the formwork and the entire project. That is why it is critical to understand the concrete’s characteristics. In Brisbane, concrete is one of the most often utilized building materials. This is because it combines strength, durability, and lifespan with affordability and flexibility, to name a

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Business : BDC Blog News

Mental Health Event Success Sees Quintain Living Tackle Burnout

Mental Health Event Success Sees Quintain Living Tackle Burnout

On World Mental Health Day, Quintain Living resident and international speaker Rob Wall hosted a hugely successful session – ‘Living by Priorities, Not Pressure’. Now, fellow resident and leading business psychologist Dannielle Haig is hosting a further session, designed to support anyone coping with burnout and help people build a resilient mindset. Quintain Living residents will learn how the lifestyle-led facilities such as gyms and gardens available in their building can help support their mental wellbeing. Scheduled for 27 October, the free-to-attend event will be open to all residents. Burnout is on the rise. An Indeed survey of 1,500 workers has found that 52% reported experiencing burnout in 2021, compared to 43% prior to the pandemic. Millennials are suffering the most, with burnout at 59% post-pandemic (and 53% before). However, Gen-Z is catching up fast, reporting 58% burnout at the time of the survey compared to 47% pre-pandemic. Gen-Xers however have seen the biggest leap in burnout rates, jumping from 40% before Covid to 54% currently, and even Baby Boomers are feeling the pressure, with their burnout rate increasing from 24% to 31%. Overall, 67% of workers across all ages believe that burnout has worsened during the pandemic. An understanding of this, along with a long-term commitment to ensure the wellbeing of residents, is what is driving Quintain Living to organise mental health sessions for residents. Dannielle Haig’s session on 27 October will share tips and tools on dealing with burnout. It will also focus on using the facilities available within Quintain Living’s buildings to help build a resilient mindset. The award-winning management company, which oversees the rental of more than 3,000 apartments in Wembley Park, is known for its innovative rental offering. At Canada Gardens, for example, the urban country vibe and pace of life is embodied through extensive greenery (both indoors and out), a cosy clubhouse, a library, designer work-from-home sheds, an all-wooden pirate ship playpark, allotments and much more. Neighbouring building The Robinson, on the other hand, offers eclectic homes – the style is described as ‘contemporary, mid-century, art deco and retro kitsch’ – and residents can enjoy the use of everything from a spa caravan and work-from-home campervans to a rooftop slide, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Garden and the John Lennon-inspired peace garden. The burnout session will be shaped around creating practical coping mechanisms that use Quintain Living’s amenity offering to the full, whether that be taking time to tend to vegetables in your allotment or lightening your mood by using the more playful facilities.

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How to match flowers and plants to your wall color

Flowers and plants are beautiful to look at, but it can be difficult to know what color matches your wall. As you may or may not know, flowers and plants come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and levels of brightness. They also have different needs depending on where they are located in your house. For example, if you place a plant in front of a window that gets plenty of sunlight then it could grow larger than one that is placed near the window but doesn’t get much light. Regardless of how bright or dark your plants are, there is always an option for you to match them with the color of your walls. Scroll down below to find out more information about how to do this! Why is it important to match flowers and plants to your wall color? The wall color has an impact on the overall look of the room, for instance, if your wall color is dark, the flowers and plants will add little brightness to the room and contrast with the gloomy wall color. Conversely, if you have a light-colored wall, then you can use a lighter-colored flower or plants to give the room an optimistic vibe. In terms of color, if you are trying to create a happy mood for your home, then you should aim for bold or bright colors such as yellow, orange, or red for the walls and flowers, which are always happy colors, in the scheme of things. These bright colors will add brightness and cheer to the room and make it seem like a cheerful space that is full of promise and joy. During holidays such as Valentine’s Day or Christmas, seasonal flowers can contribute to your decoration. Roses are traditionally associated with Valentine’s Day, but so are carnations, tulips, orchids, and peonies. You can find a great selection of seasonal and holiday arrangements on Bouqs.com, so be sure to start planning your Valentine’s Day decor ahead of time! Play with color schemes and contrasts There are many flowers and plants that can match with your wall color. You can also choose plants that would match your furniture. For instance, if you have a vibrant yellow sofa, you can place some yellow daisies on an end-table next to the sofa. However, you don’t have to match exact colors, a good rule of thumb is to use complementary colors. If you look at a color wheel, the colors that complement each other on the color wheel will add up to give you a unique combination of colors to use for the scheme. Colors that complement each other are within the same color families. For example, blues are often used in combination with yellow and greens. This also means that if you combine two colors from opposite ends of the color wheel, you will end up with a very strong contrast, which may appeal to some people. For example, purple is directly opposite of yellow, but provides a strong visual contrast that will work well together. Don’t neglect your kitchen either, as it should be an important area for any home, a place where families will gather. There are a lot of kitchen themes to consider, from traditional ceramic tiles, to timeless freestanding kitchen design. Consider your lighting When it comes to arranging the flowers and plants, one of the most important aspects is the lighting. Think about how well the flowers and plants would play with the light. Some flowers would shine beautifully when the room is lit up and others would have no chance of doing the same. For example, if your vividly colored flowers are placed in a dimly lit corner of the room, they won’t really stand out. However, if the flowers are placed in a sunny corner of the room, they will enhance the entire room and make it look beautiful. If you like to play with ambient lighting, some colors may also do unique things to other colors. For example, a neon blue light will make yellows and greens seem to glow in the dark, similar to a blacklight poster. This can do some really visually interesting things for your flower arrangements. Conclusion Overall, there is a lot to consider when you are arranging flowers and plants in your living room. But simply adding flowers won’t make a poorly designed room suddenly better – also be sure to consider your overall theme, spacing, and plaster over your wall cracks if you have any, so nothing detracts from your room ambiance. Using your living room as an extension of your artwork and also a place where you like to relax and unwind, you can add flowers and plants to your living room at any time and you don’t necessarily have to wait for the decorating season to come. However, you do need to be careful while choosing the flowers and plants because they should blend with your living room.

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Why outdoor lighting matters for landlords

All landlords understand the importance of ensuring that their properties comply with building regulations. They also make the necessary changes to secure fire, gas, and electrical certification. But things that are less heavily regulated tend to almost get forgotten. The provision of outdoor lighting is a classic example of this. It is a long way down the list of most rental property owners’ list of priorities. Yet, installing it brings many benefits for the landlord as well as to the tenants. Outdoor lighting makes a property more attractive All landlords want their property to be as attractive as possible to tenants. The higher the standard of the finish is, and the more facilities you provide, the easier it is to rent out a property. For example, installing a set of heavy-duty outdoor festoon lights over a patio area opens up the chance for your tenant to enjoy that outside space in the evening. Socialising at home is becoming more popular, so little touches like installing deck lights or something similar can make a big difference. The benefits of security lighting for property owners It is also well worth considering installing security lighting. Again, there are many benefits for both tenants and property owners. In some jurisdictions, the provision of security lighting is a legal requirement. Installing it ensures that you will not fail an inspection and be fined. But, even in places where you are not legally required to install it, often, it is still well worth your while doing so. Studies show that a significant percentage of professional burglars are put off by security lighting. At least in areas where the property the homes are built quite close together or there is a lot of foot traffic. Anything you can do to reduce the chances of someone breaking a window or door to enter one of your properties is a good thing. You do not need the hassle or expense of having to carry out repairs after a home invasion. There is also a good chance that your tenant will view security lights as a plus. Most people assume that they will be more secure living somewhere that has them rather than in a home that does not have sensor trip floodlights. If you would like to learn more about how the installation of appropriate security lighting makes a property a more attractive proposition to tenants just click this link. When you do you will be taken to a page that outlines the results of several surveys and tests that have been carried out into the effectiveness of property protection lighting. Outdoor lighting reduces the risk of accidents Lighting up the path to a property considerably reduces the chances of someone tripping or falling. As does making sure that the area around the front and back door are well lit. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of installing outdoor lighting in rental properties, you can do so by clicking here.

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4 Benefits of Having a Property Built from Scratch

For many of us, homeownership is a major life ambition that we work for consistently over a prolonged period of time – and it’s natural that, since this is the case, virtually everyone has some sense of what they would like their “dream home” to look and feel like. The way things often play out, however, is that we end up having to significantly adjust our expectations to match the pre-existing properties available on the market, not only with regards to the homes we end up living in, but also with regards to the buildings we might want to use for commercial purposes. Ultimately, one of the key ways of getting around many of these potential limitations is to have your property built from scratch – and this is what many people do in fact opt to do. Here are a few of the benefits of having a property built from scratch. A new build, and the benefits that come with that While old buildings very often have their own kind of charm, and are attractive in a range of different ways, there are also various particular benefits that exist only – or at least primarily – with regards to new builds. If you are very drawn to modern architectural trends and home design styles, such as those which emphasise a lot of natural illumination and clean lines, having a properly built from scratch is the best way of guaranteeing that you’ll be able to have those exact aesthetic preferences represented in the way your home ultimately ends up. In addition to this, there are also various other ways in which having a new build could be very beneficial. With the explosive rise in the popularity of “Smart Tech,” and digital tools and systems in general, more people are drawn to the idea of having a “Smart Home,” which is well integrated with features that can be controlled via a mobile app. Often, these features can be difficult and costly to install in an older home, but if your home is being built from scratch, you’ll have a great degree of scope for modifying it so that it has the latest “smart features.” A property that is specifically tailored to your particular and unique requirements Not all homes or properties are the same, or serve the same purpose, and every individual is likely to have their own particular preferences and requirements for the type of property they want. If you run a suitable business, for example, having a plot of land where you can easily erect a Steel Building might be invaluable for helping your entrepreneurial venture to thrive. Likewise, you may have a particular hobby or pastime that you would like your home to facilitate, but which could be difficult to implement in an existing structure. Having a building constructed from scratch gives you a great range of different options for ensuring that the space is as personalised as you want it to be, and can properly support and enhance your existing lifestyle, pastimes, and even profession. When you consider just how popular various home ornaments are, and just how big market is for home remodelling and redesign, you can clearly see that most people do want their homes to be well personalised, and to feel like something more than generic living spaces from a catalogue. While there are certainly also things that you can do to enhance the ways in which your home feels truly and uniquely “yours,” and the extent to which it helps to facilitate your preferred pastimes, it’s difficult to argue that any other approach offers quite as much scope and variety as having a home constructed from the ground up, according to particular specifications, and with your own oversight. Greater awareness of just how your property is being built, and what is being put into it Increasingly, there is a growing sense of homeowner awareness about some of the ways in which particular material used in home construction can be hazardous or detrimental – and yet many homes which have been built in the past still contain potentially volatile and harmful materials. It’s still very common, for example, for existing homes to contain have asbestos in their construction – and even though it shouldn’t be harmful unless it is damaged or disturbed, this still creates one significant potential risk factor that you have to be mindful of, and another dimension in which your home might be hazardous to those working on it. In addition to the fact that certain materials that were commonly used in the past might be directly harmful to human health, construction norms have changed over time in other ways, and the kind of homes that were considered fashionable and cozy several decades ago will not necessarily reflect the architectural standards of the current day, or your own preferences. When you have a home, or other property, built from the ground up, you will tend to have a significantly greater level of awareness of just how that property is being built, and what is being put into it. When you’re having your own property built from scratch, you will also be in a much better position to mindfully vet the specific construction team that you want working on the build, and to get a sense for how skilful and trustworthy they are. In recent years, there have been several high-profile tragedies and controversies in different parts of the world, concerning buildings which were built without following proper protocol, back in the day. The satisfaction of being the first one to inhabit the property Let’s face it: although many people like the idea of living in a home that already has its own history and story, many other people also like the idea of being the first inhabitants of a property, and leaving their own mark on it. If you like the idea of starting a new chapter in your life with your own home, and making sure that it really

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The Complete Guide to Calling a Plumber in Perth at Midnight and How It Can Save You a Ton of Money!

This article is for guiding people who encounter a plumbing emergency in the middle of the night. If you are reading this, then you have probably had a plumbing issue that has cropped up at an inconvenient time. Maybe it’s 3 am and your toilet is overflowing, or maybe your pipes are clogged with tree roots. Either way, the first thing to ask yourself is: Should I call a plumber at midnight for my house in Perth? The answer may surprise you! There are some considerations before calling out for help if it’s late at night. Many people are concerned about the cost of calling a plumber at midnight or even worse, waiting until morning to solve your plumbing issue. Here are some tips on what you should do if this happens to you. How to Know if You Should Call a Plumber at Midnight For some plumbing issues, you can fix them yourself. But for other plumbing problems, you should rely on a trusted team of plumbers in Perth. If you are unsure about when to call a plumber, keep reading! There are many reasons you may need to call a plumber at midnight for your home in Perth. Examples of these reasons include a burst pipe that is sending water everywhere, a clog in the toilet, or you have no hot water. Although these problems can’t wait until morning to be fixed, it’s important not to panic and waste money by calling someone who doesn’t offer 24-hour service. Look for one with an emergency hotline number on their website so you’ll know exactly where to go when you need help. A leaky faucet is something that many people can fix themselves. However, if the leak is coming from the supply lines or the main valve under the sink, it might be best to call in an expert. If your toilet or shower seems to be taking longer than usual to flush or fill up with water, this might also be something that requires professional attention. The most common reasons for calling in a professional are clogs and low water pressure. Clogs happen when there isn’t enough water flowing through your pipes and they need to be cleared out by hand or with chemicals like vinegar and baking soda. Low water pressure usually results from the buildup of calcium deposits in your pipes, which decreases the amount of water that can pass through at once. How to Choose a Reliable Plumbing Company That’s Open Late or Overnight Choosing a reliable plumbing company in Perth can be hard when there are so many to choose from. When you’re in the middle of the night and your pipes are clogged, you need someone to come right away. You need to find a company that is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. A company that specializes in pipe-related services like fixing leaks, installing new pipes, etc. Some other things you should keep in mind when choosing a plumbing company are: -Do they have a trusted team of plumbers? -Can they offer emergency repairs? -What type of service do they offer? -What type of equipment do they use? The Best Time to Call a Plumber for Your Emergency Situation When it comes to plumbing emergencies, the time of day is not as important as how soon you can get a plumber out to your home. The sooner you call, the better. Talking to a local plumber in your neighborhood is the best method to figure out what your emergency plumbing needs are. Keep his contact information on hand in case you find yourself in a similar position again. What Does It Cost to Call a Plumber at Midnight for Your Home in Perth? Plumbing emergencies are never convenient. Usually, they happen when you’re already tired and the idea of plumbing work is the last thing on your mind. However, plumbing problems cannot be solved with a simple phone call to the plumber. The best time to make that call is before midnight because it’s less likely that there will be a surge in prices for after-hour work. If you are worried about the hourly rate of your Perth plumber, here is an idea of what to expect. The average contract charge-out rate per hour in Perth is between $95-$100. Paying for emergency plumbing services is an expense that can be avoided if planned in advance. Researching how to prevent a plumbing problem from happening in the first place is likely to be cheaper than fixing it after, and there are many ways to do this. If you’re looking for ways to save money on plumbing services, you need not look any further than at your own home. Investing in routine maintenance may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it will save you money in the long run. Preventative measures like replacing old pipes with copper ones or installing anti-scald devices can save you money on high water bills and insurance premiums. The simplest way of preventing a plumbing issue is monitoring your water usage and making sure that leaks are fixed promptly when they occur. Leaving small leaks unfixed can eventually lead to a much bigger plumbing issue, and the bigger the problem, the more time it takes for plumbers to fix it, which means it costs you more money! Takeaway Before ending, here’s one final tip. Know when to stop trying. You might search YouTube for an emergency plumbing issue and try to fix your problem, but sometimes doing that can worsen the issue. If the problem seems too complex, call a plumber right away to come and fix whatever needs fixing so that everything is back in order again. While searching for plumbers, don’t underestimate the importance of using an experienced full-service company that offers 24 hr emergency services in Perth. Even if it’s just one phone call away, don’t risk it! It’s easy to ignore the specifics in times of an emergency, but at the end of the

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Additions (Accessories) That Will Boost the Performance of Your Farm

When you have a farm, it’s essential to know that your equipment is functioning correctly. This article will show you the top 7 additions that will help improve performance on your farm and increase its profitability! Renewable Energy Installations Today, many farmers face the problem of adding renewable energy generation to their existing farms. With the growing number of installations, renewable energy becomes more and more affordable for the everyday farmer, but you still must consider things like: Where can you place your wind turbines or solar panels?  What kind of accessories do you need to get the most out of them?  Renewable energy installations are necessary if you want your farm to be sustainable. The good news is that it’s possible now. In addition, renewable energy installation prices have dropped during recent years, so almost everyone can afford one.  There are many different types available today, each with various features that make all farms unique even though they have similar needs when using renewable energy sources. However, any farmers usually install a wind turbine or solar panel on their farm and accessories to boost their performance. Wind Turbines To make a wind turbine work for you, placing it in the right spot is crucial. If possible, try to find a high ground where winds blow more often and with higher strength. In addition, the type of blades in wind turbine construction determines its power output, while larger rotors mean less rotation speed but greater energy production per hour.  Engineers use the gears to increase or decrease the RPM, which also affects how much electricity gets generated from each rotor blade, so choose carefully before adding gears. In addition to this, stickers are available for decorating your wind turbines; however, they do not impact their functionality, so feel free to place them wherever you want without worrying. Solar Panels Installing solar panels is a little bit easier and cheaper than wind turbines – not to mention that you can move them whenever required. However, just like with wind turbines, it’s crucial to find the right location for your solar installation and accessories that will protect them from weather conditions such as hail or heavy rains if possible.  There are many types of photovoltaic cells available on the market today so choose wisely depending on what you need most: bigger size means more power output. Still, a smaller surface area makes less electricity generated per hour since each cell will receive only a limited amount of sunlight at specific periods throughout the day and year. To boost their performance, try installing anti-reflective glass because it will change the way sun rays are entering solar panels, increasing their electricity output. Installing renewable energy on your farm is not a complicated process. Still, it requires significant investments, so consider the necessity and benefits before doing anything to avoid future problems with local authorities or existing laws regarding alternative energy generation. However, renewable energy installations will increase the farm’s sustainability while decreasing maintenance costs, making them a profitable option for first-time farmers and experienced veterans alike. Security Systems  If you are already running a farm or want to get started with one, security systems can be helpful. Security devices help minimize the risk of theft by monitoring who is coming and going on your property. For example, some people will use motion sensors that activate when someone walks within range, while others put up surveillance cameras around their farms.  If you are putting up cameras, it’s essential to protect them with fencing or other security methods. Unfortunately, since no two farms are the same size and type, there isn’t one universal security system best for everyone.  This means that when shopping around for a security device, you should always read reviews to see what others have said about their experiences using the device. Then, if possible, get your hands on some models before buying to test out how they work yourself. You never know if something will work unless you try it. It’s also vital not to skimp on quality here because while some cheaper options might seem appealing at first glance, these devices often won’t be able to do everything required of them. If you are not careful, this could result in your loss of crops or, even worse, someone getting hurt. So, once again, it’s essential to be very diligent when researching the different options available to make sure what you choose is suitable for your situation. There are specific security devices that almost every farm should have regardless of size or location since they can help keep people out and animals/crops safe from harm. A fence, motion sensor lights, surveillance camera(s), lockable gates, and locks on doors are just some examples of helpful security tools most farms will need at one point or another. So, if the budget allows, look into purchasing these types of items before anything else! Tracking Systems Not just for large farms, but also small ones. If you are looking for a great way to improve the efficiency of your farm, you should get trackers installed on all vehicles that transfer resources between different locations in your farm. You can also use it to monitor worker productivity by tracking their hours behind the wheel or how many miles they have driven with each truck during any given month. Tracking systems give farmers real-time information about anything and everything happening within their farms’ parameters at any time. You can use these systems to monitor water pumps, irrigation equipment, and even the movement of farm vehicles like tractors and harvesters. With a tracking system, you will always know where your resources are if they were not transported or utilized as expected with no chance for errors in data entry which is very important when reporting on efficiency gains within a given crop cycle. Transport Means Tractors, trucks, and trailers are the most used means of transport for farmers who have big farms or work with many things. Therefore,

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THE CONSTRUCTION PLAYBOOK: PRINCIPLES TOO SLOW TO BE IMPLEMENTED

THE Confederation of British Industry has this week stated that the adoption of the principles for better contracting set out in the government’s Construction Playbook is too slow. This is a view echoed by Gerard Toplass, group CEO of The 55 Group, which is the parent company for national framework provider Pagabo, leading risk, management and compliance software company Sypro, and social value specialist Loop. He said: “We absolutely agree that the principles of the Construction Playbook setting out better contracting are not being adopted at a quick enough pace. We’d also say the same of all of the principles covering the procurement and project lifecycle. The Playbook should – and quite frankly must – be at the heart of everything we do. “At The 55 Group, we embrace the Construction Playbook and everything it stands for. Whether it is at the initial procurement stage, managing contracts and project processes, managing ongoing estate risks, or examining the social value benefits of schemes or activities, our businesses are right at the forefront. This is all wrapped up in a digital-first approach, both in our own operations and in driving technology adoption across the whole industry for processes and training alike. “We’re on a mission to help the industry gain a better understanding of the Playbook’s principles and the best way to implement those into all activity. This includes work Pagabo is currently doing with the Open University to create a series of podcasts that focus on the key elements of the Playbook. “This series aims to provide the public sector and any other clients with the building blocks to implement the Playbook’s core aims and will be launched later this year. “Most importantly, as built environment specialists we must support our clients, the public sector, and each other in understanding the key policies and how to implement them. This means that we need to not just talk about them but find ways of educating and driving the all-important change needed across the sector. “We need to work towards talent density within procurement, properly set up frameworks that have good coverage of suppliers, lots and geographies, and the use of digital technology – all wrapped up in compliant practice with social value at its heart.” For more information, please visit https://www.the55group.co.uk/  

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Improving Warehouse Efficiency

Over the past year or so, many businesses across the UK have begun to rely heavily on their e-commerce stores, more so than brick and mortar shops. As a result, the demand for increased warehouse space and improved warehouse efficiency has increased massively. From more inventory, a wider range of goods for sale and expanding businesses, a lot of organisations have had to adapt their way of working to accommodate the increase in demand for goods purchased online. There are lots of tips available for getting the most out of your warehouse storage. Warehouse management is a key component in running a successful retail business, no matter what kind of consumer goods you are selling. Whether it is food, clothing, household appliances, books or all of the above, setting up a great warehouse that can adapt, evolve and grow with your business is key to running a successful online store. So, if you’re running a warehouse as part of your business, keep reading this article to learn how to improve warehouse efficiency. Warehouse Equipment When setting up your warehouse, it is important to invest time in finding the layout and processes that work best for your business. Developing a logical floor plan with the most in-demand goods within easy access will ensure efficiency. Wide walkways and clear guidance around the warehouse floor also help with the movement of goods, as well as improve safety for workers. For the movement of inventory, warehouse machinery such as electric pallet trucks, hoists and conveyor belts make it safe and easy for employees to ship goods in and out of the warehouse. Other equipment that can help improve warehouse efficiency includes the following: Indeed, proper warehouse equipment can be essential in improving the efficiency of warehouse operations. But on top of this equipment, good quality racks and shelving play a crucial role in organizing a warehouse system. For example, the Stackit Industrial Shelving and other similar products can effectively increase warehouse storage capacity and provide quick access to commodities, hence improving product safety. As a result, warehouse managers and operators can improve the efficiency of their overall warehouse operations. However, boosting warehouse efficiency isn’t only about investing in the right warehouse equipment. This year, there has been a big increase in artificial intelligence used in warehouse logistics. Computers and robots are being used to improve speed and efficiency, as well as reduce error rate, across areas such as labelling and sorting. With order processing techniques such as pick to light, artificial intelligence holds a lot of potential for repetitive warehouse tasks. AI generally helps to reduce the amount of tedious, repetitive tasks which employees prefer not to do. Many are of the opinion that the future of storage is in warehouse automation. This is a worthwhile area to research for anyone looking to grow their retail business over the long term. But aside from automation and warehouse improvement, you can also improve warehouse efficiency by conducting a thorough employee training process. Remember that without well-trained employees, you may be unable to operate your warehouse operations more efficiently.  Hence, invest in a good training process to ensure they know how to receive goods, maintain inventory, and quickly fulfill orders safely. Also, ensure your employees are trained in using specific warehouse technology to ensure enhanced warehouse productivity. Lastly, your employees should be familiar with the company procedures and policies and updated with the changes or new practices implemented in the warehouse industry.  The Best Pallet Racks Choosing the best equipment for your particular industry is important. Businesses also evolve over time and it is worth reviewing your warehouse processes at least twice a year. The type of goods you stock may change, or your product range may expand or decline, depending on demand. At peak times such as Christmas and Easter, you may need additional inventory and your warehouse will need to be able to handle this. Warehouse pallet racks need to be adaptable. Take a look at our tips to choose the correct pallet rack for a warehouse and research the best option for your business. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing your pallet racks are adaptable and durable enough to handle additional inventory in the warehouse. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing your pallet racks are adaptable and durable enough to handle additional inventory in the warehouse. Investing in top-quality warehouse equipment and ensuring that your storage facility is set up to run smoothly will mean goods get shipped quickly and without error. This in turn will result in happy customers. Great customer service is a cornerstone of a successful business and getting orders out on time is crucial for customer retention. Find the best warehouse machinery for your business today and put smooth work processes in place – it is one of the best investments of time and money for any retail organisation. It will pay off in the long run and will help boost the growth of your business long into the future.

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5 Must-Know Secrets To Achieve Welding Success

Welding plays an enormous role in many industries. It’s a necessity in automaking, construction, and aviation. In most cases, welding enables frames and connections between the metal parts. Welding’s importance reaches homes as most appliances, tools, and equipment are generally welded. Yet, welding can be challenging. Workers require time, practice, and discipline to master this craft. However, there are tips and tricks that seasoned workers apply to have excellent welds. If you’re still learning the basics of welding, take note of these secrets to have a successful welding project. 1. Incorporate Aluminum In Construction Projects One way to have a durable and outstanding welding project is by using aluminum. Although this metal is generally more expensive compared to steel, aluminum offers more benefits. It’s resistant to corrosion and easier to cut because it’s typically soft. Despite its softness, it’s very durable and lighter compared to other welding base materials. Because of it, an aluminum-based welding project requires limited energy during production and use. Hence, it’s believed to be a sustainable way to reduce emissions. If you’d use aluminum, you may use it alone or combine it with other steel materials. Either way, its strength depends on the overall quality of the project. In other words, the better the materials and welding process are, the more durable the results will be. 2. Ensure That Your Electrode Has The Precise Length You may need to select your electrode or stick’s appropriate length. In doing so, choose the type which is appropriate to your arm’s length when you weld. Or you could adjust your distance to have your desired angle. If the electrode is too long, you might melt the rod. If it’s too short, you might not weld properly, and the joined part might detach anytime soon. 3. Start And Finish Everything Cleanly Use a wire brush to remove grease, rust, and dust in the parts you’ll weld. Ensure that there’s no residue left in the metals before you try to attach them. When the dirt is infused with impurities, the welds are likely to have dust and rust, weakening the spots. If you want dirt-free welds, slow down the process to guarantee proper melting and joining. Lastly, it would be best to clean your workplace by removing burn marks and other impurities that result from your work. 4. Take A Practice Run Before The Actual Weld If you want to find your most comfortable position in welding, take a practice run. It’ll help you in determining your best angle as well as the distance to your work. Professional welders do this to start the momentum in their work. Usually, they do this by welding two pieces of metal. 5. Follow The Basics Of Welding In welding, you’d need to stick with the fundamentals to have clean and good outputs. For that purpose, here are some points that you may consider: Angle: For wire type, position the gun at a 10-20° angle while you have a pushing direction for your weld. For the stick type, keep the angle within 20-30° direction. For fillet type, keep your rod around 45°. These are the ideal angles to each kind of process. Yet, you could always consider your comfort over these prescriptions. Arc spacing: In most cases, welders keep a distance of ⅜ to ½ inch for wire welding. You may apply the rule of thumb in keeping work distances for other types—the arc’s span shouldn’t out-space the core’s diameter. Travel speed: This refers to the speed by which the welding stick moves along the workpiece. If you need to master welding, you need to know when to use slow and fast travel. Too slow welding may produce too many metal deposits or over melting. On the contrary, if you go too fast, it may result in narrow beads that are typically weak. Push or pull: These refer to the basic methods of welding. Push-welds normally create shallow spots and cover a wider area. On the other hand, a pull-weld is preferable when you use a process that creates slags, such as what metal inert gas welders do. Wrapping Up A successful welding project needs more than fundamental skills. Apart from the skills, welders need reliable tools and equipment. Yet, mastering the skills might make welding a lot easier. In addition, they shorten the time of labor and make the workpiece more efficient. Suppose you’re planning to weld your first ever workpiece. In that case, you may get back to the secrets and insights mentioned above. They may provide necessary insights for your craft and develop your welding skills. With the right skills, you’ve completed half of the requirements for a clean and successful welding project.

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Things to Consider When Choosing Concrete Formwork for Construction

The concrete’s properties can affect the formwork and the entire project. That is why it is critical to understand the concrete’s characteristics. In Brisbane, concrete is one of the most often utilized building materials. This is because it combines strength, durability, and lifespan with affordability and flexibility, to name a few advantages. However, while concrete has seen many improvements and new variants throughout the years, it is far from a novel material. According to many historical sources, it has been in use for about 2,500 years. Nowadays, it is utilized in many ways, from laying strong foundations to constructing pools and hardscapes and adding beautiful finishing touches. Basics of Concrete Forming Concrete forming is the act of securing liquid concrete in place as it chemically cures into a solid material utilizing prefabricated structures, ranging from plants to polymers. To achieve this, the forms must be robust, flush with the floor to prevent spillage, and, in most instances, detachable and reusable. Concrete must be poured into an enclosed area and allowed to solidify enough to retain its form. Newly poured concrete can be kept in form by existing features such as walls and edgings. Alternatively, temporary shuttering, commonly known as formwork, may be required. Formwork construction on vertical buildings can be challenging and is thus often performed by experienced formwork erectors. On the other hand, ground-level slab work is often less complex and requires just basic formwork. In all instances, whether vertical constructions or ground-level work, the formwork must be robust. It must be strong enough to withstand the forces generated by the wet concrete, as well as the weight of the vibration-generating equipment. In addition, the formwork joints must be securely secured to prevent the wet concrete from leaking during vibration and curing. Any expert formwork contractor from Brisbane will follow all the safety regulations and provide expert services. You can visit sites like www.formworkcontractorsbrisbane.com to get a better understanding of how such companies work. But a thing to remember is that if you are from Brisbane or any other part of Australia, you need to comply with the Australian concrete formwork standard. Standards for Concrete Formwork There is a general guideline called the Australian standard AS 3610-1995 formwork for concrete. You must comply with this standard if you plan to engage in any of the following activities, regardless of whether you live in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, or any other city in Australia. They are: Importance of Formwork Things to Consider for Concrete Framework Materials Concrete formwork can be constructed using a variety of materials. Steel and aluminum are two of the most prevalent. Steel is usually less expensive and offers the strength necessary for some building projects, but it is also heavier and bulkier. On the other hand, aluminum is lighter and more adaptable than steel, but it is usually costlier. Scale The scale should also be taken into account in the calculation. Numerous factors, such as the kind of formwork that will work best, are determined by the size and complexity of the building project. It will also affect the total cost of developing the formwork and other variables. Strength Additionally, strength is critical. The Formwork and Falsework must be robust enough to support both the weight of wet concrete and dried concrete. It should also be capable of withstanding any extra structural components that can be needed, as well as the pressure placed on it by your employees, equipment, and other factors. But it is advised to avoid too much pressure when placing concretes. Cost Cost is a significant consideration for all projects as well as each component. Formwork is no exception. It will affect the project’s cost regarding the materials and labor required to construct the formwork. Additionally, it can result in additional costs if it is not appropriately constructed and planned according to your particular requirements. Finally, if the formwork is heavy and difficult to handle, you can incur extra costs by renting the necessary equipment. Texture and Appearance  Different materials used in formwork have different textures. As such, they can affect the final concrete’s surface. If you need a smooth surface, make sure to choose the appropriate formwork materials. When different materials are used to cover the surface, the textures and effects of the formwork may not be an issue. Usability Whatever project you are working on, it is critical to have simple formwork to handle, install, and remove. This will assist you in staying on schedule and within budget for your project. On the other hand, difficult-to-manage formwork can result in expensive delays, unanticipated costs, and other complications. Joints Joint strength is essential in formwork from various perspectives. For one thing, the strength of the joints affects the formwork’s total strength. Second, suppose the joints are not strong and secure. In that case, you risk wasting a lot of material and producing a subpar final product. Safety Formwork should add to, not detract from, the safety of your building site. This feature is influenced by the materials used to construct the formwork, its strength, the strength of its joints, and its simplicity of usage. Strong materials that are well-assembled, suitable for the task at hand, and easy to deal with will contribute significantly to job site safety. Types of Concrete Forms A square foot of ordinary concrete weighs about 150 pounds, and a typical concrete project may need the placement of hundreds to thousands of square feet of concrete at once. Concrete forms must support all weight, so most forms are constructed of sturdy wood or metal. Although advances in concrete forms made of plastic, fiberglass, and resins have occurred in recent years, the cost and strength of these materials have not yet surpassed the established performance of metal and wood. Concrete Wall Pre-manufactured forming systems are often utilized for pouring walls or bigger structures such as piers or foundations. These wall systems, usually constructed of engineered wood with a metal frame or entirely metal, connect through a pin or latch mechanism. Additionally, these kinds of

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