Block Out the Sun While sunlight can add picturesque natural lighting to certain areas of your home, it also stands to increase indoors temps, especially during the summer months. Needless to say, the hotter your home gets, the harder your air conditioning has to work – and the harder your
Documentation is one of the staples in virtually all organizations, regardless of what they do. Every day, companies in the manufacturing industry have to deal with processing extensive number of documents, ensuring proper documentation workflows and handle obligations stemming from tax and other legal regulations. This requires the implementation of
Record swathes of London home buyers are fleeing for the suburbs, even as the capital reopens and attempts to shrug off the pandemic. The city’s residents snapped up more than 60,000 homes elsewhere in the U.K. in the first six months of this year, according to Hamptons, the most since
Faulty or overflowing septic tanks can be a horrible sight for homeowners. Usually, septic tanks are buried deep under the ground, and you’ll probably don’t even notice its presence until you see some unusual signs. There are a couple of signs that are associated with septic tank issues: Gurgling/Bubbling sounds
The latest index shows that: – – New record highs in price of property coming to market in the mass-market sectors, made up of first-time buyer properties, up by £1,328 (+0.6%) in the month, and second-stepper properties, up by £975 (+0.3%) in the month – Cooling of the upper-end four-bedroom-plus
Building your first home is a big undertaking. It can be stressful and overwhelming, but there are many things you should keep in mind during the process to make it easier for yourself! This article includes ten tips on everything from making sure you have enough money saved up to
When planning to build or renovate your house, the first thing you’d want to know is the cost. This is a crucial element that guides you in making informed decisions before you begin the project. However, there is no better way to get the actual cost estimate of your construction
The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has issued another in its series of engaging advice videos, reminding workers how to keep themselves and others safe as the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed. The 90-second animation is the latest in a string of easy-to-follow Forum films designed to help construction workers protect
Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities, said: “Despite the sustained recovery of order books in the first half of the year, June’s fall in output is a sign that the long-term challenges facing the construction industry are starting to bite,
Housebuilder Barratt Homes has contributed £10,000 for the veteran’s charity Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), following Regional Director Mark Bailey and his Wife participating in the charity’s annual Cycle Ride recently (16th-18th July). Mark Bailey supported this event for the second time, whilst RBLI is a charity with whom Barratt
Block Out the Sun While sunlight can add picturesque natural lighting to certain areas of your home, it also stands to increase indoors temps, especially during the summer months. Needless to say, the hotter your home gets, the harder your air conditioning has to work – and the harder your AC has to work, the more you can expect to pay in utility costs. With this in mind, you should take active measures to keep indoor sunlight to a minimum. Fortunately, there are a number of easy – and cost-effective – ways to go about this. For starters, you can outfit your windows with thermal curtains. Also known as “blackout curtains,” these curtains are composed of much thicker materials than standard window dressings. This ensures that they’re well-equipped to block out sunlight and seal in cool air. As an added bonus, thermal curtains can also prove convenient during the frosty winter months, when they can help seal in warm air and keep cool air at bay. In other words, thermal curtains are far from a seasonal investment. If you’re not keen on the idea of replacing your current window dressings, look into purchasing blackout screens. Per the name, these screens are designed to block out sunlight. Additionally, most blackout screens can be effortlessly applied to windows and are affordable on even the tightest budget. However, while they tend to be slightly less expensive than thermal curtains, blackout screens are unlikely to last nearly as long. Although some screens may last as long as several years, most of them aren’t designed to last forever – particularly the stick-on variety. Speaking of which, if this is the type of screen you purchase, just know that once you’ve removed it from its respective window, you probably won’t be able to reapply it. Install High-Quality Ceiling Fans Good ceiling fans can be a tremendous boon to your summertime cooling efforts. Not only can they work in tandem with your central air conditioning system, they can also function as useful cooling aids in their own right. To truly get the most out of your ceiling fans, make sure to install at least one fan in every area of your home, as this will help ensure even distribution of cool air. You can also enable your fans to produce a downward-flowing cool breeze by setting their blades to rotate counterclockwise. When searching for the right ceiling fans, just remember that not all fans are equally obliging. To ensure that you don’t wind up with the wrong fans, limit your options to fans that have received positive consumer reviews, feature a variety of user-friendly settings and can be installed and adjusted with ease. Take Advantage of Nighttime Temps If the temperatures in your neck of the woods tend to get much cooler overnight, you should consider using this to your advantage. Once the sun goes down and the temp starts to drop, switch off your AC, open some windows and allow your ceiling fans to distribute the cool air throughout your home. In addition to giving your air conditioning a break, this will enable you to enjoy your evenings in comfort without having to worry about how much such comfort stands to cost you. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t love summer. Optimal travel conditions, ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and family gatherings are just a few of the great things the season has to offer. However, by the sake token, you’d be equally hard-pressed to find someone who relished the exorbitant home cooling costs that summertime brings. So, if running your air conditioning 24/7 is no longer financially tenable, put the previously discussed pointers to good use.
Documentation is one of the staples in virtually all organizations, regardless of what they do. Every day, companies in the manufacturing industry have to deal with processing extensive number of documents, ensuring proper documentation workflows and handle obligations stemming from tax and other legal regulations. This requires the implementation of modern concepts and IT solutions, which can make document management workflows easier and more efficient in any manufacturing company. Electronic document workflow in a manufacturing company Companies that are conscious and aware of what they want to achieve choose electronic document management workflows. Why? Because at the cornerstone of this concept lies digitalization – conversion of all or some of company documentation into a digital form. Electronic documents are stored, accessed and processed in a digital archive accessible via a document management system – another tool in the document management toolkit. Together, they enable companies to streamline, optimize and automate all tasks concerning company documentation, which brings numerous important benefits. Thanks to the electronic document management workflow and automation of processes related to document management and handling, manufacturing companies can save time and money, while their employees can focus on value-added activities, which support the organizations and their growth. What is more, electronic document management workflows also eliminate the risk of human error, which can lead to significant financial losses and irreparable damage to reputation. All of this is made possible by the fact that the system holds the users’ hands, so to speak, by reminding about due payments. What is more, all files are available to users on the so-called need-to-know basis – only the authorized users can see the documents they need. All this increases the quality, speed and accuracy of business decisions, which all have a positive impact on the company and its growth, which results in achieving a competitive advantage. Managing documents with dedicated IT software Electronic document management workflow would have remained only a concept if it were not for the development of modern technologies, in particular innovative IT solutions. Document management systems (or DMS for short) are key in the area of working with business documentation. These solutions support users in the efficient, secure and effective management of digital documentation and records, facilitating handling related tasks and processes. Modern DMS-class systems are usually advanced and highly-functional platforms. But if you need to find a system which enables companies to tackle even the most demanding and complex business scenarios characteristic for organizations in the manufacturing sector, you should take a closer look at innovative low-code platforms, which use cutting-edge technologies – workflow engine, no-to-low-code application development, Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), OCR, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and many others, including bespoke solutions. Using them in a capacity of a document management system makes it possible to streamline the organization’s document workflow processes. As a result, companies in the manufacturing sector can gain better and more comprehensive control over all processes related to document management.
Record swathes of London home buyers are fleeing for the suburbs, even as the capital reopens and attempts to shrug off the pandemic. The city’s residents snapped up more than 60,000 homes elsewhere in the U.K. in the first six months of this year, according to Hamptons, the most since the broker started tracking the data 15 years ago. Deals by Londoners accounted for 8.6% of all purchases outside the capital, even higher than the share last year when the Covid-driven wave of outward migration began. City dwellers’ small and expensive homes became less appealing last year as governments enforced lockdowns. Coupled with what looks increasingly likely to be a long-term shift to more flexible working, that’s seen many home owners leaving town for bigger and greener homes in the suburbs. “Pandemic-fueled city outmigration shows no sign of slowing,” said Hamptons Head of Research Aneisha Beveridge. “Despite lockdowns easing and offices and restaurants reopening, Londoners have continued to reevaluate where they want to live, with many bringing future-planned moves forward.” The average distance from London of homes bought by former residents was 34.6 miles (55.7 kilometers), also the longest since Hamptons’ records began. Top destinations include Tandridge in Surrey to the city’s south and the Three Rivers and Hertsmere districts in Hertfordshire on the northern border.
Faulty or overflowing septic tanks can be a horrible sight for homeowners. Usually, septic tanks are buried deep under the ground, and you’ll probably don’t even notice its presence until you see some unusual signs. There are a couple of signs that are associated with septic tank issues: Gurgling/Bubbling sounds coming from the plumbing system Damp area or standing water near the septic tank Toilet not flushing properly Foul smell near your lawn or from the drains Water draining slowly or backing up All these signs indicate there is some problem with your septic tank, and it needs prompt action. It’s a signal that your septic tank needs urgent maintenance or repairs. But do you know why such a situation arises? Let’s explore some of the common septic tank issues and how you can solve them? Common Septic Tank Issues And Their Solutions Ground Movement Even the slightest ground movement can put considerable pressure on the septic tank. This can cause cracks or even fractures in the walls, causing a set of problems such as Backing up in your septic tank Your septic tank needs need to be emptied more often The tank will fail to separate liquid from solid waste Ultimately, there is no way out than replacing the septic tank in a ground movement. Tree Root Damage Septic tanks are wet places that attract nearby shrubs or plants to go through the tank’s walls. As the plants grow over time, the roots get stronger, causing cracks and damage to the tank. The infiltrated roots not only block the pipes leading to the property but prevent the tank from working properly. The root damage will let the liquids from the tank escape and water from the ground to get in. You can get the roots removed by performing a septic tank and pipe cleaning. Root infiltration can be prevented by installing newer, plastic pipes capable of withstanding damage from roots. Also, you can treat your lines with root growth inhibitors to prevent root growth. Collapsed Baffle A baffle is like a barricade within the septic tank that stops the solids from escaping into the soakaway system. Yoursoakaway system allows the dirty water from the septic tank to percolate through the soil around it. This is a kind of treatment for the wastewater as it is dispersed into the surrounding soils to prevent any nasty smells. A collapsed baffle is a serious situation as it allows the solids to enter into the soakaway system and stop the treatment from happening. You can see the collapsed baffle by peeking into the septic tank. If your septic tank baffle is lost or damaged, it can be refitted to prevent the solids from flowing to the soakaway system. Damaged Dip Pipe A dip pipe has the same function as a dip pipe. Depending upon the design of the septic tank, you will either have dip pipes or baffle, or both. It makes sure that the waste gets separated and the dirty water flows into the soakaway system. If you notice it at the base of the septic tank, you need to get it repaired. As mentioned earlier, if the solid waste enters the soakaway system, it backs into the house. It can be solved by lining inside of the tank, making it watertight, or refitting the dip pipe. Old Septic Tank Septic tanks can be as old as 100 years and may not fit into the requirements of modern houses. For example, they might not have dip pipes and have a single instead of double chamber structure. Such old septic tanks might start giving problems to the new homeowners. Also, the soakaway systems might not work after some time, causing problems. When the tank is too old, then it’s better to get it replaced than repaired. Lack Of Maintenance Your septic tank must get cleaned every year. For a 1,000-gallon septic tank, you can do it every 4-5 years. You can get it cleaned by calling a professional plumber who can pump, empty, clean your tank and do the essential maintenance and repairs. Understand that you can’t do the septic tank repairs yourself and seek professional help. Check out the local plumbing services in your area and schedule an inspection so that they can figure out the actual septic tank issue and give you appropriate solutions. It is advisable that you only call a licensed and insured plumbing service as installing a septic tank or soakaway or fixing them is a complex task that can only be done by an experienced professional.
The latest index shows that: – – New record highs in price of property coming to market in the mass-market sectors, made up of first-time buyer properties, up by £1,328 (+0.6%) in the month, and second-stepper properties, up by £975 (+0.3%) in the month – Cooling of the upper-end four-bedroom-plus sector, down by £4,699 (-0.8%) in the month, with buyers no longer making larger stamp duty savings – Overall result is that the national average falls £1,076 (-0.3%) this month, the first price drop recorded in 2021 – Buyer demand remains strong, suggesting an Autumn bounce in prices and seller activity: – Demand stats for the first week in August are up 56% on the same period in 2019, and down just 17% on frenzied post-lockdown 2020 – With homes selling faster than ever, there’s a strong incentive for owners to come to market with “sell before you buy” proving the best tactic for many to secure their next home in this fast-moving market Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, James Forrester, commented: “While the stamp duty holiday certainly lit the touchpaper it’s no longer fuelling the current house market boom with buoyant home seller sentiment and a lack of available properties driving house prices ever higher. A cool in the rate of growth at the top end of the market for larger homes is also to be expected. Not only were homes of this description seeing the largest saving as a result of the stamp duty holiday, but we’ve seen lockdown restrictions spur many buyers to buy bigger. As a result, demand for these properties has been through the roof and so this cool in asking prices is no doubt signs that this trend is starting to ease.” Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, commented: ”London continues to trail the rest of the UK as a result of a drastically different market recovery timeline. While other regions have seen prices accelerate pretty much since the start of the stamp duty holiday, demand across the London market has stuttered due to travel restrictions dampening foreign buyer appetites and remote working impacting domestic demand. However, the London property market is really a multitude of micro-markets reacting individually to super-local influences such as commutability, regeneration and the effects of demand overflowing from adjacent areas and from foreign shores. It’s a complex dynamic characterised by a huge +7.3% to -5.3% spread in annual house price growth and so to tar the entire London market with the same brush of underperformance is rather inaccurate. We’re already seeing strong growth in a number of market areas and so it won’t be long before this starts to show at a topline level and we don’t expect London to trail the house price pack for long.” Founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, commented: “Homes are going under offer at an extremely fast pace in the current market and house prices continue to climb to new highs, but it’s no bed of roses, particularly if you’re a buyer. Stock levels remain at extremely low levels following the boom caused by the stamp duty holiday and while agents have been enjoying transaction volumes 50% higher than usual, this will soon become a distant memory as the market starts to shrink. Not only will this cause a considerable challenge for the industry but with buyers already facing stiff competition and an ever-escalating cost of buying, the task of securing a property will grow all the more difficult.”
Building your first home is a big undertaking. It can be stressful and overwhelming, but there are many things you should keep in mind during the process to make it easier for yourself! This article includes ten tips on everything from making sure you have enough money saved up to interviewing contractors. We hope these helpful hints will help you build your dream home without all the headaches! 1 Time Frame As a rule of thumb, the sooner you start saving up for your home-building project, the better. Some people wait until their current mortgage expires before buying another house or construction on an existing property. Unfortunately, this is not always possible due to time constraints and other factors such as financial restrictions. Plan ahead! Figure out how much money you will need at what point in time so that when it comes down to building your dream abode, there are no surprises. The longer it takes for someone who wants to build their own home from scratch while juggling work and family commitments (or any other life responsibilities) can be difficult if he does not plan well in advance. Save enough money over time or have some other source of income. 2 Planning is Vital Planning is vital when building a house. The person who will be in charge of the finances needs to make sure that there are enough funds saved up for the entire project since it can take years and cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on design, materials used (stick-built vs modular), location, size etc. A good plan also includes drawing out floor plans so progress can be tracked more efficiently. It’s important not to wing this process! In addition, if you have time constraints such as work obligations or family commitments, then planning heavily upfront is recommended – set aside some money over time or have another source of income coming in while you build your dream abode. This way, everything doesn’t get pushed back, and you have a better chance of creating the home that best fits your needs. 3 Find the Perfect Lot Finding a lot that’s perfect for you might sound like an easy task. But, it can be if you know how to look. Whether it’s on the internet or in person, there are a few key things you should keep in mind. These factors might seem minor when it comes to picking out a home, but they can make all the difference. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! 4 Design With Costs In Mind One of the most important things to consider when designing your new home is how much it will cost. Knowing what you can afford and sticking to that budget might seem like an easy task, but sometimes people fall into a trap where they think square footage equals more value for their money. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true! There are plenty of factors that need to be considered before making this mistake, so make sure you know all about construction costs vs purchase prices, not just upfront expenditure costs, financing fees and taxes. You don’t want any nasty surprises on moving day! The decision to build or buy should never be taken lightly and takes time-consuming research from both ends of the spectrum (buying/building). What’s right for one person might not be the best choice for another. The decision will affect you and your family in various ways, so make sure to consider all aspects before making i 5 Plan for Storage 6 Secure Financing If you haven’t had much luck securing a mortgage before, this might be the time to give it another try. The lending landscape is very different now, and there are so many financing options available for new homeowners looking to buy their first home. These include traditional mortgages from banks or credit unions; loans backed by government programs like FHA or VA; down payment assistance (e.g., “first-time buyer” grants). In addition, low interest rates on personal loans through online lenders; financial planning services help people budget more effectively and get out of debt faster. Of course, you should also calculate the mortgage to ensure your all-around calculations are correct. Planning how you’re going to finance the purchase of your first home is an essential step in saving up for a downpayment. There are many options available, and it’s worth exploring them all before making any decisions. For instance, if you have a good credit score or income, securing financing from traditional banks or credit unions may be an option. On the other hand, if you don’t qualify for these mortgages because of bad credit, lack of employment history, etc., government-backed loans like FHA and VA may provide more favourable terms. Or there are even financial preparation services that help people budget more efficiently to get out of debt faster – which also helps save money at the same time! 7 Keep Your Future In Mind It’s easy to get caught up in the present and forget about what might happen tomorrow. But it’s important not to neglect your future self when building a new home. How you design your living space now will likely affect how comfortable you are later on, whether through temperature control or ease of access, etc. It can be helpful for homeowners to consider their lifestyle and habits (e.g., if they’re going to work from home) before designing their dream house! All these factors should be considered since they’ll determine which material would best suit your needs- wood vs vinyl flooring, tile or marble countertops, hillside properties with plenty of trees around them or city dwellings with sidewalks nearby? 8 Use Quality Materials It’s always tempting to save money by skimping out on materials and construction quality, but this is a mistake. You’ll eventually spend more in the long run when you have to fix structural flaws, replace cheap fixtures or appliances, etc., which can be very costly. This
When planning to build or renovate your house, the first thing you’d want to know is the cost. This is a crucial element that guides you in making informed decisions before you begin the project. However, there is no better way to get the actual cost estimate of your construction or renovation. You need to analyze various elements to get an approximate cost that will guide your overall budgeting. Here are tips to help you estimate the construction and renovation cost of your home. Determine What You Need The first thing to a successful cost estimation of your project is to define your goals and needs. Write down what you want to do and how you want the project to run. This includes the tools you plan to use, remodeling type, contractor expectations, and new items you plan to buy. For instance, if you plan to renovate your roof, install new tiles and replace your kitchen cabinets, you will need a slightly higher budget than when looking to paint your home. When choosing a remodeling project, it is imperative to include the brands you want to use. This is an easy way to determine how much money you’ll spend on purchasing the renovation tools and equipment. If you do not know how to estimate the costs, you can search for the best remodeling estimating software to help you determine the cost, thus, making your work easier and seamless. Use Various Parameters There are various elements such as the size of your home, materials, home location, and project timelines that you can use to determine your home’s construction and remodeling cost. If your project is small, you will likely spend less money than a larger one. It is not good to overlook this aspect and assume the cost no matter the size of the project because everything might work against your expectations. Things keep changing daily, and you cannot rely on the information you acquired yesterday from a friend, family member, or colleague. Even if you get more information from other contractors, you should not rely on it because their projects may not be similar to yours. So, do due diligence in determining the average cost of the project rather than assuming everything. Consider Your Budget The amount of money you’re willing to spend is also a good parameter to determine the cost of your project. You cannot spend what you can’t afford. This is why you should start a project that you can conformably fund without struggling. Check your budget and decide how much money you want to spend. This depends on your needs and preferences. Whatever budget you set, ensure it adds value to your home. Remember, quality and valuable projects may require a slightly higher budget than other common repairs. This is even more beneficial if you’re planning to sell your home in the future. You stand a chance to sell it at a higher cost if it looks valuable. So, focus on getting quality results as long as you’re comfortable with your budget. Prioritize Your Project Needs Sometimes, you do not have to renovate the entire home. You can focus on the main areas depending on your goals, needs, and expectations. Prioritizing your needs will help you deal with the most crucial elements and cut out things that do not add value to your home. This enables you to cut on remodeling and construction costs and save more money. But this doesn’t mean that you work with low-quality materials and hire an inexperienced contractor. Your home is a significant investment that can give you considerable returns. So, it would be best if you did everything to make it appear attractive. Fortunately, you can spend less money on quality items if you take time to window shop from various manufactures or home improvement stores. Request Bids from Multiple Contractors With many contractors in the construction field, you will find different people charging different prices on construction and renovation. Instead of moving ahead with the first person you encounter, it is imperative to research intensively for about four to five contractors and ask for bids from each one. Compare the bids with your budget and go for what suits you. You will be surprised to get a professional contractor who charges a relatively lower price and does an exceptional job. The Bottom Line It is imperative to take time and analyze the above parameters before determining how much money you will spend on a construction or renovation project. The tips above can help you estimate the cost that will suit all your project needs, preferences, and expectations.
The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has issued another in its series of engaging advice videos, reminding workers how to keep themselves and others safe as the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed. The 90-second animation is the latest in a string of easy-to-follow Forum films designed to help construction workers protect themselves and their colleagues, customers and families after Scotland moved out of Level 0 this week (Monday 9 August). It follows the Forum’s warning last month that the sector is “not out of the woods yet” and that each worker has a vitally important role to play in continuing to maintain good hygiene. Among the practical advice, the animation reminds construction professionals to make sure they’re vaccinated, register with Test and Protect, take regular lateral flow tests and familiarise themselves with the rules around self-isolation. While on-site, it also reminds them to carry out thorough risk assessments, keep work spaces ventilated, wash hands, tools and surfaces regularly, continue to observe physical distancing and wear appropriate face coverings where required. Rebecca Crosland, Chair of the Forum’s Health and Safety group, and Head of Health & Safety at the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), said: “With the recent relaxation of COVID-19 rules, we are now entering a new phase where it is still vitally important to be careful both in our professional and personal lives. “This video is designed to remind construction professionals that it’s vital not to forget the lessons learned so far, and of the practical steps they should all keep taking to protect themselves and their customers, colleagues and loved ones. “Make no mistake – COVID-19 is still a very real threat and we can’t afford to relax yet. However, hopefully this will serve as a practical reminder to familiarise themselves with the latest government advice and continue carrying out the safe working practices that have been adopted over the past 18 months.” The new guidance follows a range of other informative Forum videos that have helped to steer the sector through the pandemic, including advice on face coverings, guidance on travel and information for those carrying out domestic work. The video was developed by Iain Mason, Chair of the Forum’s Communications sub-group and Director of Membership & Communication at SELECT, another leading member of the Forum. He said: “Since the CICV Forum began in March 2020, our animations have proved to be highly effective in delivering vial health and safety messaging, and we hope this new video will continue to get more important advice across to construction professional everywhere. “It’s been heartening to see how people across the industry have pulled together to get us through the past 18 months, and as we enter this new phases we must ensure that we all continue with this level of cooperation and collaboration. “This latest animation continues the Forum’s key message that we are all #InThis Together and the importance of workers taking personal responsibility to protect themselves, their colleagues and the wider community.” The CICV Forum is made up of 29 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies. Since its inception, it has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and speaking with government ministers. Last month it issued a secure site risk assessment template and close working checklist to help construction professionals plan for projects, with both available to download for free from the Forum website. Watch the new video…
Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities, said: “Despite the sustained recovery of order books in the first half of the year, June’s fall in output is a sign that the long-term challenges facing the construction industry are starting to bite, with material and labour shortages inflating costs and extending project timelines. Inflation is tipped to continue rising until the end of the year at least, which has the potential to hamper the impact of increased government spending, as it looks to modernise infrastructure and stimulate a construction supercycle. “The support provided to SMEs in the coming months will be key to mitigating any negative long-term effects – particularly for those businesses with restricted buying power or weaker order books post-Covid. Larger contractors can play a key role by ensuring SMEs are able to plan effectively whilst supporting their cashflow through fair payment practices.”
Housebuilder Barratt Homes has contributed £10,000 for the veteran’s charity Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), following Regional Director Mark Bailey and his Wife participating in the charity’s annual Cycle Ride recently (16th-18th July). Mark Bailey supported this event for the second time, whilst RBLI is a charity with whom Barratt has a longstanding partnership. The challenging route saw participants cycle from RBLI’s village in Aylesford, Kent to Meriden, West Midlands, the historical centre of England and home to the National Cyclists Memorial, which was installed 100 years ago and honours cyclists who lost their lives in both World Wars. On arrival, the RBLI party along with the local Member of Parliament and Parish Councillors hosted a wreath laying ceremony and a full-size ‘Tommy’ soldier figure was presented to Meriden Parish Council. During the cycle ride, the riders stopped at Barratt North Thames’ Kingsbrook development in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, where Mark Bailey officially presented Steve Cherry, Managing Director of RBLI, with a £10,000 cheque on behalf of Barratt. Mark comments: “We are proud to be a corporate partner of RBLI, which plays a vital role in supporting our service veterans. The annual Cycle Ride is a further opportunity to fundraise for the charity, and it is an honour to cycle amongst participants ranging from veterans to serving soldiers and even a Chelsea Pensioner. “Tracey [Mr Bailey’s wife] and I have previously cycled with the veterans, a number of whom have had bikes specially adapted due to their injuries enabling them to complete the challenge. It is always a humbling and emotional experience which Tracey and I are delighted to be associated with. It was a pleasure to present the donation to RBLI on behalf of Barratt Developments and we look forward to continuing to work with the charity and provide opportunities for veterans.” Natalie Sweeden, Corporate Partnerships Manager at RBLI, comments: “Time and time again, our amazing partner Barratt Homes has been there, generously supporting RBLI and helping to change the lives of the country’s most vulnerable veterans. We are incredibly proud to have them represented once again at our latest fundraising challenge. “Mark and the team at Barratt are extremely loyal supporters and the funds they raised through this ride will make a significant difference to military veterans and their families who are struggling as a result of the pandemic. We cannot thank them enough for their support.” Barratt announced a multi-layered partnership with RBLI in 2019, which began with a £750,000 donation to RBLI’s Centenary Village with total fundraising to date approaching £1million. The £22million development will be made up of assisted-living accommodation, family homes, specially-adapted apartments and a community centre for injured veterans and their families. The housebuilder has also supported a number of veterans with employment opportunities at its developments in the South East. Most recently, Barratt installed hundreds of Tommy figures across the country at its new homes developments to commemorate the lives of soldiers who fought in WWI, and thank the veterans of today. To find out more about Royal British Legion Industries, visit www.rbli.co.uk. To find out more about Barratt Homes, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk.
