Productivity is the key to a successful career. Without it, you can find yourself spinning your wheels. That can be a frustrating, unnecessary feeling. Here are a few ways to avoid feeling frustrated and start feeling productive. Use a Bullet Journal to Tackle Your To-Do List It might sound a
Until the late 20th century, Forex trading was only accessible to institutions. Today, large banks and corporations exchange currencies alongside individuals. Retail traders in the UK monitor finance trends and make profitable decisions with assistance from local brokers. These intermediaries do not only give access to the market but also
Thankfully, the days when business was a completely male-dominated field are over. There are, however, still some improvements that need to be made in terms of equal opportunities between the genders, especially in terms of progressing beyond entry-level jobs. But in the upper echelons of business management we are now
Building a business from the ground up is tough work. It seems that everyone is depending on you to get the job done, and you certainly do not want to let them down. Being an entrepreneur means that you are taking on the responsibility of growing the business into something
Technological advancements and increased digitalisation are providing businesses with a greater choice of innovative presentation techniques than ever before. From AR to colour psychology, new ideas are constantly informing how businesses present their ideas. Let’s take a look at the best presentation technologies out there, that are predicted to enhance
There has long been a stereotype surrounding the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) industries. Unfortunately, despite the stereotype being very out dated, its presence still lingers, with women in the industry still at a very low level. Unfortunately, the UK has the lowest percentage of female engineer professionals across
The employee-owned business offers competitive pricing A wide selection of carriers (tape material) and adhesive are available as well as a custom print and coloured tape range. Carrier (tape material) Polypropylene is strong, durable and tear resistant PVC/Vinyl offers great elasticity and can withstand the pressure exerted by the weight
The essence of promotional items is to create awareness about a brand, company, or event. They are distributed either at little or no cost. These items are also referred to as freebies and are employed in sales and marketing. This merchandise, which is branded with the company logo, slogan, or
Society has come a long way in the last 35 years, especially when it comes to diversity and equality. In a study released by Sky News in 2019, back in 1984, 42 per cent of people felt men should be the breadwinner of a family. The same respondents agreed that
The employee-owned business has recently expanded their range of oversized bags, polythene furniture bags, shrink covers and continuous shrink tubing. The range expansion is supported by the company’s ongoing effort to ensure that a wide range of products can be effectively protected in order to prevent unnecessary waste. Often businesses
Productivity is the key to a successful career. Without it, you can find yourself spinning your wheels. That can be a frustrating, unnecessary feeling. Here are a few ways to avoid feeling frustrated and start feeling productive. Use a Bullet Journal to Tackle Your To-Do List It might sound a little too old school but trust us, a bullet journal can help you tackle your to-do list with precision. A bullet journal is just a way of making lists using a bulleted list template. All you need in order to begin is a basic notebook. You’ll then divide it up into four sections where you can track your daily activities. Turn Off Your Notifications You don’t need to be randomized with every single thing that happens in your online world. A new email message, a social media notification, etc. can cost you an hour of your day. It’s true. A 10-minute distraction can result in the loss of an entire hour. Even worse, keeping electronics on right before bed can affect your sleep and overall health the next day. Don’t let yourself be distracted by the small stuff. Turn off the notifications on your smartphone. Control Your Social Media Time Spending time on social media can rob you of hours from your day. You think you’re just posting a quick update but then suddenly, you find yourself in the endless scroll trap that causes time to fly by far too quickly. That fight about politics or disagreement about the color of a dress just isn’t worth your precious time. Consider using an app blocker that will prevent you from accessing social media apps during certain hours. Tackle the Big Stuff First Don’t let yourself procrastinate from the things that really matter. Put the big stuff at the top of the to-do list. That’s the stuff that will have the biggest impact on your life, so why not conquer it and reap the benefits? Don’t put it off until tomorrow. Quick Tasks Come Second Once you’ve conquered the big stuff on your list, look at the quick stuff. If there are any two-minute tasks on your list, get them done. You will feel more productive when you see your to-do list dwindling. As a result, it will help motivate you to conquer even more. Don’t Sit in Meetings All Day Meetings are one of the biggest wastes of time. Sure, there are important meetings that need to happen in order to keep the channels of communication open between the team. However, most meetings aren’t like that. Most of them are just a time suck and you spend most of the meeting wondering why they even included you on the invite list. Do yourself a favor and try the following: Cut your current meeting times down by 25%. Try stand-up meetings where you have a quick chat at your desk. Evaluate the meetings on your calendar and ask yourself if they’re really necessary. By trying these six productivity hacks, you should be able to carve out enough time to breathe and enjoy life. The important thing is to work smarter, not harder. Becoming productive is the key to making that happen.
Until the late 20th century, Forex trading was only accessible to institutions. Today, large banks and corporations exchange currencies alongside individuals. Retail traders in the UK monitor finance trends and make profitable decisions with assistance from local brokers. These intermediaries do not only give access to the market but also educate clients on the most viable Forex trading strategies. Dozens of companies are advertising brokerage services online. Due to the incredible popularity of Forex trading around the world, the existence of scam sites is not surprising. Since brokers handle their clients’ financial operations, it is vital to make the right choice. This article will help you identify reliable operators in your country. Crucial Selection Criteria Use the following list of factors to weed out scammers. See if you can answer these questions. 1. Does the company comply with UK regulations? What regulatory body is it monitored by? The company must have a licence to conduct business in the United Kingdom. This information should be clearly stated on their website, as it is a sign of credibility. Check the list of regulating bodies carefully. After all, your financial flows will go through the broker. 2. Do client reviews look genuine? Online feedback can hardly be perceived as a reliable source of opinions. However, when reviews are fake or paid, this may be deduced from the language. Look at specialized platforms with comparisons of Forex operators. 3. How much are the transaction costs? The spreads (i.e., the difference between the Ask and Bid values) determine the broker’s commission for every transaction. Although it is natural to seek the lowest fees, remember that these must look realistic. 4. Are there any hidden fees? Unscrupulous providers may use deceptive passages in their Terms and Conditions. Reliable brokers, on the other hand, make all the conditions transparent. 5. How much is the minimum deposit? This usually depends on the type of account you open. Can you afford to start trading with this broker? 6. Are their deposit and withdrawal methods convenient? This determines your ability to make transfers using the accepted methods. 7. Does the broker offer comprehensive guidance? Renowned Forex providers supply clients with tonnes of educational material. Demo accounts should be available, so you can practice trades with zero risks. You should also be able to reach the support centre around the clock, at least on weekdays. Example: Trading with FXTM Established in 2011, this brand is now truly global. With 2+ million clients in 150 countries, it boasts impressive geographical coverage. In the UK, the company is subject to regulation by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). The mission of this entity is to protect consumers, enhance market integrity and promote competition in the finance field. Over the years, FXTM has collected over 25 industry awards. The firm is usually included in annual forex broker reviews. Importantly, all client funds are kept separate from corporate assets. This adds another degree of protection. Other competitive advantages include: Other UK Brokers Here are a few other brokers with positive trust ratings. All of them are regulated by FCA. Check the companies’ sites for exact terms and conditions of trading.
Thankfully, the days when business was a completely male-dominated field are over. There are, however, still some improvements that need to be made in terms of equal opportunities between the genders, especially in terms of progressing beyond entry-level jobs. But in the upper echelons of business management we are now finally progressing towards a situation where it’s no longer unusual for a woman to be in charge. Many of the most powerful business leaders now in the world are women. That includes company presidents and CEOs, as well as influencers, government advisors, entrepreneurs and lobbyists. These women also provide much-needed role models and inspiration for younger women just starting out in business, proving that if there is still a “glass ceiling” hindering women in their career advancement, then it’s there to be broken. World power Every year, Fortune Magazine lists the most powerful women in business, based on the global size and importance of their business, the direction it’s heading in, the career arc of the woman in question and their social and cultural influence. In 2019, Marilyn Hewson, CEO of US aerospace and defence giant Lockheed Martin, held the number one spot for the second year running. Hewson joined the Lockheed Corporation in 1983 and has been the CEO since 2013. The company’s market cap has doubled since then, and last year Forbes named her as the tenth most powerful woman in the world. Running a close second to Marilyn Hewson in the business power stakes is Mary Barra, chair and CEO of General Motors. Working her way up from the assembly line, Barra became CEO in 2013 and is also a member of the Business Council, sits on the General Dynamics Board of Directors, and in 2017 was elected to the board of Disney. At General Motors she has shifted the company’s focus towards technological innovation in the form of electric and driverless cars. UK women One of the most powerful women in the UK business world has long been Lady Barbara Judge. Born in the US, Lady Judge was the first female chair of the Institute of Directors, and has been a chair of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), the Pension Protection Fund and fraud prevention service Cifas, as well as an ambassador for UK Trade & Investment. She remains a powerful advocate for women in business and an important influencer on government policy and financial affairs. Last year, Sharon White DBE replaced Sir Charles Mayfield as chair of the John Lewis Partnership. A former civil servant under Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and then David Cameron, White coordinated the UK government’s response to the 2008 global financial crisis. She was only the second woman to be made permanent secretary to the British Treasury, and the first person of colour. As well as heading up John Lewis, which has an annual revenue of £10bn, White was also the CEO of communications regulator Ofcom until November 2019. Technological shift Since 2012, Virginia ‘Ginni’ Rometty has been the CEO of IBM, and was the global tech giant’s first female CEO, president and chair. After overseeing the acquisition and integration of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Rometty has successfully steered the company away from focussing solely on the manufacture of computers and operating systems, towards a more forward-looking emphasis on machine learning, AI and quantum computing. She recently announced that she was stepping down from the role, but will doubtless remain a highly influential figure in the world business community. The green queen The most influential women in the business world are not all business leaders. Kathleen Rogers is president of the Earth Day Network pressure group. Under her direction, the network has grown into a full-time activist organisation that has a direct impact on corporate and government policy in many nations around the world. Earth Day itself has over a billion participants in 192 countries. Rogers has been directly involved in helping develop financial mechanisms that can support the creation of green buildings and schools. She was also the force behind the ‘Billion Acts of Green’ programme, which so far has encouraged and recorded roughly three billion individual environmentally-friendly actions. Driving profits The chief operating officer of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg, is said to be worth over $1.8 billion thanks to her stock options and smart investments, as well as her salary. She is the first woman to serve on Facebook’s board of directors, and came to the company from Google, where she was vice-president of global online sales and operations. Sandberg is widely credited as turning Facebook into a highly profitable concern, and is co-author of the book Lean In: Women, Work And The Will To Lead (Knopf, 2013). All of these women have made it to the top of their respective fields in different ways, and all have inspired many others to follow in their footsteps
Building a business from the ground up is tough work. It seems that everyone is depending on you to get the job done, and you certainly do not want to let them down. Being an entrepreneur means that you are taking on the responsibility of growing the business into something that you have long envisioned. At the same time, there are only so many hours in the day. It seems that far too many entrepreneurs today allow their sleep patterns to be severely interrupted so that they can focus on important business related tasks. This is a dangerous trap to fall into. We need our sleep. Your business will much better off if you are well rested. Here is what you need to do to make that happen. Leave Your Phone Out of the Bedroom Believe it or not, there was a time not too long ago when we got along just fine without smartphones. You can do so again. Choose to make your bedroom one of those places where your phone is simply not welcome. Over time, this will eliminate the temptation to check your email or take a look at the future stock price estimates. You should focus on creating good bedtime habits. Putting your smartphone well out of reach is one way to do just that. Become Unavailable at Night If you allow your clients and employees to call you at night, you can count on them doing so. This is something that you want to avoid. You need to protect your bedtime hours. Once you start doing this, others will begin to respect your wishes. If you use an instant messaging system, you can set a timer so that it does not disturb you between certain hours. Do this and you will be much better off in return. Your business will survive without while you are sleeping, so don’t worry. Develop an Evening Routine Just like you have a routine each morning to get ready to go to the office, so should you do the same when it comes time for bed. You should begin winding down so that your body knows it is about to get some rest. The suggestion is to stop working at least an hour before hitting the covers. Stop looking at any device the emits light and prepare your sleeping environment to be comfortable and conducive to getting hours of uninterrupted sleep. Outsource Important Tasks in the Evening Being an entrepreneur means that you are important. Many people will try to contact you at all hours of the night. We get that. However, most tasks you can delegate to an assistant that you outsource work to. This individual can check your emails and prioritize tasks so that they are waiting for you when you start work in the morning. This is a much more productive use of your time at the end of the day. This guide should help you to develop healthier sleeping habits that will also positively impact your business at the same time. Your business depends on you being healthy and well rested. It is important that you begin to take this seriously and aim for a minimum of seven quality hours of sleep each evening. Nine is even better, so try to build up to that point.
Technological advancements and increased digitalisation are providing businesses with a greater choice of innovative presentation techniques than ever before. From AR to colour psychology, new ideas are constantly informing how businesses present their ideas. Let’s take a look at the best presentation technologies out there, that are predicted to enhance presentations of the future. 1. Virtual Reality Virtual reality gives your audience a chance to emerge themselves in your presentation. This technology has advance in an incredible rate over the past few years and is expected to keep accelerating. According to Forbes, the worldwide market for VR is expected to reach 98.4 million sales by 2023. This tech could completely transform your business presentation, at a fraction of the cost of other innovations such as AR. Creating an immersive experience, VR offers a fantastic way to tell stories that your audience will feel actively involved in. As studies have linked visualising a situation to increased memory retention, a VR presentation will stick in your audience’s memory much more than the conventional PowerPoint format. 2. Product Demos Companies including Apple, Microsoft, and Google have paved the way when it comes to product demos. These tech giants have proved that audience’s respond far better to actually witnessing how a product works, rather than just taking the speaker’s word for it. Thanks to advanced projecting equipment, presentations can now feature a clear product demo on a large scale. Why tell people how fantastic your new product is, when you could just show them? 3. Colour psychology Science can inform presentation techniques in unexpected ways. Colour psychology is often utilised by speakers to evoke certain emotions in their audience and help strengthen their argument. Depending on your brand, different colours are useful to use in your presentations. Blue, for example, has been proven to evoke calmness, and focus — perfect for keeping audiences engaged! Keeping up to date with recent colour trends is also vital. New visual trends tell your audience that your brand is up to date, ever improving, and modern. 4. Audience polls Audience interaction is integral to a successful and memorable presentation. If you can think of a way for your audience to get involved, then your presentation will capture the room’s attention. One such way is using a live audience poll. Polling apps allow your audience to have their say. They provide a great way to gather the thoughts of your audience and reinforce your points. What’s more, you can engage audiences from all around the world using polling apps such as Polleverywhere. Both international audiences and the people watching the presentation in person will feel more engaged in your presentation if they get to play a part in it. 5. Augmented Reality Prezi, a leading presentation tool, has recently delved into the world of augmented reality, discovering what it could mean for presentations of the future. The founders aim to bring audiences “inside of a presentation using augmented reality” and they believe that AR could enhance audience engagement. AR, which has already been implemented by the likes of Snapchat and Google Pixel, creates life-like objects and customised visual environments. Like VR, it is a great tool for allowing your audience to feel involved in the presentation and interact. One example of AR used within a presentation was in a recent TED talk, in which neurologist Robert Sapolsky discussed the biology behind human nature. To illustrate one of his points, he conjured up an AR figure, which points a gun right at the speaker. This illusion captivated audiences’ attentions and became the most memorable part of the talk. All of these techniques will enhance business presentations over the next few years, improving audience engagement and creating memorable moments. Despite all the technology in the world however, it is down to you, the speaker, to deliver your presentation with authority and confidence. Practical tools are still essential to a flawless presentation. Pair these methods with innovative technologies and your audience are sure to be hooked. Article produced by a leading UK business card provider: Where The Trade Buys. Sources
There has long been a stereotype surrounding the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) industries. Unfortunately, despite the stereotype being very out dated, its presence still lingers, with women in the industry still at a very low level. Unfortunately, the UK has the lowest percentage of female engineer professionals across Europe, with countries such as Cyprus showing close to three times as many women in similar roles. Throughout this article we will focus on women’s relationship with the STEM and manufacturing industries. The impression most have on the sector is manual labour, long working hours and rows of assembly lines. While this may not be the case, a survey carried out by Women in Manufacturing (WiM) found that almost three quarters of women would not consider a career in manufacturing as a viable option. Selling the industry to women may seem like a fairly complex task, but in order to want to fill a job yourself, you must be able to envisage yourself in it first. For a woman, looking at a male dominated industry, it is virtually impossible for them to do so. Therefore, to encourage more women, companies need to have more women — starting at the top. In 2018, it was reported by the FTSE 100 that there had been a rise in female held directorships. Despite the number of female executive directorships remaining the same between 2017 and 2018, directorships rose from 294 to 305, a rise of 1.3%. Out of these 100 companies, those in the construction and building sector only featured twice. An industry of untapped talent When looking at why more women are moving into the industry, the first point worth considering is how much of an untapped industry it is. A 2016 survey found how manufacturing had the largest pool of untapped talent, simply because there were very few women in the roles previously. Not only is there an abundance of female staff available, they are also highly qualified, most possessing not only a bachelor’s but a supplementary master’s degree. Unfortunately, 51 per cent of women who work in the sector state that they have been treated worse because they are female. This moves away from stereotypes however and into a dangerous position of discrimination. Women being in these roles has proved to be beneficial not only in plugging the gender gap, but also for the company’s profitability themselves. Research suggest that every 10 per cent increase in gender diversity relates to a 3.5 percent increase in gross profit. Marci Bonham, Managing Director of Hilti, proposes ‘that supporting women as they take their first management steps within the industry will have a positive impact overall’. The Shine Theory Here is where shine theory makes its appearance. This is because it carries significant relevance to women trying to crack the heavily dominated male industries. The workplace can be a hard place for anyone starting new, but for a woman starting off in a new role surrounded by mainly men — well the aforementioned stats speak for themselves. The shine theory concentrates on how women can progress if they were befriending other females in the work place instead of battling against them. Effectively, this American concept emphasises how surrounding yourself with positive and successful women will create a positive atmosphere within. Early development In 2018, a study by the Guardian discovered that women constitute only 14.4% of all people working within STEM in the UK. This is despite the fact they make-up almost half of the work force. The best way of encouraging this, is to establish more prominent idol like figures within these subject areas. Take for example Brian Cox, it is easier for young boys interested in getting into physics to relate to him. Alternatively, Donna Strickland, a physicist from Canada, became only the third woman ever to win the Nobel Prize award for her science. Her name, along with others who achieved spectacular heights needs to be promoted throughout kids of a young age. However, this should not to detract from the unimaginable advancements which have been made. In 1918, women over earned the right to vote, while women being accredited for such contributions to science as Donna Strickland, is certainly a recent development. Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are becoming more popular as the traditional degree route is proving to not be for everyone. The statistics for the sectors women are choosing to carry out apprenticeships in doesn’t bode well in supporting this plug of the gender gap. Subject areas including learning support, travel services, and beauty therapy, all had 80% or more female applicants. On the other hand, vehicle maintenance and repair, gas industry, and construction skills all had below 10%. Here, we look at two companies who continue to push to enhance the number of females on their apprenticeship schemes: British Gas There was an emphasis by the energy provider placed on getting women to apply for their apprenticeship scheme. They did this by offering examples of applicants with examples of some of their highest achieving female members of staff. They similarly draw upon the fact, that by putting more women into male dominated apprenticeships, the gender pay gap is likely to be bridged. Lookers Lookers, one of Centrica’s Top 100 employers, sell a range of automobiles, including the new Ford Transit, launched its female apprentice network last year with the scheme being based around setting up regular meetings between female apprentices, providing them with the opportunity to share their new-found knowledge and experiences. Civil Engineering Consultancy, Patrick Parsons, is also an example of this. Sources:
The employee-owned business offers competitive pricing A wide selection of carriers (tape material) and adhesive are available as well as a custom print and coloured tape range. Carrier (tape material) Polypropylene is strong, durable and tear resistant PVC/Vinyl offers great elasticity and can withstand the pressure exerted by the weight of heavier loads. It is tear and burst resistant, with high tack properties and perfect for use in a variety of temperatures, including extreme Paper is fully recyclable if not reinforced and depending on the adhesive it can form one of the strongest bonds Adhesives Hotmelt Offers exceptional adhesion strength, flexibility and a quick, high initial tack. It performs well in varying applications and is advised to be used in temperatures +15 to +65°C. Acrylic Resistant to ageing, weathering, sunlight and discoloration, acrylic tape offers excellent clarity and has a long-lasting holding power making it ideal for long term use. Suitable for a range of applications and in temperatures 0 °C to +65 °C. Solvent Quickly forms a strong, lasting bond and is commonly used for carton sealing, being particularly useful in extreme temperatures -25 to +50°C and in high humidity and damp conditions. It is commonly used for a variety of applications and is reliable for long term sealing. Starch Natural adhesive that is incredibly strong and allows the box fibres to bond with the paper tape, to create a seal that is virtually impossible to tear off once applied. For more information on Kites range of products and services, visit kitepackaging.co.uk.
The essence of promotional items is to create awareness about a brand, company, or event. They are distributed either at little or no cost. These items are also referred to as freebies and are employed in sales and marketing. This merchandise, which is branded with the company logo, slogan, or other message, are often given out during events like trade shows, exhibitions, conferences, and while doing sales calls, which means visiting companies that may give you business. Promo items may also be given out to customers as bonus items alongside shipped deliveries or when customers buy at the shop. The business may also give them out to their employees to appreciate their good performance or for other reasons. While choosing the perfect promotional items, businesses should consider the usefulness of the product to the customer, the number of impressions they can make, and if they will last for a reasonably long time. Below are some great promotional items that businesses can give out: Custom tote bags These are very common promotional tools, especially in tradeshows and other events. Tote bags are useful to the recipients as they use them to carry shopping, books, and other things. The best thing with them is that they help to create awareness about the brand, business, or event whenever the users use them. They generate a high number of impressions since they are mostly used in the public. Business can also use tote bags in their green campaign, thus scoring two goals at once. They are promoting their brand and advancing their environmental conservation agenda. Custom pin badges One of the best ways that your business can leave lasting images on its customers is by using a custom pin badge. The badges can also be given out to employees for identification purposes. The beauty of these promotional tools is that they can be highly customised by using different styles or materials such as enamel and others. They can be used for different functions such as product launches, to create brand awareness, promoting events, commemorating milestones like anniversaries, and so on. They can easily replace business cards and if they have an attractive design, and those who receive them will keep them for a long time, thus perpetually promoting your business and brand. Branded pens Branded pens are simple promotional items, right? Well, although they are simple and quite cheap, and they are some of the freebies that never go out of style. They help to add identity to any company, so any business worth its name ensures that it has pens branded with its name, logo, or both. With branded pens, the business gets instant brand recognition no matter how they are used. They could be used by employees within the company, placing them at the front office, giving them out during events like trade fairs or conferences, and so on. Conclusion Besides the above promotional items, the business could also use branded mugs, custom key rings, and branded umbrellas. Promotional desk accessories like mousepads, calendars, pen holders, and other items can also be used. The crucial thing is to get what resonates with the intended recipients so they will find it useful and keep it for a long time. Businesses must also consider their budgets to ensure that they use items that are within their allocated budget as well as generating maximum exposure.
Society has come a long way in the last 35 years, especially when it comes to diversity and equality. In a study released by Sky News in 2019, back in 1984, 42 per cent of people felt men should be the breadwinner of a family. The same respondents agreed that women ought to take the role of homemaker. But, just 35 years later, only eight per cent of people believed that men should be breadwinners and women should be homemakers. But gender is only a small part of equality and diversity. Everything from age to race, religion to disability can factor into this topic. This is particularly relevant in terms of the workplace, as no one should be left out of a workplace. Luckily, we’re seeing some fantastic stories coming from trade jobs lately, showcasing not only diversity at work, but success from it. Managing quarries at 22 The BBC reported on the success of Emily Burridge in 2019. Burridge had entered into the world of construction via an apprenticeship scheme. But this isn’t just an example of a woman getting her foot in the door to a stereotypically male-orientated industry. Burridge hasn’t just gotten into the sector — she’s excelled, making her a brilliant example of why the industry must recognise the importance of equality and diversity. Her success is certainly inspiring. At 22 years old, Burridge is a technical production manager, having worked on 25 quarries. Not only is she representing the women in a male-dominated sector, she’s also championing the case for age equality and diversity too. Though she is only in her early twenties, Burridge replaced a man who was of retirement age. Even though her staff are mostly older men, Burridge has had no problem in integrating with and leading her staff. 2019’s Apprentice of the Year In the latter half of 2019, On The Tools awarded the prestigious “UK’s Best Apprentice” award to Todd Scanlon. Thirty-year-old Scanlon has Down’s Syndrome, but this has proven to be no obstacle for him on his journey to forge a career. Scanlon has always wanted to work in scaffolding, and after talking to a local company and showing his determination, Scanlon has not only become a permanent worker on their team but has been voted the UK’s best apprentice 2019. Scanlon is a valued member of the team, according to his boss. He’s hard-working, enthusiastic, polite, and the customers love him. Taking Scanlon on as a member of the team wasn’t any cause for concern for Coles Scaffolding, and the apprentice has more than proven his skill and willingness to learn over and over again. What more could an employer ask for from his workforce? “I think it’s mainly because it is thought people with a disability shouldn’t be in our industry,” Martyn Coles, Scanlon’s employer, said of the win. “He’s just shown that you can do it with the right guidance. He’s just a likeable guy.” An industry improvement Going into 2020, more and more diversity is expected in trade roles. And this, says Richard Walker from rubbish removal experts Skip Hire, is exactly what these industries need: “For too many years the industry has suffered with a negative perception and reputation creating a stigma that has acted as a barrier to entry to a more diverse talent pool of workers. As innovation and technology play its part in modernising ways of working in the sector, together with schemes such as apprenticeships, we’re not only seeing a more diverse workplace, but a more talented, skilled, and varied workforce.” The stories above are just a brief snapshot, of course. No doubt we’ll see even more throughout 2020! Sources:
The employee-owned business has recently expanded their range of oversized bags, polythene furniture bags, shrink covers and continuous shrink tubing. The range expansion is supported by the company’s ongoing effort to ensure that a wide range of products can be effectively protected in order to prevent unnecessary waste. Often businesses are not aware of how they can effectively protect larger heavy duty goods and items such as pallets and furniture and extremely large products however, with the new range everything is catered to. Oversized bags Commonly used in a wide range of applications for any large item that will fit into the usable dimensions (over 15 sizes available), Kite’s oversized bags are available in both light and heavy duty to suit different applications, light being ideal to protect items in storage against elements such as dust and moisture and heavy duty offering a more robust protection against extreme weather conditions, scrapes, scratches and dirt. Polythene furniture bags Kite’s range of furniture bags are the ideal solution when storing and transporting furniture. Available in light duty to protect items in storage from dirt and dust and heavy duty to protect furniture against dirt, dust, scrapes and extreme weather conditions. Each option is available as either gusseted, which fits better to items with even sides such as mattresses, or centre folded suitable for items that don’t have even corners such as sofas. Shrink covers Specifically designed for covering full pallets and for use with Kite’s range of shrink guns, Kite’s range of pallet shrink covers offer heavy duty protection against moisture, dirt and theft. Stronger than standard pallet wrap they are manufactured from shrinkable 100 micron high strength blend polythene and are available perforated on a roll or boxed as singles. Continuous shrink tubing For use with Kite’s range of shrink guns and produced from 100 micron high strength shrink polythene Kite’s shrink tubing fits pallets with a base size of 1200mm x 1000mm and 1200mm x 1200mm but as its continuous, the height is determined by the user by cutting when required, making it perfect for pallets of any height and awkward loads. For more information on Kite Packaging and their range of products or services, visit kitepackaging.co.uk.