Business : BDC Blog News

Europe’s most impressive sport stadiums

Europe is home to some of the most impressive sports stadiums in the world, with top level football and rugby in particular being played in some iconic venues across the continent. None stands out more though than the Camp Nou, home to FC Barcelona. With a staggering capacity of 99,000

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Industry reaction to latest Rightmove House Price Index

Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, James Forrester, commented: “It’s to be expected that the astronomic rates of house price growth seen since the introduction of the stamp duty holiday will now start to subside as we approach the final deadline. But don’t be fooled into thinking the market will now

Read More »

Why Consumers are Buying Made to Measure Curtains in Surrey

Curtains come in all sorts of fabrics, colors, and sizes. While there’s a wide selection to choose from, there’s always that possibility that your choice won’t be the best one for you and your home. When you choose to buy made to measure curtains in Surrey, however, you’re opening the

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New home buyers look beyond Greater London for post-pandemic living

Data released today in the WhatHouse? New Homes Index reveals the hottest areas across Britain for new home buyer search with South East of England, West Midlands and East Midlands top of the list for August 2021.  A sign that, post pandemic, home buyers are weighing up relocation to areas beyond the traditional Greater London commuter zone and considering a wider range of regions

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Luxury, Pomp, and Style: Unusual Casinos of the World

A casino is, first and foremost, a respectable pastime with a bit of gambling. Nowadays, the opportunity to play and feel the whole enchanting world of gambling is not only for people who come to land-based casinos but also for those who use such casino applications as tonybetapp.com and browser-based

Read More »

Why CBD Products

CBD (cannabidiol) products are naturally occurring plant-based substances growing in demand for self-care and wellness over more chemically-laden options on the market. The cannabinoid demonstrates thus far a level of safety in which users are placing their faith, since research has not concretely evidenced the effects or long-term protection of

Read More »

5 Design Ideas For Your Bedroom This Coming Winter

Now that the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer, the weather is beginning to change. The sun is starting to set earlier, and it’s starting to get cosier inside. I know what you’re thinking – that’s no reason to decorate your bedroom! But wait! There are

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Things to Look Out for When House Hunting

When looking for a new home, there is a lot of pressure. This is where you will live for the foreseeable future. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the need for it to be perfect.  Find a home comes with a long list of desirables. Everything from location to garden

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Latest Issue
Issue 330 : Jul 2025

Business : BDC Blog News

Europe’s most impressive sport stadiums

Europe is home to some of the most impressive sports stadiums in the world, with top level football and rugby in particular being played in some iconic venues across the continent. None stands out more though than the Camp Nou, home to FC Barcelona. With a staggering capacity of 99,000 the Camp Nou is the largest football stadium in Europe and has been Barca’s home since 1957. The club has become one of the giants of World football in this time, with some of the game’s greatest ever players gracing the Camp Nou’s turf including Lionel Messi, Xavi, Ronaldinho and Johan Cruyff.  The steep, three-tier design make it visually stunning, as well as being highly intimidating for opponents with fans seemingly right on top of the pitch. When the stadium opened in 1957, it had a capacity of 93,053, before extensions to the ground in 1982 increased it to 115,000 which included standing sections in the lower tiers. In 1994 the standing areas were converted into seats and the pitch was lowered, bringing it to its present-day capacity. The iconic club motto mes que un club (more than a club) is spelled out in enormous yellow letters across the east stand, and is one of the most iconic stadium features in the world. The Camp Nou has been home for 20 of Barcelona’s 26 La Liga title wins, and the current squad will be pushing hard to add to that tally this season. Ronald Koeman’s squad are second favourites to win La Liga, at 8.5/4.0 odds for those that bet on football to stake a wager on. But What About Wembley? The list of impressive sports stadiums in Europe is a long one, but some of these arenas certainly do stand out due to their history and iconic meaning in their respective sports. Wembley Stadium is certainly one of the stadiums that fits that bill and is arguably just as iconic as the Camp Nou. Sitting in North London, with a capacity of 90,000, Wembley’s iconic arch stretches high above the skyline and visible from miles away. Home to England’s national football team, and domestic cup finals, it is a stadium for the biggest of occasions and produces one of the best atmospheres in sport. Wembley was built in 1924, and could hold up to 200,000 spectators in the 1900’s when there were still standing areas in the stadium. It was demolished in 2003 and reopened in 2007, with its impressive 133-metre-high arch and striking red seats making it a striking landmark. The stadium has since hosted the Champions League final and the European Championship final, as well as NFL games, which highlights its stature as one of the world’s premier sports venues. Let’s Visit France Another iconic European sports venue is the Stade de France in Saint Denis, Paris. The multi-purpose stadium, which holds 80,000 spectators, was built following France being awarded the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and has become synonymous with the hosts’ victory in the tournament. It has since become the national stadium for both the French rugby and football teams and hosted the 2007 Rugby World Cup final, as well as the Final of Euro 2016. The stadium’s three tiers run around the pitch uninterrupted in an impressive design that makes every seat in the house a stunning view. The athletics track around the field makes the Stade de France that much more impressive as a versatile venue, and it will play host to the track and field events at the 2024 Paris Olympics. And The Rest… Twickenham Stadium in South London is the home of England’s national rugby team and is arguably the most impressive purpose-built rugby stadium in Europe. With a capacity of 82,000 following the redevelopment in 2005, Twickenham is the largest purpose-built rugby stadium in the world and has hosted three Rugby World Cup Finals including most recently in 2015. Since the ground was built in 1907, it has transformed dramatically from a capacity of under 10,000 and has undergone multiple changes to build and extend all four stands to three tiers all the way around. The stadium towers over its surroundings in South London and provides an impressive matchday experience with stunning views and a rocking atmosphere. It also hosts the Premiership rugby final every year and has hosted multiple European Champions Cup finals. Inside the stadium there is also the World Rugby Museum, which plays homage to the history of the game and its origin in the UK. One of the most intimidating stadiums, and matchday atmospheres in world sport comes at Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park, also known as the Westfalonstadion. Germany’s largest football stadium, it holds an impressive 81,365 people, but is reduced to a capacity of 65,829 for European fixtures, due to regulations on standing sections permitted by UEFA meaning the South Stand cannot be packed to the brim like it is for domestic games. Usually, almost 25,000 of the loudest, most passionate fans in world sport pack into the South Stand which is known as the ‘Yellow Wall’. It is the largest free-standing grandstand in Europe and produces one of the most iconic scenes in football due to the huge banners the fans hold up and their intimidating chanting that give the home side an enormous boost whilst making it extremely hostile for visiting teams. Built in 1974, the Westfalonstadion is made up of four separate grandstands and has hosted games in two FIFA World Cups including the semi-final between Germany and Italy in 2006, as well as the 2001 UEFA Cup Final. Its original capacity was 54,000 but this was increased to 68,800 in 1997 and then to its current 81,365 in the build up to the 2006 World Cup. Europe’s myriad impressive stadia are a sign of the significance of the continent in the sporting world, and how passionate sporting fans in its nations are. The iconic venues like the Camp Nou and Wembley have played host to some of the most memorable

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Industry reaction to latest Rightmove House Price Index

Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, James Forrester, commented: “It’s to be expected that the astronomic rates of house price growth seen since the introduction of the stamp duty holiday will now start to subside as we approach the final deadline. But don’t be fooled into thinking the market will now deflate like a cheap birthday balloon. Buyer demand is extremely high and property prices will remain robust, largely driven by second and third rung buyers upgrading to larger, higher-value homes.” Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, commented: “We’re heading into an extremely busy period where the property market is concerned and so the expiry of the stamp duty holiday and its impact on the market is going to be far less pronounced than first feared. With the stamp duty holiday causing manic market conditions and long delays to transaction times, many homesellers and buyers chose to retreat until the rush had subsided, having long given up hope of a stamp duty saving. However, we will now start to see them emerge from their boltholes and this additional stock will help rejuvenate the market throughout the remainder of the year. The London market, in particular, is poised for a strong finish with an abundance of stock now available and a sharp uplift in domestic and foreign demand being driven by pandemic restriction lifting both where the workplace and travel are concerned.” Founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, commented: “It’s fair to say that the process of selling first to improve your buying position has long been a tactic utilised by UK homebuyers and so we’re not seeing the ‘rise of the power buyer’ as such. That said, a high level of competition for a limited level of stock has highlighted the importance of a strong buying position when it comes to securing your ideal home. Unfortunately for the nation’s first-time buyers, those with an existing property to fund their onward purchase are in a far stronger position when it comes to placing an offer and this has pushed up the cost of buying quite considerably. As a result, those looking to buy their first home are now paying 12% more compared to just 12 months ago. However, the cost of borrowing remains very favourable and given current market delays, some sellers will place the stronger position of a first-time buyer above that of a few thousand pounds extra.”

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Why Consumers are Buying Made to Measure Curtains in Surrey

Curtains come in all sorts of fabrics, colors, and sizes. While there’s a wide selection to choose from, there’s always that possibility that your choice won’t be the best one for you and your home. When you choose to buy made to measure curtains in Surrey, however, you’re opening the door to a whole host of new options. You can choose accessories such as fabrics, for example. Made to measure curtains are cut at the right size for your windows. And, as they’re personalized, you won’t find them anywhere else. Here are five reasons why you should consider curtains. They Perfectly Fit Your Windows The main benefit of investing in made to measure curtains is the fact that they‘re cut for your window measurements. With so many curtains available on the market, finding the right size isn’t easy. When you go with a custom option, however, they’re guaranteed to fit your window. They’re Cost-Effective Made to measure curtains are made with high-grade materials. In the majority of cases, you’ll get a warranty with your curtains to give you a money-back guarantee and peace of mind should you be unsatisfied with the quality. As made to measure curtains are more durable than regular ones, they won’t need replacing as often. They might cost more in terms of the purchase price, but their cost-per-year is lower, as there won’t be a need to replace them. That makes them a great choice for the long term. One thing to note, however, is that they typically aren’t returnable. They Come in Abundance of Patterns and Colors You can have a specific style when you take the made to measure route. You’re free to blend various colors and prints in order to establish a look that showcases your individual style. You can change curtains to suit the weather with each passing season. They Help Control the Light Depending on where your windows are positioned, your made to measure curtains enable the optimum amount of light to enter your room. If you want more light, you can opt for a linen or another thick fabric. Or you can choose a thicker fabric in order to block out the light. If you want to block natural light, a thick cotton fabric lining would be a good choice. Another option are curtains with 50 SPF that are also able to block smokes and moistures. They’re Energy Efficient Along with adding elegance to your home, made to measure curtains can save you money by reducing your energy bill. The insulating properties help your curtains block outside temperatures from entering the room. They Offer Personalization Nuance is the essence of personalization. Traditional interior home decor, for example, is known for such intricate details, evergreen fabric designs like floral and damask, pleated headings, and heavier curtain fabrics. Luxury curtains enable you to personalize all aspects of fabric design, an option that is impossible with regular curtains. They Offer More Compatibility Handmade curtains are compatible with more accessories than you’d find available for regular curtains. If accessories appeal to you, such as curtain swags, curtain pelmet, or curtain valance, they work better with made to measure curtains, the quality of which enhances the effect on the other soft furnishings you have for your window decor. They Provide More Functionality With regards to the curtains’ functions, you’ll have your individual preferences. You may want your home to be of equal comfort during both summer and winter. Your curtain’s lining determines such functions. Typical lining varieties include thermal, acoustic, blackout, interlining, and standard. While lining options are available with regular curtains, it can be difficult to find a set with your preferred fabric style and required lining type together. Most of the time, one needs to either trade in fabric style for functionality or vice versa. Made to measure curtains means you don’t have to make these compromises. In Summary Made to measure curtains add to your home’s visual appeal. Not only that, but they also provide the ability to be tailor-made to your particular requirements. Think about buying made to measure curtains for a quality window dressing. The benefits they provide make for a valuable addition to your home. More and more people are choosing to go with made to measure curtains. Another benefit is that these curtains are available at various price points, much like regular curtains. So once you’ve worked out your budget, preferences, and needs, you can dress up your windows in curtains that present both style and personality.

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New home buyers look beyond Greater London for post-pandemic living

Data released today in the WhatHouse? New Homes Index reveals the hottest areas across Britain for new home buyer search with South East of England, West Midlands and East Midlands top of the list for August 2021.  A sign that, post pandemic, home buyers are weighing up relocation to areas beyond the traditional Greater London commuter zone and considering a wider range of regions in the hunt for greater space and value for money.  In August the national average price of new home property coming to market stayed virtually static at £334,801 (£338,339 in July).    Top three new home search areas during August:  1.       South East of England has demonstrated the most buyer demand during August 2021, achieving 31,293 new home buyer searches.   2.       West Midlands maintains second position for the second month in a row, achieving 19,921 new home buyer searches during August 2021.   3.       East Midlands has secured a top three search position with 16,760 new home buyer searches during August 2021, representing a 46% increase on July’s figures.   During the past six months (March – August 2021) three regions have demonstrated month on month growth in new home search.  1.       East Midlands – 46% growth  2.       Yorkshire & The Humber – 28% growth  3.       South East England – 22% growth  Daniel Hill, Managing Director, WhatHouse? comments:  “Whilst buyer’s future new home needs remain uncertain – as many employers are yet to confirm if, or when, the daily commute will return – many continue to consider a move unhindered by the need to be close to traditional transport networks, and with the need for ample home working space in mind.  This all points to buyer interest in new homes remaining strong across the UK, and WhatHouse? predicts higher than average Autumn search activity driven by continued buyer interest in relocation.”  David O’Leary, Policy Director, Home Builders Federation said:  “Buyer interest and appetite for new builds remains high with the clear focus of builders very much on finding a way through a number of thorny supply-side challenges. Materials availability continues to cause headaches and planning delays bring uncertainty and additional expense”. 

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Luxury, Pomp, and Style: Unusual Casinos of the World

A casino is, first and foremost, a respectable pastime with a bit of gambling. Nowadays, the opportunity to play and feel the whole enchanting world of gambling is not only for people who come to land-based casinos but also for those who use such casino applications as tonybetapp.com and browser-based online casinos. In today’s article, we made a selection of the most interesting casinos in the world. And who knows, maybe some of the establishments will shock you so much that it will become a must-visit. Venetian Macao The famous Venetian Macao is a gigantic casino that is one of the top five largest casinos in the world. The casino is dedicated to the theme of Venice and the luxury associated with it. There are canals, gondolas, and all the entourage of Venetian luxury. The four halls of the casino are differently decorated. There are more than eight hundred tables for various table games, as well as more than 3,400 machines. Huge jackpots and high roller tables are ideal for big bets and big winnings. Circus Circus Casino The brightest building in Las Vegas is Circus Circus Casino. The casino is one of the top-rated casinos in the world. The casino is home to a veritable circus, and the place itself looks like a circus arena. Guests can watch acrobats, magicians, and jugglers perform, and large-scale shows are regularly held here. More than 5000 slot machines and 1200 gaming tables with classic games: roulette, dice, card tables. Curiously enough, this particular establishment was the site of the most high-profile robbery, when Heather Tolkiff managed to lighten the establishment by $3 million. After the robbery, she disguised herself as an old lady and left the establishment in a wheelchair. Casino di Venezia A Venetian landmark is the Casino di Venezia. In the early 16th century the building of this casino was built, and the famous architect Mauro Coducci worked on its architecture. Nowadays within the walls of the structure are held various kinds of gambling entertainment. The casino also has a museum dedicated to the famous composer Wagner, who spent his last hours here. Baden Baden Casino Germany’s most famous casino. The institution opened in 1821 and gained immense popularity, which has not lost its popularity to date. This place is loved by the most avid gamblers and with great pleasure. The reason is the mineral springs of Baden-Baden, which are very appropriate for the respectable public. European elite spends their leisure time in the daytime – in the springs, and the evening – at the casino. Marina Bay Sands Casino Singapore’s landmark. The most expensive casino in the world opened its doors in 2011. The project itself cost eight billion dollars. Three floors of gaming halls that hold more than 2,300 slot machines and 500 gaming tables for baccarat, crepes, roulette, and blackjack. Stadt Сasino Basel Casino on the site of the former theater in Basel, renovated by the renowned architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron. The building was formerly the Stehlin Musiksaal concert hall. Since 1876 it has been famous for its unusual acoustics. The main idea was to separate the main casino building from the Stehlin Musiksaal so each object is perceived as an independent entity. The project cost 77 million euros and took four years to complete. Tusk Rio Casino Resort Another amazing casino is located in South Africa. The largest casino in the southern hemisphere. Tusk Rio Casino Resort is located in the big resort town of Clerksdorp. Here come to rest whole families. For this reason, the same casino takes the leading position in the ranking of attendance. In the halls of the institution, there are more than 300 modern slot machines. There are also tables for other games: poker, blackjack.

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Why CBD Products

CBD (cannabidiol) products are naturally occurring plant-based substances growing in demand for self-care and wellness over more chemically-laden options on the market. The cannabinoid demonstrates thus far a level of safety in which users are placing their faith, since research has not concretely evidenced the effects or long-term protection of the compound in an official capacity. Look here for details on how these products work if used daily. Clinical studies are ongoing, with results released regularly showing more proof leaning towards efficacy in the wellness capacity for the cannabinoid. The public at large speaks volumes in favor of the many benefits seen from the properties of cannabidiol with routine use. In combination with the populace’s propensity for “green methodologies” to self-care and a fading stigma regarding CBD being lumped in with “illicit drugs,” these details create a desire for more people to use the compound. Thus, the incredible level of popularity we see among the industry today. Why CBD Products Studies reveal that the population as a whole demands CBD products on a grand scale. The market is booming, to say the least, and has predictions to escalate exponentially over the next several years despite an official statement from researchers evidencing the efficacy or safety of the substance. Outside an “official” status, reports from clinical studies lean towards the efficacy of the properties in many instances and speak for the safety of the substances, only not in the long term. Human trials are also minimal. Regardless, people are willing to take risks based on overwhelming anecdotal studies revealing positive results across the board. It seems more users prefer a “green methodology” to self-care, and more are finding CBD less of a threat as the stigma surrounding the herb begins to wane. That leads to an increase in popularity (and demand) as more people find reasons to incorporate the cannabinoid into their regular routine. Some reasons for usage include: –          The Medical Community Is Becoming Aware With the increase in research and more studies revealing positive results, the medical community and veterinary practices are taking notice. Many healthcare practitioners are beginning to recommend CBD options to their patients for assistance with symptoms associated with specific conditions like stress or sleep challenges. Because more recommendations are coming from these industries, manufacturers in the CBD realm concentrate their efforts on developing quality products for more affordable prices to make the items accessible so the demand can be met. You can now find inventory in many online pharmacies with users in states where CBD is legal, having the luxury of placing orders from the comfort of home with orders delivered to their front door. With greater access, more people can take advantage of the cannabinoid than had the opportunity before. –          Legalization Helping With Hesitancy Because more policies are developing to legalize hemp-based product use, more people are comfortable in taking that initiative where before they may have been hesitant. Still, not all countries or states within the U.S. have become legal for the use of hemp-related options. With the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp-based products were legalized as far as production, transportation, cultivation, selling, etc., as long as these contain merely 0.2% (Europe) or 0.3% (U.S.) of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the cannabinoid responsible for intoxication with marijuana. Following the Bill’s enactment, many states automatically chose to legalize CBD hemp-based products, except Nebraska and South Dakota, where there seems to be a gray area. Please check your state and local guidelines before indulging in any cannabidiol products as a precautionary measure. –          Increasing Media Attention The greater level of medical attention has sparked the population’s interest, helping to squash the stigma that follows CBD. It hasn’t faded altogether, but it is beginning to wane to a significant degree. Since content has a way of informing the masses in droves, people can educate quickly on what the compound is, the benefits and effects, and what point research has established with their studies. Due to their diligence, these platforms are responsible for eradicating some of the misconceptions that follow the cannabinoid, including the fact that it’s a non-intoxicating compound, unlike THC. CBD leans more towards self-care and wellness with minimal side effects. The web and social site platforms help inform and educate the public showing why the substance is worth a try, plus mentioning what the potential downsides are in consuming the substance. Not everyone will react the same, with some having the possibility for sensitivity. That would entail stopping with signs of side effects, which are typically minimal. Again, it’s not an exact science at this point yet, except to say, side effects pass quickly, an overdose is not a possibility. Final Thought People today are more interested in a “green methodology” to self-care, and CBD (cannabidiol) fits that medium. With clinical studies releasing reports that “lean” towards the properties’ efficacy in a wellness capacity and anecdotal reports phenomenally boasting the benefits of the compound for self-care, potential users are finding these alone reasons to at least try the products. But when you add the medical community taking notice and the stigma giving way slowly to a legitimacy, particularly with legislation that says “let’s legalize,” it gives less reason for concern and more confidence and comfort with a trial use. No one wants to put something adverse into their bodies. We all want to be safe and proactive with self-care. When reasons begin to add up to cannabidiol being a welcome addition to a self-care regimen (find out if you can incorporate products into your work schedule https://cbd.market/cbdblog/can-employees-use-cbd-oil-in-2021/), responsible people begin to listen.

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Over 112,000 UK trade businesses have been set up since the first lockdown

More than one in ten of the UK’s lockdown businesses are in the trade industry  Over 20,000 new businesses focus on the ‘development of building products’ – a fifth of all lockdown trade companies  Per capita, Aberdeen has seen the greatest number of trade start-ups since March 2020  Since the first Coronavirus lockdown was announced on 23rd March 2020, over 112,000 trade businesses have been set up in the UK, new research has revealed.  The study, conducted by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, analysed over one million rows of Companies House data1 and found that more than one in ten (11%) of all businesses set up during the pandemic (1,019,970) are in the trade industry.  Of the 112,047 new companies in the sector, almost a fifth (19%) focus on the ‘development of building products’, with 20,753 start-ups – more than any other trade category. Similar projects also take up the next three spots, with ‘construction of domestic buildings’ and ‘commercial buildings’ both making the top five.  Companies specialising in ‘electrical installation’ are not far behind, with 8,194 new businesses, while ‘plumbing, heat and air-conditioning installation’ firms also feature highly.  The ten most common categories for trade businesses established since the first lockdown are:  1) Development of building projects – 20,753  2) Construction of domestic buildings – 16,278  3) Other specialised construction activities – 9,395  4) Construction of commercial buildings – 8,763  5) Electrical installation – 8,194  6) Other building completion and finishing – 8,151  7) Plumbing, hear and air-conditioning installation – 7,299  8) Other construction installation – 6,146  9) Landscape service activities – 3,685  10) Painting – 3,090  Other popular trades, such as roofing (2,612), joinery (2,226) and plastering (1,589) have also seen many new enterprises.  These lockdown companies are spread out across the UK, but, while London inevitably has the most new trade businesses (24,977) due to its size – almost eight times as many as the next city, Birmingham (3,175) – Aberdeen has the most per capita.  With 163 new companies and a population of just under 230,0002, there is one lockdown trade start-up per 1,403 people in the Scottish port city. On this metric3, Southend-on-Sea takes second place and top spot for England, followed by Bath.  The top five UK hotspots for lockdown trade businesses are:  1) Aberdeen – 163 (one per 1,403 people)  2) Southend-on-Sea – 132 (one per 1,402)  3) Bath – 94 (one per 1,102)  4) Edinburgh – 488 (one per 1,076)  5) Belfast – 273 (one per 1,056)  Dominick Sandford, Director and Head of Merchandising & Marketing at IronmongeryDirect, said: “The pandemic has brought many challenges to businesses, but it’s great to see that it has also created some opportunities, with lots of tradespeople starting new companies.  “Setting up a business can be tricky at the best of times, so these individuals deserve tremendous credit for making it work during lockdown.   “If you’re thinking of following their lead and starting your own trade company, we’ve partnered with Rick Smith, Managing Director at an insolvency and business rescue specialist, to provide expert advice on how to do so.” For expert tips on how to set up a trade business, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/blog/expert-tips-for-setting-up-a-new-business  

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Building Vs. Buying Your First Home: Assessing The Pros And Cons

Home is where the heart is. Every individual has a dream of having a place to call home, where they can live peacefully knowing that it’s rightfully theirs. As you seek to find a place of your own, one of the common dilemmas is choosing whether to purchase an existing house from a real estate company or have your dream home built from the ground up. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. For that reason, you have to assess both alternatives and choose the one that suits you the most. Below is a detailed discussion on building versus buying your first home, particularly their pros and cons. Building Your Own House Doing this from scratch is a good choice if you already have a piece of land you can use. You get to purchase all the construction materials and hire the contractor you want for the job. If you go with this option, here are the pros and cons you can expect. Pros Of Building Here are just some of the benefits of going for home construction: Customization: When building your house, contractors with vast professional experience, such as those from Jabconst.com, can help you design and erect a home with all the features you’ve been dreaming of. You can decide on things like the house’s theme, color of the walls, fixtures, overall layout, lights, and landscaping. For example, you can construct a basement that doubles up as a wine cellar, or ensure that the living and dining rooms have south-facing windows so you’ll be able to make the most of the light and heat coming from the sun. Latest Building Designs: Building your house from scratch gives you the liberty of making it as modern and energy-efficient as possible. You’re free to paint it in fabulous color combinations that boldly speak of modernity. You can also install the latest security devices to make your home safer and protect it from break-ins. Seldom will you find such features in old or ready-built houses. And if you do find them, they appear more of an afterthought rather than part and parcel of the original design. Reduced Maintenance And Repair Cost: If the builders do an excellent job, it’ll take quite some years before you start worrying about repairs or renovations. You don’t have to worry about an aging hot water system, a blocked drainage system, or a leaking roof as long as the construction was done correctly. You Can Choose The Best Builder: When constructing your house, it’s in your power to choose a company that you believe will do an excellent job. An ideal builder should frequently be available to discuss the progress of the project with you, listen to your concerns, accept corrections, advise you accordingly, and do quality work. Additionally, they should charge a reasonable amount of money and ensure that the construction is completed within the agreed time frame. Uniqueness: Building your own house allows you to pull out a never-seen-before design. Standing out from the crowd this way brings an incredible feeling of satisfaction. People in the neighborhood get to admire your sense of style, and your property might even become a source of inspiration to others who are looking to take the same route you did. Saves You Money: You can decide to use budget-friendly construction materials to save some cash. For example, instead of purchasing new timber for framing and cladding, you can go for reclaimed timber. In the same sense, you can subtly incorporate corrugated metal sheets in your home, a practice usually overlooked by many homeowners. Cons Of Building Despite the several advantages listed above, building a house comes with the following disadvantages: Delayed Occupancy: Building a house to completion may take several months or even years, depending on factors such as its size and the complexity of its design. During this period, you and your family have to stay elsewhere. Paying monthly rental fees and building a house at the same time might be discouraging as juggling between looking after your temporary home and overseeing the construction of your new one can be challenging. Higher Cost: Without a proper plan and good cash flow, the cost of building your home can skyrocket. That’s especially true if you purchase small quantities of materials throughout the course of the project because you’ll incur enormous transport costs. Also, if the workers unnecessarily spend a longer time than usual on site, you end up paying a lot of wages. Disputes With The Builder: Sometimes, disagreements may arise between you and the contractor if there’s a breach of the terms in the building contract. The builder you’re working with might exploit you by setting unrealistic prices of some construction materials, and then you only find out the truth later on. You’re likely to get angry at their dishonesty and confront them about it. Also, the contractor may deliberately work at a slow pace and fail to meet the agreed deadlines. If such disputes spiral out of control, you may have to hire lawyers to help solve the issues, and that’s both costly, time-consuming, and strenuous to deal with. A Messy And Muddy Building Site: Suppose you move into your new home immediately after the major areas are completed but before the exteriors are taken care of. You’ll have to bear with the usual mess found on construction sites—mud, bare soil, construction debris, and the like. Without enough patience, that sort of scene might just get on your nerves until everything’s cleared away. Differing Needs Between You And Your Partner: In the course of building your home, you’ll have to make practically endless decisions. Suppose you fail to amicably agree on some things with your partner because of different likes, tastes, and preferences. This can spoil the excitement and joy of constructing a new home. Buying A Ready-Made House Having covered the benefits and limitations of building a home, it’s now time to assess the upsides and downsides of buying a house. Pros Of Buying

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5 Design Ideas For Your Bedroom This Coming Winter

Now that the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer, the weather is beginning to change. The sun is starting to set earlier, and it’s starting to get cosier inside. I know what you’re thinking – that’s no reason to decorate your bedroom! But wait! There are so many reasons you should. Having a cosy bedroom can help your health. So curl up in bed with a nice warm cup of hot cocoa, or even better – one of these 5 design ideas for your bedroom this coming winter. Bedroom Furniture Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, the winter months can be an unpredictable time. Your house could need renovation, and you may want to tidy up some areas that have become messy. It can be hard to decide on the best furniture options if you don’t have a general sense of what you want out of your bedroom. In addition to being functional, making winter furniture selections should also be an aesthetic decision. Will, your bed, be the place to curl up during cold snaps, or will it provide enough comfort for active people looking to get a jump on things in February? For quality bedroom furniture, visit Furniture In Fashion for great deals. Choose warm and rich colours for winter When it comes to your bedroom, you have a lot of influence on how the space looks. This is your space to express yourself. If you choose a bolder colour scheme for your bedroom, then you risk looking unkempt and made of money. Or if you go with a more subdued look, it might seem like you’ve sacrificed comfort for looks. If you want to look good, whether you’re in your pyjamas or slippers, make sure you choose a bedroom with Warm and rich colours for winter, which gives the rooms the soft hue needed for striking those winter-appropriate reactions. Look at wood tone colors for the flooring Rosewood is best known for its beautiful appearance. It has a warm colour and tends to fade naturally from light coloured woods like mahogany and maple towards dark woods like Balsam. The natural look is pleasing to the eye. If you want something that will have a strong appearance late in the day, then look for natural wood floors. When choosing a flooring colour, start with the woods, then look at the face and grain patterns of the logs for identification of when these colours are most appropriate. Add texture to your space with fur throws Pillows are easily one of the most popular accessories that people choose to put into their spaces. Fur throw pillows are the perfect way to add texture to any space you have. Whether you have a bedroom, office, or bedroom with nothing but fluffy pillows lying around, throw them on and instantly, you’ll have a cosy spot to curl up in front of. Fur throws are a fun way to embellish your home. They’re a practical way to get taller when installing decking or generally just give your home a cosy look. They can also be used to cover up storm damage or other small imperfections that would otherwise create big blobs or ripples in otherwise smooth surfaces.

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Things to Look Out for When House Hunting

When looking for a new home, there is a lot of pressure. This is where you will live for the foreseeable future. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the need for it to be perfect.  Find a home comes with a long list of desirables. Everything from location to garden space has to be covered. When it comes to redesigning and making your home yours, the ideas start coming to the surface, and it starts to get really exciting!  While you may envision yourself working on DIY projects and renovating your home yourself, there are some things to look out for before you invest. Here are the essentials before you take the leap: The Size of the Project Before you start looking for a house, decide exactly how much you want to take on. Renovatinos take time and can become costly. After you have worked out the budget for investing, consider your budget for the work that needs to be done to the house. Think about how much time you have on your hands for these projects and whether or not you will take on the work yourself.  Deciding to work on your home is an exciting challenge, however, you have to know that you really can do it yourself. It’s a common mistake to get excited about renovating by yourself while house hunting and then realise it’s not possible. Plan the project out before you invest and include the potential cost of hiring workers too. Should you not have the money to start renovations immediately, think about how long you’ll be willing to wait to make them. If you invest in a home with a tacky bathroom that makes you cringe every time you walk in, you will want to know when you can redesign it. You have to factor in your happiness. Wear and Tear There are so many houses on the market that have potential. With a little vision and some knowledge of what is possible, you could transform down-and-out rooms into a beautiful living space.  Invite someone who is knowledgeable architectural design or construction to analyse what is possible. They will highlight any damage or issues that could result in calling pest control, or worse, further down the line.  Take your time and inspect the wear and tear of the house thoroughly before taking the leap and buying the home. Any hidden damage that you can’t see, could be detectable by someone knowledgeable. This could save on expensive repairs in the future.  Signs of Losing Patience House hunting can be exhausting. Hopping from property to property; seeing locations too far from work or neighbourhoods that don’t meet your requirements. After a while it can get you down. This is when impulse investments are made.  Take a break. Recalibrate and redefine exactly what you are looking for. If you haven’t already, get an estate agent involved. There is no way to peek into the future, but your new home is waiting for you. By taking time to work out how much you can take on, analysing what is possible with renovations, and having patience, you’ll find the home that you are looking for.

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