Your bedroom can be said to be your own space. It is the place where you sleep,read and stay most of the time. You spend your private time there. It might be reading books, sleeping, dancing, watching TV, doing your chores, or doing any of your favorite activities. So, your
Ibstock plc has confirmed its intention to make a major investment in one of its brick factories in the West Midlands. The factory will be a pathfinder project to test and pilot operational efficiencies which, the company believes, will lead to Atlas becoming the world’s only Scope 1 & 21
Mirrors are designed to reflect the person or item placed in front of them. Most commonly, you find mirrors hanging on a wall, attached to a dresser, and placed above bathroom vanities. Their most common function is to help you get ready in the morning to make sure your make-up
Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd (LMB), is one of the UK’s leading integrated brickwork, scaffolding and stone sub-contractors. Their scaffolding division is made up of 130 scaffolders, plus drivers, yard operatives, apprentices and other office-based staff. The company currently offers both brickwork and scaffolding apprenticeships in order to bring the next
Leading bathroom manufacturer, Geberit, is set to showcase its latest product launches and industry innovations at a unique three-day digital event for contractors. The ‘Innovation Days’ will be streamed live from the ‘House of Geberit’ and will bring an exciting programme of talks, demonstrations and presentations taking place in a
Bespoke square bay lintels and the award-winning Hi-therm+ lintels from IG Lintels has ensured the character, thermal efficiency and build quality of an exclusive range of new build homes is second to none. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the Market Reach development in the historic market town of Potton consists of
Heating and cooling a property contributes significantly to utility expenses, for both homes and businesses. But improving the efficiency of HVAC systems not only makes the surrounding environment more comfortable but also helps to lower running costs considerably. Here are some of the ways you can increase the efficiency of
The British Association of Landscape Industries has unveiled its new look ahead of its 50th year in business in 2022, marking the start of a new chapter in the Trade Association’s prestigious history. Spearheading the brand is the Association’s fresh, contemporary new identity, boldly updated for 2021 while celebrating its
Leading national brickwork, scaffolding and drywall firm, Phoenix Brickwork has just completed its part in the £21m development of the University of Lincoln’s new School of Medicine, providing essential infrastructure for the new facility. The three quarters of a million-pound contract saw a 12 strong team from Phoenix deliver specialist
While many Brits enjoy a bit of DIY at the weekend, and painting is a popular choice for easy home renovation projections, it doesn’t mean that you can improvise becoming a pro painter-decorator overnight. If you ever feel tempted to tackle your next painting project yourself, make sure you avoid
Your bedroom can be said to be your own space. It is the place where you sleep,read and stay most of the time. You spend your private time there. It might be reading books, sleeping, dancing, watching TV, doing your chores, or doing any of your favorite activities. So, your bedroom needs to have the perfect design and decor according to your choice. Your bedroom has some essential components like bed, wardrobe, fan, false ceiling, table, chair and other furniture and electronic objects. Here are a few points one needs to remember while designing one bedroom Ways To Design Your Bedroom CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOR: The first and foremost thing that one needs to choose is the paint color that you are going to put on your bedroom walls. Experts always advise you to choose subtle colors for your bedroom walls and also if your bedroom is not too big then it is always good for you to choose light and subtle colors then it will make your room look bigger and brighter and give you an airier feel. THE RIGHT FURNITURE: Another essential feature of your bedroom is to choose the right furniture. You must choose the right side of your bed, wardrobe and other furniture also you should keep in mind that all your furniture is of the same color as this will give your bedroom a defined and proportionate look. While keeping in mind the bed one must also think about the mattress, you must know the types of mattresses like latex, innerspring, foam, hybrid, etc. and also along with the type and size one must check the lifespan of the mattress. Latex has the advantage of being a natural cooling mattress with the most durablity, although they can be more expensive. There is one more variety known as the futon mattress. Futon mattresses are a combination of foam and coils and are said to have originated in Japan. They provide significant back support and keep the spine aligned. If you are using a futon mattress like many others, then you must check the lifespan of the futon mattress. They typically last for 5 to 10 years and also on usage. Also, try buying a mattress which has a minimum lifespan of 7 to 10 years and so it is very important to first make your bed and mattress the most comfortable because sleeping is very important and bedroom is the place where one sleeps DON’T NEGLECT THE CEILING: Yes, it’s right that you should not neglect the ceiling because a ceiling is a very important part of your bedroom. A false ceiling with a great design can change the whole outlook of your bedroom as it is like the 5th wall of your bedroom. When you lie down and look at your ceiling it shouldn’t look bland and if you can’t afford a false ceiling then other options are painting it with a light color or adding some wallpapers or architectural designs that will give you a feeling of comfort and intimacy. If you are designing your kid’s bedroom then you can add glowing stars or different shapes to the ceiling. HAVE ENOUGH STORAGE SPACE: It is very important to have enough storage in your bedroom because when things are lying here and there then it gives a very messy and cluttered look so it is always better to have enough storage space in your bedroom. You can have multifunctional storage units like storage shelves along with your bed or dressing table that comes with a chest of drawers or maybe a custom-designed closet which will have a lot of secret storage spaces. CHOOSE THE PERFECT CURTAINS AND COVERS: A great change is made with the look of your bedroom with the curtains you choose. A perfect curtain must match you’re your bedroom walls and there are many types of curtains available in the market nowadays and you must choose the print or design of your curtain according to the needs of your bedroom for example if your bedroom gets too much sunlight which makes the room very hot then you can opt for thick curtains but if you want a curtain which will not take so much space and give your bedroom a modern look then you can go for blinds. ADD MORE LIGHTS IN YOUR BEDROOM: You must add more and more lighting options in your room as it enhances your bedroom very much. It is very good to layer your lighting to make the room look bigger and brighter. For activities like reading books or doing some work on your laptop, you can add small lights or reading lamps for that purpose. FIX YOUR BUDGET: Whether you are designing or redesigning your bedroom you must fix a budget before doing so and this will help you to design your room better. If you are designing it by an interior decorating company then you must first check that the company is genuine. Also, while selecting the props, make sure that the brand is authentic, has proper reputation and has an excellent sales process. DON’T MISS OUT THE SMALL DETAILS: Even after decorating your room you should always keep in mind that even the small things like ea small showpiece or decorating item is very important to enhance the look of your room and also you must keep some indoor plants inside your room as it gives a very earth touch to your room. INCLUDE SOME PRIVATE TOUCH: As said earlier that your bedroom is your private space and so you must include a space to relax and enjoy it can be a cloth swing or a statement couch and if you have some space around your window then you can make a window seat to enjoy the view and sunlight. Also, if the amount is huge for decorating your room, then EMI or monthly payment is reasonable and a very effective option for those who want a lavish decoration but has a shortage
Ibstock plc has confirmed its intention to make a major investment in one of its brick factories in the West Midlands. The factory will be a pathfinder project to test and pilot operational efficiencies which, the company believes, will lead to Atlas becoming the world’s only Scope 1 & 21 Net Zero brick factory. A combination of reduced process emissions and greater thermal efficiency will cut the carbon intensity of bricks produced at the Atlas site by 50% compared to the existing factory. The remaining emissions will be offset using high quality emission reduction projects. Once completed, Atlas will be an exemplar of British manufacturing and global environmental best practice in the construction products sector. The investment, which was announced at the Group’s AGM Trading Update on Earth Day (April 22 2021), marks the next stage of the company’s well-documented sustainability journey. The Group’s Sustainability Roadmap to 2025 sets out ambitious decarbonisation plans. This Net Zero pathfinder project, along with a host of other initiatives at other sites across the UK, marks the latest important step in pushing the business beyond its Roadmap. The new Atlas investment will be Net Zero for Scopes 1 & 21 emissions; Scope 31 will be addressed at a later date as part of the Group’s longer-term sustainability strategy.1 To achieve its ambitions, the Group is utilising a standard methodology that aligns with the UK Government’s Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy. The Group calculates that its Net Zero aims for Atlas will primarily be achieved through a rapid reduction in carbon emissions from the production process through significantly improved thermal efficiency, on-site renewable electricity generation and renewable energy procurement. For production from Atlas to reach Net Zero, the remaining emitted greenhouse gases will be offset through carbon credits or sequestration through rewilding or carbon capture and storage. Over time, Ibstock will reduce the offset proportion further by the adoption of additional emissions reduction measures. Once it has completed the first stage in its journey (Scope 1 & 21), Atlas will be one of the most operationally efficient brick factories in the world and an exemplar for the industry in terms of environmental performance. National & regional impact The investment in Atlas will bring significant benefits to the local economy in terms of employment, local suppliers, opportunities and skills. This redevelopment will secure the future of the brick factory and provide local employment opportunities for the long-term. It is expected that the renovated factory will support 50 highly skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs. Next stage in the Net Zero Journey Commenting on the investment plans for the Atlas Factory, Chief Executive Officer of Ibstock plc Joe Hudson said: “The Net Zero journey is one we share with our customers. We have seen a transformational shift in attitudes from all of our key stakeholders; and there is a ‘sea-change’ in how our customers, and, in turn, their customers, view environmental issues. As the UK’s leading brick manufacturer we recognise that we have to adapt and respond – and this is reflected in our Sustainability Roadmap to 2025. “We have been leading the way for some time within our sector, with our investments in new production capacity at our Throckley, Chesteron, Eclipse and Lodge Lane plants all reducing the carbon intensity of the manufacturing process, and as the recipients of multiple sustainability awards. However, we can do more, and we can go further. Our plan to invest in Atlas is at the heart of this.”
Mirrors are designed to reflect the person or item placed in front of them. Most commonly, you find mirrors hanging on a wall, attached to a dresser, and placed above bathroom vanities. Their most common function is to help you get ready in the morning to make sure your make-up is on just right and your hair and outfit look perfect. However, mirrors can also double as a design element. It’s not uncommon to see an accent mirror hanging on a wall in common areas such as the living room or even a hallway. Mirrored furniture is rising in popularity, and it’s not just for your main living areas. Mirrored bedroom wardrobes, cabinets, and even the chest of drawers offers a unique atmosphere that works with any bedroom style, including traditional, rustic, contemporary, and modern. This is your guide to the advantages mirrored bedroom furniture offers and why you should consider stepping outside of the box on traditional design methods. Dual Functionality Mirrored furniture is highly versatile and does not just function as storage space. It’s not about being vain and staring at yourself for hours on end in the mirror. However, sometimes you need to take a brief look at yourself to make sure your shirt is still tucked in, your hair still looks good, or that your make-up isn’t smudged. Mirrored bedroom furniture offers you chances to catch glimpses of your outfit as you pass by without having to stop what you are doing to check your look in the bathroom mirror or, worse, the camera on your phone. Whether you’re headed out the door or hosting a dinner party, you want to make sure you keep your look together. Conversational Piece Everybody loves a good conversational piece, and every room needs a focal point. Mirrored furniture is definitely a unique design that you do not see every day. Choosing one or two mirrored furniture pieces such as a mirrored wardrobe creates a focal point for your bedroom and makes for a great conversation piece. Now that you have your focal point, you can build out the rest of the room’s décor based on your tastes and preferences. Brightens the Room Bright rooms instantly lift your mood and make for a light, airy, and clean atmosphere. Mirrors reflect everything in front of them. This includes people, furniture, and even sunlight. Strategically arranged mirrored furniture reflects the natural sunlight that already comes in through the windows and significantly brightens the space, giving your room a lighter, breezier feel. For instance, if you’ve got a dark corner in your room that you’d like to shed a little light on, place a piece of mirror furniture so that it catches the natural light and reflects it to that corner. Instantly your bedroom will feel brighter. Makes the Room Feel Larger Due to its reflective properties, mirrored furniture can make even the smallest of bedrooms feel much larger. Unlike traditional pieces of furniture, mirrored pieces create the optical illusion of taking up less space because they have a transparent sleek look and feel. Easy to Match with Any Style Décor Whether you are starting fresh with your décor or looking to integrate furniture into an existing bedroom theme, mirrored furniture is the easiest to match with any style of décor. It is one of the most interior friendly solutions for your bedroom. Whether you like rustic, modern, contemporary, traditional, industrial, etc. Low Maintenance Your days are busy enough as it is. The last thing you need is to have furniture that requires regular maintenance. High-quality mirrored bedroom furniture is made from tempered glass and is extremely durable and resistant to scratches and breakage. If it does sustain an impact hard enough to break the glass, then a special film keeps the glass shards together and prevents them from spraying everywhere. It’s naturally resistant to water spills and can even withstand high levels of humidity without damage. There’s no need to worry about your furniture fading or stains. Cleaning mirrored furniture is simple. All it needs is a quick wipe down every couple of weeks with a quality glass cleaner. This will keep it looking brand new for years to come. Ready to Give Your Bedroom a Mirrored Makeover? The best furniture is the kind that is efficient, adds value to the space, and is functional. Furniture is a long-term investment and not a decision to be taken lightly. Whether you are furnishing a new bedroom or your current one just needs a makeover, mirrored furniture is a great option, especially if you are working with a small space. Enjoy the ease of styling, durability, low maintenance, and light that the mirrors will bring to your bedroom. Makes your space one that you will enjoy for decades!
Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd (LMB), is one of the UK’s leading integrated brickwork, scaffolding and stone sub-contractors. Their scaffolding division is made up of 130 scaffolders, plus drivers, yard operatives, apprentices and other office-based staff. The company currently offers both brickwork and scaffolding apprenticeships in order to bring the next generation of tradesmen into the construction. Jason Baker is 19 and from Dagenham, East London. He left school a year into his A-levels to work full time in sports retail. Deciding this wasn’t the career for him and encouraged by family friends who worked in the construction industry, Jason decided to look into the opportunities available. In November last year he began a 2-year scaffolding apprenticeship at LMB. Jason’s induction was carried out at Park Royal in Acton, since then he has been labouring on Barking Fresh Wharf. He has been partnered with a Part 2 scaffolder with 10 years-experience, who talks Jason through the work he does. Once Jason has completed his apprenticeship, he is looking to progress his career at LMB with a vison to move into scaffold management, spending time out on site with the various teams as well as in the office. Jason really enjoys working within a team and spending so much time outdoors. His advice for anyone looking to start a career in scaffolding would be: “Learn from others’ experience on site, know your body’s physical limits and where your abilities lie.” Conor Simmons is 22 from South East London. In 2017 joined Lee Marley Brickwork as a labourer, then signed up for their apprenticeship scheme and is now working as a full-term Part 2 Scaffolder. Whilst working for LMB, Conor has achieved his Part 1 and Part 2 in scaffold erecting, he is currently studying for his NEBOSH qualification. Scaffolding is a family trade with both Conor’s dad and Grandad working as scaffolders since a young age, a massive factor for him wanting to work in the industry. This young man has big ambitions for the future and hopes to get his advance scaffolding qualification and then his scaffolding supervisor qualification. Further down the line, his plan is to work in project/contract management. Conor has worked on many different sites and projects over the 4 years he’s been with Lee Marley, he’s currently working on Chelsea Creek, one of his standout projects and a job that has taught him a lot and given him a wealth of experience. He’s erecting scaffolds and a variety of other things such as installing catch nets and erecting hoist run-offs. Conor has worked on the Chelsea Creek project from the start of the project and has found it really interesting and exciting to see the project grow and move forwards. Other sites include Embassy Gardens, Chelsea Barracks and Kidbrooke Village. As a scaffolder his days vary, one day he could be erecting or striking a structural lift, to erecting or striking a loading bay. He says:” Every day is a new challenge which is one I’ll always look forward to”. To others looking to get into the industry Conor comments: “I would 100% encourage others to look into a career in scaffolding or any other sector within construction. It’s a rewarding job and a career you can always progress and learn new things in. My advice to others would be to just go for it. Don’t hesitate or be nervous about a new challenge. It will be rewarding in the long term”. Daniel Cooke is a Scaffold Director at LMB. Based in the head office, Daniel divides his time between Reading and across multiple sites, he comments: “Scaffolding is widely associated with being a high risk trade to consider, but in reality, is a very safe and enjoyable industry to enter into with the right training. For the younger generation or any generation for that matter, an apprenticeship is a great way to start out a career in scaffolding. We offer our apprentices a dedicated training manager and onsite support from our experienced site teams as well as a mapped-out route of training with providers such as Simian Risk and the CITB. It is definitely a great way to enter into the industry with fantastic earning opportunities and career paths. Both our founder Lee Marley and I started out as apprentices, making us even more passionate about the success of all the candidates we put through, we are always there to help and guide where needed. At LMB we will run twice yearly applications for scaffolding apprentice positions, which usually falls in March and September.” For more information about apprenticeships at Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd, please visit: www.leemarley.com.
Leading bathroom manufacturer, Geberit, is set to showcase its latest product launches and industry innovations at a unique three-day digital event for contractors. The ‘Innovation Days’ will be streamed live from the ‘House of Geberit’ and will bring an exciting programme of talks, demonstrations and presentations taking place in a real trade fair setting from Wednesday 7 to Friday 9 April. The purpose-built showroom, measuring over 300-square metres, will welcome a host of experts to present Geberit’s new innovations for the coming year, as well as industry insights, the latest trends and need-to-know knowledge. Streaming live on a purpose built platform, the so-called ‘Innovation Days’ will use a real booth to provide a realistic and practice-orientated experience for its digital guests, allowing contractors to select which sessions they’d like to attend. The packed programme of events will explore ten key industry areas, including touchless technology, planning made easy, water flow and usage, sustainability, and the power of washing with water. It will also provide contractors with a first look at Geberit’s 2021 product launches. Pete Davis, Director of Marketing and Products at Geberit UK said: “As part of Geberit’s Innovation Days, we are inviting contractors to take part in a very special series of event live from our House of Geberit. Participants can plan their individual schedule around what suits their personal calendar and interests and are free to attend as many or as little as they wish. “The sessions will also provide guests with the opportunity to interact with Geberit experts via a live chat function, providing a realistic, fully interactive and unique experience.” Each topic discussion and demonstration is expected to take around 20 minutes. To register your attendance and find out more about the Innovations Days visit www.innovation-days.geberit.co.uk
Bespoke square bay lintels and the award-winning Hi-therm+ lintels from IG Lintels has ensured the character, thermal efficiency and build quality of an exclusive range of new build homes is second to none. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the Market Reach development in the historic market town of Potton consists of eighty-five luxurious three, four and five bedroom homes. Developer Mulberry Homes’ philosophy is to ensure homes offer a strong character and identity whilst at the same time constructed with thermally efficient building envelopes. To achieve their fabric first approach, IG’s award-winning Hi-therm+ lintels feature across a range of plots while bespoke IG square bay lintels added character and increased natural daylight. “Mulberry Homes wanted to build in a way that considered the environment, taking into account the most sustainable options for the building fabric, without compromising on the interior and exterior build quality to achieve Part L SAP calculations,” said Ben Cheetham, National Specification Manager for IG Lintels. IG’s BBA approved Hi-therm+ lintels provided a low-cost solution to improve energy efficiency within SAP. Incorporating a thermal break, Hi-therm lintels are up to 5 times more thermally efficient than a traditional steel lintel. Hi-therm+ lintels were installed at window and door junctions accommodating different lengths throughout the building envelope to reduce heat loss in key problematic areas. This fabric first approach helped Mulberry Homes to lower carbon emissions and minimise running costs for the homeowner. Furthermore, ongoing maintenance repairs and improvement upgrades are not required with Hi-therm+ lintels unlike other costly bolt on renewable technologies. “At Market Reach, IG’s Hi-therm+ lintels were used for reducing carbon emissions and running costs for homeowners by improving the energy performance of our newly built homes,” added Shaun Aran on behalf of Mulberry Homes. To meet the developer’s aesthetic requirements, IG’s technical team designed bespoke heavy-duty square bay lintels that increased the surface area of the ground floor wall allowing natural light to enter the homes. The square bays 4390mm span and the perpendicular returns added a window opening with three facets, creating a large and more spacious illuminated internal living space with a unique external appearance to the properties. With these stunning homes now complete, IG’s lintel solutions have ensured this thermally efficient and aesthetically pleasing housing development delivers on all fronts.
Heating and cooling a property contributes significantly to utility expenses, for both homes and businesses. But improving the efficiency of HVAC systems not only makes the surrounding environment more comfortable but also helps to lower running costs considerably. Here are some of the ways you can increase the efficiency of your air conditioning system without investing extra money. Insulate exposed ductwork Ensure that the ductwork that runs through unconditioned spaces is sealed off properly so that it doesn’t leak any conditioned air. It’s easy to see if there are any holes or unsealed spaces visually, which you can repair using a specialty duct-sealing tape – just make sure that you use the proper thickness of insulating material. Clean the outdoor condenser unit The unit will work better if it’s cleaned and free from debris, so make it a regular habit to check the condenser unit and ensure that it’s clear from dust or leaves. Cleaning the unit also maximises the efficiency and prolongs the lifespan of your air conditioner. “A well-maintained air conditioning system will not only regular air temperature and improve thermal comfort, but it can also potentially have a positive impact on productivity”, states Chris Close, senior engineer at BSE FM. You should schedule in a cleaning session at the beginning of the cooling season, such as during spring, and then again in autumn. Adjust the thermostat Turning up the thermostat by just a few degrees in the summer, or down in the winter, can help you save money and also reduces the amount of energy the unit uses. With a programmable thermostat, the temperature can be adjusted for certain times of the day, such as when you’re not going to be in the property for a few hours. Keep heat-producing appliances away Having heat-producing appliances, like lamps, close to the thermostat will inform it that the air needs to be cooled more than it actually does. This makes the system run longer and harder than it needs to. Similarly, when the temperature reaches its peak midday, keep curtains or blinds closed which will minimise the amount of heat coming through the windows which will support the air conditioning system from having to operate more than necessary. Replace dirty filters A good maintenance habit that will improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit is to check and replace dirty filters on a regular basis each year. When the filters are dirty, it prevents air flow and that results in less cooling for the property. Dirty filters can even reduce the air flow to the point that the air conditioning coil freezes, causing damage to the compressor. An easy way to avoid this problem and to make sure the unit runs optimally is to keep the filters clean or replace them when they get dirty if they can’t be cleaned. Clear the vents Covering the vents to the HVAC unit is a common issue that many people don’t realise compromises the efficiency of the air conditioning system. But when you cut off the airflow, the vents increase pressure to the duct system and this reduces the air flow to the rest of the property. In order to ensure that the system is working optimally, you need to allow plenty of air to move around the vents. This also means checking that all of the vents are open, even in rooms you’re not using, as this can also cause a problem. Clean out the drain line The drain by the indoor cooling coil needs to be kept clear – it’s a key component of the system that no-one considers until it stops working. It’s responsible for draining away the condensation from the evaporator coil and during a humid day, it can remove several litres of water. When the drain line is blocked, the moisture can back up and cause problems, so make sure that it’s kept clear by flushing one cup of chlorine bleach through the drain and rinsing it with water. Maintaining an air conditioning unit doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavour – in fact, just by keeping each element clean and free from debris, you can improve the efficiency of the unit significantly, reduce energy costs and minimise the risk of a problem developing that could pose damage to the system.
The British Association of Landscape Industries has unveiled its new look ahead of its 50th year in business in 2022, marking the start of a new chapter in the Trade Association’s prestigious history. Spearheading the brand is the Association’s fresh, contemporary new identity, boldly updated for 2021 while celebrating its heritage. Following a three-year development cycle which saw the team at Landscape House carry out research and analysis, a series of stakeholder interviews and a brand positioning exercise, several significant changes were decided upon to improve the Association’s continued efforts to promote, support and inspire its members, the wider landscape services industry and the public. From 1st April 2021, Association members who have passed its stringent vetting procedures will be referred to as Accredited members, replacing the previous ‘Registered’ name. The team at Landscape House, supported by its board of directors, felt the replacement term was a more suitable choice for explaining the process companies went through in order to attain accreditation. Affiliate, the label used to promote members offering trade and public-facing products and services has been dropped in favour of Supplier, a word that better describes that category of membership. So, in simple terms, a Registered Affiliate will now be known as an Accredited Supplier. The brand refresh has also brought with it changes to the way the Association communicates, including a focus on high quality content to inform, educate and inspire. It will use its position as a thought-leader in British landscaping to draw attention to issues affecting the industry and lobby government, as well as developing its technical support offering. The rebrand will also bring a new approach to the Association’s identity, dropping the acronym ‘BALI’. Often confused with non-industry terms, the Association’s new identity advertises a greater public-friendly position, simplified so it only displays the full company name that better describes the service offer. Chief Executive Wayne Grills commented, “This is an important moment for our Association and its members. We recognised, through talking with key stakeholders, that we needed to make changes to our brand to continue to build on our strong foundation and provide the high level of customer service our members expect. Next year our Trade Association celebrates 50 years and we wanted to be in the best shape possible to take full advantage of what that special milestone will bring. Expect further announcements of what we have planned later this year.” To support the launch of the new brand the team at Landscape House have refreshed all marketing and promotional materials for members, with the website bali.org.uk, suite of newsletters and popular journal Landscape Newsall receiving major design and/or functionality updates. Members can login to their member’s area bali.org.uk/login to download the new Accredited logo and brand guidelines (if their membership category permits), order vehicle stickers, download Use the Professionals leaflets and access their membership benefits portfolio which have also been updated.
Leading national brickwork, scaffolding and drywall firm, Phoenix Brickwork has just completed its part in the £21m development of the University of Lincoln’s new School of Medicine, providing essential infrastructure for the new facility. The three quarters of a million-pound contract saw a 12 strong team from Phoenix deliver specialist brickwork, insulation and fire safety services for the hi-tech, environmentally efficient building, with the 24-week project completed on time and on budget. Phoenix was selected by main contractor, BAM Construction for their expertise in health and research projects. The new facility will feature a range of laboratories including a clinical skills suite, anatomy suite and a category two science laboratory, alongside state-of-the-art lecture theatres and teaching areas. To aid medical students’ learning, it will also provide a clinical skills suite with mock consultation rooms, helping students by simulating a working hospital ward or a GP surgery. Site Manager, Sam Humphries said, “While we’re a firm that works on projects across the country, it’s always especially pleasing to be able to contribute to such a great regional initiative, and we are proud to be doing our bit to support the NHS.” Operating from its Derbyshire and Northamptonshire offices, Phoenix recently celebrated a ten-year trading milestone of £18m and recruited six new members of staff to help the business grow into London. “Projects such as this are incredibly rewarding for the team,” said Christian Watson, Managing Director at Phoenix Brickwork. “Not only can we be proud of delivering the project on-time and in budget, in the light of the current pandemic and the heroic efforts of our NHS, we are delighted to have played our part in the creation of this cutting-edge facility for the University and supporting tomorrow’s doctors and nurses.”
While many Brits enjoy a bit of DIY at the weekend, and painting is a popular choice for easy home renovation projections, it doesn’t mean that you can improvise becoming a pro painter-decorator overnight. If you ever feel tempted to tackle your next painting project yourself, make sure you avoid these common mistakes, so you never end up wasting time and money. No prep before painting Preparing the area you’re going to paint isn’t the most exciting part of the process, but it’s an essential step if you want to see the best results. Too many people just skip ahead and start painting without preparing the surface or the area they will paint. Needless to say that if you have wallpaper or old paint, you’ll need to strip the wall to ensure you have a smooth surface to paint on. If your wall has a lot of asperities (it’s a fancy word for roughness), you may need to do some plasterwork or some light sanding so that the texture doesn’t come through. Ensure the walls are also clean to avoid painting over dust particles or anything else that can get stuck over time. You can do so by vacuuming the walls to remove all dust and washing the area with warm water and vinegar for a deep clean. Don’t skip corners and baseboards! Finally, make sure that anything that doesn’t need painting will be protected. That includes the floors and nearby furniture. It would help if you also were wrapping doorknobs and use painter’s tape along the edges of your surface (the baseboards, for example). Taking the time to set up protection will ensure you have a clean finish, and you won’t stain precious furniture or other areas. Using the wrong paint This might seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised to see how many people buy paint before realising they didn’t choose the right one. Not all types of surfaces react to paint in the same way, so you will need different products depending on whether you are painting metal, wood, tiles, concrete, plaster etc. Make sure to double-check that the paint you are selecting will be appropriate for your surface area. In doubt, many specialist retailers like The Paint Shed are happy to provide guidance and help you choose the right products for your project. Once you have the right type of paint, don’t forget to check what finish you’re buying as well. It may seem like there wouldn’t be much of a difference between a gloss and semi-gloss finish, but anyone who has ever painted a whole room in gloss will tell you otherwise. Using the wrong tools If the tools don’t make the craftsman, having the right tools for the job will certainly help you achieve the results you want. If you are painting walls or large surfaces, swap the paintbrush for a roller which will avoid creating lines or streaks (which is caused by the brush bristles). Not all paint rollers are created equal, though, and you will have to select the right one depending on the type of surface. Generally speaking, thicker roller covers (also called nap or pile) are more suited to rougher surfaces as they can apply thicker layers of paint. Thinner roller covers will be better suited for smoother surfaces that require a more delicate finish. Make sure you’re not over saturating the roller when painting. Applying too much paint in one go can lead to uneven application and drips. The nap should be saturated with paint but not dripping. You can use a paint tray to ensure the paint is spread evenly on the roller and remove excess before applying it to your surface. Using trays is also highly recommended rather than dipping your tools straight into the paint can, leading to contaminating the paint with dirt or dust. Ignoring the weather Exterior projects are particularly concerned with the weather, but it could also apply to some inside work. If the weather is too humid and cold, it will affect the time needed for water-based paints to dry. If the weather is not going to be in your favour, consider delaying your project until it is warmer or drier. The wind is also something to think about. If you are painting outside, strong winds could ruin your work or just make it extra difficult for you. Now that you’re armed with these tips, I hope you feel ready to tackle your next painting project! If you enjoyed this, you’ll find more articles like this in the painting and decorating section of our website.
