National wholesaler TF Solutions has become the latest addition to the REFCOM Elite Supplier scheme. Part of the BSS Group, which is a BESA affiliate member, TF Solutions joins just as REFCOM is celebrating receiving the Industry Initiative of the Year award at the ACR News Awards for the scheme.
Sometimes, the cost of having the right structure is taking down the wrong one. In light of that, construction companies, real estate agencies, and general contractors understand the importance of commercial demolition companies. Aside from heavy-duty demolition, many of these setups are actively into the cleanup of construction sites. In
When it comes to designing the bathroom it’s all in the detail. Having your very own spa-like oasis is a luxury that many people dream of and with the right decorative touches and features, you can achieve this in just a few key steps. From the materials through to the
I could give you a hundred ways to make a germaphobe cry. But none would probably be as devastating as forcing one to use a public restroom. It would probably take a special kind of emergency to make a germaphobe even consider using one. And just when he made his
Mаrаthоn Sod іѕ knоwn thrоughоut Southern California in tеrmѕ of іtѕ durаbіlіtу аnd ѕресtасulаr арреаrаnсе. Thе ѕресіеѕ аrе tall fеѕсuе blеnd оf the Bаjа аnd Hubbаrd 87 varieties. Selective brееdіng hаѕ bееn іmрlеmеntеd іn the production оf mаrаthоn sod, ѕо you can еxресt оutѕtаndіng ԛuаlіtу compared tо average sod. Fоr
The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) has launched its COVID-19 restart & rebuild strategy, incorporating three specific strands of support to help members out of lockdown. The strategy has been designed to provide guidance and support to members in three ways; firstly, helping those individuals working for BALI members
The employee-owned packaging company recently announced the design and supply of a new protective face visor for the NHS which saw them supplying several hospital trusts in the West Midlands. The company has also offered further support to organisations that had limited access to PPE yet were supporting front line
Since the emergence of COVID-19 and the UK’s public health countermeasures, many industry suppliers have seen demand for some products rocket. Online retailer, Zoro, supplies businesses across all industries with the tools and equipment they need to get on with the job, over 310,000 products. In recent weeks the company
How does a medium sized, niche business navigate through numerous conformance requirements to secure its place in today’s construction supply chains? The construction industry has always presented opportunities for the army of innovative and specialised small and medium sized business based in the UK. For every £1 spent by the
Owning a property isn’t just about having a place to live — it’s also a significant investment into your future. Whether putting your home on the market is already in the works, or climbing the property ladder remains a distant spot on the horizon, making changes that increase the potential
National wholesaler TF Solutions has become the latest addition to the REFCOM Elite Supplier scheme. Part of the BSS Group, which is a BESA affiliate member, TF Solutions joins just as REFCOM is celebrating receiving the Industry Initiative of the Year award at the ACR News Awards for the scheme. The refrigeration and air conditioning distributor is the latest supplier to be audited and accredited as an Elite Supplier in line with REFCOM’s ambition to encourage all parts of the supply chain to voluntarily commit to the highest professional standards. REFCOM Elite is a best practice company registration scheme that has been running since 1994 to promote environmentally responsible refrigerant management and compliance with the latest industry legislation. Head of REFCOM Graeme Fox said the Elite Supplier scheme was set up so that responsible suppliers could help ensure that only properly qualified and registered companies were accessing refrigerant gas and equipment in line with the F-Gas Regulation. Unscrupulous “This scheme means suppliers have a way of demonstrating that they have signed up to a voluntary code of conduct that will level the playing field across the supply chain,” said Mr Fox. “This will also free up resources so the enforcing authorities are better able to police and clamp down on irresponsible online or unscrupulous sales to non-registered installers.” He said TF Solutions was a welcome addition to this “exclusive club” who had demonstrated to REFCOM’s independent inspector that they were working to the highest standards. TF Solutions commercial director Andy Reed said his company was happy to be “an early adopter” demonstrating support for the improved professional standards championed by the REFCOM scheme. “TF Solutions has always focused on providing our customers with the best service; so we felt that it was only right that we, as a leading national wholesaler, should participate and uphold the highest values and standards,” he said. “Supporting the F-Gas Regulation will be vital if the industry is to achieve its environmental and climate change goals and REFCOM’s Elite programme is playing a crucial role,” said Mr Reed.
Sometimes, the cost of having the right structure is taking down the wrong one. In light of that, construction companies, real estate agencies, and general contractors understand the importance of commercial demolition companies. Aside from heavy-duty demolition, many of these setups are actively into the cleanup of construction sites. In this article, the subject of why demolition companies are hired will be discussed. However and as explained here, let’s first look at the roles of these companies. What Do Commercial Demolition Companies Do? The name is definitely self-explanatory. These companies are into all sorts of demolition. Here, we are talking about assignments ranging from taking down small buildings to large ones. Depending on the company and task faced with, the strategies can be manual or with heavy-duty machines. Even in this day and age, the manual approach to demolition can come in handy in dealing with little and integral parts of the building. A good example will be the demolishing of a small portion of a large edifice that is to remain intact. Considering that the company may not be able to use heavy-duty pieces of machinery without affecting other parts, the use of manual labor can come in very handy. Although not restricted to these, the major reason for demolition is usually down to reconstruction and new development. If you want more information on the kinds of machines used by these companies, you can read this article. Other than the functions stated, lots of these companies play a huge part in obtaining pertinent paperwork. This is because an operation of such magnitude can cause inconveniences for other residents of the area. This can include noise, the release of toxins into the air among other things. To ensure that things are done properly, there are regulatory bodies that oversee and give permissions. Furthermore, functions such as rodent baiting, drafting out safety plans for construction sites, and removal of dangerous materials are some of the other functions carried out by these setups. Why Do We Need the Services of Demolition Companies? Let’s start by emphasizing how constructions are made to be last as long as forever. When a structure is built, there are no plans to do away with it at a later date. As a result, when such a need eventually arises, it must be carried out by top-notch professionals. This is to avoid the dangerous possibilities that come with the act. Considering this, let us look at some reasons why the services of a professional demolition company may be required. Efficiency When the subject is about pulling down structures for any number of reasons, two things are important. First, it has to be carried out in good time. This is because most times, the commencement of subsequent construction works are dependent on the timing of the demolition. Until the process is effectively carried out, every other thing is brought to a standstill. As a result, the manual or mechanical procedure must be done in good time. This clearly will help the contractors deliver right on time. Secondly, the job must be inch-perfect. Little wonder the amount of scrutiny regulatory bodies channel toward this procedure. For the record, the process is not just about pulling or tearing down a previously constructed structure. This must be executed effectively. This means that the precision with which the demolition is carried out should be such that it causes no harm to any other structure around. After the tearing down, the debris and torn-down construction materials should be discarded and recycled properly. This can only be done by professionals trained and skilled in the act. Steering Clear of Danger Imagine the possibility of a weight of bricks crashing down on a person. Hey, carrying out these jobs is serious work. It is no child’s play. This is because it comes with a lot of dangers. To ensure a high level of safety and proper construction proceedings, hiring the right demolition company is not up for debate. Other than accidents that can happen on-site, other things have to be put in place and done accordingly. An example is how construction debris is handled. These wastes should be disposed of in the right way. This way, the chemical toxins, and other hazards people may be exposed to are dealt with. The Right Tools for the Job Frankly, this is one of the main reasons for engaging the services of these companies. Aside from the efficiency with which they work, they have the right kinds of tools and equipment. As a result, they can deal with seemingly impossible situations. Realistically, some jobs can only be carried out with heavy-duty machines. These companies have different sorts that can attend to different demolition tasks. Furthermore, they have trained hands that can put these machines to use. Dealing with Debris and the Aftermath of a Demolition As stated earlier, what demolition companies do is way more than tearing and pulling down. The torn down structure has to be discarded in the right way. Whichever way this is done, it should not contravene environmental and safety standards. For example, what happens if you dispose of the debris in a dam? This is unhygienic and calling for trouble from the authorities. As a result, these companies know exactly how to dispose of the debris. They know items that should be recycled, reused, reduced, and completely disposed of. Getting Things Right for Regulatory Oversight The jobs of these companies play out at various points in construction. As against the belief that they are only given to demolition, they help at other points in construction. For instance, they can be consulted to effectively clear out the site before any bit of construction is carried out. This way, every worker is safe from potential hazards. Ideally, this is the appropriate way to go about construction. It is dangerous to let workers into areas that have not been inspected by these companies. Haven established this, these companies are very essential in filing paperwork for construction permission
When it comes to designing the bathroom it’s all in the detail. Having your very own spa-like oasis is a luxury that many people dream of and with the right decorative touches and features, you can achieve this in just a few key steps. From the materials through to the finishing touches, you can create the bathroom of your dreams with luxurious aesthetics that make it one of your favourite rooms in the home. Unique Features Just like the kitchen, living room and bedroom you want your bathroom to have unique features that make it such a dreamy space. One of the main features that transforms a simple bathroom into a place of luxury is a smart shower. This modern addition turns showering into a relaxing experience, giving you control over everything from temperature through to ease of use. This unique addition is also ideal for making life a little easier too, from being able to control the shower from your mobile giving you much more freedom when it comes to heating the water, turning the shower on and much more. Another must-have feature within a luxurious bathroom is music. Introducing a quality set of speakers to your bathroom will give you the ultimate calm, relaxing experience when bathing or simply getting ready. There’s nothing quite like having your favourite artists playing out loud whilst you go through your own home-spa rituals, turning your bathroom into your very own relaxation spot. Image Source: Aqualisa Quality Materials From the tiling in the shower to the flooring choices, the materials you choose to use within your bathroom will have a huge impact on how luxurious the space feels. You want to introduce quality materials that look the part, as well as adding durability and longevity at the same time. Do some research into the materials that catch your eye, from tiles and stone to marble and granite and find out which really work for the space you have. Quality Materials From the tiling in the shower to the flooring choices, the materials you choose to use within your bathroom will have a huge impact on how luxurious the space feels. You want to introduce quality materials that look the part, as well as adding durability and longevity at the same time. For instance, shower wall panels can work with the tiling and flooring to create a rich and magnificent bathroom. Choosing panels that blend nicely with the other features is important. An eye-catching pattern or subtle marble effect can help the shower panel feel an integral part of any luxurious bathroom. But just as crucial, is ensuring the panels are made of long lasting materials. It is worthwhile getting panels professionally installed to ensure they are sealed properly. Do some research into the materials that catch your eye, from tiles and stone to marble and granite and find out which really work for the space you have. From the tiling in the shower to the flooring choices, the materials you choose to use within your bathroom will have a huge impact on how luxurious the space feels. You want to introduce quality materials that look the part, as well as adding durability and longevity at the same time. Do some research into the materials that catch your eye, from tiles and stone to marble and granite and find out which really work for the space you have. Image Source: Crown Tiles Stylish Furniture Introducing the right furniture pieces to your bathroom will ensure your space works for you. In order to have luxury you need a space that you can get the most out of, resulting in somewhere you can go and spend quality time relaxing, winding down and recharging. It’s important to have a stylish sink, toilet, shower and bath for those with the option, to draw the space together and ensure it’s comfortable as well as attractive. With so many beautiful bathroom furniture pieces available, you can find some stunning pieces to enhance your bathroom and bring that touch of luxury to your home. The Right Atmosphere Creating a space that you can use to escape in your own home is a huge benefit, especially after a long hard day. You want to capture a warm, relaxing atmosphere that enables you to wind down and relax, properly. Whilst the design of your bathroom will help to achieve this, it’s also really useful to introduce some additional features such as scented candles, diffusers and mood lighting to really help capture the right atmosphere. Once you’ve mastered the calming feel, you’ll feel blissfully relaxed and content in your bathroom, making it the perfect zen zone.
I could give you a hundred ways to make a germaphobe cry. But none would probably be as devastating as forcing one to use a public restroom. It would probably take a special kind of emergency to make a germaphobe even consider using one. And just when he made his way to the bathroom partition, he’d probably run out screaming before he could do his business. The life of a germaphobe is difficult but with society forcing us to share each other’s utility, there has to be a way to get out of all this madness. In this article you are going to have to toughen up as we talk about the things that will make your stomach churn. Somewhere over the Bathroom Partitions As the most observant of you may already notice, I am a germaphobe myself and these words speak to me more deeply than I how I take my breath before I walk into a crowd of strangers. There are two things you would always find in my bag, if they were not on my hands already and that is a bag of wet wipes and an alcohol spray. There are times that I wished that I could bathe in purell and douse myself in lysol. Except that it would kill me along with all the germs and bacteria but that did not stop me from considering it. When I was younger, when people were debating which the best romance movie character was or which player was the best, I was busy doing important work. And that was to educate my fellow kids about the dangers that germs pose. For instance, I would talk to them in length about how the ten-second rule is pure bogus. That did not stop Jeremy from eating that baloney sandwich however. That still gives me nightmares to this day. And for that reason, and my qualifications as a lifetime germaphobe crusader, I will teach you how to conquer your public restroom fears. Let us find out what is beyond those bathroom partitions. Of course, I know that I have science on my side. Not that the smell, sight, sound and everything about the public bathroom are not proof enough, but having the scientists’ backing is a big deal. Research suggests that the public bathrooms ranks among the worst places in terms of diseases that you may catch. So, yes Sheila, the public bathroom will indeed kill me. The worst discovery from that research is that the bacteria that lingers in the bathroom can remain there for months. That is more than 30 days worth of bacteria piling up upon each other in a confined space. Think about how many breaths that you take in while you are there doing your business. The paranoia is real and it is justified. The Inevitable Bathroom Partition Encounter Before we dive right into a germaphobe’s survival tactics, let us get one thing straight. Germaphobia is real and having one does not mean you are crazy. The discussion about phobia as a mental disorder is a long trip down a rabbit hole that I am not willing to get into in this article. But, for the sake of argument, let us put all of these aside for a bit. I have the worst bladder and an even more terrible digestive system. Of course that is false but, really, not by much. Having that condition meant I had to use the bathroom more than the lucky ones. And combine that with being a germaphobe means I have my work cut out for me. Because of this, I have gathered enough experience to devise surefire ways to survive your trip to the public bathroom. The real lesson here is the public bathroom is inevitable, tiny bladder or not. Everyone has to go at the most inopportune times at some point. Noone is special enough to be exempt from this predicament. The Best Bathroom Partition You are probably already convulsing over being made to choose between a wall and a hard place. So let me unstuck you. Not all public restrooms are the same and some can actually be quite decent, for a public restroom that is. As a seasoned veteran of the art of public bathroom sleuthing, I can tell you that it takes time and courage before you can hone your own skills as well. I divided public bathrooms into four categories and you will know each one as we go. The first type of public bathroom is what I call the hard-pass bathroom. Because you cannot get away fast enough away from that place. You probably already have an idea what kind of public bathroom I am talking about. Think of it like the public bathroom of public bathrooms, like the ones on a New York subway. If you could not drag yourself to use the subway, then there is no chance that you would use their bathroom and that is a fact. Consider crossing off these no-no bathrooms in your public bathroom list. Unless you are absolutely out of options, it would be better for you to just battle on until you find a better public bathroom. The second type is good enough, but not quite. These ones are what you would rather avoid if you have other choices but it would not make you convulse to be there for a minute or two. If you need to do business taking longer than that, then this bathroom is not for you. Generally, we classify bathrooms of common use but private bathrooms in this category. These include your cafeteria bathrooms, the one in movie theaters, and other similar facilities. And lastly, the public bathrooms that are worth noting are the fancy ones that take their sanitation seriously. You can be sure that you are entering one by being greeted by a strong chemical smell from the bleach and other cleaning agents. Some people do not like the smell, but if you are a germaphobe like
Mаrаthоn Sod іѕ knоwn thrоughоut Southern California in tеrmѕ of іtѕ durаbіlіtу аnd ѕресtасulаr арреаrаnсе. Thе ѕресіеѕ аrе tall fеѕсuе blеnd оf the Bаjа аnd Hubbаrd 87 varieties. Selective brееdіng hаѕ bееn іmрlеmеntеd іn the production оf mаrаthоn sod, ѕо you can еxресt оutѕtаndіng ԛuаlіtу compared tо average sod. Fоr іnѕtаnсе, when іt comes tо turf ԛuаlіtу, Hubbard 87 is thе tор 1, bаѕеd оn thе Nаtіоnаl Turfgrass Evаluаtіоn Prоgrаm, which is sponsored bу thе USDA. Bаѕісаllу, Marathon sod or ѕоd refers tо lіvіng grаѕѕ, аnd іt hаѕ dеvеlореd rооtѕ аnd fіttеd іn a ріесе оf ѕоіl, ѕо you саn ѕіmрlу place it іn уоur уаrd. In fact, you саn еffоrtlеѕѕlу рlасе ѕоd any time you wаnt, wіth the еxсluѕіоn оf wіntеr ѕіnсе the frоzеn ground саn lead to ѕеvеrаl problems. Hоwеvеr, wіth рrореr рlасеmеnt, уоu will have nо worries whеn іt соmеѕ to еnѕurіng thе lush appearance оf уоur lаwn over time. Thіѕ professionally grоwn ѕоd іѕ rather health and сараblе оf dеvеlоріng ѕtrоng rооtѕ with рrореr fеrtіlіzіng аnd watering. HОW TO HAVE AN HЕАLTHУ MARATHON SOD LАWN? If уоu wаnt tо have nice Marathon sod with luѕh green lаwn, to help you in mаіntаіnіng your grаѕѕ through рrореr mоwіng іѕ the kеу tо уоur success. Hеrе аrе ѕоmе tірѕ to help уоu оut: First and fоrеmоѕt, it’s іmроrtаnt tо understand how to mow уоur lаwn рrореrlу. Mаkе sure you аlwауѕ uѕе a hіghеr ѕеttіng, еѕресіаllу durіng thе hоt ѕummеr mоnthѕ. Nеvеr mоw tоо lоw because thіѕ саn саuѕе scalping, whісh іѕ thе numbеr one rеаѕоn whу lаwnѕ grоw unevenly. Nеvеr tаkе tоо muсh grass оff whеn сuttіng – thіѕ іѕ another bіg mіѕtаkе mаnу people mаkе. Never mow mоrе thаn a third оf thе length оf thе grаѕѕ blades. Hоwеvеr, іf you thіnk уоur lawn іѕ grоwіng ԛuісklу аnd сuttіng 1/3 оf the blаdе doesn’t ѕееm to hаvе the dеѕіrеd effect, уоu саn wаіt a fеw days аnd thеn mow аgаіn. Sоmеtіmеѕ іt’ѕ nесеѕѕаrу tо mow twо tіmеѕ a wееk tо keep your lаwn looking bеаutіful. It’s аlѕо important tо keep your mоwіng blаdеѕ vеrу ѕhаrр. If уоu mow уоur lawn wіth a dull blаdе, іt wіll tear thе еndѕ оf thе grаѕѕ instead оf cut thеm. Thіѕ сrеаtеѕ rаggеdу edges that have a tеndеnсу tо turn brоwn аnd make your lаwn lооk drіеd оut. You mау also саuѕе рrоblеmѕ with funguѕ and lawn diseases іf уоu сut wіth a dull blade. Always mоw in different dіrесtіоnѕ. Fоr іnѕtаnсе, оnе wееk mоw diagonally, the nеxt wееk mоw horizontally, аnd thе wееk after that mоw іn a vertical раttеrn. Chаngіng thе dіrесtіоn іn whісh you mоw іѕ аn еffесtіvе method оf mowing bесаuѕе іt рrеvеntѕ thе lеаnіng of grаѕѕ blаdеѕ оn уоur lawn. Nеvеr make sharp turnѕ when mоwіng уоur lawn. If уоu аvоіd turnіng уоur mоwеr sharply, уоu’ll achieve bеttеr results. Thе easiest way tо mаkе a ѕmооth turn is to use a wаlkwау, раtіо, оr drіvеwау tо turn the mоwеr. Another орtіоn іѕ tо mаkе hеаdеr ѕtrірѕ thаt turn thе mоwеr at the еnd оf еасh rоw аѕ уоu rеасh thе header. If уоu dо thіѕ уоu wіll get a nice еvеn сut – faster turns always еnd uр сrеаtіng an unеvеn appearance. USES OF MARATHON SОD Mаrаthоn sod іѕ uѕеful in a numbеr of settings. It саn be used tо beautify hоmеѕ such аѕ араrtmеnt соmрlеxеѕ аnd and tуреѕ of residential аrеаѕ. Yоu wіll аlѕо love having ѕоd in the раrkѕ аnd рlауgrоundѕ, аѕ thіѕ gіvеѕ these areas a lush and vіbrаnt арреаl. Aѕ for thе features of a marathon ѕоd, іt comes wіth a ѕtunnіng dark grееn color – аll year round. It grоwѕ аbоut 1 tо 1.5 іnсhеѕ a wееk durіng the ѕummеr, аnd a bіt ѕlоwеr grоwth rаtе іn the wіntеr with a wееklу growth оf 0.5 іnсh. Whеn it comes to the tеxturе, the width of thе lеаvеѕ is аt 1/8 tо 1/4 inch. Leaves will аlѕо арреаr narrower іn winter mоnthѕ аnd ѕоmеwhаt wіdеr in thе wаrmеr ѕummеr ѕеаѕоn.
The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) has launched its COVID-19 restart & rebuild strategy, incorporating three specific strands of support to help members out of lockdown. The strategy has been designed to provide guidance and support to members in three ways; firstly, helping those individuals working for BALI members whose mental health may have suffered due to the virus, secondly, supporting member businesses with financial, HR and legal support, as well as professional advice for working safely whilst on site, and thirdly promoting members to clients via the BALI website to generate new leads. BALI’s Chief Executive, Wayne Grills, commented on the latest strategy, “The resilience and determination of our members to get back to work, safely and responsibly, continues to impress me. Throughout COVID-19 I have seen countless examples of ways in which members have supported each other, their local communities and frontline workers, and we owe it to them to ensure their businesses and employees are protected with professional guidance and support. That is why, today, we are announcing our latest strategy to do just that; support, promote and inspire.” The UK’s leading trade association for landscaping professionals, whose membership totals around 2,000 members across all four nations of the UK, over 900 of whom are Registered, has confirmed the strategy will be delivered under three distinct headings; people, prepare and promotion. People – Providing assistance to those individuals employed by BALI members who need help and support with issues related to COVID-19. BALI’s team at Landscape House are ready to listen and provide advice to support mental wellbeing, as well as working with industry partners who can provide expert support. Prepare – Provide guidance to help business owners, managers and supervisors prepare for a return to work scenario with free COVID-19 specific documents, templates and webinars. From HR and legal to business support; BALI will further increase the availability of free resources to help with business acumen, recruitment, marketing and advertising. Promotion – Rebuild client confidence in using an accredited landscape professional by advertising BALI on search engines and social media, centred around the key message the industry is open and trading safely. Raise awareness of BALI’s membership benefits and how they can be utilised to support businesses looking to secure new work. In May, BALI surveyed members to help identify how wide an impact the virus has had on members and their businesses and to find out how it could continue to help with guidance and support post lockdown. Highlights from the responses received include: Over half of members (53%) have partially furloughed their workforce 3% more staff working from home (51%) than those in on-site positions (48%) who are already back to work and adhering to strict social distancing measures 40% of members have seen contracts postponed and 13% cancelled Almost 40% of members reported that their company turnover will be affected for more than 12 months, with 20% reporting the hit will be more than 50% Almost 60% of members applied for funds from the Job Retention Scheme 63% of members want BALI to seek further clarity from government on ‘permitted works that are currently defined as outdoor working’ 72% of members want BALI to provide more guidance and support on ‘return to worksite-based guidance (safety measures for operatives and supervisors)’ and almost half want more help with ‘business development (marketing consideration)’. To deliver the strategy, BALI is planning to support members through COVID-19 to 31 March 2021 and beyond if required. Although the team hopes things will return to normal soon, in the meantime, they will continue to support members longer term with a continual development plan that follows government advice pertaining to COVID-19 as well as any feedback attained from members. Some of the ways BALI will deliver the new strategy: Update its COVID-19 support webpage to make it even easier for members to find those helpful documents, templates and links Update relevant COVID-19 documentation and supporting templates in line with the latest guidance for both England and Scotland Develop a Code of Principles for members and their clients Host a 60-minute HR-focused webinar with legal representation on Tuesday 16 June 2020, in conjunction with Oracle Solicitors, with more free webinars planned throughout the year BALI and Perennial will host a mental health training and awareness webinar on Friday 19 June, designed to support individuals who may be struggling to cope with COVID-19 BALI will be kicking off four informal drop-in sessions for members, online every Thursday throughout June, starting on Thursday 11 June 2020. Members can join from across the UK to share stories and catch up with team members from BALI Landscape House Launch a Google and Facebook advertising campaign in July to boost the number of client referrals to the BALI website in order to provide more leads for members listed online BALI is planning a new series of digital marketing webinars for July and August, designed to support members looking to advertise their business post COVID-19 BALI’s Register of Land-based Operations (ROLO) Health, Safety & Environmental Awareness Course is now online for Operative level, so Training Providers can sign up now to continue providing ROLO-related services. ROLO Supervisor and Manager are both anticipated to launch later in 2020 Continue publishing physical and digital copies of both Landscape News and the Who’s Who Landscape Directory to keep the membership network connected, informed and to promote members Continue lobbying on behalf of the landscape industry on critical COVID-19 related topics, as well as plant health and biosecurity issues If you are a BALI member and would like more information on the new strategy, including how you can get involved, contact the team at Landscape House on +44 (0)24 7669 0333 or email contact@bali.org.uk. For the latest information and support material for COVID-19 visit bali.org.uk/help-and-advice/covid-19-coronavirus. The portal includes helpful documents and templates that can be downloaded free of charge. Some documents may be available for BALI members only and a login will be required.
The employee-owned packaging company recently announced the design and supply of a new protective face visor for the NHS which saw them supplying several hospital trusts in the West Midlands. The company has also offered further support to organisations that had limited access to PPE yet were supporting front line workers. Across their 7 regional distribution centres in the UK, based in, Gateshead, Rotherham, Coventry, Swindon, Letchworth and Portsmouth, Kite has donated 5,000 protective face visors to a total of 108 separate organisations including care homes, hospices, charities, nursing homes, pharmacies, police stations, foodbanks and NHS workers based in the community. Several of the Kite Team went that extra mile and personally delivered many of the donated visors, observing strict social distancing of course, to ensure that the organisations could have access to vital PPE. To find out more about Kite Packaging please visit kitepackaging.co.uk.
Since the emergence of COVID-19 and the UK’s public health countermeasures, many industry suppliers have seen demand for some products rocket. Online retailer, Zoro, supplies businesses across all industries with the tools and equipment they need to get on with the job, over 310,000 products. In recent weeks the company has seen a huge surge in demand , with Zoro’s staff working non-stop to keep UK industry moving and people at home fully occupied. Chris Matenaers, marketing director at Zoro said: “Compared to the same period last year, we have seen demand across some products more than double. “Our office staff are working from home and staff in our warehouse are using appropriate PPE with strict social distancing rules in operation. Our teams are working longer than usual hours to get the much-needed supplies out of the door, to keep UK industry workforces safe.” An NHS nurse commented: “Had a hard time looking for a respirator (I am an ITU nurse in NHS and currently taking care of COVID-19 patients) and I am lucky enough to buy one from Zoro. It arrived after 2 working days (free shipping) and as expected. Thank you very much. Now I am more confident to work.” Zoro are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and customers are being advised to expect a slightly longer delivery time due to the unprecedented demand. Matenaers said: “Delivery times are a little longer than usual as the pandemic takes its toll on both supply chain and demand on courier companies. We appreciate the patience of our customers while we work to get products out of the door.” Although delivery times are slower during this time, a customer on TrustPilot commented: “A lot of sites have increased prices on certain items considerably since lockdown! This company has not! Excellent prices and quick delivery […] highly recommend.” The buying team is focused on finding replacements for out of stock items and working with suppliers to identify new products, such as signs for social distancing signs. Marcus Nelson, managing director of Zoro said: “We are monitoring the situation daily, listening to government advice. The safety of our workforce is of paramount importance and I’m extremely proud of their dedication and hard work every day during this difficult time. “We are proud to be supplying NHS nurses and front line key workers with PPE. I want to reassure our customers that we are doing everything we can to keep the stock that is in high demand coming into our warehouse, then getting it out of the door as quickly as possible.” For more information visit www.zoro.co.uk.
How does a medium sized, niche business navigate through numerous conformance requirements to secure its place in today’s construction supply chains? The construction industry has always presented opportunities for the army of innovative and specialised small and medium sized business based in the UK. For every £1 spent by the industry in the UK, around 90p remains on-shore, and on top of that, 99.9% of businesses in the sector are classed as SMEs.[1] But large main contractors and public sector organisations are operating under increased demands for accountability, and that means requiring high standards of conformance from every business in their supply chain. How does that look for a medium sized, niche organisation? Founded nearly fifty years ago, Wiltshire manufacturing company Audience Systems is the UK market leader in a very specialist industry – retractable and auditorium seating. Employing around 120 people in the UK, Audience Systems turns over around £11m, with a growing export presence, particularly in North America and Australia. The company tends to work directly with main contractors on new builds and major refits, and with venue managers in sport, education and the arts on refurbishments. Many of its projects are in the public sector. “Ten years ago, the quality landscape was very different for us,” says Managing Director Keith Ritson. “We had strong relationships with clients, and healthy scores on contractors’ databases based on a good record of work. Our products were tested to the relevant standards, and we had an internal quality systems and training schemes in place, supported by industry-wide training such as CSCS.” “But main contractors are being asked by their clients to hold their entire supply chain to the same standards which apply to themselves, and this means that smaller businesses are being held to the same rigorous obligations as large corporate organisations.” Change has come from multiple directions, and Audience Systems has had to innovate to keep up. Some changes have benefitted them – for example, when the Department for Education issued their latest design brief for school premises, it included a requirement for auditorium seats to conform to the relevant British standard at the highest level. That gave the company an immediate advantage. They had always emphasized strength in the design of their products, and most of their range was already certified to that level. Other requirements have proved more onerous. “In the UK, many of our clients have moved to Constuctionline Gold accreditation as a minimum requirement for subcontractors. It’s been a jump up from the Silver accreditation we already had, asking about issues from BIM to GDPR to modern slavery, and although the vast majority of the work has been around creating more official documentation of processes we already had in place, it’s still a big undertaking for a small management team.” Another unexpected challenge was the exclusion of the seating installation trade from the general CSCS scheme. Audience Systems had to innovate quickly, leading the industry in creating a bespoke NVQ programme for all site staff to ensure ongoing access to sites. Again, a major project for a medium-sized manufacturing business to take on. The compliance landscape continues to evolve and work is ongoing across the company, from R&D to Quality to Purchasing to anticipate and meet future requirements. “Of course, much of this work brings benefits – the NVQ scheme for instance, is far more fit for purpose than the old CSCS card scheme. Developing products that conform to US standards has helped us open up a major new market. But it’s also essential for us to still have time to do the things that enthuse us – improving products, developing new products and applications and continuing to expand our export businesses. We don’t just want to be meeting requirements, we want to be doing the exciting things – and doing them well. “The key to it is to make sure that where our customers ask more from us, we accommodate them in a way that works for us. That’s the only way we can avoid being overwhelmed by compliance issues, and use them to our advantage.” [1] https://www.bsigroup.com/Global/BSI%20UK%20SME%20Landscape%20Report%20-%20Stage%201.pdf
Owning a property isn’t just about having a place to live — it’s also a significant investment into your future. Whether putting your home on the market is already in the works, or climbing the property ladder remains a distant spot on the horizon, making changes that increase the potential for profit should be on everyone’s radar. There are many ways you can upscale the value of your house before selling. One effective method is to install new flooring for the property. Not only can new floors significantly increase the value of your home, but they can also increase its aesthetic appeal. Solid wood floors stand out as a fantastic choice for homeowners hoping to maximise their return now, or in the future. Read more to find out why. 1) They are Attractive Floors are one of the first things you notice when entering a new home, even if you are not aware of yourself doing it. They can truly make or break a room, and transform any space from tacky to luxurious, or lacklustre to modern. Solid hardwood flooring is classic yet understated, bringing a certain elegance to your home and, in turn, increasing its future value. 2) They are Versatile There is nothing more off-putting for potential buyers than home furnishings that tie them into certain colour schemes or aesthetics. A bold, coloured carpet, for instance, is incredibly limiting from an interior design perspective. Hardwood flooring, on the other hand, harmonises with anything and everything. So, not only does it look better, but it also makes the property more appealing to buyers, as it gives them creative liberty. As a result, the value of your home is increased. 3) They are Practical Solid wood floors are also a popular choice because they are easy to clean, and non-allergenic. Other floorings like carpet will absorb spillages, leading to staining and possibly bacteria cultures. Moreover, carpet fibres can trap dust motes or pollen particles, which can result in allergic reactions. Wood floorings do not have this problem, as spillages remain and easy to mop up, and anything else can be brushed away. This level of practicality and ease of upkeep means they look better for longer, boosting the overall value of your home. 4) They are Durable Perhaps the most notable selling point of solid hardwood flooring is its hardwearing nature. It’s made from a sturdy block of wood and a simple lacquer coating to improve its water resistance and prevent scratching. This makes it ideal where there’s high foot traffic, such as in hallways and kitchens, and in areas where furniture is moved around a lot, such as the dining room. On the other hand, carpet and laminate flooring are more susceptible to wear and tear. If your flooring is durable, it lasts longer and doesn’t lose its lustre. This boosts the overall appeal, and the value of your property. So, invest in some solid hardwood flooring to see the benefits yourself. “Hardwood floors are a typical redesign that can enhance the worth of a home. Tragically, they can not exclusively be costly to place, yet expensive to supplant. Individuals usually think that they’ll have the option to submit a claim on their homeowner insurance policy if their cherished hardwood flooring gets harmed. Actually, it relies a great deal upon the type of home insurance they have, and how much inclusion they bought. When you put in new hardwood flooring in your house, It’s imperative to check your current home insurance features. On the off chance that current house insurance doesn’t come as of now, have flood and water damage coverage. At that point, redesign insurance quickly to make sure you can claim for your hardwood flooring in future without any problem. ” Solid hardwood flooring brings a luxurious feel to any home, harmonises with all kinds of aesthetics and colour schemes, is easy to maintain and lasts for twenty-five years on average. It’s a cost-effective investment that’s bound to turn a profit.
