When it comes to managing waste, proactive facilities managers can save their organisations a lot of money while also improving performance. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure – and this is as true for facilities management as any other profession. The ability to anticipate and head off
A poll carried out by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest online supplier of ironmongery, has found that despite the ever-growing popularity of smart home products, many tradespeople are still unprepared for the increasing customer demand. The poll, which was conducted in the lead up to Smart Home Week (20- 26 May),
Super tall structures are a modern phenomenon, and as little as a hundred years back, structures rising over sixty stories were unheard of. Today, dozens of buildings across the world exceed the one-thousand-foot definition of a supertall construction. As buildings reach new heights, what unique features are they adopting to
Having steadily increased in popularity in recent years, bifold doors make for a fantastic addition to any home or workplace. Not only do they create the illusion of a bigger space and bring in lots of much-needed natural light, but they can also increase the value of a property too.
The refurbishment of a ward at Bristol children’s hospital includes printed ceilings. Hospital stays for children striving against cancer in the Bristol area are now more positive and stimulating, thanks to Armstrong Ceiling Solutions and its chosen charity Rays of Sunshine, a charity that brightens the lives of recovering children
Swindon-based Flynn Group has acquired a Bristol groundworks company, which trades as Kenny, in order to form an £80 million turnover group. Flynn Group, which has waste management, building maintenance, civil engineering and groundworks divisions, has been advised to go ahead with the purchase by the industrial products and services team, led
Last year, the number of people employed in the British Armed Forces numbered nearly 150,000. Of those, over 80,000 employed in the British Army and over 30,000 in the Royal Navy. However, over 14,000 people leave the military every year. This has become somewhat of a blessing for the construction
Whilst gardening is a fun and enjoyable pastime, it’s also one that can be decidedly challenging in some instances. Aside from the labour-intensive and time-consuming nature of some gardening tasks, it may occasionally be necessary to undertake more complex projects that make your outdoor space more accessible and functional. Whilst
Cornwall’s Brunel Recycling has added the latest string to its Mercedes-Benz bow, in the shape of a high-riding eight-wheeler with volumetric mixer body. Essentially a truck mixer and concrete batching plant rolled into one, the new truck is based on a muscular Arocs 4140K chassis supplied by Dealer Group Rygor
Vinyl vs. Fiberglass Windows: The Comparison Windows are one of the most important parts of any home that we have. These windows are the ways by which you can actually see what is going on outside your home and they also provide a means for light to enter the house
When it comes to managing waste, proactive facilities managers can save their organisations a lot of money while also improving performance. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure – and this is as true for facilities management as any other profession. The ability to anticipate and head off problems before they develop into serious business issues is invaluable. Regardless of whether you are in charge of a construction site, an office block or a catering business, waste management is an area that has the potential to present significant challenges for facilities managers. But a proactive approach can make a real difference. A robust waste management plan, for example, will repay you amply in time and cost savings. Just think of the costs that organisations incur. Take the UK hospitality industry, for example. Figures from WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) suggest that this sector faces a £2.5bn annual food-waste bill, with 18% of all food served in the sector wasted. According to WRAP, with more effective waste management policies, this figure could be cut to just 5%. Aside from the obvious bottom-line impact of overspending on supplies, this kind of waste also has significant consequences for the environment, with much of it ending up in landfill. From the perspective of an organisation’s corporate social responsibility, this is far from ideal – and with punishing rates of landfill tax, it can prove even more expensive. So, what are the hallmarks of an effective waste-management approach? Identify problems – and nip them in the bud Before you even hire a skip or container to handle your waste, the ideal solution would be to ensure that as little waste as possible is generated. This means that facilities managers need to understand and address the most significant causes of waste within the business. For example, is the equipment being procured by the company long-lasting and reliable? While it might appear cheaper to buy less durable equipment or materials, this could be a false economy once waste-disposal and replacement costs are taken into account. Look also at the way the business obtains its supplies – could over-ordering be avoided by making smaller but more frequent orders? Take a collaborative approach Facilities managers can also seek input from around the business to help identify potentially wasteful practices. Construction firm Carillion, for example, has expanded its Don’t Walk By programme – originally set up to encourage staff to highlight health and safety issues – to cover unnecessary waste generation. Carillion workers have an app they can use to report any instances of wastefulness or inefficient use of resources to senior management. Reuse and recycle When procuring resources, facilities managers should also give serious consideration to whether any excess materials could be used elsewhere in the organisation, for example on future projects. Facilities managers may need to work with procurement teams to make sure that purchasing decisions take into account full life-cycle costs rather than just the initial price. Work with suppliers to find the right solution The relationship between the organisation and its suppliers can also play a crucial role in managing waste. As mentioned above, it is important to strike the right balance between the size and frequency of orders. But consider also what kind of service your suppliers are offering. Will they take back unwanted stock, for example? And will they offer you the flexibility to change the size or timing of orders if necessary? Ultimately, facilities managers who want to successfully deal with waste must work proactively and anticipate problems before they have a significant impact on profitability and efficiency. If you find yourself reacting to waste issues as opposed to heading them off, much of the damage is likely to have been done already. Takeaways: A reactive approach to waste management can cost your business a considerable amount of money – and make it less efficient. Facilities managers should identify the most serious sources of waste and develop strategies to minimize them. The most successful approach will involve collaboration with other parts of the business as well as key suppliers. Source: Reconomy
A poll carried out by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest online supplier of ironmongery, has found that despite the ever-growing popularity of smart home products, many tradespeople are still unprepared for the increasing customer demand. The poll, which was conducted in the lead up to Smart Home Week (20- 26 May), found that 82% of tradespeople have never undertaken any form of training in smart home technology. This figure remains largely unchanged following results from the same poll in 2018. Research has shown that 40% of UK homeowners now own at least one smart home product, a rise of 13% on the previous year[1]. However, despite continued growth, the number of tradespeople improving their knowledge and skills in this area remains disproportionately low. This is backed up by previous national research carried out by the leading online ironmongery supplier, which showed that almost 90% of tradespeople are not confident when advising customers on smart products. Now in its third year, Smart Home Week aims to raise the profile of smart home technology and to inform, educate and reassure consumers about the benefits and opportunities of living in a smart, connected way. Wayne Lysaght-Mason, Managing Director of IronmongeryDirect, said: “We’re living in the age of rapid technological development, and it’s easy to see why people are investing in smart technology to bring comfort, convenience and added security to their homes. However, with a huge range of smart devices available, and new products being developed all the time, it is important that tradespeople do their research and make a conscious effort to stay up to date on the latest news and trends surrounding smart home technology. “There is of course still a demand for traditional products, but these new smart alternatives should not be ignored. There are some brilliant products currently on the market, whether you want to specialise in lighting, heating, security or household appliances.” IronmongeryDirect stocks a variety of products including the Yale® Conexis L1 Multipoint Smart Lock, which eradicates the need for a physical key, the Burg Wachter BURGprotect Alarm Kit 2200, which can send a notification to a connected smartphone within seconds of a break-in or smoke being detected and the Yale® Smart Home CCTV Kit, which allows homeowners to view footage remotely in real-time via an app, wherever they are in the world. The customer service team are available from 7am-8pm 7 days a week and can help with any questions or queries tradespeople may have about smart home technology. IronmongeryDirect has over 17,500 products available and in stock. Orders can be placed as late as 8pm for next day delivery from Sunday through to Friday and by 4pm on Saturdays. Free, no quibble returns are available on all products. For more information, visit IronmongeryDirect.com or call their team of specialist advisors on 0800 168 28 28.
Super tall structures are a modern phenomenon, and as little as a hundred years back, structures rising over sixty stories were unheard of. Today, dozens of buildings across the world exceed the one-thousand-foot definition of a supertall construction. As buildings reach new heights, what unique features are they adopting to deal with environmental questions? To delve deeper into this question, we caught up with Toyin-Ann Yerifor, an architectural consultant based in Calgary, Alberta to discuss the top five buildings in the world. Toyin-Ann has an architectural master’s degree in advanced environmental and energy studies from the University of East London in the United Kingdom. Lotte World Tower The Lotte World Tower stands at an architectural height of 554.5 meters or 1,819 feet and is the fifth tallest building in the world. Located in Seoul, South Korea, the supertall structure was completed in 2017 and is today one of the most iconic structures in East Asia. As with all supertall structures, says Toyin-Ann Yerifor, major environmental challenges such as water and energy utilization and wind and pollution must be considered. To overcome these environmental challenges, the Lotte World Tower is built near the banks of the Han River, an important decision that reduces the impact the building has on adjacent structures. Further, the Lotte World Tower is designed to minimize wind disruption, which, says Toyin-Ann, is an essential component when managing pollution within an urban setting. Other environmental considerations in the Lotte World Tower include the addition of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, water harvesting systems, and external shading devices. Ping An Finance Centre Ping An Finance Center is currently the fourth tallest building in the world. Standing at an imposing architectural height of 599.1 meters or 1,965 feet, the office complex commands the Futian District skyline in Shenzhen, China. What makes this building interesting from an architectural perspective, says Toyin-Ann Yerifor, is its dense and hyperconnected design. Typical of many Asian supertall structures, this design approach offers a reduced environmental footprint while increasing the amount of usable space within the building. Ping An Finance Center also stands out from an environmental perspective, says Toyin-Ann Yerifor, because of its Gold LEED certification status. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a certification that rates a building’s level of sustainability. LEED certifications range from certified to platinum. As a Gold LEED certified building, Ping An Finance Center has achieved the second-highest LEED certification, just below the platinum LEED rating. This level of rating shows the building has proven sustainability in the areas of energy and water usage, indoor air quality, material and resource utilization, among others. Makkah Royal Clock Tower The Makkah Royal Clock Tower is part of a mega tall complex of hotels called the Abraj Al-bait in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The clock tower rises to an architectural height of 601 meters or 1,972 feet and was completed in 2012. Besides being the third tallest building in the world, the complex holds the record of the most expensive building in the world, having cost $15 billion to build. The hotel complex is built strategically next to the Grand Mosque of Mecca to accommodate the millions of pilgrims who visit the site each year. From an environmental perspective, says Toyin-Ann, the hotel complex meets a crucial environmental benchmark especially in its use of water. Avoiding the use of traditional sprinkler systems to protect the building from fire, the Abraj Al-bait complex uses an advanced protection system that uses high-pressure water mist instead. This new system uses a fraction of the water that traditional sprinkler systems use while putting out fires in a more efficient way. Shanghai Tower The Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, China is the second tallest building in the world. The building rises to an architectural height of 632 meters or 2,073 feet, beating the next tallest building, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower by a mere thirty-one meters. The tower broke ground in late 2008 and was completed in late 2015. From a design perspective, says Toyin, the building has a unique triple adjacent superstructure design which increases energy efficiency significantly. Aside from being the second tallest building in the world, the Shanghai Tower also holds the record for the second fastest elevators in the word, which move at a top speed of 20.5 meters per second (74 km/h or 46 mph). In terms of sustainability, the building incorporates a raft of sustainability measures. To this end, the building has been certified by the China Green Building Committee as well as the US Green Building Council which has certified the building LEED Platinum BD+C: Core and Shell. Some of the sustainable features that stand out, says Toyin, include the towers glass façade designed to reduce wind loads, wind turbines that supply 10 percent of the building’s energy, and a double layer glass shell that significantly insulates the building from external temperatures. Burj Khalifa Soaring to a breathtaking height of 828 meters or 2,717 feet is the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, previously known as the Burj Dubai. Beating the second tallest building, the Shanghai Tower by 196 meters, the Burj Khalifa has retained its position as the tallest building since its completion in 2010. Located in the heart of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the building stands as a testament to the advances in design and construction technologies. Aside from holding the title of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa also holds numerous other titles including tallest existing structure, tallest freestanding structure, tallest skyscraper, building with most floors, highest elevator installation, longest travel distance elevators, among others. The Burj Khalifa is not only an architectural marvel, says Toyin-Ann Yerifor, but also an interesting study in the environmental impact of supertall structures. For instance, the building, like most buildings in Dubai, relies on energy-intensive desalination plants for water. Paradoxically, the building produces millions of gallons of fresh water from air conditioning condensation. This paradox, says Toyin-Ann Yerifor, makes the Burj Khalifa simultaneously one of the
Having steadily increased in popularity in recent years, bifold doors make for a fantastic addition to any home or workplace. Not only do they create the illusion of a bigger space and bring in lots of much-needed natural light, but they can also increase the value of a property too. Read more as we discuss 7 reasons to invest in bifold doors right away. Bring in natural light One of the core reasons why people choose to install bifold doors is that they provide a room with a generous amount of natural light, whether they are open or closed. Having more natural light in a room gives the illusion of extra space, making it feel brighter and larger than it actually is. These doors typically have large, slim, glass frames, which draws the eye to the outdoor space and also makes the room feel bigger. Moreover, natural light has many health benefits, including an improvement in overall mood, a Vitamin D boost and a better night’s sleep! Save space Sliding bifold doors take up very little space, which is especially beneficial in smaller properties. Unlike typical doors, which must be pushed or pulled open, taking up space, bifold doors, instead, collapse in on themselves, offering the maximum amount of space available. Bifold doors also remove the barrier between a garden and indoor area, allowing people to effortlessly blend their indoor and outdoor spaces. This provides a lovely addition to any home and makes hosting BBQ’s, parties and social gatherings much nicer. Modernise a property Bifold doors are an incredibly stylish and sleek way to modernise a property – a reason for their increased popularity in recent times. Though they blend well with modern interiors, they can also bring a contemporary feel to an older property. Versatile Available in a huge range of colours and materials, bifold doors provide a versatile solution to any home or workspace. All the customer has to do is decide the width within the frame at which they want the doors to open, as well as whether they want the doors to open into or out of a room, and fold to the right or left. The means that bifold doors can be tailor-made to fit most customer requirements and to suit any interior style. Buyers may also choose to have an access door fitted within the frame, which works like a normal door and creates an easy point of entry and exit when quick access is required. Low maintenance There are various styles and materials to choose from when selecting a bifold door, but aluminium tends to be the most popular, since there is minimal maintenance required to keep the doors looking fresh and clean. All people need to do is wipe down the glass and frame every now and again, making their household chores as hassle-free and efficient as can be. Long-term investment While the cost of purchasing bifold doors isn’t exactly cheap, the value they add to a property can make them, in the long run, a very worthwhile investment. Furthermore, high-quality doors, fitted by professionals and using the best materials available, can last for many decades. Their durability means they are able to withstand extreme weather conditions, without affecting the quality and performance of the door. Secure Keeping our homes safe is a constant concern for homeowners, particularly if the home is left unattended for long periods. Backdoor access is often the easiest place for burglars to enter, especially where a homeowner has not taken the appropriate steps to secure the area. With bifold doors, multi-point locking systems are fitted, which makes breaking in very tricky. Traditional sliding and French doors normally don’t come with this level of security, instead of having just one locking point.
The refurbishment of a ward at Bristol children’s hospital includes printed ceilings. Hospital stays for children striving against cancer in the Bristol area are now more positive and stimulating, thanks to Armstrong Ceiling Solutions and its chosen charity Rays of Sunshine, a charity that brightens the lives of recovering children by granting their wishes and providing support in hospitals. A refurbishment of the oncology day beds unit at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, part of the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, includes acoustic ceilings featuring sky scenes and shoals of fish to reflect its new name as the Ocean Unit. The ceiling systems donated by Armstrong, totalling almost 300m2, were installed for free as a part of a ward wish by specialist sub-contractor H + L ceilings- a member of Armstrong’s approved national network of Omega contractors. The BioGuard ceiling tiles that feature anti-bacterial benefits for healthcare environments were finished with a coating of sky scenes in the recovery bay for older children, a school of fish swimming down a river in the reception/waiting area corridor, and a shoal of fish in a small treatment room. They were installed by a team of three from H + L over two weekends, with the old tiles from the 10-bed ward being sent to Armstrong’s factory in Gateshead for recycling and the company’s streamlined TLS grid, which is up to 20% faster to install, replacing the existing suspension system. Around 35% of the total tiles were white and screen-printed which Armstrong supplied with a number on the back so H+L could follow appropriate layout guidelines. Armstrong became involved in the project after its chosen charity Rays of Sunshine identified the refurbishment of the ward, which had not been updated for 15 years, under its Hospital Ward Wish programme. This works to, among other elements, decorate treatment rooms to transform sterile spaces into stimulating environments which provide a distraction and enable children to respond better to treatment. The refurbishment of the Ocean Unit, which has two six-bed bays and four single rooms as well as four consulting rooms, and looks after all oncology, haematology and bone marrow transplant children up to 19 years, also included new wall art and furniture. H+L director Darren Hopkins said: “When Armstrong asked us to install the project we were more than happy to get involved. It was treated like any other job but the installation team volunteered themselves for the weekend work.” And of the tile numbering system he added: “We have never had to work that way before but it was pretty easy to install by following the instructions Armstrong gave us.” Jane Sharpe, CEO of Rays of Sunshine, said: “A very big thank you to everyone involved in making this happen. The ceiling makeover will make such a massive difference to the children visiting the ward for treatment. It will make their time there so much more bearable and will put lots of smiles on lots of faces.” Jane Thomas, donations co-ordinator for the children’s services division of University Hospitals Bristol, thanked Armstrong for their support in “transforming” the ceilings for the patients and their families. She said: “The work completed by Armstrong Ceilings has made the area a brighter but still calm place for the children to be in, with the fish gently swimming through. Especially popular is the large bay under the tropical picture where the children can recover following treatment.” Isabel Blanco, Armstrong’s marketing communications manager, said: “Our latest exercise for Rays of Sunshine was particularly rewarding as it was easy to see the difference the bright, fun ceilings made to the children.” BioGuard tiles are cleanable and perform to Sound Absorption Class C and Clean Room Classification ISO 5. They are also 85% light reflecting and 95% humidity resistant and manufactured from 42% recycled content. More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
Swindon-based Flynn Group has acquired a Bristol groundworks company, which trades as Kenny, in order to form an £80 million turnover group. Flynn Group, which has waste management, building maintenance, civil engineering and groundworks divisions, has been advised to go ahead with the purchase by the industrial products and services team, led by Ian Curtis at Transcend Corporate, the Birmingham and Reading-based corporate finance house. “Flynn has grown considerably in recent years, as customers utilise our company’s efficient, reliable and economic services, enabling them and ourselves to increase output. Kenny is a fine business and highly complementary, providing us with an enlarged platform to accelerate growth and expand our coverage,” said Managing director at Flynn, Alf Hambidge. John Kenny, one of the founders of the Bristol company, also commented on the purchase: “My wife Val and I have overseen Kenny from a fledgling business, to being a leading player in house-building in the South West, with an expert team that consistently provides efficient and reliable services, of which we are very proud. “As we move into our retirement, we are pleased to pass on our strong traditions to the team at Flynn and wish them well in the continued development of Kenny, and say thanks to all our staff and contractors who have helped us grow into the successful business it currently is.” The deal to purchase Kenny was funded by Allied Irish Bank and it was also advised by Foot Anstey while SGD provided financial due diligence and tax structuring advice. “There are significant opportunities for further growth as recent structural change in the housebuilding sector provides the opportunity for accelerated expansion,” added transcend corporate director, Ian Curtis.
Last year, the number of people employed in the British Armed Forces numbered nearly 150,000. Of those, over 80,000 employed in the British Army and over 30,000 in the Royal Navy. However, over 14,000 people leave the military every year. This has become somewhat of a blessing for the construction industry, as it has created a sea of potential employees. Over 200,000 extra workers are needed before 2020 and ex-military personnel have highly transferrable skillsets and the potential to reach the top of the industry. Ryan Latham, Senior Marketing Executive for 3B Training, has experienced firsthand how businesses can benefit from hiring ex-military personnel. “Construction as an industry is growing, but it’s also is experiencing a gap in skills. An excellent way to fill in the hole for personnel with leadership, project management and teamwork skills is to investigate the pool of military leavers available. These transferable attributes are a valuable resource for the construction industry to help bring in skilled young workers. Other industries appear to ignore Armed Forces leavers as potential employees, so much so that some leave their service history from their CV. Little do they know that they are missing out on a range of positive personality traits such as courage, discipline, selflessness and respect for others”. Below, we take a closer look at what it’s like working in the military, what motivates members of the Armed Forces and why transitioning to a career in construction is the ideal next step for a leaver. Why do people leave the military? To understand why many people choose to leave the service, we’ve examined data from the 2018 UK Regular Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey Results which look at the impact of decisions affecting personnel. Life in the Armed Forces requires specific demands that aren’t found in civilian jobs. When deployed, military personnel can find themselves away from their families for long periods of time, often in dangerous situations. Yet despite this, we found that the most common reasons for military personnel to seek a new career path are down to more familiar concerns: Job satisfaction — Only 55% of military personnel claimed they were generally satisfied with their job. Pay satisfaction — There has been a consistent drop in pay satisfaction since 2010, with only 31% currently admitting to being happy with their salary. Life satisfaction — When questioning their happiness and how worthwhile they feel the things they do in life are, at least one in five members of the military rate them as low. Since 2005, the Royal Marines have also seen a large decrease in the levels of satisfaction with opportunities for professional and personal development. It seems then, that much like civilian jobs, careers in the military are more motivated by personal growth and satisfaction. This has led to a staggering 42% of military personnel actively searching for a new career outside of the Armed Forces over the past 12 months. Why choose construction? The construction industry is currently suffering from a skills shortage, resulting in a need for over 200,000 more workers by 2020. According to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the lack of skilled workers in the UK is the highest level since 2007, meaning the government’s initiative to build 300,000 new homes each year looks optimistic at best. Former military personnel have a great opportunity to fill the construction skills gap. There are many sectors in the Armed Forces which provide their personnel with a number of highly transferrable skills, whether that’s engineering, mechanics or electronic. A number of companies recognise the potential of military leavers and provide specialist training programmes to help them adjust to civilian life and a new career in construction. There are specialist courses available that provide Enhanced Learning Credits to enable lifelong learning to ex-members of the military or those looking to leave. These credits cover 80% of course fees and are available to anyone who has served a minimum of 6 years. Working in construction allows leavers to put their experience to good use in a number of potential opportunities. The industry is not only in desperate need of construction workers but also manager positions, which is perfect for ex-officers who have experience leading teams and getting results in difficult situations. What makes ex-military personnel a desirable workforce? When working in the armed forces, you receive a level of training that simply isn’t available in other career paths. Regardless of their previous role, leavers are all highly disciplined and have fantastic teamwork skills. According to the Armed Forces survey results, 82% agree that they have confidence in themselves as a team, plus, 78% believe their team know exactly what their responsibilities are and that their team can be relied upon to help when their job gets difficult. A strong team that can work well together and keep their cool under pressure is exactly what the construction industry needs. Many working in the military are proud of the work they do, with 50% of the Royal Marines claiming that their service inspires them to do the best in their job. With the construction industry looking for a dedicated new workforce, finding employees who take pride in their work is crucial. Leavers are not just job applicants to the construction industry, they’re assets. Due to their experiences in the Armed Forces, they can pick up skills much faster than most people in civilian professions and can help quickly fill the large skills gap. A team of highly trained, dedicated workers and authoritative, respected managers is the solution the industry has been looking for. Samantha Gregory, Training Coordinator at 3B Training and former Vehicle Mechanic in the REME, knows firsthand what ex-military can offer the construction industry. “The work ethic for military leavers is completely different from civilians. It is embedded in us to turn up on time (5 minutes before 5 minutes early) and to just get the job done. Leavers are great at working under pressure and are taught to work through
Whilst gardening is a fun and enjoyable pastime, it’s also one that can be decidedly challenging in some instances. Aside from the labour-intensive and time-consuming nature of some gardening tasks, it may occasionally be necessary to undertake more complex projects that make your outdoor space more accessible and functional. Whilst this will require you to comply with various health and safety and planning legislation, it’s thought that modifying your garden space can translate into an ROI of 88%. This means that you can add considerable value to your home by creating an accessible garden, and the question that remains is how can such an objective be achieved? Start with Your Layout – Considering Paths and Paving If you’re modernising your garden space, it’s important to determine its precise layout. This means dividing the space between paving, lawn and flower beds, as you look to compartmentalise the area and optimise accessibility. In terms of paving, this is a worthwhile investment in a new or modified garden as it provides an affordable and relatively easy to maintain surface area. Paving also provides the ideal balance between efficiency and cash savings, as whilst materials such as gravel may be cheaper they’re far from ideal for bins, children’s toys and pushchairs. From a practical perspective, paving with mortared joints tends to be easier, whilst this also prevents weeds from sprouting in your garden space. If you have kids, you should also keep clear of slippery materials like slate and York stone, whilst paths should also boast a recommended width of between 1 and 1.5 metres. If you intend to maintain flower beds around the edge of the garden, you should also look to separate alternative planting areas that negate the need for constant pruning and minimises overgrowth. This means that your flower beds should be secured and compartmentalised, with Marshall’s garden edging stones and caps providing a stylish option that strikes the ideal balance between cost and aesthetics. Some Practical Considerations for Home-owners In terms of functionality, there are other steps that you can take to improve your private or communal garden space. One option is to install an outdoor plug socket on the external wall of your home, as this makes jobs such as mowing and hedge-trimming far easier. It’s also wise to install simple and easy-to-use handles (or latches) on all external doors and gates, so that people can gain access safely at all times. If you don’t have the money to install a new or powerful water system, you should consider fitting an outdoor tap or a water butt that collects rainwater as it falls. These steps will help you to create an accessible and functional garden space, and one that’s inherently safe and enjoyable during the summer months.
Cornwall’s Brunel Recycling has added the latest string to its Mercedes-Benz bow, in the shape of a high-riding eight-wheeler with volumetric mixer body. Essentially a truck mixer and concrete batching plant rolled into one, the new truck is based on a muscular Arocs 4140K chassis supplied by Dealer Group Rygor Commercials. Built in Buckingham by concrete equipment specialist Utranazz, the Hydromix HM12H-E body features separate compartments for sand, stone, cement and water. These raw materials are then metered and mixed into fresh concrete when and where it is needed. The unmixed product remains useable indefinitely, eliminating costly wastage. The Arocs range is purpose-designed for construction work and related applications. A real head-turner in the operator’s bright red livery, the new truck has a ClassicSpace M-cab and pairs an advanced, 10.7-litre straight-six engine which produces 290 kW (394 hp), with a smooth Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmission. Brunel Recycling purchased its first Mercedes-Benz, an 8×4 Arocs tipper, from Rygor in 2015. To this, it then added another three tippers and a tipper-grab, before taking delivery last year of a hook-loader. All six of these 32-tonne vehicles are based on Arocs 3240K chassis; with one exception the tippers, and the tipper-grab, have Thompson bodies, while the hook-loader’s roll on-roll-off equipment is by HARSH. Family-owned Brunel Recycling’ headquarters are in Saltash, where it owns a fully licensed and permitted landfill and waste transfer station. The company’s roots date back to 1989, when Dave Venables established his landfill, which he then developed into a waste transfer station, skip-hire firm, and recycling facility. Today, having changed its name from Brunel Skips to Brunel Recycling, and adopted the ‘Remove-Recycle-Reuse’ motto which is proudly emblazoned on its Mercedes-Benz trucks, it provides a comprehensive portfolio of haulage, demolition, recycled aggregates and, now, concrete services to customers throughout Devon and Cornwall. Brunel Recycling’s graded aggregates are widely used for construction projects in Plymouth and the surrounding area. The firm also supplies top soils and biomass, undertakes site clearances, demolitions and muckaway work, and offers heavy plant and machinery for hire. His father – the owner of Plymouth Albion rugby club – having retired, Managing Director Brian Venables now runs the business with his Director brother Max, whose wife Nadine is Operations Manager. Brian Venables said Brunel Recycling’s experience of operating Mercedes-Benz trucks over the last four years had been entirely positive. “They’ve been totally reliable and are very economical,” he confirmed. “The Arocs is clearly built to withstand the rigours of our kind of work. The excellent ground clearance is a big advantage when we’re off-road, and it’s very comfortable to drive. The Arocs also looks and sounds brilliant,” he added. “It’s a seriously cool truck, and the guys love it.” Acquired, like its previous Arocs, with competitive funding support from Mercedes-Benz Finance, Brunel Recycling’s volumetric mixer is already opening doors to new business opportunities. “We do a lot of slabs and foundations for houses, and the new truck offers a very cost-effective means of delivering the concrete,” explained Mr Venables. “It didn’t come cheap, but this vehicle has added another string to our bow, and I’m confident it will prove over time to have been a wise investment.” Mr Venables also praised the service provided by Rygor Commercials Truck Sales Executive Marcus Cahalin. “Marcus is a joy to work with,” he observed. “I’m quite a fiery character but he knows how to handle me. If ever an issue crops up, as they always will from time to time, he remains very calm and ensures that it’s resolved with the minimum of fuss.” Marcus Cahalin said: “Every truck Rygor supplies is important to its owner, and we endeavour to reflect this by providing an appropriately high level of service to each and every one of our customers. Every now and then, though, a truck comes along which really stands out from the crowd, and Brunel Recycling’s volumetric mixer is certainly one. It’s a fantastic machine, and was a real pleasure to deliver.” www.brunelrecycling.co.uk
Vinyl vs. Fiberglass Windows: The Comparison Windows are one of the most important parts of any home that we have. These windows are the ways by which you can actually see what is going on outside your home and they also provide a means for light to enter the house as well. So, there is no doubt that choosing the perfect type of windows is really important. You need to weight your choices in order to come to a decision. Both fiberglass and vinyl windows are very popular choices amongst the builders and homeowners. Here we are going to build a comparison between these two materials. Appearance When it comes to window frames, vinyl and fiberglass might seem a bit similar. However, the vinyl windows come along with a proper join line which is situated in the corners. But then fiberglass has more of a wooden window look and appeal. The vinyl windows are mostly plain looking. When it comes to fiberglass, the color and style options are plenty as well. Installation The material vinyl is a pretty flexible one which can easily contract and expand as well. So, due to the flexibility, they are much easier to install and can be done quickly. Fiberglass tends to be a bit rigid and hence the installation is a bit difficult and it takes more time as well. You can choose Legacy Windows Service in New Jersey for the installation of windows in your home. Costs When it comes to the cost comparison, vinyl tends to be a little cheaper than the fiberglass material. So, most builders and homeowners who are in a tight budget can choose the vinyl windows for installation purposes. Durability And Strength Fiberglass is about 8 times stronger than the material vinyl. So, there is no doubt that it will be able to last a bit longer than vinyl. While vinyl windows can last until 30 years, fiberglass windows go up to 50 years and even more if necessary. The makeup of fiberglass windows is the reason for the strength. The fiberglass windows have glass fibers and that is what provides the strength to the material. Energy efficiency We have already established the fact that fiberglass has glass fibers in it which means that the material will not be able to expand or contract. So, it doesn’t conduct cold and heat. So, it is a better form of insulation than vinyl. Vinyl Windows Pros and Cons Pros Cheaper material No need to paint Doesn’t fade in sunlight Installation is easier Easily available Increase the value of the home Cons It will warp in the hot temperature Temperature fluctuations may cause expansion and contraction Poor air sealing Less insulation Fiberglass Windows Pros And Cons Pros The frames are thinner and have more glass fibers The insulation is a lot better for noise and energy control Doesn’t warp, expand, or contract Appearance is a lot better Increases the value of the home Cons It is an expensive material The installation process is difficult and takes more time Needs frequent painting Can fade in the sunlight So, that is all that you need to know about fiberglass and vinyl windows. Make your choice wisely!
