Over 90% of them said the catering industry has become more appealing due to a couple of Hairy Bikers, a foul mouthed chef and a school dinner’s campaign.
In a survey of over 2,860 Brits, almost 1 in 4 respondents said they dreamt of opening their own pub or restaurant. Only 19% of us dream of becoming a Fire Fighter, 11% admit to dreaming of becoming a Doctor and 8% dream of becoming an Astronaut.
Over 80% of Britons believe that the catering industry has become more appealing and this has been backed up by a leading catering university. Could this be down to a couple of Hairy Bikers, a foul mouthed chef and a school dinner’s campaign?
The survey, conducted by www.Caterer.com, a leading online recruitment site, surveyed over 2,860 Brits to find the most appealing UK careers.
1 – 26% of respondents dreamt of becoming a Professional Sportsman
2 – 24% Opening own pub or restaurant
3 – 19% Fire Fighter
4 – 11% Doctor
5 – 8% Astronaut
When the 24% of respondents were asked why they dream of opening their own pub, 92% said the hospitality industry had become increasingly appealing and celebrity chef personalities, such as Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver injected fun into the industry.
68% of all respondents said their opinion of the hospitality and catering industry had changed over recent years; 81% of which said they saw the passionate aspect of the sector through T.V. and celeb personalities.
61% of respondents admitted to taking an interest in at least one catering television programme and 21% of these respondents claim to have had no previous interest in cooking.
Ian Burke from Caterer.com comments; “We have certainly noticed an increase in the amount of people looking for careers within hospitality and firmly believe that strong television personalities, such as Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsey have made the sector appealing to a whole new variety of people.”
Michael Coaker, Lecturer in Culinary Arts at Thames Valley University comments; “It doesn’t surprise me at all that the catering industry has become increasingly popular within the UK. This year has been one of our most successful years in recruiting students for our full time Chef Restaurant diploma course and a new kitchen has just been fitted to cater with the high demand of students.”
Coaker continues; “High expectations and standards within UK hospitality have also meant foundation degrees are proving to be more and more popular with chefs currently working in the industry, updating their culinary skills.”
Caterer.com (www.caterer.com) is a leading hospitality recruitment website.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Airline failure caused by ‘herd thinking’ says leading academic
As the Italian government struggles to save its failing carrier, Alitalia, a leading business school academic has criticised the scramble for growth across the international airline industry.
“There seems to be an addiction to the idea that ’bigger is better’ in the industry”, says Professor Pierre Dussauge of the leading European business school, HEC. “However the real truth is that large airlines go broke just as much as their smaller counterparts.”
According to Professor Dussauage, who teaches on the ‘Leading Strategies for Outstanding Performance’ programme at HEC in Paris, the real cause of failure is a tendency to collective thinking in senior management right across the industry. “The idea that only five or six airlines can survive has become an article of faith, which no-one on the boards of major companies seems to question any more, which is why we have seen so much merger and acquisition activity. But where is the hard evidence behind this belief?”
Professor Dussauge points out that the tendency of senior management to simply accept conventional wisdom is not just a feature of the airlines sector but of a whole range of industries. “Look at the beer industry for example, which also became obsessed by size. The result was a rapid and artificial increase in the price of businesses to the point where it was impossible to get a return on investment. This ‘bandwagon’ effect can also be seen in the outsourcing sector where the offshoring of manufacturing has created dangerous international competitors in countries such as India and China and where transport costs and increased reaction time often negate the savings made in labour and materials.”
“The organisations that will win are not those that simply follow the herd,” he says, “but the ones that can understand what underpins how effective a strategic decision really is and which then have the courage to do something different to create advantage.”
FACT FILE:
Pierre Dussauge is Professor of Strategic Management at the HEC business school in France and is programme director on ‘Leading Strategies for Outstanding Performance’ which is designed to show senior executives how to create value for shareholders and stakeholders. HEC was recently named as the top business school in Europe by the Financial Times. For more details see: http://www.exed.hec.edu/en/news/view/id/15/Leading_Strategie...
For over 125 years, HEC Paris has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business.
HEC Paris offers a unique portfolio of executive education and graduate management programs: HEC Grande Ecole (Master of Management), 20 Specialised Masters, MBA (FT and PT programs), Executive MBA (Paris, Beijing, Saint Petersburg), TRIUM Global EMBA and the PhD. HEC has a permanent faculty of more than 100 professors along with 90 visiting and affiliate professors from the most prestigious universities around the world. HEC was ranked no 1 business school in Europe by the Financial Times in 2006 and 2007.
www.hec.edu
“There seems to be an addiction to the idea that ’bigger is better’ in the industry”, says Professor Pierre Dussauge of the leading European business school, HEC. “However the real truth is that large airlines go broke just as much as their smaller counterparts.”
According to Professor Dussauage, who teaches on the ‘Leading Strategies for Outstanding Performance’ programme at HEC in Paris, the real cause of failure is a tendency to collective thinking in senior management right across the industry. “The idea that only five or six airlines can survive has become an article of faith, which no-one on the boards of major companies seems to question any more, which is why we have seen so much merger and acquisition activity. But where is the hard evidence behind this belief?”
Professor Dussauge points out that the tendency of senior management to simply accept conventional wisdom is not just a feature of the airlines sector but of a whole range of industries. “Look at the beer industry for example, which also became obsessed by size. The result was a rapid and artificial increase in the price of businesses to the point where it was impossible to get a return on investment. This ‘bandwagon’ effect can also be seen in the outsourcing sector where the offshoring of manufacturing has created dangerous international competitors in countries such as India and China and where transport costs and increased reaction time often negate the savings made in labour and materials.”
“The organisations that will win are not those that simply follow the herd,” he says, “but the ones that can understand what underpins how effective a strategic decision really is and which then have the courage to do something different to create advantage.”
FACT FILE:
Pierre Dussauge is Professor of Strategic Management at the HEC business school in France and is programme director on ‘Leading Strategies for Outstanding Performance’ which is designed to show senior executives how to create value for shareholders and stakeholders. HEC was recently named as the top business school in Europe by the Financial Times. For more details see: http://www.exed.hec.edu/en/news/view/id/15/Leading_Strategie...
For over 125 years, HEC Paris has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business.
HEC Paris offers a unique portfolio of executive education and graduate management programs: HEC Grande Ecole (Master of Management), 20 Specialised Masters, MBA (FT and PT programs), Executive MBA (Paris, Beijing, Saint Petersburg), TRIUM Global EMBA and the PhD. HEC has a permanent faculty of more than 100 professors along with 90 visiting and affiliate professors from the most prestigious universities around the world. HEC was ranked no 1 business school in Europe by the Financial Times in 2006 and 2007.
www.hec.edu
Shock survey reveals up to 70% of pubic private partnerships fail!
Research suggests that up to 70 per cent of partnerships fail to deliver their intended outcomes. CPCR, a consultancy specialising in developing organisations, leaders and partnerships, concludes that the key drivers of this failure are issues of trust and deteriorating relationships.
90 per cent of respondents surveyed by CPCR at a recent exhibition for the North East public sector reported that in many cases partners place insufficient significance on the building of relationships within the partnership and often revert to adverse behaviours which result in the partnerships’ objectives not being met. CPCR believes that these partnerships often under estimate the time it takes to establish and develop strong relationships.
Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are at the heart of the government's efforts to gain best value service for the public sector and it believes that the delivery of key public services through partnerships can bring many benefits which have the potential to result in successful and cost effective outcomes. However, due to the high failure rate of partnerships this comes with risks that can be a potential threat to the tax payers pocket.
Anne Cuthbertson, director at CPCR explains, “When entering a partnership, you often start with ‘good will’ but without careful commitment from both sets of partners, things can start to slide off track and you then find the trust has broken. Both partners need clear and mutual objectives and need to invest in developing and strengthening relationships, without this good will can be tested and the partnership performance can quickly start to deteriorate.
“Partnerships that have a pre-agreed method to identify and tackle issues before they arise are the ones that are in a much stronger position to survive and thrive and often having some outside guidance can enable partners to focus on learning to trust each other whilst not loosing site of the objectives.
“Increasingly partnerships are looking to use an objective measure to assess the performance and maturity of relationships. The online Partnering Maturity Model we have developed helps partnerships to focus on specific improvements appropriate for their context and needs”, concludes Cuthbertson.
For the continued success of future partnerships it’s vital that challenges are worked through at all levels and across all partner organisations. It’s the give-and-take that makes partners confident to keep moving forwards even when the going gets tough.
FACT FILE:
CPCR helps clients develop collaborative leadership by working in partnership with individuals, teams, organisations and alliances encountering new and challenging futures. Our passion is helping organisations succeed and individuals flourish.
Established in 1989 CPCR is owned and managed independently by its employees.
Clients include: Cabinet Office, Ministry of Defence, Department for Education and Skills, Scottish Water Solutions, Manchester City Council, Welsh Assembly Government, North Lincolnshire Council.
Further information about CPCR can be found at www.cpcr.co.uk
90 per cent of respondents surveyed by CPCR at a recent exhibition for the North East public sector reported that in many cases partners place insufficient significance on the building of relationships within the partnership and often revert to adverse behaviours which result in the partnerships’ objectives not being met. CPCR believes that these partnerships often under estimate the time it takes to establish and develop strong relationships.
Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are at the heart of the government's efforts to gain best value service for the public sector and it believes that the delivery of key public services through partnerships can bring many benefits which have the potential to result in successful and cost effective outcomes. However, due to the high failure rate of partnerships this comes with risks that can be a potential threat to the tax payers pocket.
Anne Cuthbertson, director at CPCR explains, “When entering a partnership, you often start with ‘good will’ but without careful commitment from both sets of partners, things can start to slide off track and you then find the trust has broken. Both partners need clear and mutual objectives and need to invest in developing and strengthening relationships, without this good will can be tested and the partnership performance can quickly start to deteriorate.
“Partnerships that have a pre-agreed method to identify and tackle issues before they arise are the ones that are in a much stronger position to survive and thrive and often having some outside guidance can enable partners to focus on learning to trust each other whilst not loosing site of the objectives.
“Increasingly partnerships are looking to use an objective measure to assess the performance and maturity of relationships. The online Partnering Maturity Model we have developed helps partnerships to focus on specific improvements appropriate for their context and needs”, concludes Cuthbertson.
For the continued success of future partnerships it’s vital that challenges are worked through at all levels and across all partner organisations. It’s the give-and-take that makes partners confident to keep moving forwards even when the going gets tough.
FACT FILE:
CPCR helps clients develop collaborative leadership by working in partnership with individuals, teams, organisations and alliances encountering new and challenging futures. Our passion is helping organisations succeed and individuals flourish.
Established in 1989 CPCR is owned and managed independently by its employees.
Clients include: Cabinet Office, Ministry of Defence, Department for Education and Skills, Scottish Water Solutions, Manchester City Council, Welsh Assembly Government, North Lincolnshire Council.
Further information about CPCR can be found at www.cpcr.co.uk
Give your business a boost - make the switch to green envelopes
Businesses that switch to recycled materials make a significant contribution to energy and water savings, as well as enhancing their own reputation. In the area of stationery, Tru-Green is the only padded envelope made from 100% biodegradable, compostable and recyclable materials. The envelopes re-use materials that would otherwise be sent to landfill, such as plant waste, jute and cotton rags.A new ten-pack size has been specially created to try and encourage more British businesses to adopt green posting and packing options. Packaging has come to the fore with the rise of internet shopping and an increased number of businesses sending products directly to consumers. Not only will switching to a greener alternative make a difference to the environment, but it will also show a green commitment to the numerous employees, suppliers, customers and business contacts that will use and receive them.
Tru-Green inventor and packaging entrepreneur Prakash Korde said: “Without doubt being green is the hot topic of the 21st Century. Whether it’s recycling empty wine bottles, getting on our bicycles or just making sure appliances aren’t left on standby we are becoming an increasingly eco-aware nation. We can be eco-angels at home but step into the world of work and it’s easy to leave these measures behind. It can seem daunting and out of an individuals control to make small changes, but choosing recycled stationery can be part of a bigger move towards contributing to the energy used – and wasted – in the workplace.”
Tru-Green envelopes re-use materials and can be fully recycled, even composted, when they are no longer required. At between 30p to 52p an envelope they cost the same as standard, less environmentally friendly padded envelopes and will protect items in the post as securely, and are as strong as, if not stronger, than conventional padded envelopes. The back of each envelope shows they are “100% reusable, recyclable, compostable and biodegradable” and aims to encourage re-use where possible.
FACT FILE:
Tru-Green has also committed to ensuring as many businesses as possible can use the envelopes by offering a special rate and trial for not for profit organisations and charities.
To order Tru-Green envelopes call 0845 330 7765 or 01225 771334 for the special rate for charities.The envelopes are currently manufactured in on of the poorest regions of mid-West India, creating livelihoods for hundreds of people. The manufacturing process is flexible and the company is exploring potential for UK farmers to replicate a similar process here, making a home grown product.
Hints and tips - three steps to make your workplace greener:
1. Check which of your workplace items could be replaced by recycled products. Stationery is normally an easy place to start, make sure your printer paper contains at least 60% recycled materials, if not more.
2. Envelopes and letter heads are often the face of a company, so check them as well as other behind the scenes materials like filing products, folders and files.
3. Look at your hygiene purchases too, like paper towels, to check they are also made from recycled materials.
Displaysense irobot mannequin to terminate shop lifting
Displaysense, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of display cases and point of sale equipment, are teaming up with a local security company to trial the use of mannequins with built in security cameras in order to battle the sharp rise in shoplifting and violent crime towards staff during this tough economic recession.
The bold move comes at a time when store owners are struggling with a considerable rise in crime as a result of the economic recession. The main culprits of shoplifting are children aged 12-20, with girls overtaking boys as the leading suspects for the third year running.
With an estimated value of £1.6 billion stolen from stores and warehouses every year, shop owners are now looking for the definitive solution to stop shop lifting in its tracks. This is where the new revolutionary i-mannequin would come into play.
The mannequins which would have a built in digital video recording capability are set to be the affordable alternative to expensive in-store surveillance, with prices estimated to be no greater than £299. The mannequins will not be designed to move or apprehend the criminal themselves, but it is hoped that they will be able to catch the would-be criminal red handed on camera.
Displaysense representative Steve Whittle, who is involved in the mannequins' creation commented, "This is the perfect collaboration between shop fitting and security which is set to be the most inconspicuous way of monitoring activity around a store". He continued, "With the falling costs of technology, it is not that expensive to include digital video recording with other devices, making it affordable for most retailer budgets."
As the UK endures one of the most challenging economic periods in recent history, it is important, now more than ever, for retailers to take a firmer grip on the security of the products on their shop shelving. These mannequins are designed to be ideal for protecting products, but staff will also benefit from the added security, at a time when violence towards retail staff is on the rise.
It is thought that if this device is successful after its trial period, the technology can be transferred into the likes of a display cabinet or a display case which would provide all round protection for staff and products alike.
Displaysense provide a full service to Ireland and Europe with their dedicated websites www.displaysense.ie and www.displaysense.com.
The bold move comes at a time when store owners are struggling with a considerable rise in crime as a result of the economic recession. The main culprits of shoplifting are children aged 12-20, with girls overtaking boys as the leading suspects for the third year running.
With an estimated value of £1.6 billion stolen from stores and warehouses every year, shop owners are now looking for the definitive solution to stop shop lifting in its tracks. This is where the new revolutionary i-mannequin would come into play.
The mannequins which would have a built in digital video recording capability are set to be the affordable alternative to expensive in-store surveillance, with prices estimated to be no greater than £299. The mannequins will not be designed to move or apprehend the criminal themselves, but it is hoped that they will be able to catch the would-be criminal red handed on camera.
Displaysense representative Steve Whittle, who is involved in the mannequins' creation commented, "This is the perfect collaboration between shop fitting and security which is set to be the most inconspicuous way of monitoring activity around a store". He continued, "With the falling costs of technology, it is not that expensive to include digital video recording with other devices, making it affordable for most retailer budgets."
As the UK endures one of the most challenging economic periods in recent history, it is important, now more than ever, for retailers to take a firmer grip on the security of the products on their shop shelving. These mannequins are designed to be ideal for protecting products, but staff will also benefit from the added security, at a time when violence towards retail staff is on the rise.
It is thought that if this device is successful after its trial period, the technology can be transferred into the likes of a display cabinet or a display case which would provide all round protection for staff and products alike.
Displaysense provide a full service to Ireland and Europe with their dedicated websites www.displaysense.ie and www.displaysense.com.
Monday, September 29, 2008
World domination of ailurophilia, canophilia and philotherianism
The unconditional love of pets is thriving worldwide - just over half of the households in the UK own a pet of some description, be it a cat, dog or something more exotic; words now even exist to define the love of cats: “ailurophilia”, the love of dogs: “canophilia” and the love of animals in general: “philotherianism”! World Animal Day on 4th October provides an annual opportunity for animal lovers all over the world to unite in celebration.
According to statistics, people who own pets live longer, have less stress, and have fewer heart attacks so it is quite understandable why the world’s owners are encouraged to celebrate and be thankful for the diverse roles that animals play in their daily lives.
World Animal Day was started in 1931 and 4th October was chosen as it is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
Pets have never been such an important part of the family - a recent survey by Organipets concluded that 64% of pet owners confide in their pets rather than spouse! As a result, owners are spending more and more time and money on lavishing them with gadgets and garments. The Blue Cross animal welfare charity has estimated that Britain's animal lovers will spend over £27 million on Christmas gifts for their pets this year. Previously niche products and services are now more mainstream in line with this escalated trend of the humanization of pets. These include ‘Doga’ (dog yoga) and ‘barkday parties’ (birthday parties for dogs).
According to statistics, people who own pets live longer, have less stress, and have fewer heart attacks so it is quite understandable why the world’s owners are encouraged to celebrate and be thankful for the diverse roles that animals play in their daily lives.
World Animal Day was started in 1931 and 4th October was chosen as it is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
Pets have never been such an important part of the family - a recent survey by Organipets concluded that 64% of pet owners confide in their pets rather than spouse! As a result, owners are spending more and more time and money on lavishing them with gadgets and garments. The Blue Cross animal welfare charity has estimated that Britain's animal lovers will spend over £27 million on Christmas gifts for their pets this year. Previously niche products and services are now more mainstream in line with this escalated trend of the humanization of pets. These include ‘Doga’ (dog yoga) and ‘barkday parties’ (birthday parties for dogs).
With increasing awareness paid to human diet and the constant reminders of ‘you are what you eat’, TV vet Joe Inglis has decided that it’s about time that the nation’s pets are paid the same attention. The increasing trend of pampered pets should extend to their diet as well as their wardrobe. Inglis, and the others spearheading the Campaign for Real Pet Food are hoping to do for pet food what Jamie Oliver did for school dinners.
Do your bit for World Animal Day and pledge your support to the Campaign for Real Pet Food at www.crpf.org.uk. The greater the number of supporters means the greater the strength in their calls for change in pet food labelling. The Campaign for Real Pet Food team believe that generic terms such as ‘meat and animal derivatives’ and ‘EC permitted additives’ should be banned as they disguise the true contents from pet owners, meaning you never really know what you are feeding your beloved pet. Better foods means better best friends!
Forty winners will be picked at random from that those register their support on Saturday 4th October 2008. Winners will receive a selection of natural pet food products from one of the Campaign’s supporting natural pet food companies (Pets’ Kitchen, Organipets, Feelwell’s or Naturediet) and the piece of mind that there are no artificial additives in sight!
Your Dream Job – Is it Written in the Stars?
Your star sign really could help you land your dream job, according to a survey of UK businesses released today.
One in five employers admitted to having taken a candidate’s star sign into consideration during the recruitment process in a bid to secure the right person for the job.
More than ten per cent admitted to doing so on a regular basis, claiming star signs could give some insight into the candidate’s personality that the interview process may not uncover.
The survey was conducted after the astrologers behind free horoscopes website, www.scopemyfuture.com, noticed they were regularly being contacted by employers asking about work-related personality traits traditionally linked to each star sign.
Judi Vitali, Marie Claire Astrologist and expert behind www.scopemyfuture.com, said: “We were surprised to find that we were receiving a substantial number of emails from recruitment companies or business decision makers asking about work-related strengths and weaknesses associated with each star sign.
“It’s impossible to find out a great deal about a person from a 30 minute interview, so employers are keen to do everything they can to get a rounded view of an applicant before hiring them, which is why they have been asking for this information.
“It’s not uncommon for employers to give job candidates aptitude or psychometric tests to get an idea of their approach to their work and an insight into their personality. Checking up on their star sign can also provide an indicator of a person’s personality and attitude to work.”
According to Judi, it’s possible to attribute very specific work place traits to people depending on their star sign.
For example, Judi says those born under the Gemini sign are especially suitable for sales roles or creative professions such as working in the media, due to the outgoing personalities and persuasive charm associated with that star sign.
Cancer, on the other hand, is a very emotive sign with an ability to herd and nurture, making Cancerians ideal for nursing or teaching roles.
Leos are said to be natural born leaders who thrive on being the centre of attention. Many well known and successful actors or statesman are born under this sign including Robert De Niro, Charlize Theron and Dustin Hoffman as well as previous US president Bill Clinton. However, Judi claims Leos are not always suitable for roles that rely on the ability to take orders or be a team player due to ego-fuelled temper tantrums that may erupt when Leo’s whims are not catered to.
Greta Hill-Lyons is managing director of Scotland’s leading recruitment website www.forthvalleyjobs.com, as well as being the creator of new online reality TV show, The Hirer – based on a format similar to The Apprentice.
Greta currently consults with an astrologer providing light-hearted careers focused readings for her company’s national recruitment magazine, ‘The Appointments.’ Regarding the survey’s findings, Greta commented: “We have certainly experienced clients asking for a candidate’s date of birth for the purposes of finding out their star sign.
“Nobody is saying that a particular star sign dictates a person’s suitability for a role, but it does give an indicator of certain personality traits present that may compliment the role applied for. Recruiters can also look for validation of these in a candidate’s previous experience and work place performance.”
The website has now added a general guide to career related horoscopes for employers’ reference. For more information, visit www.scopemyfuture.com.
Ben Swift is the director of Manchester based film production company PSAfilms. He said: “As we work in a creative industry, when we're recruiting we'd look for specific characteristics amongst potential candidates such as creativity, an eye for detail, analytic and technical skills.”
“Looking at people's star signs wouldn't be something we'd take too seriously as part of the recruitment process we go through, but it might be a fun way to get a feel for the candidate's personality".
Andrew Gibson, managing director of online greeting card retailer www.thecardandgiftcompany.co.uk says he has referred to a candidate’s horoscope when interviewing prospective employees on a number of occasions.
He said: “I’ve worked across many different industries in my career and I think someone’s personal characteristics are incredibly important when considering their suitability for a job.
“Recruitment is often a difficult process and deciding on the right person for the job can be challenging. I have experienced occasions when I’ve interviewed two candidates that seemed equally qualified and capable for the job offered and have felt torn between which one to choose.
"On one occasion when interviewing for a secretarial role, I ended up employing a candidate who was a Virgo because the role concerned required an eye for detail and good organisation skills. Both skills were apparent from the candidate’s previous experience and credentials, as well as being in keeping with their star sign.”
One in five employers admitted to having taken a candidate’s star sign into consideration during the recruitment process in a bid to secure the right person for the job.
More than ten per cent admitted to doing so on a regular basis, claiming star signs could give some insight into the candidate’s personality that the interview process may not uncover.
The survey was conducted after the astrologers behind free horoscopes website, www.scopemyfuture.com, noticed they were regularly being contacted by employers asking about work-related personality traits traditionally linked to each star sign.
Judi Vitali, Marie Claire Astrologist and expert behind www.scopemyfuture.com, said: “We were surprised to find that we were receiving a substantial number of emails from recruitment companies or business decision makers asking about work-related strengths and weaknesses associated with each star sign.
“It’s impossible to find out a great deal about a person from a 30 minute interview, so employers are keen to do everything they can to get a rounded view of an applicant before hiring them, which is why they have been asking for this information.
“It’s not uncommon for employers to give job candidates aptitude or psychometric tests to get an idea of their approach to their work and an insight into their personality. Checking up on their star sign can also provide an indicator of a person’s personality and attitude to work.”
According to Judi, it’s possible to attribute very specific work place traits to people depending on their star sign.
For example, Judi says those born under the Gemini sign are especially suitable for sales roles or creative professions such as working in the media, due to the outgoing personalities and persuasive charm associated with that star sign.
Cancer, on the other hand, is a very emotive sign with an ability to herd and nurture, making Cancerians ideal for nursing or teaching roles.
Leos are said to be natural born leaders who thrive on being the centre of attention. Many well known and successful actors or statesman are born under this sign including Robert De Niro, Charlize Theron and Dustin Hoffman as well as previous US president Bill Clinton. However, Judi claims Leos are not always suitable for roles that rely on the ability to take orders or be a team player due to ego-fuelled temper tantrums that may erupt when Leo’s whims are not catered to.
Greta Hill-Lyons is managing director of Scotland’s leading recruitment website www.forthvalleyjobs.com, as well as being the creator of new online reality TV show, The Hirer – based on a format similar to The Apprentice.
Greta currently consults with an astrologer providing light-hearted careers focused readings for her company’s national recruitment magazine, ‘The Appointments.’ Regarding the survey’s findings, Greta commented: “We have certainly experienced clients asking for a candidate’s date of birth for the purposes of finding out their star sign.
“Nobody is saying that a particular star sign dictates a person’s suitability for a role, but it does give an indicator of certain personality traits present that may compliment the role applied for. Recruiters can also look for validation of these in a candidate’s previous experience and work place performance.”
The website has now added a general guide to career related horoscopes for employers’ reference. For more information, visit www.scopemyfuture.com.
Ben Swift is the director of Manchester based film production company PSAfilms. He said: “As we work in a creative industry, when we're recruiting we'd look for specific characteristics amongst potential candidates such as creativity, an eye for detail, analytic and technical skills.”
“Looking at people's star signs wouldn't be something we'd take too seriously as part of the recruitment process we go through, but it might be a fun way to get a feel for the candidate's personality".
Andrew Gibson, managing director of online greeting card retailer www.thecardandgiftcompany.co.uk says he has referred to a candidate’s horoscope when interviewing prospective employees on a number of occasions.
He said: “I’ve worked across many different industries in my career and I think someone’s personal characteristics are incredibly important when considering their suitability for a job.
“Recruitment is often a difficult process and deciding on the right person for the job can be challenging. I have experienced occasions when I’ve interviewed two candidates that seemed equally qualified and capable for the job offered and have felt torn between which one to choose.
"On one occasion when interviewing for a secretarial role, I ended up employing a candidate who was a Virgo because the role concerned required an eye for detail and good organisation skills. Both skills were apparent from the candidate’s previous experience and credentials, as well as being in keeping with their star sign.”
UNEP To Tell Marketeers ‘Climate Change Won’t Wait’
The Green Awards™ has announced its keynote speaker for its 3rd annual awards ceremony.
Kaveh Zahedi of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is responsible for directing climate change strategy and programmes at the agency. His address to the 600 guests is expected to combine encouragement with a call for urgency to face environmental problems holistically and head on.
In the run up to the event, Zahedi says’, confronting environmental problems - especially those caused by climate change - are among the most vital challenges of our time. Communicating the link between human activity and environmental problems and promoting change in our society is a fundamental part of the battle. With only 14 months left until the vital 2009 climate talks in Copenhagen, raising awareness of climate and environmental issues is more critical than ever.’
Mr. Zahedi is also responsible for the Collaborative Partnership for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation bringing together UNEP, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). His involvement in the event demonstrates efforts by organisers to ensure that the integrity of the environmental issues is maintained.
Iain Patton, MD of Satellite - the green agency explains, "The Green Awards™ would be meaningless if we watered down environmental messages and avoided rigourous judging. We are proud of the fact that greenwash is not being rewarded, and companies are doing more – and doing it better – every year."
The Green Awards will take place at The Brewery in London on November 12, 2008. For tickets or more information please visit www.greenawards.co.uk or contact the Green Awards™ team on 0207 608 5220
Full list of Green Awards 2008 Categories:
Best Green Audio-Visual (includes TV and cinema)
This award is open to short films and commercials that have been broadcast on TV or in the cinema in the UK. Entries can be of any length as long as they communicate a sustainable or green message.
Best Green Campaigner – NEW
A new category designed to encourage and reward the marketing techniques of small or individual campaigns. Eligible campaigns will be run by individuals or by non-commercial groups with fewer than 4 paid staff. Campaigns will be judged on messaging, momentum and effectiveness, taking originality of approach into account. * Please note there is a special discounted entry fee for this category.
Best Green Direct Mail
Judges will pay special attention to the use of recycled or biodegradable materials and environmentally friendly chemicals and inks, smaller mailing packs and better targeted distribution resulting in reduced quantities of mailed volumes.
Best Green Integrated Campaign
This award is for a campaign that creatively and efficiently communicated a green message across multiple media channels.
Best Green Internal Communications Campaign– sponsored by B-Sustainable
For campaigns driving behavioural change from within the organisation so that your staff can act as brand ambassadors and support the organisation’s external positioning. This can take the form of e-mail, personalised mailings, workshops, training days, corporate video, etc.
Best Green International Campaign – NEW
A new category this year open to domestic and cross-border campaigns rolled out internationally in one or several countries and across any media platform. Campaigns will be judged on their originality and effectiveness in communicating on sustainability and environmental issues and the quality of execution. Please note that entries in foreign languages should be accompanied by an English translation.
Best Green Digital Campaign – Sponsored by Propel Earth
This award is open to online marketing, e-shots, advergames, podcasts and virals that have successfully communicated a green message.
Best Green Outdoor (includes Underground) – Sponsored by Clear Channel Outdoor
Entries are invited for any outdoor or underground poster that has communicated a sustainable or green message in a clever, creative way.
Best Green Packaging – sponsored by ASDA
Consumers are increasingly demanding less packaging and materials that can be recycled. Entries must demonstrate effective use of materials (recyclable, biodegradable or compostable) and/or how they have achieved significant packaging reductions. The design should also be exciting and engaging.
Best Green PR Campaign - Sponsored by Planet 2050, Weber Shandwick's sustainability practice
This award is for the best campaign that most effectively uses public relations to generate publicity in order to build awareness of, or support corporate values on community, social, ethical or reputational issues.
Best Green Press Campaign
This award is for any individual advertisement, or part of a campaign, that has been published in the UK, either in the nationals, locals, magazines or freesheets.
Best Green Radio Campaign
Entries should have been aired on a national, or local radio station in the UK, and should communicate a green or sustainable message. Maximum length: 60s.
Best Green Website
For this award the judges will consider the aesthetic of the website, the ease of navigation, its interactivity (flash animations, audio and video content, plugs-in etc), and of course what it's communicating.
Green Awards Grand Prix - Sponsored by the Energy Saving Trust
The Green Awards Grand Prix will be awarded to one of the category winners.
Details of Chair & Judges:
Chair - Baroness Peta Buscombe, Chief Executive, Advertising Association
1) Trevor Baylis – Inventor & Designer, Trevor Baylis Brands
2) Rita Clifton - Chairman, Interbrand
3) Deborah Fox - Public Sector Programme, Forum for the Future
4) Nick Gammage - Director of Communications, Waste & Resources
Action Programme (WRAP)
5) Jason Gormley - Creative Director, Wolff Olins
6) John Grant - Sustainability Marketing Consultant/Author, The
Greener Marketing Manifesto
7) David Hall, Campaign Director, Together Campaign
8) Katharine Hamnett - Designer/Campaigner
9) Eugenie Harvey - Founder & Director, We are What We Do
10) Jim Haywood - Business in the Environment Director, Business In The
Community (BITC)
11) Robert Keitch - Director of Environmental Affairs and Media
Channel Development, Direct Marketing Association (DMA)
12) Janey Lee Grace - Radio 2 Presenter/Campaigner
13) Elisabeth Lewis-Jones, President, Chartered Institute of Public Relations
(CIPR)
14) Winnie D'eAth – Head of Communications, World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
15) Nick Nuttall - Spokesperson, Office of the Executive Director, United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
16) Amanda Phillips - CEO Proximity London & Chairman of the IPA
Sustainability Working Party
17) Rufus Radcliffe - Head of Marketing, Channel 4
18) Marc Sands - Marketing Director, The Guardian
19) Philip Sellwood - CEO, The Energy Saving Trust (EST)
20) Philip Swindon – Director of Environment Publishing, Haymarket Brand Media
21) Bo Hellberg - Digital Creative Director, Ogilvy One
22) Ade Thomas - Managing Director, Green.TV
23) Adeela Warley - Head of Communications, Friends of the Earth
The awards will be presented by Janey Lee Grace BBC Radio 2 presenter and author of the best seller book 'Imperfectly Natural Woman - getting life right the natural way' will be presenting the Green Awards ceremony on the 12th of November at The Brewery.
Safer Means of Escape Made Possible in Hazardous Areas by LaserLite
A safety lighting technical breakthrough by Chalmit Lighting will deliver significant advances over conventional safety light sources. LaserLite is based on a solid state laser source to provide a continuous 150 metre strip of lighting. Recessed into the floor or installed on the wall near floor level, LaserLite illuminates corridors and stairwells to exits. It is also an ideal way to highlight obstructions or even provide illumination below water.
The technology has been jointly developed with Photo Synergy, a company owned by St Andrew’s University, who supply the diode pumped laser light source. Linked to a side-emitting optical fibre cable, the LaserLite is a safe and effective light source for use in oil and gas exploration and processing facilities. The light source can be installed in Zones 1 and 21 and the optical fibre, with no live electrical component is safe for use in Zone 0 hazardous areas.
The light source is brighter than LED based optical fibre systems and has a green light output that is in the peak range for the human eye. This makes the system especially suited to emergency lighting where smoke could obscure conventional light sources at high level.
Petrofac Training, based in Montrose, who specialise in realistic on shore based safety training for North Sea and other oil and gas rig operators, have installed LaserLite on their new facility. This includes an accommodation module linked to a helideck and a lifeboat station. Fitted at low level the lighting provides safe illumination of escape routes during simulated emergencies and is unaffected by smoke logging.
The LaserLite has a rating of just 80 Watts. Fully compliant with the draft standard 60079-28 for optical radiation, the units are certified for use in Zone 1 and 2 areas. The light source is enclosed in a robust die cast housing requiring only minimum service attention. Laser light sources have an exceptionally long life. With only a laser cable, there is no re-lamping required throughout the life of the unit.
“There is no doubt that we can deliver significant improvements for gangway and escape lighting and the illumination of hazards, both above and below water. This is a completely new lighting technology and we are only beginning to appreciate the possibilities.” concluded Chalmit Lighting’s marketing manager, Gareth Bruce.
The technology has been jointly developed with Photo Synergy, a company owned by St Andrew’s University, who supply the diode pumped laser light source. Linked to a side-emitting optical fibre cable, the LaserLite is a safe and effective light source for use in oil and gas exploration and processing facilities. The light source can be installed in Zones 1 and 21 and the optical fibre, with no live electrical component is safe for use in Zone 0 hazardous areas.
The light source is brighter than LED based optical fibre systems and has a green light output that is in the peak range for the human eye. This makes the system especially suited to emergency lighting where smoke could obscure conventional light sources at high level.
Petrofac Training, based in Montrose, who specialise in realistic on shore based safety training for North Sea and other oil and gas rig operators, have installed LaserLite on their new facility. This includes an accommodation module linked to a helideck and a lifeboat station. Fitted at low level the lighting provides safe illumination of escape routes during simulated emergencies and is unaffected by smoke logging.
The LaserLite has a rating of just 80 Watts. Fully compliant with the draft standard 60079-28 for optical radiation, the units are certified for use in Zone 1 and 2 areas. The light source is enclosed in a robust die cast housing requiring only minimum service attention. Laser light sources have an exceptionally long life. With only a laser cable, there is no re-lamping required throughout the life of the unit.
“There is no doubt that we can deliver significant improvements for gangway and escape lighting and the illumination of hazards, both above and below water. This is a completely new lighting technology and we are only beginning to appreciate the possibilities.” concluded Chalmit Lighting’s marketing manager, Gareth Bruce.
Festival accommodation goes green with recyclable myhab
Each year several thousand tents are abandoned at festivals and end up as landfill but myhab, a new eco friendly, reusable and recyclable habitat, manufactured from recycled plastics and waterproof cardboard, has pitched in to solve the problem.
Designed by James Dunlop, a 24 year old post graduate, the luxury eco friendly alternative accommodation service offers a two-person habitat for festival-goers and features a foam double bed mattress and even a lock-up box for valuables plus many other benefits.
The myhab base and end frames are moulded in 100% recycled medium density PE by JSC Rotational Ltd, a leading plastic rotational moulding company based in Inkberrow, Worcestershire. Once moulded, JSC assemble all of the other components ready for shipping.
The recycled MDPE used for the two key structural components is made from consumer and industrial tank waste converted into usable compound by integrated polymer solutions specialist Luxus.
Central to the success of converting the medium density PE waste into reusable material is Luxus' technical centre where the feedstock is evaluated and a suitable compound is developed to meet the customers' specifications. Prior to processing Luxus clean and granulate the tanks. Quality control procedures are then carried out to ensure there are no contaminants in the mix before processing on the company's state-of-the-art melt reclamation plant. At this stage any volatiles or water are driven off and colourants or additives are added to the melt to produce the necessary physical characteristics. During processing the plant's temperature, pressure and screen changes are monitored closely. Pellet quality is also checked and moulded test samples undergo melt flow and tensile tests.
As myhab expands into European festivals and demand increases Luxus hopes to introduce a 'closed loop system' where used plastic components from the product are reclaimed and reused to produce compound to mould yet more parts.
Designed by James Dunlop, a 24 year old post graduate, the luxury eco friendly alternative accommodation service offers a two-person habitat for festival-goers and features a foam double bed mattress and even a lock-up box for valuables plus many other benefits.
The myhab base and end frames are moulded in 100% recycled medium density PE by JSC Rotational Ltd, a leading plastic rotational moulding company based in Inkberrow, Worcestershire. Once moulded, JSC assemble all of the other components ready for shipping.
The recycled MDPE used for the two key structural components is made from consumer and industrial tank waste converted into usable compound by integrated polymer solutions specialist Luxus.
Central to the success of converting the medium density PE waste into reusable material is Luxus' technical centre where the feedstock is evaluated and a suitable compound is developed to meet the customers' specifications. Prior to processing Luxus clean and granulate the tanks. Quality control procedures are then carried out to ensure there are no contaminants in the mix before processing on the company's state-of-the-art melt reclamation plant. At this stage any volatiles or water are driven off and colourants or additives are added to the melt to produce the necessary physical characteristics. During processing the plant's temperature, pressure and screen changes are monitored closely. Pellet quality is also checked and moulded test samples undergo melt flow and tensile tests.
As myhab expands into European festivals and demand increases Luxus hopes to introduce a 'closed loop system' where used plastic components from the product are reclaimed and reused to produce compound to mould yet more parts.
LV reports renters money at risk as landlords fail to join tenancy deposit scheme
New LV= research has revealed that thousands of landlords have failed to join a tenancy deposit protection scheme, leaving up to £4 billion of renters' deposits at risk.
The findings, from home insurer LV, reveal that 29% of renters who have moved in the last 12 months are not part of a tenancy deposit protection (TDP) scheme. Despite this being a legal requirement for landlords to ensure tenants' deposits are protected by the Government approved scheme.
Introduced in April 2007, the TDP scheme was set up to ensure that tenants' deposits are not wrongly withheld at the end of a tenancy. The LV= research found that 48% of current renters are unaware that such a scheme exists, and a further 24% said they had heard of the scheme but didn't know any details of it.
All rental properties where a deposit has been taken since April 2007 are legally covered by the scheme, yet among private renters just 27% said their landlord is signed up. This means thousands of tenants could be at risk of having problems recovering their deposit, with over 77% of renters stating they had previously had some or all of their deposit money unreasonably withheld. The average deposit taken by landlords in the last 12 months is £670, so the potential loss is considerable.
To counter this 13% of private renters surveyed said they had refused to pay rent towards the end of their contract, because they expected problems to arise with the return of their deposit.
Under the TDP scheme, landlords must sign up with one of two schemes run by three Government approved financial companies. In the 'custodial scheme', the landlord pays the deposit to the scheme for safekeeping, and in the event of a dispute independent adjudication will decide who receives the deposit money.
In the 'insurance scheme' the landlord retains the deposit and pays a premium to an insurer, who will return the money to the tenant if the landlord does not comply with the adjudicated outcome of any dispute. With both schemes, landlords have 14 days from the date the deposit is taken to inform their tenant of the scheme details.
The LV= survey also revealed that 40% of people living in private rented accommodation don't have any home contents insurance in place, despite the fact that rented properties are more prone to being burgled. Also, of those that do have home insurance, only 10% have a policy that includes a legal advice helpline, which could be used in the event of a dispute with a landlord.
John O'Roarke, Managing Director of LV= home insurance, said:
"This research highlights the need for the Government to raise the profile of this legislation and for it to be more strictly enforced, to protect both renters and landlords, as awareness is currently very low. Although the majority of private landlords are undoubtedly honest, our research shows that many tenants have experienced problems getting their deposit money back in the past, and are worried this could happen again.
"The average deposit is over £500, which is a significant amount of money, so renters need to make sure they know their rights. Renters should also always ensure they have home contents insurance in place, as not only are they more likely to be burgled than home owners but some polices will include a legal advice helpline, which could be used in the event of a contractual dispute."
Notes to Editors
The research was carried out on behalf of LV= by YouGov. A nationally representative sample of 1193 private renters were questioned online between 22nd to 25th July 2008. Results were weighted to be representative of the UK adult population. YouGov is a member of the British Polling Council.
The findings, from home insurer LV, reveal that 29% of renters who have moved in the last 12 months are not part of a tenancy deposit protection (TDP) scheme. Despite this being a legal requirement for landlords to ensure tenants' deposits are protected by the Government approved scheme.
Introduced in April 2007, the TDP scheme was set up to ensure that tenants' deposits are not wrongly withheld at the end of a tenancy. The LV= research found that 48% of current renters are unaware that such a scheme exists, and a further 24% said they had heard of the scheme but didn't know any details of it.
All rental properties where a deposit has been taken since April 2007 are legally covered by the scheme, yet among private renters just 27% said their landlord is signed up. This means thousands of tenants could be at risk of having problems recovering their deposit, with over 77% of renters stating they had previously had some or all of their deposit money unreasonably withheld. The average deposit taken by landlords in the last 12 months is £670, so the potential loss is considerable.
To counter this 13% of private renters surveyed said they had refused to pay rent towards the end of their contract, because they expected problems to arise with the return of their deposit.
Under the TDP scheme, landlords must sign up with one of two schemes run by three Government approved financial companies. In the 'custodial scheme', the landlord pays the deposit to the scheme for safekeeping, and in the event of a dispute independent adjudication will decide who receives the deposit money.
In the 'insurance scheme' the landlord retains the deposit and pays a premium to an insurer, who will return the money to the tenant if the landlord does not comply with the adjudicated outcome of any dispute. With both schemes, landlords have 14 days from the date the deposit is taken to inform their tenant of the scheme details.
The LV= survey also revealed that 40% of people living in private rented accommodation don't have any home contents insurance in place, despite the fact that rented properties are more prone to being burgled. Also, of those that do have home insurance, only 10% have a policy that includes a legal advice helpline, which could be used in the event of a dispute with a landlord.
John O'Roarke, Managing Director of LV= home insurance, said:
"This research highlights the need for the Government to raise the profile of this legislation and for it to be more strictly enforced, to protect both renters and landlords, as awareness is currently very low. Although the majority of private landlords are undoubtedly honest, our research shows that many tenants have experienced problems getting their deposit money back in the past, and are worried this could happen again.
"The average deposit is over £500, which is a significant amount of money, so renters need to make sure they know their rights. Renters should also always ensure they have home contents insurance in place, as not only are they more likely to be burgled than home owners but some polices will include a legal advice helpline, which could be used in the event of a contractual dispute."
Notes to Editors
The research was carried out on behalf of LV= by YouGov. A nationally representative sample of 1193 private renters were questioned online between 22nd to 25th July 2008. Results were weighted to be representative of the UK adult population. YouGov is a member of the British Polling Council.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Man missing from yacht south of Colchester, Essex
A yacht that left a Marina South of Colchester this morning and was found aground at half past five this evening has prompted a large scale search for the lone crewman.
The man had left the Marina this morning for a day of sailing, and was making entries in his log reporting his progress when he reported that the weather had become rough and he intended to return home. The yacht was located at half past five, aground, with no-one on board.
Thames Coastguard called West Mersea, Bradwell and Clacton Coastguard Rescue Teams to assist in a land based search, also requesting the launch of Walton, Clacton and West Mersea RNLI lifeboats. RAF Rescue Helicopter 125 was also scrambled from Wattisham to assist in the search.
Thames Coastguard Watch Manager Aimee Rampton said:"The search has now been ongoing for three and a half hours now, with the area fully saturated. The last entry in the gentleman's log was at ten to two reporting that he had reached the Wallet Spitway marker buoy and was returning to the marina due to poor weather. The yacht was reported aground some three and a half hours later with no-one on board and so a search for a suspected man overboard was launched. The search is still ongoing."
THIS NEWS WAS ADDED AT 1.57AM, BST. Please check for updates.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Men encouraged to think outside the chocolate box
Woman are taking the lead in the romance stakes according to a recent survey by Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel, with 67% claiming that they would rather organise a romantic night with their loved one than wait for them to take the initiative.
Men took a verbal thrashing as they were labelled unromantic (57%), thoughtless (35%) and inconsiderate (24%). The survey showed that married men were considered to be substantially more romantic than their single counterparts, with females claiming that married men tended to try harder to please and put more thought into gifts and special occasions. Predictably, the times when most women had experienced romance were birthdays, anniversaries, Valentines Day and Christmas, with just under three quarters claiming to have never been surprised by their other half with a romantic gesture “just because”.
Men however seemed to rate themselves quite highly on the romance front, with over 30% labelling themselves as romantic, while 18% admitted that they could try harder. 45% revealed that they were scared of trying to be romantic in case their partners were disappointed by their efforts and surprisingly less than 3% of men said that they simply couldn’t care less about romance.
The two sexes also seemed miles apart when it actually came to defining what romance meant to them. Unsurprisingly within the top five for males came flowers, champagne, chocolates, candlelit dinners and expensive gifts, while the females leant towards surprise weekends away, love notes, candlelit baths, breakfast in bed, picnics and country walks and cosy nights in with a DVD and a takeaway.
Carolyn Graves, Hotel Director at Armathwaite Hall comments on the findings: “I think that the findings of the survey show that romance is a pretty taboo subject and men and women are not communicating properly with each other, which often means that one side is left feeling neglected, usually the female!
“Couples are so busy these days that they actually spend very little quality time together, and often grow apart without really realising it. Romance is such an important part of being in a relationship, and although it might mean different things to different people, you really need to make sure that you are showing your loved one just how much they mean to you.
“We often get couples arriving who just want to escape from their everyday lives and add a bit of romance, my advice to any man struggling to tilt the scales on romance would be to really think about what would make their wife or their girlfriend smile and show them how much they love them. It is most definitely the little things that count. I also applaud the females who are doing it for themselves – why should it always be the men who have to add the romance?”
Men took a verbal thrashing as they were labelled unromantic (57%), thoughtless (35%) and inconsiderate (24%). The survey showed that married men were considered to be substantially more romantic than their single counterparts, with females claiming that married men tended to try harder to please and put more thought into gifts and special occasions. Predictably, the times when most women had experienced romance were birthdays, anniversaries, Valentines Day and Christmas, with just under three quarters claiming to have never been surprised by their other half with a romantic gesture “just because”.
Men however seemed to rate themselves quite highly on the romance front, with over 30% labelling themselves as romantic, while 18% admitted that they could try harder. 45% revealed that they were scared of trying to be romantic in case their partners were disappointed by their efforts and surprisingly less than 3% of men said that they simply couldn’t care less about romance.
The two sexes also seemed miles apart when it actually came to defining what romance meant to them. Unsurprisingly within the top five for males came flowers, champagne, chocolates, candlelit dinners and expensive gifts, while the females leant towards surprise weekends away, love notes, candlelit baths, breakfast in bed, picnics and country walks and cosy nights in with a DVD and a takeaway.
Carolyn Graves, Hotel Director at Armathwaite Hall comments on the findings: “I think that the findings of the survey show that romance is a pretty taboo subject and men and women are not communicating properly with each other, which often means that one side is left feeling neglected, usually the female!
“Couples are so busy these days that they actually spend very little quality time together, and often grow apart without really realising it. Romance is such an important part of being in a relationship, and although it might mean different things to different people, you really need to make sure that you are showing your loved one just how much they mean to you.
“We often get couples arriving who just want to escape from their everyday lives and add a bit of romance, my advice to any man struggling to tilt the scales on romance would be to really think about what would make their wife or their girlfriend smile and show them how much they love them. It is most definitely the little things that count. I also applaud the females who are doing it for themselves – why should it always be the men who have to add the romance?”
Koi Herpesvirus disease outbreak confirmed
Movements of fish in and out of a fishery in East Sussex have been restricted, following the confirmation of Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) Disease.
Defra has issued a Designated Area Order prohibiting the movement of fish to and from Moor Hall Pools (Old Lake and New Lake), Moor Hall Farm, Ninfield, Nr Battle, East Sussex.
KHV Disease affects common carp and carp varieties such as Koi. It can result in high rates of fish mortalities.
There are no implications for human health.
It became a legal obligation to notify suspicion of KHV Disease on 6th April 2007. The measures developed in partnership between government and industry to help combat outbreaks were announced on 21st May 2007.
Suspicion of the presence of the disease should be immediately reported to: the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in Weymouth
Tel: 01305-206673/206674
Housework problem
Half of Britons argue about housework at least once a week and a further third quarrel at least monthly according to a poll of 4,000 by the home disinfectant brand, Zoflora.Not doing the housework properly and not appreciating the amount of housework their partner does is the subject of most housework arguments, with the top three most annoying home habits of partners being:
1. Not emptying a full bin
2. Leaving dirty socks and underwear on the floor
3. Not cleaning up after themselves!
To get their partner to help with the housework, a fifth lose their temper and a sixth moan and sulk. Meanwhile, 15% simply stop doing the housework themselves, 13% leave all their partners unwashed clothes in a pile, whilst 9% offer to cook them a meal if they help and 8% promise to sleep with their partner!
The survey also found that two thirds of women find a man who helps with housework more attractive, despite half of men not helping with housework unless asked.
The top five regions most likely to argue about housework are:
1. Manchester
2. Glasgow
3. London
4. Plymouth
5. Birmingham
TV cleaning expert Aggie Mackenzie is fronting a campaign called Clean Smarter, Not Harder designed to educate the nation on ways to make cleaning more enjoyable and less time-consuming.
Aggie says: “This poll has shown that after money, housework is the most common cause of arguments at home. One way to help avoid this kind of bickering is to find ways to make household chores less of an ordeal. After all, none of us want to be spending time cleaning when we could be out enjoying ourselves!”
Aggie offers the following top cleaning tips, to make cleaning less time-consuming as part of the clean smarter, not harder campaign:
1. Do a little each day – meaning more time for the weekend
2. Dust from top to bottom to avoid having to re-clean areas
3. Involve the whole family and take a room each, say bathroom versus kitchen and see which of you can finish first
4. Store all your cleaning products in one bucket to avoid time-wasting trips up and down stairs
5. Plan your cleaning before you start
For more information go to www.cleansmarternotharder.co.uk
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Wall Street and Politics: New survey from Complinet finds McCain would provide the most reassurance to Wall Street; Reagan is president that did most
A survey of individuals working in the U.S. financial services sector has revealed that John McCain is the presidential candidate who would provide the most reassurance to Wall Street and the American economy if elected, while Ronald Reagan is regarded as the ‘greatest president’ in living memory for his impact on the American economy.
While over a half (57 percent) of respondents said that John McCain would provide reassurance to Wall Street, a quarter (24 percent) said this would be provided by Barack Obama. A tenth said that neither would provide reassurance and nine percent said they could not choose one candidate over another.
The survey was conducted online with members of the banking community and on Wall Street in early September 2008 by Complinet, the leading provider of dynamic and connected risk and compliance solutions to the global financial services industry. It surveyed 150 wholesale and retail bankers, securities specialists, investment bankers, and lawyers working in the financial services field in the United States.
Individuals were also asked their views on politics’ involvement with Wall Street. The results indicated that the Republicans were viewed as the party that would provide the most reassurance to Wall Street, with 65 percent of respondents saying the stock market had historically performed better with the Republican Party in power, compared to 35 percent stating the same for the Democrats.
When asked their views on individual presidents, and specifically who had been the greatest president from the perspective of the American economy and the state of Wall Street, ,the majority (58 percent) selected Ronald Reagan (Republican, 1981 to 1989), followed by Bill Clinton (Democrat, 1993 to 2001), who was selected by almost a third (31 percent). George W Bush, Lyndon Johnson and JFK tied third place each with just three percent of the votes. George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Richard Nixon failed to secure any votes.
Paul Johns, CMO for Complinet said, “This has been an extremely difficult week for Wall Street. There will be undeniable repercussions across the US economy. As the rest of the world braces itself to see how things will shake out, it’s the American people that have the chance to determine which party and representative will put in place the correct regulatory reforms and to help the economy recover.”
Complinet is the leading provider of dynamic and connected risk and compliance solutions to the global financial services industry.
The company’s solutions minimize exposure to risk by providing the information and technology to track and connect live external events, such as regulatory or sanction changes, with internal policy management and screening activities.
Complinet was founded in 1997 and employs more than 200 people in its offices in New York, London, Sydney and Dubai. Every day, industry professionals in more than 1,600 firms across 81 countries rely on Complinet to provide information, analysis and solutions that help them keep pace with changing regulations. www.complinet.com
While over a half (57 percent) of respondents said that John McCain would provide reassurance to Wall Street, a quarter (24 percent) said this would be provided by Barack Obama. A tenth said that neither would provide reassurance and nine percent said they could not choose one candidate over another.
The survey was conducted online with members of the banking community and on Wall Street in early September 2008 by Complinet, the leading provider of dynamic and connected risk and compliance solutions to the global financial services industry. It surveyed 150 wholesale and retail bankers, securities specialists, investment bankers, and lawyers working in the financial services field in the United States.
Individuals were also asked their views on politics’ involvement with Wall Street. The results indicated that the Republicans were viewed as the party that would provide the most reassurance to Wall Street, with 65 percent of respondents saying the stock market had historically performed better with the Republican Party in power, compared to 35 percent stating the same for the Democrats.
When asked their views on individual presidents, and specifically who had been the greatest president from the perspective of the American economy and the state of Wall Street, ,the majority (58 percent) selected Ronald Reagan (Republican, 1981 to 1989), followed by Bill Clinton (Democrat, 1993 to 2001), who was selected by almost a third (31 percent). George W Bush, Lyndon Johnson and JFK tied third place each with just three percent of the votes. George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Richard Nixon failed to secure any votes.
Paul Johns, CMO for Complinet said, “This has been an extremely difficult week for Wall Street. There will be undeniable repercussions across the US economy. As the rest of the world braces itself to see how things will shake out, it’s the American people that have the chance to determine which party and representative will put in place the correct regulatory reforms and to help the economy recover.”
Complinet is the leading provider of dynamic and connected risk and compliance solutions to the global financial services industry.
The company’s solutions minimize exposure to risk by providing the information and technology to track and connect live external events, such as regulatory or sanction changes, with internal policy management and screening activities.
Complinet was founded in 1997 and employs more than 200 people in its offices in New York, London, Sydney and Dubai. Every day, industry professionals in more than 1,600 firms across 81 countries rely on Complinet to provide information, analysis and solutions that help them keep pace with changing regulations. www.complinet.com
NEW! Ecommerce website boosting high street sales across the UK
www.yourfloors.co.uk is a new e-commerce website allowing consumers to purchase carpet, rugs, vinyl, laminate, tiles, ceramics and wood flooring from their local independent flooring retailer without leaving the comfort of their own home.
Unlike many ecommerce initiatives, www.yourfloors.co.uk is working with the local community to support and encourage high street spend. Consumers can search www.yourfloors.co.uk for thousands of floorcoverings, order free samples (which will be delivered the next day) and order product from their local, independent flooring retailer.
Consumers simply enter their postcode when they have chosen their product and are directed to a list of five local retailers – which will be closest to their home postcode. Once a retailer has been chosen, a price (including VAT) will be displayed and the customer can place their order. The product will be delivered free, normally within 24 hours to their chosen independent retailer who can also organise fitting and supply any accessories required.
The Headlam Group, the founders behind the initiative has signed up almost 2,000 local, independent retailers since launching in July 2008, making this ecommerce site a viable proposition for customers.
Tony Brewer, CEO of Headlam Group PLC said “By creating an internet portal for independent flooring retailers, yourfloors.co.uk is a unique opportunity for our customers and ultimately ourselves to take advantage of the increasing trend for consumers to purchase online. The advertising campaign further supports the independent flooring retailer , stimulating awareness of floorcovering and attracting consumers to yourfloors.co.uk”
Secret Millionaire brings her experience home!
32-year old Caroline Marsh, the ‘Secret Millionaire' on last night’s C4 prime time show, has returned from filming in Liverpool determined to make a difference in her hometown of Swindon.Caroline was moved by the commitment, dedication and spirit of the people behind two separate community projects in Toxteth, and gave them both not only money, but the pledge of ongoing business support and mentoring, to help fast-track their plans for making a real difference to everyone in the area.
Now back home in Swindon, Caroline is working with her local Citifaith church to help with GWR kids projects and is making plans to support young single mothers in the area, motivating, inspiring and supporting them so they can fulfil their potential and create the best life they can for themselves and their children.
“To have been a part of a community that has so much goodness, strength and spirit within it, has been so rewarding. The experience opened my eyes to the need that is on my own doorstep and highlighted to me the difference I know I can make.”
Caroline is speaking at the Platinum Partners Group Wealth Workshop this Saturday at the Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch, in London.
www.carolinemarsh.com
Seminar Puts Office Relocation On The Map
Office refurbishment specialist Morgan Lovell has organised a free seminar, aimed at supporting businesses looking to relocate.
‘Planning For Success, A Step By Step Guide To Office Relocation,’ takes place at the new global headquarters of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in Denham.
Starting at 12:45 pm, the office relocation seminar takes place on Wednesday, October 15. Lunch is included, along with an optional tour of IHG’s office.
Registration is free, but places are limited. To register go to http://www.morganlovell.com/events
IHG will be sharing their own experiences of office relocation at the event, gained following their recent move from Windsor to their new 100,000 square feet office in Broadwater Park, Denham.
Tom Lord, who led the project for IHG, will explain at the seminar how they relocated 360 staff whilst minimising disruption to business operations.
He will also discuss how sustainability – a key requirement of the project – was incorporated into the office design and fit out, carried out by Morgan Lovell.
Other speakers at the seminar will include property lawyer Simon Tolson, of Fenwick Elliott, who will discuss negotiating leases, how to get the best deals and how to avoid potential pitfalls.
Bill Horrell of Morgan Lovell, will also explain how to ensure a project completes on time and on budget - and investigate alternative financing methods that could save money.
David Cannon, managing director of Morgan Lovell’s Southern office, said: “A number of points will be covered to help with the project management of office relocation, including finding the right place, planning design and fit out, environment and sustainability.”
IHG’s office is only 30 minutes by train from London Marylebone and travel to and from Denham station has been arranged.
Morgan Lovell offers a free office relocation checklist - a step-by-step guide to managing the complexities of business relocations - available for free download at http://www.morganlovell.co.uk/office-relocation-checklist
FACT FILE:
Located in London, Birmingham and the Thames Valley, Morgan Lovell is the UK’s leading office interior design, fit out and refurbishment specialist. With its own teams of designers, surveyors and project managers, the company can design and deliver entire projects, with the benefit of just one point of contact. http://www.morganlovell.com
It is part of top five UK construction and regeneration group Morgan Sindall plc which operates through five specialist divisions of fit out, construction, infrastructure services, affordable housing and urban regeneration.
Morgan Lovell is a licensed BREEAM Offices Assessment Organisation. This means it is now licensed to measure the sustainability score of an office in order to identify ways companies can reduce high energy usage and waste, whilst increasing comfort and satisfaction for users of the building.
‘Planning For Success, A Step By Step Guide To Office Relocation,’ takes place at the new global headquarters of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in Denham.
Starting at 12:45 pm, the office relocation seminar takes place on Wednesday, October 15. Lunch is included, along with an optional tour of IHG’s office.
Registration is free, but places are limited. To register go to http://www.morganlovell.com/events
IHG will be sharing their own experiences of office relocation at the event, gained following their recent move from Windsor to their new 100,000 square feet office in Broadwater Park, Denham.
Tom Lord, who led the project for IHG, will explain at the seminar how they relocated 360 staff whilst minimising disruption to business operations.
He will also discuss how sustainability – a key requirement of the project – was incorporated into the office design and fit out, carried out by Morgan Lovell.
Other speakers at the seminar will include property lawyer Simon Tolson, of Fenwick Elliott, who will discuss negotiating leases, how to get the best deals and how to avoid potential pitfalls.
Bill Horrell of Morgan Lovell, will also explain how to ensure a project completes on time and on budget - and investigate alternative financing methods that could save money.
David Cannon, managing director of Morgan Lovell’s Southern office, said: “A number of points will be covered to help with the project management of office relocation, including finding the right place, planning design and fit out, environment and sustainability.”
IHG’s office is only 30 minutes by train from London Marylebone and travel to and from Denham station has been arranged.
Morgan Lovell offers a free office relocation checklist - a step-by-step guide to managing the complexities of business relocations - available for free download at http://www.morganlovell.co.uk/office-relocation-checklist
FACT FILE:
Located in London, Birmingham and the Thames Valley, Morgan Lovell is the UK’s leading office interior design, fit out and refurbishment specialist. With its own teams of designers, surveyors and project managers, the company can design and deliver entire projects, with the benefit of just one point of contact. http://www.morganlovell.com
It is part of top five UK construction and regeneration group Morgan Sindall plc which operates through five specialist divisions of fit out, construction, infrastructure services, affordable housing and urban regeneration.
Morgan Lovell is a licensed BREEAM Offices Assessment Organisation. This means it is now licensed to measure the sustainability score of an office in order to identify ways companies can reduce high energy usage and waste, whilst increasing comfort and satisfaction for users of the building.
History in the making as Burton launches Heritage Tailoring Range
Burton, the leading UK menswear retailer, has announced their new Heritage collection. This latest range of stylish quality contemporary suiting is born out of the long held Burton passion for traditional tailoring methods. The collection will be featured in selected stores and online throughout the UK this autumn alongside Burton’s mainline and concession tailoring.
Burton has sought to ensure attention to detail is key throughout the Heritage collection.
These latest mens jackets feature a half canvas construction which forms to the body to give the wearer more comfort. The fabric selections reflect a strong attention to detail with the use of traditional Prince of Wales check and pin stripes inspired by the Burton mens clothing archives.
The fabric selection and labeling of the mens suits take their inspiration from original 1940s, 50s and 60s Burton garments which are then brought up to date with a sharper modern fit. The suits are made from pure merino wool and woven in the British mill first used by Montague Burton over 70 years ago and feature intricate detailing such as trouser brace buttons and an embroidered Burton "B" on the under collar.
Montage Burton once said, "Good clothes develop a man's sense of self respect", and the Heritage collection continues his legacy by offering a superior garment at an accessible price.
FACT FILE:
Burton has a long history in mens clothing and fashion having been founded in 1903 by Montague Burton in Chesterfield. Burton now has over 400 outlets all over the UK and Ireland making it one of the country's largest sellers of casual and formal menswear, including men's jeans, shirts, suits, knitwear, shorts, shoes, underwear and accessories.
Customers can also shop online from the Burton.co.uk website which offers free returns in-store or by post and fast delivery to their home. The site features a useful size guide to ensure customers can get the correct fit. They can also sign up for the Burton newsletter, which offers all the latest style updates, exclusive discounts and competitions.
Heritage tailoring is available online and in London, Bluewater, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Chesterfield and Dublin from September 2008.
Suits start at £169 for a two-piece. Sizes range from 36S - 48L. P:rices and availability correct at time of publication.
Burton has sought to ensure attention to detail is key throughout the Heritage collection.
These latest mens jackets feature a half canvas construction which forms to the body to give the wearer more comfort. The fabric selections reflect a strong attention to detail with the use of traditional Prince of Wales check and pin stripes inspired by the Burton mens clothing archives.
The fabric selection and labeling of the mens suits take their inspiration from original 1940s, 50s and 60s Burton garments which are then brought up to date with a sharper modern fit. The suits are made from pure merino wool and woven in the British mill first used by Montague Burton over 70 years ago and feature intricate detailing such as trouser brace buttons and an embroidered Burton "B" on the under collar.
Montage Burton once said, "Good clothes develop a man's sense of self respect", and the Heritage collection continues his legacy by offering a superior garment at an accessible price.
FACT FILE:
Burton has a long history in mens clothing and fashion having been founded in 1903 by Montague Burton in Chesterfield. Burton now has over 400 outlets all over the UK and Ireland making it one of the country's largest sellers of casual and formal menswear, including men's jeans, shirts, suits, knitwear, shorts, shoes, underwear and accessories.
Customers can also shop online from the Burton.co.uk website which offers free returns in-store or by post and fast delivery to their home. The site features a useful size guide to ensure customers can get the correct fit. They can also sign up for the Burton newsletter, which offers all the latest style updates, exclusive discounts and competitions.
Heritage tailoring is available online and in London, Bluewater, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Chesterfield and Dublin from September 2008.
Suits start at £169 for a two-piece. Sizes range from 36S - 48L. P:rices and availability correct at time of publication.
Stars sign up for celeb Grand Designs Live
Celebrities from the world of home design and interiors have been announced for this year’s Grand Designs Live taking place at Birmingham’s NEC next month (October 10th – 12th).
Opening the show on Friday 10th October, award-winning TV presenter and author Kevin McCloud will be sharing his expertise with visitors and hosting a number of seminars including ’Design Crimes’ and ‘The house that Kevin built’.
Commenting on the show, Kevin McCloud, said: “This year’s Grand Designs Live Birmingham show will be packed full of fantastic interactive features to innovate, inspire and enthuse. Visitors will have access to plenty of celebrity experts as well as 400 exhibitors offering cutting edge products for your home.”
Cooking up tasty treats in the kitchen will be Michelin-starred chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. The ‘nation’s favourite French chef’ will be showcasing his culinary skills on Sunday 12th October, and visitors can sample his signature dishes menu at the Jean-Christophe Novelli restaurant throughout the weekend.
Multi-award winning gardener and TV presenter, Diarmuid Gavin will be getting back to basics, demonstrating how easy it can be to design and create your own garden. Visitors can view some of his most recent work at his seminar, ‘A Fresh Approach to Garden Design’, on Friday 10th October.
Also sharing their expertise will be eco-friendly interior designer Oliver Heath, BBC’s Restoration expert, Marianne Suhr and editor-in-chief at Stuff magazine, Tom Dunmore.
Whether you are looking for creative ideas for your home or want to learn more about landscape gardening, Grand Designs Live is back in Birmingham for a third year. With over 400 exhibitions and hundreds of products on sale to suit all tastes and budgets, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone.
To book tickets please call the Ticket Hotline on 0871 2305586 or visit www.granddesignslive.com
Opening the show on Friday 10th October, award-winning TV presenter and author Kevin McCloud will be sharing his expertise with visitors and hosting a number of seminars including ’Design Crimes’ and ‘The house that Kevin built’.
Commenting on the show, Kevin McCloud, said: “This year’s Grand Designs Live Birmingham show will be packed full of fantastic interactive features to innovate, inspire and enthuse. Visitors will have access to plenty of celebrity experts as well as 400 exhibitors offering cutting edge products for your home.”
Cooking up tasty treats in the kitchen will be Michelin-starred chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. The ‘nation’s favourite French chef’ will be showcasing his culinary skills on Sunday 12th October, and visitors can sample his signature dishes menu at the Jean-Christophe Novelli restaurant throughout the weekend.
Multi-award winning gardener and TV presenter, Diarmuid Gavin will be getting back to basics, demonstrating how easy it can be to design and create your own garden. Visitors can view some of his most recent work at his seminar, ‘A Fresh Approach to Garden Design’, on Friday 10th October.
Also sharing their expertise will be eco-friendly interior designer Oliver Heath, BBC’s Restoration expert, Marianne Suhr and editor-in-chief at Stuff magazine, Tom Dunmore.
Whether you are looking for creative ideas for your home or want to learn more about landscape gardening, Grand Designs Live is back in Birmingham for a third year. With over 400 exhibitions and hundreds of products on sale to suit all tastes and budgets, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone.
To book tickets please call the Ticket Hotline on 0871 2305586 or visit www.granddesignslive.com
Work with Matt Irwin on a photo shoot
Theprintspace, creative print studio and gallery, have teamed up with Matt Irwin to offer you the chance of a lifetime. Here's your chance to show off your photography skills and win the opportunity to be Matt's assistant on a major shoot. Matt Irwin is commonly regarded as a rising star in today's fashion photography world, having worked with V Magazine, L'Uomo Vogue, UNIQLO, and being staff photographer at Dazed & Confused.
All you have to do to enter is to submit a photostory of up to 5 images to competition@metavisual.net and wait for a response. Ten runners-up will be chosen for a shortlist and have their work displayed on our photography blog metavisual.net, as well as being featured in fashion press. On the night, an overall winner will be chosen to join Matt Irwin to experience first hand what it takes to be a fashion photographer. The competition will run from Monday 15th September to Monday 31th October. The competition showcase and winner will be announced on 30th October, with an exhibition at theprintspace gallery for two weeks.
Matt's spontaneous and prosaic style has set him apart from the mainstream of fashion photography, and some have hailed him as part of a new, fresh approach to creating fashion images without gloss or contrivance. Simply submit your own fashion story with a brief description of your idea to competition@metavisual.net to stand a chance to win and get yourself a head-start in the competitive world of fashion.
Theprintspace has a unique hands-on approach to professional and photographic printing, where you the photographer have total control on how your images turn out. What's more, theprintspace gives you access to all of the technology and hardware of a conventional prolab, but at a fraction of the cost.
From start to finish help and assistance is available, giving you the chance to create the best quality prints at the lowest possible price. In Matt's words, “making sure my prints look good is very important to me. From beautiful tests and proofs to send to magazines; to vivid prints you can touch or put on a wall, in a gallery, or in a portfolio, printing is an essential part of my photography.” Our distinctive way of working means that theprintspace has become a sensation, with support from a huge number of cutting-edge and younger photographers. Our digital C-type technology is a true photographic print from a digital file, and in most cases prints can be picked up on the same day. We also have an online ordering service, which has the option to upload your files directly over the internet.
Here's what Matt says about his photography: “My pictures draw on the energy that still exists inside of me from when I was younger. You know, when you are a teenager you get to a stage where you think that anything is possible. You think you're indestructible, that life if yours, and you can do and say what the fuck you want and nobody is going to stop you. […] I use the seconds before that moment as a starting place, like the universe just before the Big Bang. If I can look at a picture and be reminded of that feeling of critical mass – of feeling full, indestructible – then I know I have succeeded.”
File submissions should be in JPG form at 72dpi and entries should contain no more than 5 images. Please make sure you also have access to high- resolution versions of the files, at 300dpi and if possible, sized to 20”x30” inches. Please ensure you have permission to use your images before submission as any images found violating copyrights will not be considered for entry.
For more information about theprintspace or metavisual.net:
All you have to do to enter is to submit a photostory of up to 5 images to competition@metavisual.net and wait for a response. Ten runners-up will be chosen for a shortlist and have their work displayed on our photography blog metavisual.net, as well as being featured in fashion press. On the night, an overall winner will be chosen to join Matt Irwin to experience first hand what it takes to be a fashion photographer. The competition will run from Monday 15th September to Monday 31th October. The competition showcase and winner will be announced on 30th October, with an exhibition at theprintspace gallery for two weeks.
Matt's spontaneous and prosaic style has set him apart from the mainstream of fashion photography, and some have hailed him as part of a new, fresh approach to creating fashion images without gloss or contrivance. Simply submit your own fashion story with a brief description of your idea to competition@metavisual.net to stand a chance to win and get yourself a head-start in the competitive world of fashion.
Theprintspace has a unique hands-on approach to professional and photographic printing, where you the photographer have total control on how your images turn out. What's more, theprintspace gives you access to all of the technology and hardware of a conventional prolab, but at a fraction of the cost.
From start to finish help and assistance is available, giving you the chance to create the best quality prints at the lowest possible price. In Matt's words, “making sure my prints look good is very important to me. From beautiful tests and proofs to send to magazines; to vivid prints you can touch or put on a wall, in a gallery, or in a portfolio, printing is an essential part of my photography.” Our distinctive way of working means that theprintspace has become a sensation, with support from a huge number of cutting-edge and younger photographers. Our digital C-type technology is a true photographic print from a digital file, and in most cases prints can be picked up on the same day. We also have an online ordering service, which has the option to upload your files directly over the internet.
Here's what Matt says about his photography: “My pictures draw on the energy that still exists inside of me from when I was younger. You know, when you are a teenager you get to a stage where you think that anything is possible. You think you're indestructible, that life if yours, and you can do and say what the fuck you want and nobody is going to stop you. […] I use the seconds before that moment as a starting place, like the universe just before the Big Bang. If I can look at a picture and be reminded of that feeling of critical mass – of feeling full, indestructible – then I know I have succeeded.”
File submissions should be in JPG form at 72dpi and entries should contain no more than 5 images. Please make sure you also have access to high- resolution versions of the files, at 300dpi and if possible, sized to 20”x30” inches. Please ensure you have permission to use your images before submission as any images found violating copyrights will not be considered for entry.
For more information about theprintspace or metavisual.net:
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
New Grooming Range Launched – Ancient grooming for the modern man
Considered Mother Nature’s very own health spa since Biblical times, the Dead Sea is one of the richest sources of concentrated minerals on Earth. With this in mind, the experts at Dead Sea Healthcare have used the finest ingredients nature has to offer in its new grooming range for men. The neutrally scented DSH range combines the latest cosmetic technology with the mineral-rich resources of the Dead Sea to provide a fresh approach to male grooming. It is the ideal range for men who want to look their best day-in and day-out!
DSH Hand Repair (£4.99 / 125ml)
One of first hand repair creams developed just for men, DSH Hand Repair combines Dead Sea minerals and black mud to help prevent dryness and heal rough, cracked skin. This product is neutrally scented and absorbs into the skin quickly without leaving an oily residue.
DSH Facial Scrub (£4.99 / 125ml)
Dead Sea mineral salts stimulate the circulation to boost the skin’s ability to refresh and renew - increasing the tissue’s capacity to absorb moisture and smooth the skin’s appearance. DSH Facial Scrub also contains anti-oxidant rich green tea extract and uses micro beads to gently exfoliate dull skin cells and pores. For best results use after shaving to reveal fresh, bright new skin.
DSH Anti-Wrinkle Cream (£14.99 / 50ml)
An anti-ageing product which really means business! DSH Anti-Wrinkle Cream fights off signs of ageing using Argireline solution, considered the safe alternative to Botox. Efficacy testing has shown that if used twice a day, products containing 10% Argireline solution can reduce the appearance of wrinkles by up to 27% after 30 days. Stop ageing skin in its tracks!
DSH Aftershave Balm (£4.99 / 125ml)
This gentle balm combats the irritations that come with daily shaving. Neutrally scented and containing revitalising Dead Sea Minerals, DSH After-shave Balm’s alcohol-free formula cools and soothes the skin without that dry feeling. Use every day for optimum results.
DSH Hair & Body Shampoo (£4.99 / 250ml)
Unlike other all-in-ones that can leave your skin and hair feeling dry, DSH Hair & Body Shampoo contains a specialised blend of conditioners that leave the skin and hair feeling super-clean, nourished and refreshed. This multi-tasking product is perfect for the man-on-the-go, ideal to down size your luggage when going to the gym or travelling. Containing invigorating Dead Sea minerals - use daily for smooth, revitalised skin!
The packaging, designed with the male consumer in mind, is sleek, stylish and colour coded by product and does not come with any excess packaging or unnecessary boxes. The full range is dermatologically tested and available from Waitrose stores nationwide. For further information visit www.deadseahealthcare.com
New font for Salisbuy Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral's exquisite new font, the culmination of an on-going project initiated 10 years ago by the then Canon Treasurer and now Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd June Osborne, can be seen for the first time in its full beauty filled with flowing water and truly reflecting the majestic stature of the Cathedral's 750 year old architecture.
One of the most significant additions to the fabric of an English Cathedral in recent years, the font has been designed by William Pye, arguably Britain's most distinguished water sculptor, and is Salisbury Cathedral's first permanent font for centuries. Cruciform in shape, and large enough for total immersion baptism, it is a beautiful green patinated bronze vessel which has a Purbeck Freestone plinth and brown patinated bronze grating.
The highlight of Salisbury Cathedral's year of celebrations, the new font will be consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury on Sunday 28 September at a special 750th anniversary service, when two infants will be baptised. This major new treasure has been funded primarily by the generosity of Salisbury residents Sir Christopher and Lady Benson and The Jerusalem Trust.
One of the most significant additions to the fabric of an English Cathedral in recent years, the font has been designed by William Pye, arguably Britain's most distinguished water sculptor, and is Salisbury Cathedral's first permanent font for centuries. Cruciform in shape, and large enough for total immersion baptism, it is a beautiful green patinated bronze vessel which has a Purbeck Freestone plinth and brown patinated bronze grating.
The highlight of Salisbury Cathedral's year of celebrations, the new font will be consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury on Sunday 28 September at a special 750th anniversary service, when two infants will be baptised. This major new treasure has been funded primarily by the generosity of Salisbury residents Sir Christopher and Lady Benson and The Jerusalem Trust.
Fats right, is it?
According to a recent UK-wide study of over 7000 Brits, Wales eat the most takeaways out of all of the home nations. Nearly half of Welsh people eat at least one takeaway a week, compared with the healthiest takeaway nation, Northern Ireland, where two thirds of people eat takeaway just once a month.
A UK-wide survey of 7,211 people, complemented by sales data by the UK’s leading online takeaway provider has found that the Welsh eat more takeaway food than any of the other home nation, averaging 3.3 takeaways a week per household.
The seemingly irregular results are due in part to the 17% of Welsh people who eat takeaway 3 times a week, with a further 2% of Welsh participants claiming to eat takeaway food on a daily basis.
www.Just-Eat.co.uk commissioned the study, which found that English towns and cities ate an average of 2.6 takeaways per week per average family, with Scotland coming in at third out of the four with 2.4 takeaways per week.
Irish people are less likely to order out than the other nations, with just 1.9 takeaways per week on average.
In the study, takeaways were defined as ‘food which you do not home prepare/cook, such as fish and chips, curries, Chinese dishes, pizza etc.’
Participants were asked in the same survey to give an honest reflection of their physique, and the answers correlated with the findings regarding the most takeaways consumed on average per country.
Just 29% of the 1,426 Welsh people polled believe that they are ‘slim’, with 41% answering to being ‘overweight’, and over a quarter to ‘very overweight’. The remaining 2% did not wish to answer.
Here are the answers to the question “How would you define your physique?”
1. Wales
Slim – 29%
Overweight – 41%
Very Overweight – 27%
2. England
Slim – 34%
Overweight – 39%
Very Overweight – 24%
3. Scotland
Slim – 37%
Overweight – 40%
Very Overweight – 21%
4. Northern Ireland
Slim – 41%
Overweight – 37%
Very Overweight – 19%
David Buttress CEO of Just-Eat.co.uk says,
“This survey is a mere reflection of the results, which show Wales to not only eat more takeaways on average per week, but also define themselves as more overweight than the other home nations. Being from Wales myself I was very interested to see the results.
“We encourage our users to eat responsibly, and have many healthy option takeaways on our site, of which sushi seems hugely popular, particularly with our students.”
www.Just-Eat.co.uk provides a quick and convenient service supplying customers with a large directory of varied restaurants and eateries in their area, which when selected provide the user with a full, up-to-date menu including prices. The site also gives the customer an estimated delivery time, as well as beverage options.
(EDITOR: This could, of course, just prove that Welsh people were more honest when questioned for the survey!)
A UK-wide survey of 7,211 people, complemented by sales data by the UK’s leading online takeaway provider has found that the Welsh eat more takeaway food than any of the other home nation, averaging 3.3 takeaways a week per household.
The seemingly irregular results are due in part to the 17% of Welsh people who eat takeaway 3 times a week, with a further 2% of Welsh participants claiming to eat takeaway food on a daily basis.
www.Just-Eat.co.uk commissioned the study, which found that English towns and cities ate an average of 2.6 takeaways per week per average family, with Scotland coming in at third out of the four with 2.4 takeaways per week.
Irish people are less likely to order out than the other nations, with just 1.9 takeaways per week on average.
In the study, takeaways were defined as ‘food which you do not home prepare/cook, such as fish and chips, curries, Chinese dishes, pizza etc.’
Participants were asked in the same survey to give an honest reflection of their physique, and the answers correlated with the findings regarding the most takeaways consumed on average per country.
Just 29% of the 1,426 Welsh people polled believe that they are ‘slim’, with 41% answering to being ‘overweight’, and over a quarter to ‘very overweight’. The remaining 2% did not wish to answer.
Here are the answers to the question “How would you define your physique?”
1. Wales
Slim – 29%
Overweight – 41%
Very Overweight – 27%
2. England
Slim – 34%
Overweight – 39%
Very Overweight – 24%
3. Scotland
Slim – 37%
Overweight – 40%
Very Overweight – 21%
4. Northern Ireland
Slim – 41%
Overweight – 37%
Very Overweight – 19%
David Buttress CEO of Just-Eat.co.uk says,
“This survey is a mere reflection of the results, which show Wales to not only eat more takeaways on average per week, but also define themselves as more overweight than the other home nations. Being from Wales myself I was very interested to see the results.
“We encourage our users to eat responsibly, and have many healthy option takeaways on our site, of which sushi seems hugely popular, particularly with our students.”
www.Just-Eat.co.uk provides a quick and convenient service supplying customers with a large directory of varied restaurants and eateries in their area, which when selected provide the user with a full, up-to-date menu including prices. The site also gives the customer an estimated delivery time, as well as beverage options.
(EDITOR: This could, of course, just prove that Welsh people were more honest when questioned for the survey!)
Grow your own instant organic garden
Grow your own instant organic vegetable or herb garden, a perfect Christmas present for anyone aspiring to a sustainable lifestyle but daunted by the idea of growing plants from seeds. No matter how big or little space you have there is an option for everyone. Cut down on soaring food prices and food miles and enjoy a full organic and sustainable diet. The organic vegetables and herbs sold in supermarkets are often imported from abroad. Travelling thousands of miles before reaching our plate they have a hefty carbon footprint. Our range of organic gardens is the perfect answer to anyone who would like to live a more sustainable lifestyle. They will also save you money on your food bills and are great to teach kids about where food comes from.
There are 9 different gardens in By Nature's organic garden scheme. All plants are organically grown in Cornwall by Rocket Gardens without the use of chemical pesticides, fertilisers or spray. Plants are delivered straight to your door in individual biodegradable pots with instructions and information on planting. Soil Association certified, all gardens are suitable for any level of gardening experience and come in different size to accommodate different garden sizes and budgets.
Choose from 9 different gardens:
- Instant Herb Garden £36.99 -
Ideal for anyone who loves cooking with herbs. Suitable for gardens, containers or window boxes. (16 plants - two of each variety from the following list depending upon the season: Rosemary, Chives, Basil, Mint, Thyme, Sage, Oregano, Coriander, Vietnamese coriander, Bronze fennel, Dill, Tarragon, Marjoram , Thyme, Lavender, Chervil, Italian Flat leaf parsley, Curly parsley).
- Mediterranean Vegetable Garden £36.99-
Best sited within a greenhouse, conservatory, poly tunnel or warm sheltered garden. Many of the plants can be grown successfully in containers. (Aubergine x 3, Artichoke x 3, Mixed Peppers x 3, Tomatoes x 5, Basil x 3, Rocket x 20, Courgettes x 2, Yellow Courgettes x 2, Mediterranean lettuce selection x 20, Italian Borlotti Beans x 6).
- Container Garden £36.99 -
Ideal to grow in containers or grow bags. Many of the plants will also grow well in window boxes or in the garden or borders. (Tomatoes x 5, Courgettes x 2, Yellow courgettes x 2, French Green Beans x 10, Runner Beans x 5, Mixed Lettuce x 40, Mizuna x 20, Rainbow Chard x 5, Rocket x 20, Garden peas x 12, Strawberries x 6).
- Compact Herb Garden £24.99 -
Ideal for those who love cooking with organic herbs but are limited with space available for growing their own. (Rosemary, Chives, Basil, Mint, Thyme, Sage, Oregano, Parsley).
- Childrens' Garden £34.99-
If children are given the chance to grow their own food they are far more likely to eat it. Just wait until you see their faces when they pick their first courgettes and dig up potatoes. (Pumpkins x 3; Courgettes x 3; Strawberries x 3; Tumbling tomatoes x 3; Runner beans x 5; Borlotti beans x 5; Peppers x 2; Peas x 10; Carrots x 20; Mixed Lettuce x 10; Spinach x 10; Beetroot x 10; Potatoes x 10).
- Winbow Box Garden £24.99-
Ideal for those who would love to grow some of their own food but have little space or no garden available.(Dwarf French Green Beans x 3; Peppers x 2; Mixed Lettuces x 10; Rocket x 10; Mizuna x 10; Spinach x 10; Golden streak mustard x 10; Carrots x 10; Basil x 1 pot; Parsley x 1 pot; Coriander x 1 pot).
- Salad Garden £36.99 -
Suitable for gardens (aprox 6-10m2), containers, grow bags or window boxes.(Rocket x 20, Mizuna x 20, Mixture of lettuces x 40, Dwarf French Green Beans x 8, Beetroot x 10, Mixed tomato plants x 5, Rhubarb Chard x 6, Rainbow Chard x 6, Spinach x 10, Spring onions x 30, 1 pack of radish seeds).
- Large Vegetable Garden £54.99 -
Suitable for filling a vegetable patch of approximately 20m². Many of these plants can also be successfully grown in containers or grow bags. (Rocket x 20, Mixture of lettuces x 50, Dwarf French green beans x 12, Runner beans x 8, Beetroot x 10, Cauliflower x 15, Cabbage mixture x 15, Courgettes x 4, Sweet corn x 15, Tomato selection x 4, Seed potatoes x 25, Onion plants x 40, Carrots x 40, Giant Red Mustard x 10).
- Small Vegetable Garden £39.99 -
Suitable for filling a vegetable patch of approximately 10m². Many of these plants can also be successfully grown in containers or grow bags. (Rocket x 20 Mixture of lettuces x 40 , Dwarf French green beans x 12, Runner beans x 8, Beetroot x 10, Cauliflower x 6, Cabbage mixture x 6, Courgette x 3, Organic seed potatoes x 20, Carrots x 20, Giant Red Mustard x 10).
Visit www.bynature.co.uk
By Nature is more than just a shop - it's about aspiring to a certain way of life: a lifestyle that combines a desire for style and quality with care for the environment and respect for people; a lifestyle that doesn't see this as a compromise; an "ethical lifestyle." Providing a wealth of information on everyday issues such as shopping, travel, investment and reducing chemicals at home, By Nature is dedicated to help consumers make to right choices for a more sustainable world.
‘Half An Hour Day’ 14 October highlights career speaker volunteering opportunities in education UK-wide
Half an hour is all it takes to change a young life for the better. Tuesday, 14th October has been officially designated ‘Half-an-Hour Day’. This newly-established ‘awareness day’ centres on raising national awareness of the 30-minute career speaking opportunities with not-for-profit Growing Ambitions – UK-wide.
People from the workplace in all kinds of organisations and businesses, in all parts of the country, are being urged to sign up for a one-off commitment of ONE half hour of their time ONCE. This will help young people in their regions to receive wider careers information.
“I want to focus Britain’s workforce on really starting to make Corporate Social Responsibility a reality in their communities by signing up and offer to speak in a local school or college. Every half-hour session will make a significant difference to young people when they are deciding about the job they may like to do,” says Sally Davis, MD of Growing Ambitions
How to register as a volunteer
Simply follow the 3 simple steps below and then wait to be contacted by a careers adviser. Remember, signing up is once only. That’s all we ask. Then you can opt out in a few mouse clicks, and no questions asked.
1 Go to www.growingambitions.org
2 Click ‘Offer to Speak’, then click ‘Register’ and complete the form – it takes just a few minutes. Then we quickly verify your email address.
3 Next, log in at ‘Workplace login’ on the home page and on your Account screen, click ‘Offer Slot’ and tick ‘Flexible’.
That’s it. Now when a school, college or university near you wants you to speak, you will be contacted by email to fix a suitable date and time.
To opt out:
Log in to your Speaker Account at any time and ‘untick’ your boxes to opt out. This makes your account ‘invisible’. You can opt in and out as often as you like.
Make Tuesday 14th October the day you volunteer to change a young life.
See the Growing Ambitions website for more information alternatively contact Sally Davis, MD Growing Ambitions on tel. 023 9266 1600 or email sallyd@growingambitions.org
People from the workplace in all kinds of organisations and businesses, in all parts of the country, are being urged to sign up for a one-off commitment of ONE half hour of their time ONCE. This will help young people in their regions to receive wider careers information.
“I want to focus Britain’s workforce on really starting to make Corporate Social Responsibility a reality in their communities by signing up and offer to speak in a local school or college. Every half-hour session will make a significant difference to young people when they are deciding about the job they may like to do,” says Sally Davis, MD of Growing Ambitions
How to register as a volunteer
Simply follow the 3 simple steps below and then wait to be contacted by a careers adviser. Remember, signing up is once only. That’s all we ask. Then you can opt out in a few mouse clicks, and no questions asked.
1 Go to www.growingambitions.org
2 Click ‘Offer to Speak’, then click ‘Register’ and complete the form – it takes just a few minutes. Then we quickly verify your email address.
3 Next, log in at ‘Workplace login’ on the home page and on your Account screen, click ‘Offer Slot’ and tick ‘Flexible’.
That’s it. Now when a school, college or university near you wants you to speak, you will be contacted by email to fix a suitable date and time.
To opt out:
Log in to your Speaker Account at any time and ‘untick’ your boxes to opt out. This makes your account ‘invisible’. You can opt in and out as often as you like.
Make Tuesday 14th October the day you volunteer to change a young life.
See the Growing Ambitions website for more information alternatively contact Sally Davis, MD Growing Ambitions on tel. 023 9266 1600 or email sallyd@growingambitions.org
Nuts! Now Kelogg's gets chewy, too!
Kellogg’s has announced the launch of its latest new cereal, Crunchy Nut Bites. With chewy caramel fusing together the classic crunchy combination of baked cereal and chopped nuts in an easy to eat bite-size cluster, the new addition to the Crunchy Nut family will have you biting off as much as you can chew!Crunchy Nut Bites is a cereal for cereal lovers, developed with an emphasis purely on great taste and enjoyment. Bites is an ideal cereal for those that love to start everyday with a delicious breakfast that will leave you wanting more.
Each Crunchy Nut Bite combines the crunch of baked cereal and nuts with the irresistible chewiness of caramel. It’s a harmony of taste and texture particularly when enjoyed with ice cold milk.
“Crunchy Nut Bites is all about great taste.” According to Brand Manager Stephen Duggan. “It’s a cereal for true cereal lovers for whom the enjoyment factor is all that matters. Crunchy Nut fans are notorious for enjoying their cereal at all times of the day and we’re confident that Bites will fit right in with them.”
So convinced that Crunchy Nut Bites would be a hit with cereal fans, Kellogg’s invested in a completely new piece of food manufacturing equipment in order to produce the unique size and shape of the cereal.
Crunchy Nut Bites will be in stores in autumn 2008 RRP £2.59.
Calibre HR & Training warns employers over redundancy fines
Small employers struggling to meet the wages bill are facing a double jeopardy by failing to keep to the law when it comes to redundancies, says Ashford-based HR and training specialists Calibre HR & Training. And with firms typically making more than one mistake, they could be risking total fines of nearly £80,000.
While it is possible to fall foul of employment law in several areas when making redundancies, Calibre HR & Training is seeing frequent oversights in two particular respects: failing to consult with staff over redundancy proposals and not informing individuals who are being made redundant that they have a right of appeal.
“We are not in the business of scaremongering. When a small business is struggling, the management team will have enough on its plate already. But too often we are coming across employers failing from the outset to fully meet their legal obligations when it comes to redundancies. You only have to look at the Employment Tribunals to see the consequences.”
“Unfortunately, the problems can start right at the beginning of the process when redundancies are first being considered. While some process errors can be rectified further down the line, not every legal slip can be corrected when the wheels are already in motion,” says Calibre HR & Training Director Tara Lloyd.
To help SMEs avoid potentially hazardous mistakes, Calibre HR & Training has published two free factsheets. The Restructuring Factsheet and the Making Redundancies Factsheet both contain in-depth advice to help small busineses ask the right questions and do the right things, whatever the decisions that have to be made.
Tara Lloyd explains: “In my opinion, small employers are getting into difficulties because they are unaware of the finer details of the law which do not appear on many advice websites. When employers are facing difficulties they may be reluctant to pay lawyers’ fees, but it is vital to get professional help as soon as you start thinking about redundancies. As well as HR firms which can be much cheaper than solicitors while offering the same support, banks and business support organisations often offer free helplines for business customers.
FACT FILE:
About Calibre HR & Training (www.calibrehr.com)
Calibre HR & Training offers a wide range of HR and management training services with a network of associates across Kent, Sussex and Surrey. The firm’s directors are Steve Walker, Tara Lloyd and Elspeth Watt. Between them they have a wide variety of HR and training experience including for SMES, not-for-profit sector organisations and blue-chip companies.
While it is possible to fall foul of employment law in several areas when making redundancies, Calibre HR & Training is seeing frequent oversights in two particular respects: failing to consult with staff over redundancy proposals and not informing individuals who are being made redundant that they have a right of appeal.
“We are not in the business of scaremongering. When a small business is struggling, the management team will have enough on its plate already. But too often we are coming across employers failing from the outset to fully meet their legal obligations when it comes to redundancies. You only have to look at the Employment Tribunals to see the consequences.”
“Unfortunately, the problems can start right at the beginning of the process when redundancies are first being considered. While some process errors can be rectified further down the line, not every legal slip can be corrected when the wheels are already in motion,” says Calibre HR & Training Director Tara Lloyd.
To help SMEs avoid potentially hazardous mistakes, Calibre HR & Training has published two free factsheets. The Restructuring Factsheet and the Making Redundancies Factsheet both contain in-depth advice to help small busineses ask the right questions and do the right things, whatever the decisions that have to be made.
Tara Lloyd explains: “In my opinion, small employers are getting into difficulties because they are unaware of the finer details of the law which do not appear on many advice websites. When employers are facing difficulties they may be reluctant to pay lawyers’ fees, but it is vital to get professional help as soon as you start thinking about redundancies. As well as HR firms which can be much cheaper than solicitors while offering the same support, banks and business support organisations often offer free helplines for business customers.
FACT FILE:
About Calibre HR & Training (www.calibrehr.com)
Calibre HR & Training offers a wide range of HR and management training services with a network of associates across Kent, Sussex and Surrey. The firm’s directors are Steve Walker, Tara Lloyd and Elspeth Watt. Between them they have a wide variety of HR and training experience including for SMES, not-for-profit sector organisations and blue-chip companies.
Memorable gifts to celebrate baby’s first Christmas
Gift site Pamper Cakes - www.pampercakes.co.uk has created a range of memorable gifts for little people experiencing their first Christmas.
A selection of luxurious baby accessories are cleverly arranged to look like mince pies, cakes or posies of flowers to surprise and delight the recipient.
For people on a budget or those wanting a gorgeous stocking filler, the Christmas Mince Pie is a sweet little pair of white baby socks presented in two silver fairy cake cases, decorated with holly. They look just like real mince pies and come in a co-ordinating box with a handwritten message card. Sock size is 0 – 3 months. Cost is £4.95
For something a little bigger, Pamper Cakes has a red metal pot containing a posy of little baby goodies, decorated with raffia bow and holly.
The ‘posy’ includes a white bib, a white pair of socks, a white hat and a white body suit. The pot can be reused to store baby bath products, as a room decoration or pot plant holder. Sizes are suitable for 0 – 3 months. Cost is £14.95.
For a gift with real wow factor, Pamper Cakes has Christmas Nappy Cakes, available in either two or three tiers. Cleverly shaped to look like a cake, it consists of 20 Huggies nappies, one white body suit, My 1st Christmas bib, a reindeer baby hat and a pair of Christmas booties (all suitable for 0 – 3 months).
The three tier cake includes all of this plus a white hooded towel, a personalised Christmas bauble and mini chocolate santa hats. The cost of a two tier Christmas nappy cake is £24.95 while the three tier cake costs £39.95.
Finally, personalised Christmas baubles with glittery writing in red, blue or green are available to help remember their first Christmas forever. Cost is £9.95.
All products are delivered as standard within two to three days or can be delivered within 24 hours using the next day service. Final orders for Christmas must be placed by Friday 19th December.
Pamper Cakes prides itself on using the finest quality products with excellent customer service and attention to detail. For more information go to www.pampercake.co.uk or call 0845 8035529.
A selection of luxurious baby accessories are cleverly arranged to look like mince pies, cakes or posies of flowers to surprise and delight the recipient.
For people on a budget or those wanting a gorgeous stocking filler, the Christmas Mince Pie is a sweet little pair of white baby socks presented in two silver fairy cake cases, decorated with holly. They look just like real mince pies and come in a co-ordinating box with a handwritten message card. Sock size is 0 – 3 months. Cost is £4.95
For something a little bigger, Pamper Cakes has a red metal pot containing a posy of little baby goodies, decorated with raffia bow and holly.
The ‘posy’ includes a white bib, a white pair of socks, a white hat and a white body suit. The pot can be reused to store baby bath products, as a room decoration or pot plant holder. Sizes are suitable for 0 – 3 months. Cost is £14.95.
For a gift with real wow factor, Pamper Cakes has Christmas Nappy Cakes, available in either two or three tiers. Cleverly shaped to look like a cake, it consists of 20 Huggies nappies, one white body suit, My 1st Christmas bib, a reindeer baby hat and a pair of Christmas booties (all suitable for 0 – 3 months).
The three tier cake includes all of this plus a white hooded towel, a personalised Christmas bauble and mini chocolate santa hats. The cost of a two tier Christmas nappy cake is £24.95 while the three tier cake costs £39.95.
Finally, personalised Christmas baubles with glittery writing in red, blue or green are available to help remember their first Christmas forever. Cost is £9.95.
All products are delivered as standard within two to three days or can be delivered within 24 hours using the next day service. Final orders for Christmas must be placed by Friday 19th December.
Pamper Cakes prides itself on using the finest quality products with excellent customer service and attention to detail. For more information go to www.pampercake.co.uk or call 0845 8035529.
Give A Friend A Chance - Fisherman's Friend Launch New Blackcurrant Flavour
Just in time for the coughs and colds season, Fisherman’s Friend is introducing a brand new friend. Fisherman’s Friend Sugar Free Blackcurrant is the iconic sweet’s first new flavoured lozenge in the UK in five years.
Fisherman’s Friend Original lozenges are made with menthol and eucalyptus. These ingredients help to keep the nose and throat air passages clear, and now with the added flavour of popular blackcurrant, these little friends are a real taste sensation!
Fisherman’s Friend Original has a loyal international following. However, for some, it is just a bit too strong! With Blackcurrant being the most popular fruit flavour in the UK, the time is right to create a Fisherman’s Friend version so that more people can enjoy the taste as well as the benefits. As the creator of Fisherman’s Friend, James Lofthouse, said in the 1800s, ‘never be without a Friend’, especially as the colder weather draws in.
Available in outlets nationwide, Fisherman’s Friend Sugar Free Blackcurrant retails at 69p for 25g. Go on – give your new friend a chance!
Fisherman’s Friend lozenges were created in Fleetwood, Lancashire in 1865, when it was the centre of the UK fishing industry. James Lofthouse, a young pharmacist, developed a strong liquid using menthol and eucalyptus, which the fishermen took to help relieve the ailments on their long voyages in freezing conditions.
The choppy waters made taking the liquid rather tricky, so James made them into handy lozenges. It wasn’t long before the fisherman referred to the miracle lozenge as their ‘friends’, and hence the name Fisherman’s Friend was created.
Today, Fisherman’s Friend lozenges are used by tens of millions of people across the world – and not all of them are fisherman!
Did you know?
• Fisherman’s Friend produce enough lozenges in a year to go round the world 3½ times!
• The shape of Fisherman’s Friend lozenges is based on the button shape on Doreen Lofthouse’s dress!
• Fisherman’s Friend is still made in Fleetwood, as close to James’ original recipe as modern technology will allow.
Fisherman’s Friend Original lozenges are made with menthol and eucalyptus. These ingredients help to keep the nose and throat air passages clear, and now with the added flavour of popular blackcurrant, these little friends are a real taste sensation!
Fisherman’s Friend Original has a loyal international following. However, for some, it is just a bit too strong! With Blackcurrant being the most popular fruit flavour in the UK, the time is right to create a Fisherman’s Friend version so that more people can enjoy the taste as well as the benefits. As the creator of Fisherman’s Friend, James Lofthouse, said in the 1800s, ‘never be without a Friend’, especially as the colder weather draws in.
Available in outlets nationwide, Fisherman’s Friend Sugar Free Blackcurrant retails at 69p for 25g. Go on – give your new friend a chance!
Fisherman’s Friend lozenges were created in Fleetwood, Lancashire in 1865, when it was the centre of the UK fishing industry. James Lofthouse, a young pharmacist, developed a strong liquid using menthol and eucalyptus, which the fishermen took to help relieve the ailments on their long voyages in freezing conditions.
The choppy waters made taking the liquid rather tricky, so James made them into handy lozenges. It wasn’t long before the fisherman referred to the miracle lozenge as their ‘friends’, and hence the name Fisherman’s Friend was created.
Today, Fisherman’s Friend lozenges are used by tens of millions of people across the world – and not all of them are fisherman!
Did you know?
• Fisherman’s Friend produce enough lozenges in a year to go round the world 3½ times!
• The shape of Fisherman’s Friend lozenges is based on the button shape on Doreen Lofthouse’s dress!
• Fisherman’s Friend is still made in Fleetwood, as close to James’ original recipe as modern technology will allow.
Select Property announce a Swank party in town
Whilst most people are facing a long miserable winter with a nose-diving economy, it appears that the cream of London's A-listers are setting their sights to sunnier (and more profitable) climes as they flock to the biggest and most prestigious party of the year in London.
On the 25th September, Select Property and Select Group Limited will be celebrating the launch of their latest [development in Dubai http://www.selectproperty.com/invest/dubai/], named 'Aquitainia' which will be hosted by the 'million dollar baby' herself, Hilary Swank.
Two-time Oscar winner Swank, who is renowned for her astute business brain and love of Dubai, will play host at boutique hotel 'The Hempel' in Notting Hill showcasing the deluxe beachfront properties that epitomise glamour and style and are attracting fellow A-listers in droves.
This is the first time since 2006 that Miss Swank will be back in London Town, and she brings with her Grammy Award winner Kelly Rowland. Miss Rowland, a regular visitor and huge star in Dubai, will be setting the live soundtrack to the evening, whilst the guests rub shoulders and mingle with their potential new neighbours and many other guests - to be announced nearer the time.
Everyone who is anyone is expected to want a piece of this million dollar action and with names in Aquitainia like 'Cannes Beach Villas', 'Monaco Villas' and 'St Tropez Marina' these new properties are a world away from the doom and gloom of the UK's headlines.
Miss Swank will provide a press statement before entering the venue in a prior approved area outside the venue.
FACT FILE:
Since coming into operation in 2004, Select Property has become the UK's leading specialist in off-plan overseas investment property,identifying and delivering high quality projects, which offer high returns to its customers. The success of Select Property is driven by an innovative and unique approach to the overseas property market, which focuses on exceptional customer service and product innovation.
Aquitainia is a private island combining the islands of 'France' and 'Spain' on 'The World'. Located four kilometres off the Dubai coastline, at the centre of The World project, Aquitainia sits amidst the crystal blue waters of the Gulf. Offering contemporary, luxurious properties to those residents who demand the best the World has to offer, and complemented by exquisite restaurants, marinas, a spa and boutique hotel. The property takes its name from the province of 'galia aquitaine' in the middle ages, a region encompassing white sandy beaches and embracing the Atlantic Ocean to its western side and the Pyrenees to the south.
On the 25th September, Select Property and Select Group Limited will be celebrating the launch of their latest [development in Dubai http://www.selectproperty.com/invest/dubai/], named 'Aquitainia' which will be hosted by the 'million dollar baby' herself, Hilary Swank.
Two-time Oscar winner Swank, who is renowned for her astute business brain and love of Dubai, will play host at boutique hotel 'The Hempel' in Notting Hill showcasing the deluxe beachfront properties that epitomise glamour and style and are attracting fellow A-listers in droves.
This is the first time since 2006 that Miss Swank will be back in London Town, and she brings with her Grammy Award winner Kelly Rowland. Miss Rowland, a regular visitor and huge star in Dubai, will be setting the live soundtrack to the evening, whilst the guests rub shoulders and mingle with their potential new neighbours and many other guests - to be announced nearer the time.
Everyone who is anyone is expected to want a piece of this million dollar action and with names in Aquitainia like 'Cannes Beach Villas', 'Monaco Villas' and 'St Tropez Marina' these new properties are a world away from the doom and gloom of the UK's headlines.
Miss Swank will provide a press statement before entering the venue in a prior approved area outside the venue.
FACT FILE:
Since coming into operation in 2004, Select Property has become the UK's leading specialist in off-plan overseas investment property,identifying and delivering high quality projects, which offer high returns to its customers. The success of Select Property is driven by an innovative and unique approach to the overseas property market, which focuses on exceptional customer service and product innovation.
Aquitainia is a private island combining the islands of 'France' and 'Spain' on 'The World'. Located four kilometres off the Dubai coastline, at the centre of The World project, Aquitainia sits amidst the crystal blue waters of the Gulf. Offering contemporary, luxurious properties to those residents who demand the best the World has to offer, and complemented by exquisite restaurants, marinas, a spa and boutique hotel. The property takes its name from the province of 'galia aquitaine' in the middle ages, a region encompassing white sandy beaches and embracing the Atlantic Ocean to its western side and the Pyrenees to the south.
Lost in London? Stuck in Singapore? Carrentals.co.uk launches Sat Nav Hire Service for Travellers
Getting lost in a hire car may become a thing of the past - leading car hire comparator Carrentals.co.uk has launched a new Sat Nav service, enabling customers to hire Satellite Navigation systems from £27.08 per week.
The latest edition to the holiday extras provided by Carrentals.co.uk, the Sat Navs are ordered online and delivered to a UK address ready to be taken to destinations ranging from the UK to Singapore, South Africa and the USA.
Last minute travel plans can also be catered for with delivery of the Sat Nav by 1pm the next day* for any bookings made before 4pm Monday – Friday. The Sat Nav systems are available for a total of 38 destinations worldwide.
Managing director of Carrentals.co.uk, Gareth Robinson says: “We are constantly looking for new ways to improve the service offered to our customers and Satellite Navigation systems are proving increasingly popular with travellers, both in the UK and overseas. We have now teamed up with Zintech to allow customers to organise Sat Nav as well as car hire on our site, making it easier to book everything in one place.”
Carrentals.co.uk compares prices from up to 50 car hire companies on the site, including Holiday Autos, Budget, Thrifty, EasyCar and their own Carrentals.co.uk prices, with over 9,000 locations around the world available. Visitors to the site can search and compare the best deals on car rental, before transferring to the supplier’s site to make their booking.
For more information visit www.carrentals.co.uk
The latest edition to the holiday extras provided by Carrentals.co.uk, the Sat Navs are ordered online and delivered to a UK address ready to be taken to destinations ranging from the UK to Singapore, South Africa and the USA.
Last minute travel plans can also be catered for with delivery of the Sat Nav by 1pm the next day* for any bookings made before 4pm Monday – Friday. The Sat Nav systems are available for a total of 38 destinations worldwide.
Managing director of Carrentals.co.uk, Gareth Robinson says: “We are constantly looking for new ways to improve the service offered to our customers and Satellite Navigation systems are proving increasingly popular with travellers, both in the UK and overseas. We have now teamed up with Zintech to allow customers to organise Sat Nav as well as car hire on our site, making it easier to book everything in one place.”
Carrentals.co.uk compares prices from up to 50 car hire companies on the site, including Holiday Autos, Budget, Thrifty, EasyCar and their own Carrentals.co.uk prices, with over 9,000 locations around the world available. Visitors to the site can search and compare the best deals on car rental, before transferring to the supplier’s site to make their booking.
For more information visit www.carrentals.co.uk
Employment law specialists Martin Searle Solicitors and Acas deliver first LEADER training event
The LEADER Group Brighton & Hove is hosting its first interactive training workshop on Equality and Diversity – Understanding the Legal Requirements on Friday, October 17th, 2008 (10.00am – 2.00pm). The training will be delivered by Fiona Martin, an employment law solicitor from Martin Searle Solicitors, and Acas.
To be held in the Palm Court on Brighton Pier, the employment law training event is designed to help employers, HR professionals and managers understand and promote good equality and diversity practice. Topics to be covered include: the business case for promoting equality and diversity; definitions of equality and diversity; relevant employment law and workplace discrimination.
Fiona Martin, director of Martin Searle Solicitors, explains: “This is a great opportunity for HR professionals, managers and business owners to get a proper insight into the issues surrounding equality and diversity in the workplace and to find out how to benefit from effective policies.”
The workshop costs £15 including a fish and chip lunch. To book or for more details contact Martin Searle Solicitors on 01273 609911 or email kat@ms-solicitors.co.uk.
To be held in the Palm Court on Brighton Pier, the employment law training event is designed to help employers, HR professionals and managers understand and promote good equality and diversity practice. Topics to be covered include: the business case for promoting equality and diversity; definitions of equality and diversity; relevant employment law and workplace discrimination.
Fiona Martin, director of Martin Searle Solicitors, explains: “This is a great opportunity for HR professionals, managers and business owners to get a proper insight into the issues surrounding equality and diversity in the workplace and to find out how to benefit from effective policies.”
The workshop costs £15 including a fish and chip lunch. To book or for more details contact Martin Searle Solicitors on 01273 609911 or email kat@ms-solicitors.co.uk.
Forth coastguard co-ordinate search for divers
Forth Coastguard are currently co-ordinating a search for two divers who were reported missing at just after 1.00 pm today.
The divers were reported to be missing by a local lifeboat officer around 300 metres from the entrance to St Abbs harbour. The weather conditions are benign with 10 knot winds from the north east.
Currently Coastguard rescue Teams from St Abbs and Eyemouth are searching the shoreline whilst an RAF rescue helicopter, R 131, from Boulmer was scrambled to the scene to search from above, whilst one inshore RNLI lifeboats and two all weather lifeboat are searching a comprehensive search area around the dive site.
The local Police have also been informed and are making enquiries as to the identities of the two missing male divers.
The Coastguard have no indication as yet of a dive club being involved with these two divers. The area is well known for its shoreline diving and rock formations and caves beneath the surface.
Fishing vessel capsizes in Studland Bay
Two people had a lucky escape when their small fishing boat capsized and sank in Studland Bay on Saturday morning and they were picked up by another vessel.
Portland Coastguard was contacted on VHF radio at 10.30am by a boat called Mellow Yellow reporting that they had just witnessed a boat capsize and people were in the water. Portland Coastguard scrambled the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 106 and RNLI inshore and all weather lifeboats attended the scene from Swanage.
The lifeboat crew confirmed that the crew of Mellow Yellow had safely recovered both the people from the water and the lifeboat then took them back to Swanage.
The sunken vessel is a Poole registered small fishing boat called Bobby B. The Bobby B was at anchor fishing for Bass at the time of the capsizing. Sea conditions were calm with light winds and light swell. Life jackets were reported to be on board the boat but were not worn.
Portland Coastguard said: This incident is a reminder that the unexpected can happen at any time at sea, even in calm and apparently benign conditions so please remember to always wear a lifejacket."
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Another jar of baby food, anyone?
Cabbage Soup, Blood Group, Grapefruit, F-Plan, South Beach… If you thought you'd seen the last of fad diets, think again. There's a new bunch of star-studded diet plans in town, including the Hollywood Cookie Diet (followed by the likes of Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson), the Maple Syrup Diet (Beyonce Knowles, Lindsay Lohan), the Caveman Diet (Liz Hurley and Rebecca Loos) and – believe it or not – the Baby Food Diet, which has allegedly helped Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon to stay in shape by eating pureed baby food in baby-sized portions.
Dieticians and nutritionists are quick to jump on the deficiencies such diets might cause, so why, oh why, does anyone follow fad diets any more?
"Most diets work to one extent or another," says Dr Peter Rowan, consultant psychiatrist at Cygnet Hospital Ealing's Eating Disorders Unit. "The difficulty is in sticking to them.
"So there is a tendency to want to try a new diet because the last one may have already failed on at least one occasion. It is much more comfortable to consider that the diet was wrong for us rather than that we just gave up on it. As a result there may always be a market for new diets, irrespective of whether or not they work or whether they are more or less healthy.'
But what about the latest fad diets – are they any better or worse than those that went before them?
"Many of these sorts of diet have the problem that they are likely to make the dieter hungry," explains Dr Rowan. "This is a problem with all diets to some extent ,but much worse if there is marked carbohydrate restriction. Some diets that use liquid feeds as alternatives to solid foods, like the Baby Food Diet, for instance, may also make you hungry thanks to the lack of bulk.
"On the other hand, some diets are clearly rather silly, like the Hollywood Cookie Diet – but in fairness, this was designed for quite a different purpose, that is, to diagnose patients with thyroid problems. So perhaps, when used correctly, it does work."
According to Dr Rowan, there is no magic method for losing weight Hollywood-endorsed or otherwise. In fact, compared to the razzle-dazzle of celebrity diets, real-life weight loss sounds positively boring.
2Most people would be more likely succeed if they stuck to a diet that promotes a fairly slow weight loss – a diet that's quite high in fruit, vegetables and carbohydrate and a bit low in fat," he says.
"Plus losing weight over a longer period of time also makes it easier for people to adjust to weight maintenance."
Do you need help?
Many critics of fad diets – especially very low calorie eating plans or diets that severely restrict certain types of food groups – claim they may promote eating problems in some people. If you are worried about developing problems with food or attitudes towards weight, you may need professional help.
The Eating Disorders Unit at Cygnet Hospital Ealing offers outpatient and inpatient treatment for a full range of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia for all patients aged 16 and over with a diagnosis of eating disorders.
The Cygnet Ealing's EDU offers one of the largest and most experienced multi-disciplinary team of staff, including specialist consultant psychiatrists and medical team, experienced consistent nursing team, psychodynamic family, occupational, art and complementary therapists, dieticians and psychologists.
New patients are seen within 24 hours of the initial contact, some even at weekends. Treatment packages include full medical monitoring and therapeutic group sessions alongside individual work as well as family therapy. Patients also receive help with body image and achieving a normal approach to food, including planning, shopping, preparation and eating meals.
For more information about Cygnet Health Care log onto www.cygnethealth.co.uk
Dieticians and nutritionists are quick to jump on the deficiencies such diets might cause, so why, oh why, does anyone follow fad diets any more?
"Most diets work to one extent or another," says Dr Peter Rowan, consultant psychiatrist at Cygnet Hospital Ealing's Eating Disorders Unit. "The difficulty is in sticking to them.
"So there is a tendency to want to try a new diet because the last one may have already failed on at least one occasion. It is much more comfortable to consider that the diet was wrong for us rather than that we just gave up on it. As a result there may always be a market for new diets, irrespective of whether or not they work or whether they are more or less healthy.'
But what about the latest fad diets – are they any better or worse than those that went before them?
"Many of these sorts of diet have the problem that they are likely to make the dieter hungry," explains Dr Rowan. "This is a problem with all diets to some extent ,but much worse if there is marked carbohydrate restriction. Some diets that use liquid feeds as alternatives to solid foods, like the Baby Food Diet, for instance, may also make you hungry thanks to the lack of bulk.
"On the other hand, some diets are clearly rather silly, like the Hollywood Cookie Diet – but in fairness, this was designed for quite a different purpose, that is, to diagnose patients with thyroid problems. So perhaps, when used correctly, it does work."
According to Dr Rowan, there is no magic method for losing weight Hollywood-endorsed or otherwise. In fact, compared to the razzle-dazzle of celebrity diets, real-life weight loss sounds positively boring.
2Most people would be more likely succeed if they stuck to a diet that promotes a fairly slow weight loss – a diet that's quite high in fruit, vegetables and carbohydrate and a bit low in fat," he says.
"Plus losing weight over a longer period of time also makes it easier for people to adjust to weight maintenance."
Do you need help?
Many critics of fad diets – especially very low calorie eating plans or diets that severely restrict certain types of food groups – claim they may promote eating problems in some people. If you are worried about developing problems with food or attitudes towards weight, you may need professional help.
The Eating Disorders Unit at Cygnet Hospital Ealing offers outpatient and inpatient treatment for a full range of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia for all patients aged 16 and over with a diagnosis of eating disorders.
The Cygnet Ealing's EDU offers one of the largest and most experienced multi-disciplinary team of staff, including specialist consultant psychiatrists and medical team, experienced consistent nursing team, psychodynamic family, occupational, art and complementary therapists, dieticians and psychologists.
New patients are seen within 24 hours of the initial contact, some even at weekends. Treatment packages include full medical monitoring and therapeutic group sessions alongside individual work as well as family therapy. Patients also receive help with body image and achieving a normal approach to food, including planning, shopping, preparation and eating meals.
For more information about Cygnet Health Care log onto www.cygnethealth.co.uk
The Elemis Spa Candle Collection 2008
Elemis brings you a glittering array of limited edition gifts, each including Elemis award-winning hero products. Gifts range from £25 – £195 with up to a 59% saving on some collections, making them the ideal stocking filler!Each gift has been carefully selected to include all of the global favourites combined with exceptional quality and value ensuring that this season will be a ‘star studded’ one.
The Elemis Spa Candle Collection 2008
Indulge your senses with Elemis’ new candle collection. Perfect for recreating a soothing spa ambiance in your home.
Travel-spa candle trio
Take your spa experience away with you on your travels. This perfect candle trio has a fragrance to suit any mood to uplift the spirit and relax the mind.
mini vitality-spa candle Mandarin, Bergamot, Vanilla
mini purity-spa candle Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Cedarwood
mini spa candle Cinnamon, Orange, Vanilla
Burn time: 15 hours £35
The spa candle
Treat your senses to the beautiful, rich, warm and evocative aromas of Cinnamon, Orange and Vanilla.
Burn time: 130 hours £40
Home-spa candles
calm-spa candle
Rose, Lemon, Jasmine
Relax and unwind with the help of this soothing and sensual candle, created specially to fill your home with the delicate aroma and soothing ambience of Rose, Lemon and Jasmine.
Burn time: 60 hours £25
Vitality-spa candle
Mandarin, Bergamot, Vanilla
With hints of zesty Mandarin and uplifting Bergamot, this deliciously aromatic candle helps to enhance your mood, energise your environment and create a sense of vitality.
Burn time: 60 hours £25
Purity-spa candle
Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Cedarwood
Awaken the senses with this powerful infusion of Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Cedarwood. The perfect candle to clear the mind, purify the air and refresh the senses.
Burn time: 60 hours £25
For stockists, mail order & enquiries call the Elemis Customer Care Centre on T: +44 (0)1278 727830
Wake-Up To Shared Equity
Swathes of people are missing out by not taking advantage of shared equity schemes, claims the house builder, Bellway East Midlands.
Even prior to the latest announcements (2 September) the Government recently extended its affordable homes initiative to all first-time buyers; previously only those working for the public sector could apply. Many people are unaware of this change in the rules and so are missing out on having a home of their own.
Ben Smith, Bellway sales director, said: “Shared equity schemes are open to all first-time buyers with a household income of less than £60,000 and limited savings. Because of this lack of awareness, first-time buyers struggling to source an affordable mortgage are missing the opportunity to buy new low-cost shared equity homes.”
The most popular Government scheme is MyChoiceHomebuy. This allows you to raise a 50 percent mortgage with any high street bank or building society; on top of your mortgage you will receive a Government equity loan for up to 50% of the purchase price. Any savings or contribution from family or friends above £10,000 can be used to top up your purchase price without affecting the Government equity loan. There is a low monthly charge for the Government equity loan of 1.75% which will increase by RPI plus 1% annually. Owners can increase their share of the property thereby reducing the Government loan.
MyChoiceHomeBuy is available on selected properties at developments throughout the region.
Stamp Duty
As part of the latest package of measures to help home-buyers, a Stamp Duty holiday is to be instigated for a year on properties costing less than £175,000 from this week (3 September). The level at which the 1% purchase tax has to be paid is to be increased from £125,000 giving residential buyers purchasing, for example, a £175,000 property a saving of £1,750.
Bellway has properties under this price threshold at most of its East Midlands developments, including Elements in Long Eaton and Sage in Loughborough, where there are a number of one and two bedroom apartments available. Earlswood in Mansfield Woodhouse also has a number of two, three and four bedroom homes remaining priced from £107,950 to £159,950.
Bellway East Midlands offers a range of housetypes at a number of developments across the region. From two bedroom apartments that are perfect for young professionals and couples, to larger four, five and six bedroom properties that are great for families.
Even prior to the latest announcements (2 September) the Government recently extended its affordable homes initiative to all first-time buyers; previously only those working for the public sector could apply. Many people are unaware of this change in the rules and so are missing out on having a home of their own.
Ben Smith, Bellway sales director, said: “Shared equity schemes are open to all first-time buyers with a household income of less than £60,000 and limited savings. Because of this lack of awareness, first-time buyers struggling to source an affordable mortgage are missing the opportunity to buy new low-cost shared equity homes.”
The most popular Government scheme is MyChoiceHomebuy. This allows you to raise a 50 percent mortgage with any high street bank or building society; on top of your mortgage you will receive a Government equity loan for up to 50% of the purchase price. Any savings or contribution from family or friends above £10,000 can be used to top up your purchase price without affecting the Government equity loan. There is a low monthly charge for the Government equity loan of 1.75% which will increase by RPI plus 1% annually. Owners can increase their share of the property thereby reducing the Government loan.
MyChoiceHomeBuy is available on selected properties at developments throughout the region.
Stamp Duty
As part of the latest package of measures to help home-buyers, a Stamp Duty holiday is to be instigated for a year on properties costing less than £175,000 from this week (3 September). The level at which the 1% purchase tax has to be paid is to be increased from £125,000 giving residential buyers purchasing, for example, a £175,000 property a saving of £1,750.
Bellway has properties under this price threshold at most of its East Midlands developments, including Elements in Long Eaton and Sage in Loughborough, where there are a number of one and two bedroom apartments available. Earlswood in Mansfield Woodhouse also has a number of two, three and four bedroom homes remaining priced from £107,950 to £159,950.
Bellway East Midlands offers a range of housetypes at a number of developments across the region. From two bedroom apartments that are perfect for young professionals and couples, to larger four, five and six bedroom properties that are great for families.
Homebuyers who would like more information on new-build Bellway homes and developments available, should contact the sales hotline on 0116 282 0408 or visit www.bellway.co.uk.
Central England Faces Growing Housing Shortfall
Development of new homes in the Midlands has reached a standstill – and, according to Knight Frank’s latest Central England residential development review, with severe implications for the long-term economic and social health of the area.
The government itself estimates that housebuilding in the region this year will fall 10,000 short of its target of 41,061 homes. The report suggests that this prediction is overly optimistic, as housing starts for the first quarter of the year were around 60 per cent below the required level.
This will add substantially to the massive shortfall of accommodation that has already built up in a region where household numbers are set to increase by 42,000 on average each year for the next decade and a half.
Liam Bailey, head of residential research at Knight Frank, said: “Although average prices in the Midlands have fallen by 5% since last Autumn, the current crisis in development means that affordability is likely to become even more of a problem in the longer term.
“The longer developers cut back on output, the more grave the situation will become, and not just in terms of sheer numbers. The capacity of the housebuilding industry will be severely damaged, and it will take a long time recruit and train the number of skilled employees needed to produce the homes that the country desperately needs.
“This may not seem a pressing issue with house prices now falling back rapidly. However, when the housing and mortgage markets return to vigour, the shortage will become a real barrier for anyone trying to get on the housing ladder, and will result in yet another spike in prices.”
Lack of family homes
The Knight Frank report also points out that the urban centres of the Midlands have seen a development boom over recent years, creating a large number of city centre flats.
The focus on flats has resulted in the consequence of a severe lack of good quality houses that are suitable for families, which means that values for these types of homes will increase markedly once the market bottoms out.
Bailey added: “Well-situated, large houses are likely to outperform the average when confidence returns.”
In order to compete, the city centres are now faced with the challenge of providing environments that are just as attractive to families as the suburbs, but the slowdown in the market could pose a real threat to a number of the regeneration schemes planned for the urban areas.
Reasons for optimism
Some areas will fare better than others. Birmingham will benefit from the number of committed infrastructure projects taking place in the city – as highlighted by an interview in the report with Clive Dutton, director of planning and regeneration at the city council.
Milton Keynes, on the other hand, is unlikely to see a major shortfall in development as a result of its status as an official growth area and support from national regeneration agency English Partnerships.
Both cities have a young population and are forecast for strong economic growth.
More generally, land values are beginning to fall across the region, which could stimulate developers to increase their activity. However, as Knight Frank expects prices to fall until the end of next year – by 20% from a peak in Autumn 2007 – this is a long-term process, and shortage is likely to be the watchword in Central England for the foreseeable future.
The government itself estimates that housebuilding in the region this year will fall 10,000 short of its target of 41,061 homes. The report suggests that this prediction is overly optimistic, as housing starts for the first quarter of the year were around 60 per cent below the required level.
This will add substantially to the massive shortfall of accommodation that has already built up in a region where household numbers are set to increase by 42,000 on average each year for the next decade and a half.
Liam Bailey, head of residential research at Knight Frank, said: “Although average prices in the Midlands have fallen by 5% since last Autumn, the current crisis in development means that affordability is likely to become even more of a problem in the longer term.
“The longer developers cut back on output, the more grave the situation will become, and not just in terms of sheer numbers. The capacity of the housebuilding industry will be severely damaged, and it will take a long time recruit and train the number of skilled employees needed to produce the homes that the country desperately needs.
“This may not seem a pressing issue with house prices now falling back rapidly. However, when the housing and mortgage markets return to vigour, the shortage will become a real barrier for anyone trying to get on the housing ladder, and will result in yet another spike in prices.”
Lack of family homes
The Knight Frank report also points out that the urban centres of the Midlands have seen a development boom over recent years, creating a large number of city centre flats.
The focus on flats has resulted in the consequence of a severe lack of good quality houses that are suitable for families, which means that values for these types of homes will increase markedly once the market bottoms out.
Bailey added: “Well-situated, large houses are likely to outperform the average when confidence returns.”
In order to compete, the city centres are now faced with the challenge of providing environments that are just as attractive to families as the suburbs, but the slowdown in the market could pose a real threat to a number of the regeneration schemes planned for the urban areas.
Reasons for optimism
Some areas will fare better than others. Birmingham will benefit from the number of committed infrastructure projects taking place in the city – as highlighted by an interview in the report with Clive Dutton, director of planning and regeneration at the city council.
Milton Keynes, on the other hand, is unlikely to see a major shortfall in development as a result of its status as an official growth area and support from national regeneration agency English Partnerships.
Both cities have a young population and are forecast for strong economic growth.
More generally, land values are beginning to fall across the region, which could stimulate developers to increase their activity. However, as Knight Frank expects prices to fall until the end of next year – by 20% from a peak in Autumn 2007 – this is a long-term process, and shortage is likely to be the watchword in Central England for the foreseeable future.
Desso To Sponsor Interior Design Award Category At Prestigious Emirates Glass LEAF Architectural Awards 2008
Interior flooring specialist Desso to sponsor Interior Design Award category at prestigious Emirates Glass LEAF Awards 2008.
Desso, a leading European manufacturer of carpet and carpet tiles, is supporting the Emirates Glass LEAF Awards 2008 by sponsoring the Interior Design category of the Awards which will be presented at a spectacular dinner at the Dorchester Hotel, London on 23 October.
Now in their fifth year, the Emirates Glass LEAF Awards have rapidly become one of the most prestigious global architectural prizes, recognising excellence in the international architectural, design and build fields.
Desso has been manufacturing and marketing broadloom carpet and carpet tiles for commercial and residential use, as well as artificial turf for sports applications, for almost 80 years. During this time Desso has earned a fine reputation as a reliable partner and creative designer.
Today, Desso has two factories located in the Netherlands and specialist customer service centres throughout Europe, as well as in America, Asia, South Africa, the Middle East and Australia and has supplied flooring to the likes of Shell, BNP Paribas, Ernst & Young, KPMG and Siemens.
Desso has recently opened a new London showroom facility at 23-25 Great Sutton Street, Clerkenwell and as part of a forward thinking sustainability policy have committed to the Cradle 2 Cradle concept under the stewardship of Professor Dr Michael Braungart and EPEA
(Environmental Protection and Encouragement Agency).
Open to all companies, technologies and indivdiuals the world over, who have made an outstanding contribution to the world of architecture and design, the Emirates Glass LEAF Awards 2008 continue to set the benchmark for the buildings of today and tomorrow. Among previous winners have been ARB Bank, Saudi Arabia; America's Cup Foredeck Building, Valencia, Spain; The Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Canada; Qantas First Lounge, Sydney; Kensington Oval, Barbados; Young Vic Theatre, London; Watercube National Swimming Centre, Beijing; China, and The Green Building, Manchester.
David Smith, Sales & Marketing Director UK/ROI commented: " Desso are proud to sponsor such a prestigious international event that celebrates the world\'s finest architecture and building design."
Simona Kastly, Emirates Glass LEAF Project Manager commented; "The awards recognise the strategic importance, impact and, above all, the innovation and practical developments that both challenge and change the way we consider and evaluate the buildings of tomorrow. We are very
pleased to welcome Desso, a leading innovator in the interior design field, as a sponsor of this important award."
For further details on the awards or to book a table please visit; www.leaf-awards.com or e-mail;
simonakastly@spgmedia.com.
For further details on the awards or to book a table please visit; www.leaf-awards.com or e-mail;
simonakastly@spgmedia.com.
FACT FILE:
Desso is a provider of quality flooring solutions that allow architects,
designers and end users to encorporate innovative carpets and carpet
tiles into their design concepts. For further information please visit
www.desso.com.
The Emirates Glass LEAF Awards
The Emirates Glass LEAF Awards 2008 have eight categories covering
aspects of building design.
BEST STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF THE YEAR sponsored by Marazzi Group Spa
BEST SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT sponsored by German Timber Promotion
Fund
COMMERCIAL BUILDING OF THE YEAR sponsored by Bauporte Design
Entrances
INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE YEAR sponsored by Desso
MIXED USE BUILDING OF THE YEAR
NEW INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING OF THE YEAR
YOUNG ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR
PLUS
THE GRAND PRIX WINNER
For further information on the awards please visit;
http://www.designbuild-network.com/awards
Desso, a leading European manufacturer of carpet and carpet tiles, is supporting the Emirates Glass LEAF Awards 2008 by sponsoring the Interior Design category of the Awards which will be presented at a spectacular dinner at the Dorchester Hotel, London on 23 October.
Now in their fifth year, the Emirates Glass LEAF Awards have rapidly become one of the most prestigious global architectural prizes, recognising excellence in the international architectural, design and build fields.
Desso has been manufacturing and marketing broadloom carpet and carpet tiles for commercial and residential use, as well as artificial turf for sports applications, for almost 80 years. During this time Desso has earned a fine reputation as a reliable partner and creative designer.
Today, Desso has two factories located in the Netherlands and specialist customer service centres throughout Europe, as well as in America, Asia, South Africa, the Middle East and Australia and has supplied flooring to the likes of Shell, BNP Paribas, Ernst & Young, KPMG and Siemens.
Desso has recently opened a new London showroom facility at 23-25 Great Sutton Street, Clerkenwell and as part of a forward thinking sustainability policy have committed to the Cradle 2 Cradle concept under the stewardship of Professor Dr Michael Braungart and EPEA
(Environmental Protection and Encouragement Agency).
Open to all companies, technologies and indivdiuals the world over, who have made an outstanding contribution to the world of architecture and design, the Emirates Glass LEAF Awards 2008 continue to set the benchmark for the buildings of today and tomorrow. Among previous winners have been ARB Bank, Saudi Arabia; America's Cup Foredeck Building, Valencia, Spain; The Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Canada; Qantas First Lounge, Sydney; Kensington Oval, Barbados; Young Vic Theatre, London; Watercube National Swimming Centre, Beijing; China, and The Green Building, Manchester.
David Smith, Sales & Marketing Director UK/ROI commented: " Desso are proud to sponsor such a prestigious international event that celebrates the world\'s finest architecture and building design."
Simona Kastly, Emirates Glass LEAF Project Manager commented; "The awards recognise the strategic importance, impact and, above all, the innovation and practical developments that both challenge and change the way we consider and evaluate the buildings of tomorrow. We are very
pleased to welcome Desso, a leading innovator in the interior design field, as a sponsor of this important award."
For further details on the awards or to book a table please visit; www.leaf-awards.com or e-mail;
simonakastly@spgmedia.com.
For further details on the awards or to book a table please visit; www.leaf-awards.com or e-mail;
simonakastly@spgmedia.com.
FACT FILE:
Desso is a provider of quality flooring solutions that allow architects,
designers and end users to encorporate innovative carpets and carpet
tiles into their design concepts. For further information please visit
www.desso.com.
The Emirates Glass LEAF Awards
The Emirates Glass LEAF Awards 2008 have eight categories covering
aspects of building design.
BEST STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF THE YEAR sponsored by Marazzi Group Spa
BEST SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT sponsored by German Timber Promotion
Fund
COMMERCIAL BUILDING OF THE YEAR sponsored by Bauporte Design
Entrances
INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE YEAR sponsored by Desso
MIXED USE BUILDING OF THE YEAR
NEW INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING OF THE YEAR
YOUNG ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR
PLUS
THE GRAND PRIX WINNER
For further information on the awards please visit;
http://www.designbuild-network.com/awards
Quintessa Pre Decorex Preview
Quintessa’s ‘Ready to Go’ art range is still among the finest available. But, as Quintessa’s bespoke ranges have increased in importance, ‘Ready to Go’ is now only a fraction of Quintessa’s work within the Interior Design world.
Our bespoke work is the product of our highly skilled in-house designers and artists. Our London-based team has a unique experience in creating solutions for designers starting from zero.
With everything manufactured in-house, we can respond very quickly to designer’s urgent requirements. A large part of our work this year has been customised to the individual needs of our clients and interior designers.
Our passion for excellence is our hallmark,and our quality control is exceptional.
DECOREX
Private Preview
This year we have decided to give our valued clients a preview of some of the new series we are introducing at Decorex. Click on :
http://www.quintessa-art.com/cgi-bin/show/show.pl?decorex2008
Everything on our stand this year, is new and, as always, unique to Quintessa. Designed and manufactured all in-house.
I greatly look forward to welcoming you onto our stand, K331, and showing you our 2008 Collection.
Vardit Lunzer
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Conlons Opticians, Ranlegh Street, Liverpool
Conlons. Were the difference they make, countsThere are some opticians that provide a nice ambiance, but offer a less-than-perfect service. Or provide a reasonably good service, in poor surroundings. On the other hand, Conlons provide both a perfect setting and a perfect service.
My wife needed some new glasses. She had been rather badly let down by her previous optician (a somewhat self-important nationwide chain, which shall remain nameless!) and so it was that we found ourselves in Ranlegh Street, at the heart of Liverpool's bustling and vibrant city centre, outside Conlons Liverpool branch.
The first impression of an opticians is important. Conlons first impressions are of a friendly and professional workforce who operate in premises that are obviously designed to provide the best possible service to their customers. The waiting area has comfortable sofas and a high quality flatscreen TV (a boon to male visitors on the day in question: Liverpool beat Manchester United 2-1 at home!) daily newspapers and sweets for children and also for adults who care to indulge, too!
Upstairs boasts a separate waiting area for contact lens wearers, which is equally well-appointed, with another television set.
The whole examination process proved to be -for want of a better expression, something of an eye-opener! “I have never had an eye test that was so comprehensive!” enthused my wife, afterwards. “And the pre-examination check was the best I have ever received,” she pointed out to me. “They asked me questions about my eyes that just don't seem to have occurred to other opticians I have been to.”
There is one thing that does concern me about most eye tests. The fact that even with some so-called high end opticians, much of the results of the eye test rely, ultimately, on guesswork by either the patient or the optician. For example: “Which is best? Position one or position two?” As they twirl a lens before your eye, as you try hard to keep your head in an unnatural position, pressed up against a heavy and cold machine, as you try to focus your eye. And please don't get me started on the: “Which circles look sharper? Those on the red or the green background?” question. My answer during eye tests is often: “As I am colour-blind with a red-green deficiency, how would I know?”
This kind of guesswork just did not happen during my wife's eye test at Conlons in Liverpool. For the eye tests are undertaken using the very latest laser technology which shows the optician exactly how your eye is focusing. No need for guessing, or for: “No, hang on... I just can't tell!” any longer.
And the equipment takes a photograph of the back of each eye to further enable the optician to determine what -if anything- is wrong with the patient's eyes. Including identifying some potentially problematic medical conditions that are not related to vision. (A discrete and caring approach was made to my wife, who was able to confirm that she was aware that there was a potential health issue.)
Whilst my wife was having her eyes tested, I sat in the comfortable waiting area and was able to observe that every person who visited the branch (there was a steady stream of clients) was treated in the same compassionate, friendly and professional manner. One person left grinning when it turned out that what they had come to buy was on two for one offer! There were posters in the waiting area offering special deals on glasses and for contact lens wearers, which is always good to know.
For the fashion aware amongst you, you'll be pleased to know that Conlons stock a wide range of designer frames from Kio Yamoto, Nike, Gucci, Hackett, Chanel and many more designers from the exclusive world of top level designer frames.
I chatted with branch manager and qualified dispensing optician Simon Moores. He had been with Conlons for 27 years, and had qualified in 1986, 22 years ago. It was obvious from his ebullient manner that he was very happy to be working for Conlons. It was clear his entire staff shared his enthusiasm for being a part of the Conlon family. And it is still very much a family concern, being founded in Liverpool in 1882 by Bernard Conlon. And his descendants are still very much at the helm, today.
Upstairs, Simon was proud to show us the optical laboratory and the up-to-date equipment tended by skilled staff. Not only does the examination use the latest technology, the optical laboratory uses the latest lens cutting and polishing equipment. Though for specialist jobs, the optical laboratory staff can still employ hand finishing techniques of lens grinding and polishing.
We both watched, fascinated, as the very large lens blanks were each cut down to size and polished and trimmed to the exact fit of the frames my wife had chosen. Conlons can generally have a pair of spectacles ready within the hour.
There are branches of Conlons all over the North West, in North Wales, Cheshire, Leeds, the North East and in Dumfries, Scotland.
To find out more about Conlons visit their website at www.conlons.co.uk or call the freephone number 0800 402020. To book an appointment at the Ranlegh Street branch call 0151 709 4668.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Recruitment Service and Jobs for Nurses in Devon and Cornwall with Nursing Agency Ambition 24hours
Ambition 24hours is now recruiting nurses in Devon and Cornwall. The UK nursing agency has 14 branches nationwide and is particularly keen to recruit qualified staff who may have retired or left nursing due to family commitments, for example, and seek part-time jobs and work.
"There is a shortage of skilled nurses in Devon and Cornwall and we are very keen to make it as easy as possible for nurses to return to work and find out about the nursing jobs and career opportunities that are available to them," says Penny Streeter OBE, founder and managing director of Ambition 24hours.
Penny Streeter was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in the 2006 New Years Honours for 'services to enterprise' and won the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003.
Ambition 24hours supplies medical support staff to public and private sector healthcare providers, offering both temporary and permanent jobs for nurses, care workers – as well as locum doctors and other personnel.
One of the first UK nursing agencies to offer a 24-7, 365-day service when it opened in 1996, Ambition 24hours has invested in advanced training and IT systems to meet consistently both the needs of nurses and healthcare employers. The agency is able to match requirements by job location, required candidate qualifications and work experience, at very short notice.
Ambition 24hours organises a range of training courses through its nationwide academy to enable nurses and care assistants to develop skills and achieve further qualifications for the care of the sick, the elderly and other vulnerable people. Courses include: Domiciliary Induction, Medication Training, Observation and Hospital Skills, Moving & Handling, C.P.R., Care Course, Child/ Adult Protection, M.V.A, Health & Safety, Food & Hygiene, Paediatric C.P.R.
There is also a nationwide service for home care. The agency can provide a care assistant or qualified nurse who will visit and provide the experienced home care or nursing that people need at home - at any time of the day or night, for as many hours as required, with a minimum of four hours for each visit.
Types of care include:-
Oncology Home Care
Learning Disabilities Home Care
Geriatric Home Care for the Elderly
Paediatric Home Care for Children
Eating Disorders Home Care
Rehabilitation Home Care
Mental Health Home Care
Further Information:-
Ambition 24hours Nursing, Ambition House, 92 - 96 Lind Road, Sutton, Surrey SM1 4PL www.ambition24hours.co.uk
Tel: 0871 87 333 33
E-mail: info@ambition24hours.co.uk
"There is a shortage of skilled nurses in Devon and Cornwall and we are very keen to make it as easy as possible for nurses to return to work and find out about the nursing jobs and career opportunities that are available to them," says Penny Streeter OBE, founder and managing director of Ambition 24hours.
Penny Streeter was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in the 2006 New Years Honours for 'services to enterprise' and won the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003.
Ambition 24hours supplies medical support staff to public and private sector healthcare providers, offering both temporary and permanent jobs for nurses, care workers – as well as locum doctors and other personnel.
One of the first UK nursing agencies to offer a 24-7, 365-day service when it opened in 1996, Ambition 24hours has invested in advanced training and IT systems to meet consistently both the needs of nurses and healthcare employers. The agency is able to match requirements by job location, required candidate qualifications and work experience, at very short notice.
Ambition 24hours organises a range of training courses through its nationwide academy to enable nurses and care assistants to develop skills and achieve further qualifications for the care of the sick, the elderly and other vulnerable people. Courses include: Domiciliary Induction, Medication Training, Observation and Hospital Skills, Moving & Handling, C.P.R., Care Course, Child/ Adult Protection, M.V.A, Health & Safety, Food & Hygiene, Paediatric C.P.R.
There is also a nationwide service for home care. The agency can provide a care assistant or qualified nurse who will visit and provide the experienced home care or nursing that people need at home - at any time of the day or night, for as many hours as required, with a minimum of four hours for each visit.
Types of care include:-
Oncology Home Care
Learning Disabilities Home Care
Geriatric Home Care for the Elderly
Paediatric Home Care for Children
Eating Disorders Home Care
Rehabilitation Home Care
Mental Health Home Care
Further Information:-
Ambition 24hours Nursing, Ambition House, 92 - 96 Lind Road, Sutton, Surrey SM1 4PL www.ambition24hours.co.uk
Tel: 0871 87 333 33
E-mail: info@ambition24hours.co.uk
Infinite love - Ernest Jones Announces New Octelle Diamond Collection
The new Octelle collection is now available at Ernest Jones, featuring a stunning range of high quality diamond pendants, diamond rings and diamond earrings is now available at Ernest Jones and online at www.ernestjones.co.uk.
Ernest Jones has announced the new and exclusive Octelle Diamond Collection, featuring a range of elegant diamond pendants, diamond rings and diamond earrings. The Octelle Collection offers classic, vintage inspired jewellery with a unique and diamond cut for added dazzle. Available now at www.ernestjones.co.uk and in selected Ernest Jones stores.
The Octelle name is derived from the symbol of “infinity” or “forever” being similar to a figure 8 and . The symbol is similar to a figure of 8 turned on its side and is reflected by the eight sided design of the Octelle diamond. This octagonal shape is very fashionable and is increasingly the choice of celebrities, having been made popular by the hit film Sex and the City.
The Octelle diamond has been specifically created for Ernest Jones by one of the world’s leading diamond cutters to enhance the infinite natural beauty of the stone and to represent verlasting love. This attention to craft and detail ensure that the Octelle jewellery diamond jewellery collection is of the very highest quality. The symbolic nature of the eight sided diamond, representing the eternal nature of love, makes this diamond jewellery collection ideal for romantic gifts.
The Octelle Collection consists of 12 pieces including diamond pendants, diamond earrings and diamond rings, all set in 18ct white gold across a range of diamond carat weights. With 65 facets the octagonal diamond captures and enhances the beauty and originality of the vintage inspired jewellery featured in this collection. Each piece of jewellery reflects the stunning octagonal shape of the diamond and carries the signature infinity symbol.
Each Octelle diamonds are is independently certified with a unique serial number, assuring quality. The Octelle Collection is far more than a collection of jewellery, it is a bringing together of high quality design, materials and jewellery expertise to offer an original, stylish and evocative range of jewellery at competitive prices.
To celebrate and promote the launch of the extended Octelle collection, Ernest Jones has redesigned and strengthened the Octelle brand colour to a modern and vibrant purple, incorporating the beautiful octagonal stone along with the Ernest Jones and Octelle brand logos and the legends; ‘The Shape Of Unique Radiance’ and ‘Only at Ernest Jones.’
FACT FILE:
Ernest Jones, the Diamond and Watch Specialist, has over 200 stores and a retail website at www.ernestjones.co.uk. Featuring a wide range of leading brand watches and high quality jewellery and diamonds, Ernest Jones also has a stunning selection of gifts for all occasions. Ernest Jones is part of the Signet Group, the world’'s largest speciality retail jeweller.
Lottery.co.uk Braces for massive EuroMillions Superdraw
Lottery.co.uk, an independent web site dedicated to the UK National Lottery, is bracing itself for a guaranteed EuroMillions Superdraw jackpot worth a staggering 130 million Euros (around £104 million).
EuroMillions jackpots are always huge, but every now and again the lottery organisers stage a Superdraw with a supersized jackpot that must be won. Whereas jackpots in a regular lottery can be rolled over if nobody wins, these special draws don't allow rollovers. Instead, if nobody wins the top prize then the a Euromillion Rolldown occurs where the jackpot is rolled down and divided between players who match five main numbers and just one of the two Lucky Star numbers. If there are still no winners, the prize rolls down to the next highest level, and so on, ensuring the jackpot fund in a Superdraw game is guaranteed to be paid out.
Lottery.co.uk has revealed that the 130 million Euro guaranteed jackpot EuroMillions Superdraw will be held on 26 September, 2008. This follows a similar draw in September 2007, when a jackpot of 130 million Euros ended up being rolled down to players matching five main numbers and one Lucky Star, giving 14 winners £6.9 million each. In February 2008, a similar 130 million Euro Superdraw was held to celebrate the fourth birthday of EuroMillions. Again, nobody won that jackpot, so it was rolled down to those matching five main numbers and one Lucky Star, giving 16 players around £6.4 million each.
Lottery.co.uk contains information on Lottery results, number checker, National Lottery articles which give players advice on how to play EuroMillions and other lottery games. There are even sections of the site which provides tips for lottery syndicates, as well as facilities to buy Lottery tickets and instructions on how to play Euro Lotto.
For the lucky winner of the 130 million Euros, the biggest challenge will be figuring out how to spend it. Even giving away 10% to family and friends, another 10% to charity and investing 50% for the future, would still leave 39 million Euros to spend on a new home, new cars, a wardrobe full of designer clothes, luxurious jewellery and anything else that takes their fancy.
Lottery players throughout Europe will be keen to participate in the coming 130 million Euro Superdraw, and Lottery.co.uk is keen to wish everyone who takes part the very best of luck.
Lottery.co.uk is a truly independent lottery web site that provides lottery players with everything they need to get the most from their favourite hobby. Check the latest lottery results for all National Lottery games, read all about the latest lottery news stories, make use of an informative articles archive and much more.
EuroMillions jackpots are always huge, but every now and again the lottery organisers stage a Superdraw with a supersized jackpot that must be won. Whereas jackpots in a regular lottery can be rolled over if nobody wins, these special draws don't allow rollovers. Instead, if nobody wins the top prize then the a Euromillion Rolldown occurs where the jackpot is rolled down and divided between players who match five main numbers and just one of the two Lucky Star numbers. If there are still no winners, the prize rolls down to the next highest level, and so on, ensuring the jackpot fund in a Superdraw game is guaranteed to be paid out.
Lottery.co.uk has revealed that the 130 million Euro guaranteed jackpot EuroMillions Superdraw will be held on 26 September, 2008. This follows a similar draw in September 2007, when a jackpot of 130 million Euros ended up being rolled down to players matching five main numbers and one Lucky Star, giving 14 winners £6.9 million each. In February 2008, a similar 130 million Euro Superdraw was held to celebrate the fourth birthday of EuroMillions. Again, nobody won that jackpot, so it was rolled down to those matching five main numbers and one Lucky Star, giving 16 players around £6.4 million each.
Lottery.co.uk contains information on Lottery results, number checker, National Lottery articles which give players advice on how to play EuroMillions and other lottery games. There are even sections of the site which provides tips for lottery syndicates, as well as facilities to buy Lottery tickets and instructions on how to play Euro Lotto.
For the lucky winner of the 130 million Euros, the biggest challenge will be figuring out how to spend it. Even giving away 10% to family and friends, another 10% to charity and investing 50% for the future, would still leave 39 million Euros to spend on a new home, new cars, a wardrobe full of designer clothes, luxurious jewellery and anything else that takes their fancy.
Lottery players throughout Europe will be keen to participate in the coming 130 million Euro Superdraw, and Lottery.co.uk is keen to wish everyone who takes part the very best of luck.
Lottery.co.uk is a truly independent lottery web site that provides lottery players with everything they need to get the most from their favourite hobby. Check the latest lottery results for all National Lottery games, read all about the latest lottery news stories, make use of an informative articles archive and much more.
Study reveals 1.4 million freelancers in the UK - a significant 14% growth over the last ten years
A research study carried out by the Small Business Research Centre at Kingston University on behalf of The Professional Contractors Group (PCG), which represents the UK’s freelancers, has revealed that there are now 1.4 million freelancers in the UK. The figure reflects a 14% growth in this alternative way of working since 1998. The findings were outlined at an event hosted by PCG in central London.
Commenting on the study, John Brazier, managing director of PCG said: “We are delighted and proud to be able to present the first authoritative study of the UK’s freelance population. This study gives us a credible outline of the size and characteristics of our dynamic freelance workforce, which has not existed up until now.”
Experts from Kingston University used data from the Labour Force Survey and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform’s (BERR) SME statistics to explore the size of the UK freelance workforce. Other notable findings revealed that:
- of the 1.4 million freelancers, 63% are male and 37% female
- 58% define themselves as working “full time”, 42% as working “part time”
- 163,000 people undertake freelance work in a secondary role, as well as working in another main job
- freelancers’ characteristics vary between different occupations:
. Management, IT, engineering and broadcasting tend to be male dominated
. Translation services, proof-reading and book publishing appear to be female-dominated
. The prevalent forms vary in different sectors: limited companies are the norm in some, and sole traders the norm in others, largely depending on whether it is common to use agencies to find work.
Dr John Kitching, co-author of the report, commented: “Freelancers play an important role in the UK economy both in their numbers, their contribution to business turnover and in the range of activities they perform. But there is no ‘typical’ freelance worker; they vary in their personal, work and organisational characteristics. We have enjoyed having the opportunity to investigate the make-up of this diverse and significant group of workers.”
John Brazier added: “This is an extremely valuable snapshot of the freelance workforce; it also shows that there is much work still to do in order to build up a really detailed and thorough picture of the market.
“As the only non profit association that represents the UK’s freelancers, we continuously strive to make freelancers’ voices heard by Government - the freelance community has grown over the last ten years and all the signs indicate that it will continue to grow; it is our job to ensure that Government listens to freelancers’ needs.”
A copy of the executive summary and/or full report is available on request.
FACT FILE:
The Professional Contractors Group (PCG), www.pcg.org.uk, was formed in May 1999 to provide independent contractors and consultants with a representative voice in opposition to the original IR35 proposals. Since then, PCG has evolved from being a single-issue campaign group to being a fully fledged, not-for-profit professional body representing knowledge workers who choose to be self-employed.
Commenting on the study, John Brazier, managing director of PCG said: “We are delighted and proud to be able to present the first authoritative study of the UK’s freelance population. This study gives us a credible outline of the size and characteristics of our dynamic freelance workforce, which has not existed up until now.”
Experts from Kingston University used data from the Labour Force Survey and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform’s (BERR) SME statistics to explore the size of the UK freelance workforce. Other notable findings revealed that:
- of the 1.4 million freelancers, 63% are male and 37% female
- 58% define themselves as working “full time”, 42% as working “part time”
- 163,000 people undertake freelance work in a secondary role, as well as working in another main job
- freelancers’ characteristics vary between different occupations:
. Management, IT, engineering and broadcasting tend to be male dominated
. Translation services, proof-reading and book publishing appear to be female-dominated
. The prevalent forms vary in different sectors: limited companies are the norm in some, and sole traders the norm in others, largely depending on whether it is common to use agencies to find work.
Dr John Kitching, co-author of the report, commented: “Freelancers play an important role in the UK economy both in their numbers, their contribution to business turnover and in the range of activities they perform. But there is no ‘typical’ freelance worker; they vary in their personal, work and organisational characteristics. We have enjoyed having the opportunity to investigate the make-up of this diverse and significant group of workers.”
John Brazier added: “This is an extremely valuable snapshot of the freelance workforce; it also shows that there is much work still to do in order to build up a really detailed and thorough picture of the market.
“As the only non profit association that represents the UK’s freelancers, we continuously strive to make freelancers’ voices heard by Government - the freelance community has grown over the last ten years and all the signs indicate that it will continue to grow; it is our job to ensure that Government listens to freelancers’ needs.”
A copy of the executive summary and/or full report is available on request.
FACT FILE:
The Professional Contractors Group (PCG), www.pcg.org.uk, was formed in May 1999 to provide independent contractors and consultants with a representative voice in opposition to the original IR35 proposals. Since then, PCG has evolved from being a single-issue campaign group to being a fully fledged, not-for-profit professional body representing knowledge workers who choose to be self-employed.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Blessed are The Times of My Life
Brian Blessed, Dame Vera Lynn and Bob Symes launch Britain’s biggest memory bank.
On Tuesday 30th September at the Cabinet War Rooms in London, the way we record our historical past is set to change forever due to a new website, The Times of My Life.
Whether you are a WW2 Veteran, a mum-to-be, a blushing bride or a teenager who’s just experienced their first trip to Ibiza, everybody in the world has a story to tell yet millions of memories have been lost within the last year alone as nobody is documenting them. However, The Times of My Life is set to change history. The site has been specifically designed to allow users to record first hand accounts of their lives through a multitude of media enabling stories to be shared and never forgotten.
The Times of my Life also opens a new door for students studying history. In the future the learning process will not just involve dull monologues in textbooks as the website allows members to read real first hand accounts and experience history from the perspective of those who actually witnessed it. Access to information of this kind helps break down cultural and political barriers by encouraging members to empathise with those involved in historical events.
The national launch of The Times of My Life takes place on Tuesday 30th September at the Cabinet War Rooms in London with some of Britain’s most loved personalities ready to share their memories with the world. Brian Blessed who is supporting The Times of My Life will be joined by Dame Vera Lynn and Bob Symes. Accompanying them will be author Virginia Nicholson and historical scientist Dr June Goodfield who will be discussing the academic and research benefits of the site. The Times of My Life is designed to tell real life stories and so members of the public who all are willing to share their amazing memories will also be attending the launch. These incredible individuals include a woman who was working in the South African police force when Nelson Mandela was released to an American who witnessed the effects of 911 in a completely different light.
www.thetimesofmylife.com will be available to the public on 30th September so reserve your space at the launch and watch history come to life!
On Tuesday 30th September at the Cabinet War Rooms in London, the way we record our historical past is set to change forever due to a new website, The Times of My Life.
Whether you are a WW2 Veteran, a mum-to-be, a blushing bride or a teenager who’s just experienced their first trip to Ibiza, everybody in the world has a story to tell yet millions of memories have been lost within the last year alone as nobody is documenting them. However, The Times of My Life is set to change history. The site has been specifically designed to allow users to record first hand accounts of their lives through a multitude of media enabling stories to be shared and never forgotten.
The Times of my Life also opens a new door for students studying history. In the future the learning process will not just involve dull monologues in textbooks as the website allows members to read real first hand accounts and experience history from the perspective of those who actually witnessed it. Access to information of this kind helps break down cultural and political barriers by encouraging members to empathise with those involved in historical events.
The national launch of The Times of My Life takes place on Tuesday 30th September at the Cabinet War Rooms in London with some of Britain’s most loved personalities ready to share their memories with the world. Brian Blessed who is supporting The Times of My Life will be joined by Dame Vera Lynn and Bob Symes. Accompanying them will be author Virginia Nicholson and historical scientist Dr June Goodfield who will be discussing the academic and research benefits of the site. The Times of My Life is designed to tell real life stories and so members of the public who all are willing to share their amazing memories will also be attending the launch. These incredible individuals include a woman who was working in the South African police force when Nelson Mandela was released to an American who witnessed the effects of 911 in a completely different light.
www.thetimesofmylife.com will be available to the public on 30th September so reserve your space at the launch and watch history come to life!
More needs to be done to promote language learning
UK Risks falling behind in global economy
Euro London Appointments, the specialist multi lingual recruiter has called for more to be done to promote language learning in the UK.
The recruiter, which has partnered with CILT (The National Centre for Languages) sponsors the Business Language Prize in the annual CILT European Award for Languages, and has been a staunch advocate of the added employment opportunities a multilingual capability can offer.
“We live in a shrinking world, where businesses of all sizes can operate in international markets – markets where languages and intercultural skills are key”, said Managing Director David Shacklock. “The more we can do, therefore, to encourage language learning in the UK, the better prepared our business leaders of tomorrow will be. And modern European languages are only part of the picture as there is also a real shortage of Asian and emerging market language skills such as those associated with the booming economies of China and India – and without them UK workers are running a real risk of falling behind in the global economy.”
“We recruit multi lingual personnel into several sectors including banking & finance, marketing, customer service, IT and office support, and there are nowhere near enough UK nationals with the necessary linguistic abilities to fill the roles available, British candidates who speak a foreign language ‘fluently’ are rarely as fluent as foreign nationals are in English – mainly because British nationals tend to speak another language only if they have studied it or lived abroad. If you take a landlocked country like Luxembourg, you will find candidates who will speak three or four languages – including English - as a matter of course – it’s just part of their culture.”
Euro London awarded the 2008 Business Language Prize, a cheque for £1000, to Hayle Community School for a project that really did highlight the link between business needs and language learning.
The project: Passport to Export , highlighted the importance of exports to the economy. The project focused not only on language skills but also the importance of researching a country’s market, culture and socio-economics. Students were challenged to devise a product suitable for export to Spain and then pitch their ideas to a UK Trade & Investment Team in Madrid via video conference using both English and Spanish. The beauty of this project is that it is a replicable model and has already has been adopted by another school which ran its own version recently working with the UK Trade & investment Team in Germany.
Euro London Appointments has recently worked with CILT and the London Regional Language Network in the Business Language Champions project. They offered mentoring activities to a group of Year 10 students studying the Certificate of Business Language Competence in German. Activities included career presentations, CV advice and work experience in the Euro London Appointments office.
Euro London Appointments, the specialist multi lingual recruiter has called for more to be done to promote language learning in the UK.
The recruiter, which has partnered with CILT (The National Centre for Languages) sponsors the Business Language Prize in the annual CILT European Award for Languages, and has been a staunch advocate of the added employment opportunities a multilingual capability can offer.
“We live in a shrinking world, where businesses of all sizes can operate in international markets – markets where languages and intercultural skills are key”, said Managing Director David Shacklock. “The more we can do, therefore, to encourage language learning in the UK, the better prepared our business leaders of tomorrow will be. And modern European languages are only part of the picture as there is also a real shortage of Asian and emerging market language skills such as those associated with the booming economies of China and India – and without them UK workers are running a real risk of falling behind in the global economy.”
“We recruit multi lingual personnel into several sectors including banking & finance, marketing, customer service, IT and office support, and there are nowhere near enough UK nationals with the necessary linguistic abilities to fill the roles available, British candidates who speak a foreign language ‘fluently’ are rarely as fluent as foreign nationals are in English – mainly because British nationals tend to speak another language only if they have studied it or lived abroad. If you take a landlocked country like Luxembourg, you will find candidates who will speak three or four languages – including English - as a matter of course – it’s just part of their culture.”
Euro London awarded the 2008 Business Language Prize, a cheque for £1000, to Hayle Community School for a project that really did highlight the link between business needs and language learning.
The project: Passport to Export , highlighted the importance of exports to the economy. The project focused not only on language skills but also the importance of researching a country’s market, culture and socio-economics. Students were challenged to devise a product suitable for export to Spain and then pitch their ideas to a UK Trade & Investment Team in Madrid via video conference using both English and Spanish. The beauty of this project is that it is a replicable model and has already has been adopted by another school which ran its own version recently working with the UK Trade & investment Team in Germany.
Euro London Appointments has recently worked with CILT and the London Regional Language Network in the Business Language Champions project. They offered mentoring activities to a group of Year 10 students studying the Certificate of Business Language Competence in German. Activities included career presentations, CV advice and work experience in the Euro London Appointments office.
Online Dating Escapes the Credit Crunch
>We may be in the grip of a recession but no one wants to give up the simple pleasures in life. As a result, one industry which is not only thriving but continuing to grow through the credit crunch is online dating.
For an illustration one only has to look at the fortunes of the MakeFriendsOnline Group whose expansion has continued unhindered in recent months.
Following the runaway success of Smooch.com, launched as the recession took hold and now securely placed in the Hitwise Top Ten, MFO adapted it's winning formula to develop ManCentral.com in what would appear to be an even riskier market. The immediate and soaring popularity of MFO's latest venture is more than illustrated by the attached Google Analytics graph.
Mancentral has reached operating profit within an unparalleled six months of launch and, with success in the pay-dating, free-dating and gay markets, the only question is which niche the company will target next.
So what is the MFO formula for success? The sites are completely different in design and facilities, but they are all built upon the basic MakeFriendsOnline engine which has served the company's flagship site for almost a decade.
CEO Martin Bysh explained “building a dating website is easy, which is why there are millions of them. The key is in understanding the differences in each market and adapting the software, support and marketing accordingly. Before releasing a product or even making the decision to enter a particular market we research the niche and adapt our software to meet the differing needs and expectations of the end users. MakeFriendsOnline, Smooch and ManCentral all have the same starting point but the end products are very different. Our highly adaptable software makes it easy for us to build comprehensively differentiated sites with all the benefits of white labeling but none of the 'one size fits all' downside.”
MFO are currently researching their next site and have a number of different ideas in the pipeline.
For an illustration one only has to look at the fortunes of the MakeFriendsOnline Group whose expansion has continued unhindered in recent months.
Following the runaway success of Smooch.com, launched as the recession took hold and now securely placed in the Hitwise Top Ten, MFO adapted it's winning formula to develop ManCentral.com in what would appear to be an even riskier market. The immediate and soaring popularity of MFO's latest venture is more than illustrated by the attached Google Analytics graph.
Mancentral has reached operating profit within an unparalleled six months of launch and, with success in the pay-dating, free-dating and gay markets, the only question is which niche the company will target next.
So what is the MFO formula for success? The sites are completely different in design and facilities, but they are all built upon the basic MakeFriendsOnline engine which has served the company's flagship site for almost a decade.
CEO Martin Bysh explained “building a dating website is easy, which is why there are millions of them. The key is in understanding the differences in each market and adapting the software, support and marketing accordingly. Before releasing a product or even making the decision to enter a particular market we research the niche and adapt our software to meet the differing needs and expectations of the end users. MakeFriendsOnline, Smooch and ManCentral all have the same starting point but the end products are very different. Our highly adaptable software makes it easy for us to build comprehensively differentiated sites with all the benefits of white labeling but none of the 'one size fits all' downside.”
MFO are currently researching their next site and have a number of different ideas in the pipeline.
30m steam-bent wooden sculpture of the double helix structure of DNA has been unveiled at Cambridge University
Giant new sculpture from Charlie Whinney Associates unveiled!Specialist steam-bender Charlie Whinney has just installed his 30m steam-bent wooden sculpture of DNA as the centre-piece for Cambridge University's new Physics of Medicine building. True to traditional stereotypes, the science comes from Cambridge and the art from Oxford - Charlie is Oxford-born and a current resident of the city.
"The original idea was to create a piece of art or sculpture that formed a relationship to the famous Cavendish Laboratory and the new Centre for the Physics of Medicine building, both complimenting the architecture and inspiring the scientists within. With the double helix being identified within the Cavendish by Crick and Watson in 1953, we felt it was the ideal starting point, this was then simply adjusted to ensure it formed a relationship with the building form," said Giles Blight, from BDP, the architects of the new building.
BDP's sketched design intent based on a DNA double helix was made into reality by Charlie Whinney Associates. The engineer involved was Ramboll Whitby Bird.
The choice of steam-bent Oak as the material and method of creation resulted from David Peet, Administrative Secretary of the Physics Dept at Cambridge, seeing Charlie's 'Together' sculpture at the Chelsea flower show on Andy Sturgeon's gold medal-winning garden in 2007. In its simplest form steam-bending wood is an old art, used for manufacturing cartwheels and boats. In its most complicated, it is a very new art and technology, and the DNA sculpture pushes the boundaries of what is possible. The sculpture was constructed in 4m segments of steam-bent local Oak, in Charlie's Kings Sutton workshop, and bolted together on site while simultaneously being suspended from the ceiling. The Oak helixes are attached to one another with twisted Oak batons, 40mm thick - an arm's thickness.
And David Peet is delighted with his choice: 'The sculpture makes a wonderful statement, with impact both internally and externally. The DNA theme links the past of the Laboratory (Crick and Watson) with the present, and makes great use of what otherwise would be a void; the natural timber is a further link to the natural world which the scientists will investigate.'
Besides being a spectacular emblem of what the building stands for, the DNA sculpture poses interesting questions about the nature of human existence, according to creator Charlie Whinney: 'The building, and installation process tested the ingenuity and stamina of everyone involved to the limit, for three sleepless days and nights. At the same time, over in Beijing athletes took their physical achievement to new, unbelievable levels, while in South Ossetia Russia and Georgia vied for control. Outside the Cavendish Laboratory the horses in the field grazed quietly in the sunshine for the duration. Where is our DNA taking humans that involves finding more and more complicated and contrived ways of surviving? Closer to god, closer to extinction, closer to enlightenment?'
Maybe the scientists in the new Physics of Medicine building will discover the answer - with the giant wooden icon above to inspire them.
More pictures can be downloaded from http://www.charliewhinney.com/DNAjune08/DNA.html
Find out more about steam-bent wooden sculptures and products at www.charliewhinney.com
ENDS
Notes for editors
About DNA and Cambridge University
The new Physics of Medicine building has been created to continue the work that was kick-started with the discovery of DNA at the Cavendish Laboratory in 1953. It will open for students at the start of Michaelmas Term in October. The Cambridge scientist Francis Crick, who died in July 2004 aged 88, identified the shape of DNA with Dr James Watson in 1953, and his wife Odile Crick did the first ever drawing of the double-helix. Crick famously celebrated by going to a local pub and telling regulars that he and Dr Watson had "found the secret of life". The breakthrough, which helped to earn the pair the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962, heralded a new era of genetic science.
About Charlie Whinney Associates
Charlie Whinney is the leading exponent of the art of steam-bending wood to create beautiful, unusual curvead furniture and sculptures. His work and projects are among the most challenging and ambitious in the UK currently, each taking the art (and science)-form further along an unbeaten track of innovation. His most recent projects this summer include the 30m Oak sculpture of DNA for Cambridge University, and a collaboration with Metropolitan Workshop for the London Architecture Festival - a piece entitled Road Trip to the Moon. Future architectural projects include a sculpture for a major new London hotel; a piece to go in Leicester Square, and a Manchester warehouse conversion.
Leaving sixixis(the popular Laurent Perrier Award-winning company he founded three years ago) has enabled him to focus on bigger products and projects, and to work with leading architects and garden designers, starting with winning Gold at Chelsea with Andy Sturgeon last year.
His current products include the Rolling Summer House, the CurlyShade (new designs to be shown this week during London Design Week at Tent London), two sculptural benches called the Coral Arbour and the Fountain Bench which are selling at Sotheby's this Autumn, and the GallopyGallopy Bed. Many are based on natural or microscopic life forms and he works with a strong environmental ethos using only locally sourced wood. Right now he is travelling, researching a new manufacturing concept called Fragmented Factories which involves fulfilling local needs using local resources.
More pictures can be downloaded from http://www.charliewhinney.com/DNAjune08/DNA.html
New H.Samuel campaign to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer
H.Samuel, the UK’s favourite High Street Jeweller, is launching a range of gifts and jewellery during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise funds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the UK’s leading breast cancer charity.
The selection of hand picked gifts with an element of pink includes watches, collectibles and jewellery and each product will carry a 10% donation to Breakthrough. In addition, all proceeds from H.Samuel in-store collection boxes, pink ribbon pins and phone charms will go to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, to help the charity continue its vital breast cancer research, campaigning and education work.
Breast cancer is the number one health concern for women in the UK. Over 1000 women die of breast cancer in the UK every month and 1 in 9 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. But the good news is that more women than ever in the UK are surviving breast cancer thanks to better awareness, better screening and better treatments and Breast Cancer Awareness Month represents a key time of year, when the focus on breast cancer is at its highest.
To help Breakthrough achieve its vision of a future free from the fear of breast cancer, it needs to raise at least £25million each year to fund its vital research, campaigning and education work, including the work that takes place at its dedicated breast cancer research centre in London and at the three new research units it’s opening in Edinburgh, London and Manchester.
Jeff Jones, H Samuel Brand Manager said: "H Samuel jewellery is about real people and their stories and Breakthrough is a natural charity for the brand to support. We hope our eye-catching items will help raise awareness of breast cancer as well as raise vital funds for this worthy cause that affects the lives of so many people in the UK"
The Pink Range at H.Samuel is a diverse collection, including the Swarovski crystal With You Kris Bear, Pink Casio Digital Watch, Citizen Stone-Set Bracelet Watch and a 9ct White Gold Cubic Zirconia Ring.
About H. Samuel
H. Samuel has over 350 stores and a trading website at www.hsamuel.co.uk. with a wide range of branded watches, jewellery, collectibles and gifts for all occasions, offering something for every taste and style. H. Samuel is part of the Signet Group, the world’s largest speciality retail jeweller.
About Breakthrough Breast Cancer:
Breakthrough Breast Cancer is the UK’s leading charity committed to fighting breast cancer through research, campaigning and education.
The selection of hand picked gifts with an element of pink includes watches, collectibles and jewellery and each product will carry a 10% donation to Breakthrough. In addition, all proceeds from H.Samuel in-store collection boxes, pink ribbon pins and phone charms will go to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, to help the charity continue its vital breast cancer research, campaigning and education work.
Breast cancer is the number one health concern for women in the UK. Over 1000 women die of breast cancer in the UK every month and 1 in 9 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. But the good news is that more women than ever in the UK are surviving breast cancer thanks to better awareness, better screening and better treatments and Breast Cancer Awareness Month represents a key time of year, when the focus on breast cancer is at its highest.
To help Breakthrough achieve its vision of a future free from the fear of breast cancer, it needs to raise at least £25million each year to fund its vital research, campaigning and education work, including the work that takes place at its dedicated breast cancer research centre in London and at the three new research units it’s opening in Edinburgh, London and Manchester.
Jeff Jones, H Samuel Brand Manager said: "H Samuel jewellery is about real people and their stories and Breakthrough is a natural charity for the brand to support. We hope our eye-catching items will help raise awareness of breast cancer as well as raise vital funds for this worthy cause that affects the lives of so many people in the UK"
The Pink Range at H.Samuel is a diverse collection, including the Swarovski crystal With You Kris Bear, Pink Casio Digital Watch, Citizen Stone-Set Bracelet Watch and a 9ct White Gold Cubic Zirconia Ring.
About H. Samuel
H. Samuel has over 350 stores and a trading website at www.hsamuel.co.uk. with a wide range of branded watches, jewellery, collectibles and gifts for all occasions, offering something for every taste and style. H. Samuel is part of the Signet Group, the world’s largest speciality retail jeweller.
About Breakthrough Breast Cancer:
Breakthrough Breast Cancer is the UK’s leading charity committed to fighting breast cancer through research, campaigning and education.
Bonefish Grill Launches New On-Trend Menu
Bonefish Grill Introduces Casual New Handhelds, Petite Portions and More
On October 1, US-based Bonefish Grill will introduce a brand new series of menu items that speak to the way consumers want to dine today. “Handhelds”, petite cuts and flavourful salads are just a few new options for those who want to eat lighter meals or dine more casually at their favourite neighbourhood restaurant.
“The new menu items build on what we’ve always been about,” says John Cooper, Bonefish Grill President. “Our guests look to us for lots of choices and great value. Some evenings they’ll come in to share appetisers over drinks and other times build their own tasting menus out of small plates and entrées. Now we’re giving them even more ways to have fun with handhelds and petite portions any night of the week.”
New handhelds include the Bang Bang Shrimp Taco, a delicious new take on a signature favourite; a fresh fish sandwich; and, in select markets, a tasty Maryland crab cake sandwich. Joining these items are new salads, including Grilled Salmon and Asparagus Salad with goat cheese, fennel and citrus herb vinaigrette. A recipe and photo of this dish are available.
The new petite portions are a decidedly on-trend addition to the new menu. Grilled Gulf Grouper, Snake River Rainbow Trout and Chilean Sea Bass will now be served in regular and smaller portions. Guests have their choice of four house-made sauces, including Warm Mango Salsa, Pan Asian, Chimichurri and Lemon Butter.
Also on the new menu item is a decadent Imperial Longfin, fresh fish stuffed with shrimp, scallops and crab, draped in creamy Imperial sauce.
With playful dining options, fresh fish hand filleted every day, a great vibe for casual dining, an energetic lounge with terrific music, and some of the best service around, it’s no wonder Bonefish Grill recently won the Platinum Award for Seafood, the top honour in Restaurant & Institution magazine’s 2008 consumer survey.
About Bonefish Grill: Simply put, Bonefish Grill offers one of the nation’s favourite upscale casual dining experiences. With attentive personal service and an atmosphere that combines casual attitude and value-conscious prices with a big city bar, guests find themselves in a warm, inviting environment.
As the "Fresh Fish Experts," Bonefish Grill specialises in market fresh fish cooked to perfection over a wood-burning grill. An unrivalled commitment to quality finds Bonefish Grill culinary leaders searching for traditional and unique varieties of fish such as Icelandic Arctic Charr, Florida Grouper and Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon at the peak of their seasons. A tantalising array of sauces and original toppings are made daily using the freshest ingredients. These sauces and toppings range from delicate and light to rich and indulgent and provide a variety of choices. Enticing dishes such as Scampi-topped Filet Mignon, Pork Tenderloin Piccata and Diablo Shrimp Spinach Fettuccine are also among guest’s favourites.
Lively community tables teem with shared plates of inspired appetisers, bar-fresh Martinis and signature cocktails. An evolving wine list that regularly features 40 wines by the glass is also offered. Featuring sleek, hardwood floors, commissioned art, eclectic music and knowledgeable service, the dining room is an oasis within which to enjoy a sensational meal. For more information and sample menus, visit www.bonefishgrill.com.
Bonefish Grill supports the ocean conservation foundation Ocean Trust, along with other organisations that promote healthy oceans and fisheries around the globe.
The restaurants also offer a "do-gooder's" martini. Drink up and be charitable at the same time! For every OceanTrust Martini ordered in any of the restaurant company's 150+ US locations, Bonefish Grill donates $1 to Ocean Trust. The Ocean Trust Martini contains Absolut Citron vodka combined with freshly muddled mango and orange with a surprising twist.
Christmas Survival Box
Whether its spices in mulled wine or in the Christmas cake, spices have long been part and parcel of Christmas. Steenbergs Christmas Survival Box takes nine key organic spices to get your Christmas off to a flying start.The Christmas Survival Box includes a selection of the following organic spices: Steenbergs organic mixed spice, organic whole cloves, organic three colour pepper, Steenbergs organic Madras curry powder, organic allspice, organic cinnamon, organic nutmeg, organic juniper berries and Portuguese Fleur de sel.
Also included is a recipe leaflet to help get you started, including brief outlines of each of the spices in the box.
Additional gift boxes in the collection include:
-Spices Starter Box(£21.00): A fantastic collection of 16 organic spices and herbs. Great starter box for any kitchen.
- Vegetarian Kitchen Box(£22.50): especially designed to bring together some of the most interesting spices that help add flavour to vegetable dishes.
- Indian Spice Box(£22.50): experience the full flavours of Indian cooking from fiery cayenne pepper to cooling cardamon.
- Fairtrade Spice Box(£22.50): celebrate Fairtrade with this box of organic and fairtrade spices and flavoured sugars.
- Barbecue Spice Box(£22.50): packed with different flavours from American BBQ to Cajun and Jamaican, the Smoke & Spice is your essential kit for great barbecues
- French Spice Box(£22.50): with all the essential spices amd herbs to produce fantastically flavoured cuisine. The French are known for never cooking without them!.
- Thai Spice Box(£22.50): packed with fantastic smells and wonderful tastes for the perfect Thai experience.
- Baker's Spice Box(£22.50): cake, scones, biscuits - if you just love baking (or you know someone who does), this is the box for you.
- Mini Spice Box(£11.00): Mini Spicy Box or Mini Herby Box just 2 great mini collections to compliment any kitchen.
- Wedding Spice Box(£22.50): A great and original wedding gift. Spices have been a traditional gift at weddings for many years, while herbs have been linked to romance – nutmeg is a traditional good luck charm in continental Europe.
By Nature is more than just a shop - it's about aspiring to a certain way of life: a lifestyle that combines a desire for style and quality with care for the environment and respect for people; a lifestyle that doesn't see this as a compromise; an "ethical lifestyle." Providing a wealth of information on everyday issues such as shopping, travel, investment and reducing chemicals at home, By Nature is dedicated to help consumers make to right choices for a more sustainable world.
Burton and GQ Magazine Join Forces
Burton customers can take advantage of GQ's insider knowledge as the magazine's fashion editors have hand-picked pieces from Burton's autumn/winter 2008 collection, which will be swing ticketed with an "As recommended by GQ" sartorial stamp of approval.
The promotion will be showcased in GQ's prestigious "Men of the Year 2008" October issue (on sale 4th September), which features a four page editorial fashion spread in addition to an accompanying in store booklet highlighting Burton's autumn/winter 2008 collection featuring a full range of mens jackets, shirts, full suits and accessories.
Commenting on the partnership, GQ editor Dylan Jones said: "Burton's clothes speak for themselves, they have all the key trends of the season on show from utility work wear to smart city gear and sharp suits. Burton excels at essentials".
The Burton mainline autumn/winter 2008 range is more refined with dressed down tailoring taking centre stage to give a smarter but relaxed twist to casual wear.
Burton’s Black Label premium range brings in a clean sophisticated look and features subtle design touches and luxury fabrics to emphasise the exclusivity and premium look of the collection.
In addition, this season Burton proudly introduces the Montague Burton Heritage Collection, a stylish range of quality contemporary suiting born out of a passion for traditional tailoring methods. The fabric selection and labeling of the mens suits take inspiration from original 1940s, 50s, and 60s Burton garments and are brought up to date with a sharper modern fit.
Notes to Editors:
The Burton/GQ promotion will be featured online, and in the following selected cities and shopping centres nationwide. London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Nottingham, Leeds, Bluewater, Eldon Square, Leicester, Meadowhall, Reading, Southampton, Milton Keynes, Croydon, Cambridge, Guildford, Kingston, Belfast, Chester, Bromley, Cardiff, Merry Hill, Aberdeen, Metro Centre, Colchester, Exeter, Bath, Plymouth, Derby, Solihull, Wolverhampton, Braehead Park, Tunbridge Wells, Ipswich, Blanchardstown Centre, Swansea, Doncaster, White Rose, Gateshead and Brighton.
The promotion will be showcased in GQ's prestigious "Men of the Year 2008" October issue (on sale 4th September), which features a four page editorial fashion spread in addition to an accompanying in store booklet highlighting Burton's autumn/winter 2008 collection featuring a full range of mens jackets, shirts, full suits and accessories.
Commenting on the partnership, GQ editor Dylan Jones said: "Burton's clothes speak for themselves, they have all the key trends of the season on show from utility work wear to smart city gear and sharp suits. Burton excels at essentials".
The Burton mainline autumn/winter 2008 range is more refined with dressed down tailoring taking centre stage to give a smarter but relaxed twist to casual wear.
Burton’s Black Label premium range brings in a clean sophisticated look and features subtle design touches and luxury fabrics to emphasise the exclusivity and premium look of the collection.
In addition, this season Burton proudly introduces the Montague Burton Heritage Collection, a stylish range of quality contemporary suiting born out of a passion for traditional tailoring methods. The fabric selection and labeling of the mens suits take inspiration from original 1940s, 50s, and 60s Burton garments and are brought up to date with a sharper modern fit.
Notes to Editors:
The Burton/GQ promotion will be featured online, and in the following selected cities and shopping centres nationwide. London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Nottingham, Leeds, Bluewater, Eldon Square, Leicester, Meadowhall, Reading, Southampton, Milton Keynes, Croydon, Cambridge, Guildford, Kingston, Belfast, Chester, Bromley, Cardiff, Merry Hill, Aberdeen, Metro Centre, Colchester, Exeter, Bath, Plymouth, Derby, Solihull, Wolverhampton, Braehead Park, Tunbridge Wells, Ipswich, Blanchardstown Centre, Swansea, Doncaster, White Rose, Gateshead and Brighton.
Get a Life for Christmas and a Higher Resolution for New Year
Stuart Forster & Lynne Oliver have been operating health and life change holidays for almost a decade. They report the changing needs of visitors to their desert island well-being retreat. People increasingly seek to improve their life performance and fulfillment, just as much as their health. We are all becoming aware of massive changes in the workings of the world, with 2012 (see later) in the offing. Christmas and New Year represent a great time to pause and reflect; an opportunity to identify beneficial change at a personal level. Stuart & Lynne employ some powerful techniques to help you get the life you want, based on small scale hospitality.
Get the Life you Want
Stuart Forster challenges us to make the most of time away from work. He suggests this festive season is great time to take stock and to start bringing about the life change we really want. He and his partner Lynne Oliver, have considerable experience and can show guests how. All you need is an open mind and the preparedness to learn to quieten it!
Background
Stuart & Lynne set up Villa Isis in rural Lanzarote as a holistic retreat centre nearly 10 years ago. They felt they could improve on the places they had been to and insisted the villa had to be mainstream, sumptuous, small scale, “home from home”, sunny all year, panoramic and easily accessible, which it is! While Lynne’s renowned yoga teaching seeded the project, she and Stuart gradually enhanced their understanding of what people needed in a retreat holiday. In the early days, guests chilled out and then went home, often to repeat the patterns that made them wound-up (dis-eased). Follow-up visits enabled Lynne to monitor individuals and she noticed significant results, especially via yoga, in helping the very common diseases and health problems of our time: fibromyalgia, M.E., arthritis, IBS, cancer recovery, asthma, high blood pressure, addictions, lower back pain, sciatica, neck and shoulder pain. She was also able to include counseling on health / emotional problems and addiction.
Need for Life Change (as predicted)
Stuart says “It is strange how the last few years have seen a sudden surge in the demand for “detox” , more than “de-stress”. Diet is important but Forster and Oliver think calming the mind is even more important. Our Google stats show us to be a leader on such pages with many new registrants of these terms following us in the last year. The new buzz word is “burnout” which is the consequence of pressure based on a feeling that time is speeding up and there are not enough hours in the day to get things done. We still feel “up-against-it”, even though our technical productivity with email and SMS is higher than ever. Saturated and overactive minds strive to find self diagnoses, but the basic problem is to do with quietening the mind and learning not to “auto-react”. (Forster and Oliver have no doubt that these are vital areas to address. Moreover, there is a new consensus that a change in Life Values, aspirations and behaviour is absolutely necessary).
This has all been presaged by indigenous peoples and ancient cultures from around the world. The most compelling oracle is the Mayan Calendar, based on an irrefutable understanding of cosmic alignment. It’s a complex story but in, essence, points to systemic global change as we approach 2012, (the last date referred to in the Mayan Calendar is December 21st, 2012. (The opening date is 16.4 billion years ago, which equates with Physicists calculations of the “Big Bang” creation event!). The fact that the calendar stops on the Winter Solstice adds an extra focus to the end of December!
The predictions / calculations of the Mayan Calendar point to 2012 as being the end of time. This is not necessarily cataclysmic, but a vibrational evolution linked to our alignment with the galaxy. This new vibration, (many are aware of it), affects our perception of time as well as on the psyche and consciousness. The internet is full of accounts of new cosmic energies coming to Earth, like never before. Our own sun is demonstrating very unusual behaviour, as predicted! Forster and Oliver think it’s not the end of the world but the end of an era. They see an emerging capability which allows us to manifest the way our life works, based on our emotional reaction to our desired outcomes. Yes, it may take some believing, but it seems to be true. If all this is news to you, and it resonates, then you will probably need a long vacation to loosen up and get through the reading list you can pick up on 2012. (Forster recommends Johan Calleman’s masterful book on “The Mayan Calendar and the Transformation of Consciousness” but there are many others, with varied agendas).You can read Calleman and others at Holistic Holidays!
There is a consensus in the leading students of the topic that, as we approach 2012, there will be an opportunity for human consciousness to change on a global scale. (Stuart thinks the signs are now very real. You can talk to him about this on 0208-123-9250) If you feel there is some truth in this outline account, then you will also feel to consider making changes. The ways things are going, it will be hard not to!
I’m dreaming of a Lost Christmas?
As the festive Season approaches against this cosmic backcloth, we have a choice as to how we address a celebration which has little relevance to its original meaning. The December festival owes as much to the Roman Mithras and the Druidic cults as to the supposed date of Christ’s birth. In any event, the Christmas we celebrate pays only a passing homage to guiding light in the world, via our luminous stars and tinsel angels. Some of us do feel a warm affinity with singing traditional carols amid candle-lit décor, reflecting on times gone by. (Stuart adds that he loves playing the organ for Christmas Carols at Villa Isis and believes people like a good sing, expecially if they know the words and have a couple of winter warmers first!) Much of this nostalgia is based on the receiving of presents although St. Nicholas, underwritten by credit card companies, still has a strong following with his bottomless sack and mysterious chimney navigation. Yet there is a deep yearning for something spiritual around The Winter Solstice (Dec 21st), whichever tribe you subscribe to. Is our Christmas dream not connected to the birth of an understanding of how we can be directed to our higher aspirations? A holiday is a great opportunity to stop the machine and escape for some solar maintenance and a new map!
Christmas for a Change
Christmas is a popular time for clients to escape to Holistic Holidays in the Canary Islands sun yet Forster and Oliver have noticed differences in the way their guests adopt the Festive Season. These days the news is packed with climate change, eco damage, fundamentalism, failing banks, brain burning gismos, faltering economies, excessive prices. People need to distance themselves from it all. “HoHo” guests are taking the opportunity to reconfigure and update their operating systems. Once they feel lighter in themselves from yoga, therapies and letting go, they may also take steps towards addiction counseling (addictions come in many forms). They see a more specific agenda arriving, inspired by learning how to manifest the life you want while coming to terms with downsizing, divorce, managing on less, but appreciating more.
After all, what better investment could you make than in the Life you’d like to have, once you realise you can have it!!
We’re also seeing more men (and therefore budding relationships!) on our holidays as Life Change is a more universal goal than yoga and therapies!
Higher Resolution?
In coming to Villa Isis at Christmas, guests are effectively saying that they want to return in better shape than they arrived. They also like the idea of some fun festive celebration, but first and foremost, they want a healthy regime with the possibility of yoga, shiatsu, Reiki, Massage, Kinesiology crowned with guidance on life change which has become noticeably more in demand.
Don’t think that we are suggesting that you deprive yourself of life’s pleasures. Do think about having more to your life and not depriving a higher level of enjoyment and fulfillment potential that is your right! OK, we all like a party and a bit of indulgence, but when it comes to January and the age old New Year’s resolution, we’d like you to consider upping the stakes on yourself.
In the past, we’ve all pledged to quit smoking, tone down the booze, lose weight, get healthy from January 1st. It’s rarely successful, especially when the post Christmas depression has set in, and all we’re left with is guilt.
We invite you to promise yourself that you will change your life as your New Years resolution. Then you have something really positive to look forward to. By coming on a holiday such as ours for a week, (or two, even better), we can help you chill out in the sun, take you to some stunning natural locations, pamper you with therapies We can help fill the Christmas void with real camels and a clear view of the heavens! On top of that help you to set your desires and goals in such a way that you will be excited at the results you can expect.
We’re calling it a Higher Resolution.
What more could you want than the life of your choice?
For more information please visit www.hoho.co.uk
Get the Life you Want
Stuart Forster challenges us to make the most of time away from work. He suggests this festive season is great time to take stock and to start bringing about the life change we really want. He and his partner Lynne Oliver, have considerable experience and can show guests how. All you need is an open mind and the preparedness to learn to quieten it!
Background
Stuart & Lynne set up Villa Isis in rural Lanzarote as a holistic retreat centre nearly 10 years ago. They felt they could improve on the places they had been to and insisted the villa had to be mainstream, sumptuous, small scale, “home from home”, sunny all year, panoramic and easily accessible, which it is! While Lynne’s renowned yoga teaching seeded the project, she and Stuart gradually enhanced their understanding of what people needed in a retreat holiday. In the early days, guests chilled out and then went home, often to repeat the patterns that made them wound-up (dis-eased). Follow-up visits enabled Lynne to monitor individuals and she noticed significant results, especially via yoga, in helping the very common diseases and health problems of our time: fibromyalgia, M.E., arthritis, IBS, cancer recovery, asthma, high blood pressure, addictions, lower back pain, sciatica, neck and shoulder pain. She was also able to include counseling on health / emotional problems and addiction.
Need for Life Change (as predicted)
Stuart says “It is strange how the last few years have seen a sudden surge in the demand for “detox” , more than “de-stress”. Diet is important but Forster and Oliver think calming the mind is even more important. Our Google stats show us to be a leader on such pages with many new registrants of these terms following us in the last year. The new buzz word is “burnout” which is the consequence of pressure based on a feeling that time is speeding up and there are not enough hours in the day to get things done. We still feel “up-against-it”, even though our technical productivity with email and SMS is higher than ever. Saturated and overactive minds strive to find self diagnoses, but the basic problem is to do with quietening the mind and learning not to “auto-react”. (Forster and Oliver have no doubt that these are vital areas to address. Moreover, there is a new consensus that a change in Life Values, aspirations and behaviour is absolutely necessary).
This has all been presaged by indigenous peoples and ancient cultures from around the world. The most compelling oracle is the Mayan Calendar, based on an irrefutable understanding of cosmic alignment. It’s a complex story but in, essence, points to systemic global change as we approach 2012, (the last date referred to in the Mayan Calendar is December 21st, 2012. (The opening date is 16.4 billion years ago, which equates with Physicists calculations of the “Big Bang” creation event!). The fact that the calendar stops on the Winter Solstice adds an extra focus to the end of December!
The predictions / calculations of the Mayan Calendar point to 2012 as being the end of time. This is not necessarily cataclysmic, but a vibrational evolution linked to our alignment with the galaxy. This new vibration, (many are aware of it), affects our perception of time as well as on the psyche and consciousness. The internet is full of accounts of new cosmic energies coming to Earth, like never before. Our own sun is demonstrating very unusual behaviour, as predicted! Forster and Oliver think it’s not the end of the world but the end of an era. They see an emerging capability which allows us to manifest the way our life works, based on our emotional reaction to our desired outcomes. Yes, it may take some believing, but it seems to be true. If all this is news to you, and it resonates, then you will probably need a long vacation to loosen up and get through the reading list you can pick up on 2012. (Forster recommends Johan Calleman’s masterful book on “The Mayan Calendar and the Transformation of Consciousness” but there are many others, with varied agendas).You can read Calleman and others at Holistic Holidays!
There is a consensus in the leading students of the topic that, as we approach 2012, there will be an opportunity for human consciousness to change on a global scale. (Stuart thinks the signs are now very real. You can talk to him about this on 0208-123-9250) If you feel there is some truth in this outline account, then you will also feel to consider making changes. The ways things are going, it will be hard not to!
I’m dreaming of a Lost Christmas?
As the festive Season approaches against this cosmic backcloth, we have a choice as to how we address a celebration which has little relevance to its original meaning. The December festival owes as much to the Roman Mithras and the Druidic cults as to the supposed date of Christ’s birth. In any event, the Christmas we celebrate pays only a passing homage to guiding light in the world, via our luminous stars and tinsel angels. Some of us do feel a warm affinity with singing traditional carols amid candle-lit décor, reflecting on times gone by. (Stuart adds that he loves playing the organ for Christmas Carols at Villa Isis and believes people like a good sing, expecially if they know the words and have a couple of winter warmers first!) Much of this nostalgia is based on the receiving of presents although St. Nicholas, underwritten by credit card companies, still has a strong following with his bottomless sack and mysterious chimney navigation. Yet there is a deep yearning for something spiritual around The Winter Solstice (Dec 21st), whichever tribe you subscribe to. Is our Christmas dream not connected to the birth of an understanding of how we can be directed to our higher aspirations? A holiday is a great opportunity to stop the machine and escape for some solar maintenance and a new map!
Christmas for a Change
Christmas is a popular time for clients to escape to Holistic Holidays in the Canary Islands sun yet Forster and Oliver have noticed differences in the way their guests adopt the Festive Season. These days the news is packed with climate change, eco damage, fundamentalism, failing banks, brain burning gismos, faltering economies, excessive prices. People need to distance themselves from it all. “HoHo” guests are taking the opportunity to reconfigure and update their operating systems. Once they feel lighter in themselves from yoga, therapies and letting go, they may also take steps towards addiction counseling (addictions come in many forms). They see a more specific agenda arriving, inspired by learning how to manifest the life you want while coming to terms with downsizing, divorce, managing on less, but appreciating more.
After all, what better investment could you make than in the Life you’d like to have, once you realise you can have it!!
We’re also seeing more men (and therefore budding relationships!) on our holidays as Life Change is a more universal goal than yoga and therapies!
Higher Resolution?
In coming to Villa Isis at Christmas, guests are effectively saying that they want to return in better shape than they arrived. They also like the idea of some fun festive celebration, but first and foremost, they want a healthy regime with the possibility of yoga, shiatsu, Reiki, Massage, Kinesiology crowned with guidance on life change which has become noticeably more in demand.
Don’t think that we are suggesting that you deprive yourself of life’s pleasures. Do think about having more to your life and not depriving a higher level of enjoyment and fulfillment potential that is your right! OK, we all like a party and a bit of indulgence, but when it comes to January and the age old New Year’s resolution, we’d like you to consider upping the stakes on yourself.
In the past, we’ve all pledged to quit smoking, tone down the booze, lose weight, get healthy from January 1st. It’s rarely successful, especially when the post Christmas depression has set in, and all we’re left with is guilt.
We invite you to promise yourself that you will change your life as your New Years resolution. Then you have something really positive to look forward to. By coming on a holiday such as ours for a week, (or two, even better), we can help you chill out in the sun, take you to some stunning natural locations, pamper you with therapies We can help fill the Christmas void with real camels and a clear view of the heavens! On top of that help you to set your desires and goals in such a way that you will be excited at the results you can expect.
We’re calling it a Higher Resolution.
What more could you want than the life of your choice?
For more information please visit www.hoho.co.uk
Ecoliving Awarded Cert Funding From Scottish And Southern Energy
Ecoliving today announced it has been awarded CERT funding from Scottish and Southern Energy.
The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) funding is designed to help eradicate fuel poverty and help older people, who often struggle to heat their homes, benefit from lower energy bills.
The funding will allow renewable energy specialists, Ecoliving, to provide grants towards ground source heat pumps which use free renewable energy from the ground.
This can help the average household save 60 – 75% of heating energy used each year, saving around £700 on current fuel costs, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of homes.
Energy suppliers are obligated to provide CERT funding to achieve targets for promoting reductions in carbon emissions in the household sector. CERT runs from 2008 to 2011 with at least 40% of funding designated for priority groups which includes the over 70s.
The majority of Ecoliving’s funding is to be used to support the social housing sector with the balance being made available for private households. CERT funding can be used in support of ground source heat pump installations in a variety of domestic developments as part of heating upgrade programmes.
Mark Henderson, Managing Director of Ecoliving, said: “There is growing demand for renewable heating systems and this funding will allow us to support Housing Associations in their fight against fuel poverty with large numbers of individuals finding it increasingly difficult to keep their homes warm.
“We have been actively involved in the social housing sector for the last four years, promoting the adoption of heat pumps in the battle against fuel poverty and carbon reduction. We are delighted to be able to bring CERT funding through Scottish and Southern Energy to existing and new Registered Social Landlord (RSL) partners.
“This is a significant boost to the adoption of tried and tested heat pump technology in social housing and will help to lift many households across Scotland out of fuel poverty.”
Ecoliving was a preferred supplier on the Scottish Government’s Renewables Heating Pilot, managed by the Energy Saving Trust. Through the initiative, ground and air source heat pumps as well as biomass boilers were installed in over 50 homes in clusters across Scotland in 2007.
CERT will deliver overall lifetime carbon dioxide savings of 154 MtCO2 – equivalent to annual net savings of 4.2MtCO2 by 2010, and equivalent to the emissions from 700,000 homes each year – and will stimulate about £2.8 billion of investment by energy suppliers in carbon reduction measures.
Ecoliving can be contacted on 0141 332 5684 or by visiting www.ecolivinguk.com
FACT FILE:
Ecoliving is helping to revolutionise the way that people in the UK heat their homes.
As the UK’s top specialist distributor of renewable energy heating systems, the company supports installations of heat pumps which take free renewable energy from the ground, water or air. These are up to 400% efficient – one unit of energy in and four units out.
The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) funding is designed to help eradicate fuel poverty and help older people, who often struggle to heat their homes, benefit from lower energy bills.
The funding will allow renewable energy specialists, Ecoliving, to provide grants towards ground source heat pumps which use free renewable energy from the ground.
This can help the average household save 60 – 75% of heating energy used each year, saving around £700 on current fuel costs, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of homes.
Energy suppliers are obligated to provide CERT funding to achieve targets for promoting reductions in carbon emissions in the household sector. CERT runs from 2008 to 2011 with at least 40% of funding designated for priority groups which includes the over 70s.
The majority of Ecoliving’s funding is to be used to support the social housing sector with the balance being made available for private households. CERT funding can be used in support of ground source heat pump installations in a variety of domestic developments as part of heating upgrade programmes.
Mark Henderson, Managing Director of Ecoliving, said: “There is growing demand for renewable heating systems and this funding will allow us to support Housing Associations in their fight against fuel poverty with large numbers of individuals finding it increasingly difficult to keep their homes warm.
“We have been actively involved in the social housing sector for the last four years, promoting the adoption of heat pumps in the battle against fuel poverty and carbon reduction. We are delighted to be able to bring CERT funding through Scottish and Southern Energy to existing and new Registered Social Landlord (RSL) partners.
“This is a significant boost to the adoption of tried and tested heat pump technology in social housing and will help to lift many households across Scotland out of fuel poverty.”
Ecoliving was a preferred supplier on the Scottish Government’s Renewables Heating Pilot, managed by the Energy Saving Trust. Through the initiative, ground and air source heat pumps as well as biomass boilers were installed in over 50 homes in clusters across Scotland in 2007.
CERT will deliver overall lifetime carbon dioxide savings of 154 MtCO2 – equivalent to annual net savings of 4.2MtCO2 by 2010, and equivalent to the emissions from 700,000 homes each year – and will stimulate about £2.8 billion of investment by energy suppliers in carbon reduction measures.
Ecoliving can be contacted on 0141 332 5684 or by visiting www.ecolivinguk.com
FACT FILE:
Ecoliving is helping to revolutionise the way that people in the UK heat their homes.
As the UK’s top specialist distributor of renewable energy heating systems, the company supports installations of heat pumps which take free renewable energy from the ground, water or air. These are up to 400% efficient – one unit of energy in and four units out.
The inspiration for establishing Ecoliving came to Mark following time spent in Sweden, his wife Petra’s homeland, in 2003. He was amazed and impressed how mainstream climate control systems like heat pumps were and realised the huge potential they represented for tackling climate change and the energy saving challenge that was just dawning in the UK. Hundreds of thousands of heat pumps are heating hospitals, schools, businesses and homes in Sweden which has a population of just 9 million.
The move to renewable energy sources in Sweden was a result of the energy crisis in the mid 70’s which led to new legislation for better insulated, airtight buildings and an increasing awareness of energy usage and innovative ways to save energy. Sweden is currently around 30 years ahead of the UK with over 80% of new homes heated with a heat pump.
Having identified the gap in the market, Mark Henderson, Keith Kemsley and Colin Kerr joined forces to establish Ecoliving in 2004. With a focus on introducing innovative renewable energy solutions, products and installation best practice, the company has had a growth rate of over 450% year on year to 2007 and is on target to achieve £4 million turnover in 2008.
Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) is one of the largest energy companies in the UK. It is involved in the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity; energy trading; the development of major renewable energy projects; the storage, distribution and supply of gas; electrical and utility contracting; and telecoms.
SSE supplies more than 8.8 million customers through its retail brands: Southern Electric, SWALEC, Scottish Hydro Electric and Atlantic. It transmits and distributes electricity to over 3.6 million customers in central southern England and the north of Scotland.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Lifestylebazaar Unveils New Designs
Pioneering independent retailers Lifestylebazaar are this week presenting to the public for the very first time – Andrew Tanner’s brand new collection ‘a stitch in time’ that includes two bone china vases and fruit bowl. Andrew has also produced a signed limited edition ‘flocked’ bird wall collection – exclusive to Lifestylebazaar for the London Design Festival.
“At Saturday’s launch party at the Newburgh Street store – partners Chris Curtis and Laurent Nurisso also presented new work by design duo Yve Thelermont and David Hupton including their new ‘upwardly mobile coat stand’ and ‘off the wall’ collections.
“Patrick L’Hoste from Pulpo is also presenting new range of occasional tables and lighting including ‘makrame’ – flower, grafico and stones occasional tables & ‘wanabe’ side table that compliment the new wall light collection – ‘kate’ available in polished mirror steel or powder coated metal finishes.
“The entire new product range from Andrew Tanner, ThelermontHupton and Pulpo are all available now in store at Lifestylebazaar.
“Finally, we are pleased to announce that for the week-end of 100% Design and Tent, coupled with the London Design Festival, our Newburgh Street store will stay open until 9.00pm on both Thursday and Friday 18-19th September and till 8.00pm on Saturday 20th.”
Www.lifestylebazaar.com
“At Saturday’s launch party at the Newburgh Street store – partners Chris Curtis and Laurent Nurisso also presented new work by design duo Yve Thelermont and David Hupton including their new ‘upwardly mobile coat stand’ and ‘off the wall’ collections.
“Patrick L’Hoste from Pulpo is also presenting new range of occasional tables and lighting including ‘makrame’ – flower, grafico and stones occasional tables & ‘wanabe’ side table that compliment the new wall light collection – ‘kate’ available in polished mirror steel or powder coated metal finishes.
“The entire new product range from Andrew Tanner, ThelermontHupton and Pulpo are all available now in store at Lifestylebazaar.
“Finally, we are pleased to announce that for the week-end of 100% Design and Tent, coupled with the London Design Festival, our Newburgh Street store will stay open until 9.00pm on both Thursday and Friday 18-19th September and till 8.00pm on Saturday 20th.”
Www.lifestylebazaar.com
Exhibition: Nobel Textiles ICA – Until 21st September
The result of a two year collaboration between Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design and the Medical Research Council which paired five Nobel Prize winning scientists with five designers. Today there are five new glass houses in St. James’s Park (opposite the ICA) showing the work inspired by the discoveries of the Nobel Laureates.
Biodegradable products and textiles by Carole Collet, 3-d woven textiles by Philippa Brock, transparent wallpaper that responds to different light conditions by Rachel Kelly, a construction system based on weaving and lace-making for urban food production by Rachel Wingfield and a fashion collection inspired by the use of MRI technology.
Biodegradable products and textiles by Carole Collet, 3-d woven textiles by Philippa Brock, transparent wallpaper that responds to different light conditions by Rachel Kelly, a construction system based on weaving and lace-making for urban food production by Rachel Wingfield and a fashion collection inspired by the use of MRI technology.
Children of Chernobyl Come to Kids Klub Summer Camp, Suffolk, UK
Kids Klub summer camp activity centre in Suffolk hosting a day of activities free of charge for twenty two children whose lives have been affected by the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
Twenty two children whose lives will forever be affected by the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 will be arriving in Suffolk on 24th August from Belarus. The 4 week long trip has been organised by the Mid Suffolk link of the national charity 'Chernobyl Children's Life Line'.
As part of their stay, Kids Klub are in the privileged position to be able to offer a day of activities free of charge for the children on 16th September. Kids Klub, a summer camps (http://www.kidsklub.co.uk/) holiday provider predominately based in Suffolk have provided activity days for Children of Chernobyl for the last few years. Not only will the children have the opportunity of trying something new but they will be breathing in clean air and getting plenty of exercise. The children, all aged 8 years will have an action packed day of climbing, kayaking, circus skills and horse riding at the Kids Klub children's activity centre at Finborough Hall, Great Finborough.
The children will be staying with host families locally and will enjoy a variety of activities and days out, mostly through the kind donations of local businesses. It is believed that a month away from the contamination, eating nourishing food and breathing clean air, may significantly increase their life expectancy by as much as two years by giving their immune systems a chance to recover.
We are inviting local press to Finborough Hall on 16th September to see for themselves the wonderful opportunity that the CCLL are giving the children from Belarus and how much the children enjoy their time in the UK. Any coverage relayed to the general public will only help raise awareness of the disaster that the effects have left behind and will also hopefully encourage people to donate to this very worthwhile charity.
"For each child taken to the UK they are returned two year's life. We are the hostages to the hazardous aftermath of radiation and the future of our very race is threatened with extinction, as our children, our gene pool is seriously ill. In the midst of this tragedy, we have been given hope by the people of the UK. Thank you for supporting the lives of our children." Dr Zolovok, Director of the children's hospital for the Soligorsk region.
The issues affecting the Children of Chernobyl cannot be cured with money. It has been estimated that it will take 400 years for the area to be clear of contamination. However to give these children the opportunity of increased life expectancy the charity relies on donations and volunteers. It costs around £600 to bring a child to the UK for a four week respite holiday and all money donated to the charity goes towards these costs. Over 40,000 children have been brought the UK so far.
'As a Charity, Chernobyl Children's Lifeline's reason for being is not relief of poverty or holidays for poor children. It exists because of the difference we can make to the lives of children growing up with the long term health effects of the Chernobyl Disaster which no amount of money can correct. Only time will see the end of the contamination and for many hundreds of years to come this is time these children do not have. All these children are affected regardless of whether they have satellite TV and a flushing toilet or a cow in the back garden and an earth closet.' Elizabeth Parker, Link Chair Mid Suffolk Children of Chernobyl Life Line.
Please find more information on Kids Klub summer camps (http://www.kidsklub.co.uk/) here and for more information on the day, please contact Ben Sinclair.
Boots.com Announces New Campaign of Beauty Competitions
Everyone loves the chance to win something for nothing and so boots.com has launched a campaign of alluring beauty competitions to celebrate its ‘Biggest Ever Beauty Event’.
Boots.com has given itself a makeover for a beautiful new look and to celebrate has launched its ‘Biggest Ever Beauty Event’. As part of this, every day for the next month, the site will feature inspirational beauty competitions including once in a lifetime prizes such as winning front row seats to a show at London Fashion Week, or receiving a make-over with ’10 Years Younger’ presenter Nicky Hambleton-Jones.
However, the beauty event itself is about much more than inspirational competitions. It includes access to beauty advice, great new looks and beauty tips from a whole host of industry experts, such as hairdresser James Brown, friend and hair stylist to Kate Moss. One of James’ top tips is: “I never spray hairspray directly onto the hair. I spray it onto the tips of my fingers and rub it into the scalp where I want to create volume – on the crown and sides. To smooth hair, spray it onto the palms of your hand, rub together and then use your hands as tools to smooth flyaways down the hair.”
The event comes at the perfect time; September sees London Fashion Week which not only showcases next season’s fashions, but also the models don make-up looks likely to dominate the industry for the seasons to come.
Amanda Howard, Head of Content for boots.com said: “We know Autumn can often be overlooked for beauty; there are obviously huge stories around getting ready for summer and by November people are starting to think about their Christmas looks. But in-between, Autumn is really important – not only do we get sneak previews of next season’s influences from Fashion Week, but the weather is changing and women can start to see it affect their hair and skin. Our customers have told us that they are desperate for advice and inspiration, so we wanted to give them exactly what they have asked for.”
This biggest ever beauty event simply heralds the changes to content that will be seen on a regular basis on the new boots.com. The new site will see the same depth of health and beauty products as ever but now sitting alongside editorial content, such as 'how to' demonstration videos and hints and tips that can be incorporated into everyday routines. To add even more expertise, the site now has its own Beauty editor, Katie Campbell, previously deputy beauty editor of Grazia. Katie will be writing a daily beauty blog to bring readers previews of up and coming launches, product reviews and all her inner thoughts and inspiration on all things beauty.
Boots.com has given itself a makeover for a beautiful new look and to celebrate has launched its ‘Biggest Ever Beauty Event’. As part of this, every day for the next month, the site will feature inspirational beauty competitions including once in a lifetime prizes such as winning front row seats to a show at London Fashion Week, or receiving a make-over with ’10 Years Younger’ presenter Nicky Hambleton-Jones.
However, the beauty event itself is about much more than inspirational competitions. It includes access to beauty advice, great new looks and beauty tips from a whole host of industry experts, such as hairdresser James Brown, friend and hair stylist to Kate Moss. One of James’ top tips is: “I never spray hairspray directly onto the hair. I spray it onto the tips of my fingers and rub it into the scalp where I want to create volume – on the crown and sides. To smooth hair, spray it onto the palms of your hand, rub together and then use your hands as tools to smooth flyaways down the hair.”
The event comes at the perfect time; September sees London Fashion Week which not only showcases next season’s fashions, but also the models don make-up looks likely to dominate the industry for the seasons to come.
Amanda Howard, Head of Content for boots.com said: “We know Autumn can often be overlooked for beauty; there are obviously huge stories around getting ready for summer and by November people are starting to think about their Christmas looks. But in-between, Autumn is really important – not only do we get sneak previews of next season’s influences from Fashion Week, but the weather is changing and women can start to see it affect their hair and skin. Our customers have told us that they are desperate for advice and inspiration, so we wanted to give them exactly what they have asked for.”
This biggest ever beauty event simply heralds the changes to content that will be seen on a regular basis on the new boots.com. The new site will see the same depth of health and beauty products as ever but now sitting alongside editorial content, such as 'how to' demonstration videos and hints and tips that can be incorporated into everyday routines. To add even more expertise, the site now has its own Beauty editor, Katie Campbell, previously deputy beauty editor of Grazia. Katie will be writing a daily beauty blog to bring readers previews of up and coming launches, product reviews and all her inner thoughts and inspiration on all things beauty.
Amanda Lamb Brings Ortak’s New Jewellery Collection To Life
-New face of the brand sparkles in striking photographs -Leading jewellery company Ortak has today unveiled a series of dramatic fashion shots of glamorous television presenter Amanda Lamb, modelling the jeweller’s new ranges.
Shot on a remote Scottish beach, the photographs of Amanda deliver a fabulous sense of seductive 1940s Hollywood glamour to tie with the jeweller’s compelling new ranges – which hit shops next week.
Well-known as the striking presenter of property show A Place in the Sun and former face of Scottish Widows, Amanda Lamb this week announced she is expecting her first baby, due on Valentine’s Day 2009.
Amanda, who claims jewellery is one of her guiltiest pleasures, said: “Being the new face of Ortak is an absolutely wonderful opportunity – who wouldn’t jump at the chance to wear lots of their gorgeous jewellery? I am already coveting several pieces of their new collection and planning outfits around them.”
Mark Riddle, sales and marketing director at Ortak, said: “We chose Amanda as the stunning ambassador of our brand because her beauty is so timeless and she appeals to such a wide spectrum of women. Amanda is a responsible example of a modern fashion icon and the results are truly fantastic – the campaign is sophisticated, fresh and at the highest-end of fashion.”
Ortak has applied a fashion-led creative to the new campaign with Amanda which was styled by fashion stylist Lindsay Campbell, and shot by leading fashion photographer, Stephen Kearney. Ortak, which is based in Scotland’s Orkney islands, has ensured that not only does the historical inspiration of Ortak’s collection shine through in the imagery, but also that the brand is situated at the cutting-edge of the fashion industry.
Ortak is seeking new stockists in many areas across the UK and Ireland - retailers can contact 01856 872224 or email tradesales@ortak.co.uk to meet with a member of the Ortak Customer Services Team and to see the entire range of Ortak jewellery.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Creative Charlie is announced overall winner of Toys and Games category at Practical Pre-School Awards
The Rainy Day Box by Creative Charlie beat over 100 products to take the overall winner title in the Toys and Games category at the Practical Pre-School Awards 2008.
The Rainy Day Box has been carefully designed to be packed full of fun activities - including make a mobile, make puppets, make butterflies and make a pom-pom pet - to keep pre-school children busy on a rainy day. Along with educational settings, the box is perfect for use at home, and provides an opportunity for adult and child to engage together in creative play.
The Practical Pre-School Awards identify and reward excellence in the field of educational equipment, childcare, books and toys, suitable for children aged from 0-8 years old to use in professional childcare and educational settings.
The Awards testing panel gave The Rainy Day Box a score of 97.8%, and said about the product;
"The children loved following the work sheets and began to implement ideas of their own into their creations. It's value as a creative resource is immense and it incorporates flexible and enjoyable activities, as well as helping to teach children about the environment. Everything in the box was great. The instructions were easy to understand and follow. The Rainy Day Box had a charming sense of simplicity, and my five-year-old was able to use it independently, as well as being encouraged to play co-operatively and share. It has fantastic educational value and appealed to children throughout the trial. Adaptable, original and a lot of fun!"
“Creative Charlie has only been trading for a year, and this is the first award we have entered, so I’m thrilled to have won.” Kerri Sellens, director and founder of Creative Charlie Ltd.
Creative Charlie provides everything you need to complete a variety of exciting art and craft activities with children. The expanding range of environmentally friendly project boxes have all been designed and put together in the UK, using materials which are either recycled or can be reused.
The Rainy Day Box can be purchased from www.creativecharlie.com, for £29.99. The box is available with either right or left-handed scissors, ensuring that all children can interact.
The Rainy Day Box has been carefully designed to be packed full of fun activities - including make a mobile, make puppets, make butterflies and make a pom-pom pet - to keep pre-school children busy on a rainy day. Along with educational settings, the box is perfect for use at home, and provides an opportunity for adult and child to engage together in creative play.
The Practical Pre-School Awards identify and reward excellence in the field of educational equipment, childcare, books and toys, suitable for children aged from 0-8 years old to use in professional childcare and educational settings.
The Awards testing panel gave The Rainy Day Box a score of 97.8%, and said about the product;
"The children loved following the work sheets and began to implement ideas of their own into their creations. It's value as a creative resource is immense and it incorporates flexible and enjoyable activities, as well as helping to teach children about the environment. Everything in the box was great. The instructions were easy to understand and follow. The Rainy Day Box had a charming sense of simplicity, and my five-year-old was able to use it independently, as well as being encouraged to play co-operatively and share. It has fantastic educational value and appealed to children throughout the trial. Adaptable, original and a lot of fun!"
“Creative Charlie has only been trading for a year, and this is the first award we have entered, so I’m thrilled to have won.” Kerri Sellens, director and founder of Creative Charlie Ltd.
Creative Charlie provides everything you need to complete a variety of exciting art and craft activities with children. The expanding range of environmentally friendly project boxes have all been designed and put together in the UK, using materials which are either recycled or can be reused.
The Rainy Day Box can be purchased from www.creativecharlie.com, for £29.99. The box is available with either right or left-handed scissors, ensuring that all children can interact.
Employers should consider home working issues say experts
With recent research showing that half of small businesses do not work in formal offices, lawyers at Glovers solicitors are warning employers to consider the legal issues involved in allowing staff to work from home.
“Swapping the office for the home can allow for a more attractive work / life balance and save on travel costs and rent, which in the current economic climate is an important factor. However the consequences you could face if you don’t consider the legal issues connected with home working are substantial” says Sikin Andela, partner and employment lawyer at Glovers. “It’s important to remember that employers are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of their employees, regardless of where they’re working – even if it’s their own home.”
The legal issues that businesses must consider include amending employment contracts and insurance provisions and setting up a formal home working policy and manual. In addition employers may need to carry out a risk assessment of the employee’s home and make sure the equipment and environment is hazard free. “Failure to do this could leave employers responsible for any subsequent medical problems that are a result of a poor working environment or unsafe working practices” comments Andela.
Bosses also need to make sure that if they decide to monitor their employees working from home that the advantage to the business outweighs the intrusion into workers’ affairs, that the worker is informed and that any information discovered is kept secure and only used for the purpose for which the monitoring was carried out.
Andela adds, “Employers need to remember that home workers are still employees and that the fact that they’re working from home makes no difference to the rights or responsibilities that apply in the office.”
“Swapping the office for the home can allow for a more attractive work / life balance and save on travel costs and rent, which in the current economic climate is an important factor. However the consequences you could face if you don’t consider the legal issues connected with home working are substantial” says Sikin Andela, partner and employment lawyer at Glovers. “It’s important to remember that employers are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of their employees, regardless of where they’re working – even if it’s their own home.”
The legal issues that businesses must consider include amending employment contracts and insurance provisions and setting up a formal home working policy and manual. In addition employers may need to carry out a risk assessment of the employee’s home and make sure the equipment and environment is hazard free. “Failure to do this could leave employers responsible for any subsequent medical problems that are a result of a poor working environment or unsafe working practices” comments Andela.
Bosses also need to make sure that if they decide to monitor their employees working from home that the advantage to the business outweighs the intrusion into workers’ affairs, that the worker is informed and that any information discovered is kept secure and only used for the purpose for which the monitoring was carried out.
Andela adds, “Employers need to remember that home workers are still employees and that the fact that they’re working from home makes no difference to the rights or responsibilities that apply in the office.”
Britannia Hotels unveil refurbished Manchester Hotel
Britannia Hotels, the leading privately owned hotel group in the UK, has refurbished its main Manchester property with traditional style décor and a number of additional amenities which, along with Britannia Hotels’ Sachas hotel in central Manchester, help make it an ideal city centre hotel for many, with easy access to attractions and the airport.
As a Grade II listed building, The Britannia Manchester Hotel already boasts a tremendous amount of character, with the recent refurbishment adding to the property's allure.
The Grand Staircase, a balconied stairway extending throughout the hotel, has been repainted and restored to its former glory with the public areas surrounding the staircase now featuring plush new carpets.
All 363 guest accommodations within the hotel have also been updated with new carpets, as well as new duvets replacing the sheets and blankets that were formally the norm at the hotel. Tasteful, neutral colours adorn the walls of the rooms and new doors with key card locks have also been added, giving guests additional peace of mind during their stay.
New furniture has also been added to the in-house Crompton's French Restaurant while the Pizzeria Restaurant has been restyled. Following these refurbishments, Britannia Hotels' Manchester property also looks to become a leading corporate venue, with nine modern conference, meeting and banqueting rooms, capable of catering for up to 250 people.
With the refurbishment and additional amenities, Britannia Hotels aims to maintain the building’s reputation as one of the premier properties among hotels in Manchester for business and leisure travellers, with a whole host of things to do in Manchester just moments from the hotel entrance including shopping, the city's financial district, airport, theatres and Manchester Central.
FACT FILE:
Britannia Hotels is the leading privately owned hotel group in the UK, operating nationwide with 33 hotels offering nearly 7000 bedrooms. Location is the key to the success of Britannia, with hotels easily found in prime cities throughout the UK, as well as near major airports, in seaside resorts or surrounded by stunning countryside.
Britannia Hotels' aim is to provide extremely good value for money at a time when it has become an increasingly important factor to companies and individuals when making buying decisions. Britannia not only offers extremely competitive rates but also combines this with richness in décor and facilities such as a choice of restaurants, health clubs, nightclubs, bars and complimentary Wireless Internet Access.
As a Grade II listed building, The Britannia Manchester Hotel already boasts a tremendous amount of character, with the recent refurbishment adding to the property's allure.
The Grand Staircase, a balconied stairway extending throughout the hotel, has been repainted and restored to its former glory with the public areas surrounding the staircase now featuring plush new carpets.
All 363 guest accommodations within the hotel have also been updated with new carpets, as well as new duvets replacing the sheets and blankets that were formally the norm at the hotel. Tasteful, neutral colours adorn the walls of the rooms and new doors with key card locks have also been added, giving guests additional peace of mind during their stay.
New furniture has also been added to the in-house Crompton's French Restaurant while the Pizzeria Restaurant has been restyled. Following these refurbishments, Britannia Hotels' Manchester property also looks to become a leading corporate venue, with nine modern conference, meeting and banqueting rooms, capable of catering for up to 250 people.
With the refurbishment and additional amenities, Britannia Hotels aims to maintain the building’s reputation as one of the premier properties among hotels in Manchester for business and leisure travellers, with a whole host of things to do in Manchester just moments from the hotel entrance including shopping, the city's financial district, airport, theatres and Manchester Central.
FACT FILE:
Britannia Hotels is the leading privately owned hotel group in the UK, operating nationwide with 33 hotels offering nearly 7000 bedrooms. Location is the key to the success of Britannia, with hotels easily found in prime cities throughout the UK, as well as near major airports, in seaside resorts or surrounded by stunning countryside.
Britannia Hotels' aim is to provide extremely good value for money at a time when it has become an increasingly important factor to companies and individuals when making buying decisions. Britannia not only offers extremely competitive rates but also combines this with richness in décor and facilities such as a choice of restaurants, health clubs, nightclubs, bars and complimentary Wireless Internet Access.
Cut back on Flower Miles this Christmas!
Scented Narcissi, from the Isles of Scilly, are winter-grown, scented British flowers with great eco-credentials. In bloom between October and March, these wonderful, unique flowers are hand-picked by family growers in small traditional fields. They are multi-headed, 'star like' blooms with a beautiful natural scent, and they come in shades from pure white through peachy cream to intense yellows and orange.
Scented Narcissi are a very eco-friendly option as they are grown naturally outdoors in the open air so no heated glasshouses. Harvested by hand they travel just 28 miles to the mainland. They are also one of the few flowers grown commercially that have a fragrance.
The growers run their own direct delivery service at www.scentednarcissi.co.uk and by purchasing these flowers, people are supporting this cottage industry and British flowers.
Scented Narcissi are a very eco-friendly option as they are grown naturally outdoors in the open air so no heated glasshouses. Harvested by hand they travel just 28 miles to the mainland. They are also one of the few flowers grown commercially that have a fragrance.
The growers run their own direct delivery service at www.scentednarcissi.co.uk and by purchasing these flowers, people are supporting this cottage industry and British flowers.
BookDiary 2009 - The Perfect Gift For Book Fans
It doesn’t matter what their taste in reading, you now have the perfect Christmas gift for the bookworms in your life – the all-new BookDiary 2009.As well as being a beautifully designed, book-themed diary, with plenty of space for notes, appointments and personal information, including space for journal entries, BookDiary has a host of additional features and extras that make it a ‘must have’ for book fans.
BookDiary has themed booklists and recommendations of what books to read. It also includes writer biographies and facts, with key literary dates, including festivals and awards. Readers can also use BookDiary to make a record of their own reading and responses to books, and over the course of a year becomes the owner’s, own unique reader’s journal – to be kept, treasured and referred to.
The BookDiary’s 224 individually and beautifully designed colour pages also feature original photography, personalising the reading experience and helping make BookDiary truly unique. It’s not just a diary; it’s a complete reading experience!
So whether the readers amongst your family and friends prefer Austen or Asimov, Rowling or Rankin, their reading obsessions are well catered for with this essential reader’s diary from Wise Dog Books.
BookDiary 2009 is now available online at www.wisedogbooks.co.uk and through good booksellers nationwide. Priced around £18.99.
Flash of Genius' Professor Goes Totally Berserk. Gives away new book
A top-ten best-selling author of John Wiley & Sons is raving mad...giving away his new book in protesting the spiralling prices of commodities.
Not only is he giving away a book, but a ‘flash of genius’ secret that enables small entrepreneurs to become big entrepreneurs with little or no risk. He is the author of the international best-seller, "The Profit-Taker: the Proven Rapid Money-Maker in Good and Bad Markets".
The Chicago Tribune says:"THE PROFIT-TAKER: SOLID ADVICE ON THE STOCK MARKET". The new free sequel reveals a proven strategy to grow rich - especially for late starters. It is a blueprint that awakens the self-actualizing quest to live long.
John Wiley & Sons is one of the largest and oldest publishers in the world, and the home of such early celebrated authors as Edgar Allan Poe (Tales), James Fenimore Cooper (The Deerslayer), Washington Irving (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow) and Herman Melville (Moby Dick).
An inspired Wiley editor, Stephen Kippur, guided "The Profit-Taker" to the status of a listed international best-seller. Now he is president of John Wiley & Sons, publishers. Currently he is reported earning $1,169,000 a year with options totalling $4,958,000 (Forbes, 2008).
A richly deserved American success story.
The author/inventor, Professor Don Abrams and legendary Professor Smarba, Professor Emeritus of Finance are protesting against those who are igniting the free fall of the middle-class poor. The culprits? Those who are fuelling the fire of inflationary prices... from oil to textbooks to tuition fees. Not to mention these scrooge-like ‘credit card interest’ plunderers who constantly pursue our unfortunate victims. This is the naked truth. But truth without action is dead.
Do Abrams and Smarba have a solution? Yes! Unequivocally.
“We don’t have turkeys to hand out, but it has to start somewhere. We recognise the debt we owe for the thunderous acclaim of the first book. To that end, we wish to set an example by being credible and responsible to our book-buying public. We have a reader friendly offer as a remedy. We wish to give back. It makes good marketing sense. It’s good for the middle-class poor and for everyone.”
So for the first time ever, the revolutionary and pre-published sequel to the international best-seller is being given away. Over seven years of work in its creation. Given away. Exactly so. Free! The follow-up, "The Profit-Taker Equalizer for the Underdog: Grow from Middle-Class Poor to ‘Zero Debt’ to Rich in One Year", is yours - with love.
During these troubled times of risky ventures and banking woes, the financial duo wish to unleash their refreshing, uplifting and unique concept... unencumbered by any cost to the reader, without any strings attached. Simply click on www.profittaker.info and download the complete full-length manuscript copy of their ‘news breaking book’.
Not only is he giving away a book, but a ‘flash of genius’ secret that enables small entrepreneurs to become big entrepreneurs with little or no risk. He is the author of the international best-seller, "The Profit-Taker: the Proven Rapid Money-Maker in Good and Bad Markets".
The Chicago Tribune says:"THE PROFIT-TAKER: SOLID ADVICE ON THE STOCK MARKET". The new free sequel reveals a proven strategy to grow rich - especially for late starters. It is a blueprint that awakens the self-actualizing quest to live long.
John Wiley & Sons is one of the largest and oldest publishers in the world, and the home of such early celebrated authors as Edgar Allan Poe (Tales), James Fenimore Cooper (The Deerslayer), Washington Irving (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow) and Herman Melville (Moby Dick).
An inspired Wiley editor, Stephen Kippur, guided "The Profit-Taker" to the status of a listed international best-seller. Now he is president of John Wiley & Sons, publishers. Currently he is reported earning $1,169,000 a year with options totalling $4,958,000 (Forbes, 2008).
A richly deserved American success story.
The author/inventor, Professor Don Abrams and legendary Professor Smarba, Professor Emeritus of Finance are protesting against those who are igniting the free fall of the middle-class poor. The culprits? Those who are fuelling the fire of inflationary prices... from oil to textbooks to tuition fees. Not to mention these scrooge-like ‘credit card interest’ plunderers who constantly pursue our unfortunate victims. This is the naked truth. But truth without action is dead.
Do Abrams and Smarba have a solution? Yes! Unequivocally.
“We don’t have turkeys to hand out, but it has to start somewhere. We recognise the debt we owe for the thunderous acclaim of the first book. To that end, we wish to set an example by being credible and responsible to our book-buying public. We have a reader friendly offer as a remedy. We wish to give back. It makes good marketing sense. It’s good for the middle-class poor and for everyone.”
So for the first time ever, the revolutionary and pre-published sequel to the international best-seller is being given away. Over seven years of work in its creation. Given away. Exactly so. Free! The follow-up, "The Profit-Taker Equalizer for the Underdog: Grow from Middle-Class Poor to ‘Zero Debt’ to Rich in One Year", is yours - with love.
During these troubled times of risky ventures and banking woes, the financial duo wish to unleash their refreshing, uplifting and unique concept... unencumbered by any cost to the reader, without any strings attached. Simply click on www.profittaker.info and download the complete full-length manuscript copy of their ‘news breaking book’.
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Body Shop Unveil New Wellbeing Diagnostic Tool
The Body Shop, a leading global retailer of toiletries and cosmetics, has unveiled a new online diagnostic tool to coincide with the launch of the company’s new Wellbeing Range.
The website is designed to help customers of The Body Shop find products in the Wellbeing Range that are suited to help ease the stress and anxiety of the individual’s everyday life.
Split into four different regimes, namely Total Energy, Divine Calm, Deep Sleep and Pure Detox, the diagnostic tool leads users through four simple stages in order to determine the regime and products that are suitable for the customer’s needs. These recommendations are then available for the customer to print off and keep for future reference.
Visitors to the site can find products to help ease their everyday concerns, with the site guiding users to the ideal cleansing items, moisturisers, treatments and essential oils for their needs, with full details of the ingredients used, including camomile, jojoba and guarana, also available.
Designed to be easily incorporated into everyday lifestyles, every product in the Wellbeing Range contains effective active natural ingredients based on traditional herbal remedies. Products user trials have proved the effectiveness of this new range from The Body Shop, with well over half of those testing the products discovering the relaxing properties of Divine Calm Heavenly Shower Gel as well as the uplifting and invigorating Total Energy Exhilarating Body Wash.
The new diagnostic site from The Body Shop looks to be the ideal way for those leading a busy life to discover remedies and treatments to combat stress, lack of sleep and the feeling of being run down.
With many of the natural ingredients used in the Wellbeing Range sourced through Community Trade Programme, those who purchase items from the Wellbeing Range will also contribute to the wellbeing of communities around the world including Ghana, Brazil, Zambia, Namibia, Nicaragua, the Republic of Ireland, Italy and the UK.
About The Body Shop:
The Body Shop International plc is the original ethical cosmetics company, now operating across more than 2,500 stores in over 60 markets worldwide. The Body Shop has constantly sought out wonderful natural ingredients from all four corners of the globe to bring you products bursting with effectiveness, to enhance your natural beauty. We strive to use our planet’s resources wisely, searching for outstanding natural materials and ingredients from across the globe to include in our range of products. We continue to lead the way, sourcing sustainable palm oil, introducing 100% recycled packaging, and raising funds and awareness to help prevent the spread of HIV/ AIDS, and continuing to support marginalized communities around the world through our Community Trade fair trade programme.
For over 30 years The Body Shop has believed that business has the power to make the right kind of difference to the world. Our unique philosophy continues to drive everything we do, allowing our customers around the world to become ‘activists’, simply by choosing from our range of products. As Dame Anita Roddick said: “Activism isn’t listed on The Body Shop labels as an ingredient, but it is there as surely as the bergamot and hemp oil”
The website is designed to help customers of The Body Shop find products in the Wellbeing Range that are suited to help ease the stress and anxiety of the individual’s everyday life.
Split into four different regimes, namely Total Energy, Divine Calm, Deep Sleep and Pure Detox, the diagnostic tool leads users through four simple stages in order to determine the regime and products that are suitable for the customer’s needs. These recommendations are then available for the customer to print off and keep for future reference.
Visitors to the site can find products to help ease their everyday concerns, with the site guiding users to the ideal cleansing items, moisturisers, treatments and essential oils for their needs, with full details of the ingredients used, including camomile, jojoba and guarana, also available.
Designed to be easily incorporated into everyday lifestyles, every product in the Wellbeing Range contains effective active natural ingredients based on traditional herbal remedies. Products user trials have proved the effectiveness of this new range from The Body Shop, with well over half of those testing the products discovering the relaxing properties of Divine Calm Heavenly Shower Gel as well as the uplifting and invigorating Total Energy Exhilarating Body Wash.
The new diagnostic site from The Body Shop looks to be the ideal way for those leading a busy life to discover remedies and treatments to combat stress, lack of sleep and the feeling of being run down.
With many of the natural ingredients used in the Wellbeing Range sourced through Community Trade Programme, those who purchase items from the Wellbeing Range will also contribute to the wellbeing of communities around the world including Ghana, Brazil, Zambia, Namibia, Nicaragua, the Republic of Ireland, Italy and the UK.
About The Body Shop:
The Body Shop International plc is the original ethical cosmetics company, now operating across more than 2,500 stores in over 60 markets worldwide. The Body Shop has constantly sought out wonderful natural ingredients from all four corners of the globe to bring you products bursting with effectiveness, to enhance your natural beauty. We strive to use our planet’s resources wisely, searching for outstanding natural materials and ingredients from across the globe to include in our range of products. We continue to lead the way, sourcing sustainable palm oil, introducing 100% recycled packaging, and raising funds and awareness to help prevent the spread of HIV/ AIDS, and continuing to support marginalized communities around the world through our Community Trade fair trade programme.
For over 30 years The Body Shop has believed that business has the power to make the right kind of difference to the world. Our unique philosophy continues to drive everything we do, allowing our customers around the world to become ‘activists’, simply by choosing from our range of products. As Dame Anita Roddick said: “Activism isn’t listed on The Body Shop labels as an ingredient, but it is there as surely as the bergamot and hemp oil”
Media job site makes it easier to get that dream media job
SourceThatJob, the specialist media job board, has launched a brand-new resources area dedicated to assisting people in establishing and developing a career in media.
Whether it be a job in advertising, a career in public relations, a marketing role or a journalism job – the resources area on SourceThatJob is a great starting point for those wishing to enter a media career.
The resources area includes sections on journalism, PR, marketing, advertising and design. Each one gives a short introduction into finding work in that area of the media, followed by useful links and a list of relevant books that can be purchased from sister site The Media Bookshop.
This is just the first step in providing media career advice on SourceThatJob. The resources area will grow over time to cover more detailed advice in establishing a media career and information for those who wish to develop an existing media career.
SourceThatJob founder Daryl Willcox said: “SourceThatJob grew out of customer demand for an effective, specialist media job site and the new resources area is just one thing we are doing to ensure the site appeals to a wide range of media job candidates.”
Suggestions for material to be included in the SourceThatJob resources area can be emailed to info@sourcethatjob.com for consideration.
FACT FILE:
SourceThatJob is the dedicated media job site from Daryl Group, which specialises in providing online services to media professionals.
SourceThatJob offers an easy-to-use interface which allows candidates to find and apply for relevant vacancies quickly. Recruiters benefit from exposure on SourceThatJob and other specialist media sites within Daryl Group. They can also opt for Featured Recruiter status which offers a dedicated microsite, higher profile ads and greater control over ads.
Daryl Group also includes The Media Bookshop and is a related company to Daryl Willcox Publishing, which provides the online media database FeaturesExec, the journalist enquiry services and press release wires on Response Source and SourceWire and the Freelance Journalist Directory.
Brown’s energy package fails to address oil-fired heating in Rural Areas
Whilst Gordon Brown’s £1bn energy package for helping households cope with rising fuel prices is a welcome move, it does nothing to help with the spiraling costs of oil-fired central heating which is prevalent across rural areas, according to Norfolk businessman Tony Freeman. “Many houses are still fired by oil from back in the day when the average cost was just 13p per litre, but at a current rate of 58p per litre, businesses and homes are being crippled unnecessarily”, says Tony.
Tony, who has a new generation of all year round solar panels powering the central heating and hot water at his three bedroom bungalow in Wymondham, Norfolk believes that rural areas in particular will continue to be adversely affected by the rise in fuel prices as many homes are still powered by oil and that cash handouts during the Winter are just a ‘short-term solution to an ongoing problem’.
Tony, first saw the solar system in Portugal 2 years ago and was so impressed with the possible cost savings and reliability of the system that he flew out a fortnight later to obtain the U.K distributorship from Energie Est LDA.
Tony, who has a new generation of all year round solar panels powering the central heating and hot water at his three bedroom bungalow in Wymondham, Norfolk believes that rural areas in particular will continue to be adversely affected by the rise in fuel prices as many homes are still powered by oil and that cash handouts during the Winter are just a ‘short-term solution to an ongoing problem’.
Tony, first saw the solar system in Portugal 2 years ago and was so impressed with the possible cost savings and reliability of the system that he flew out a fortnight later to obtain the U.K distributorship from Energie Est LDA.
He installed the system in the U.K 18 months ago at his own bungalow, removing the gas boiler completely in September 2007. And when BBC Look East came to film the system in February 2008, the temperature inside the bungalow was 21C, whilst outside it was -2C.
The patented heating system is made in Portugal and over the last four and a half years, Energie Est LDA has completed over ten thousand installations ranging from single panel hot water for a family of five through to over a hundred panel industrial process systems.
“Many rural areas are currently using oil as they have no alternative and would see a very significant savings through switching to a solar system, which can be powered by a standard 240 volt supply”, adds Tony.
Energie Solar will be demonstrating their system at the forthcoming EAME08 between 16th-18th September at Hethel Engineering Centre in Norwich. Entry to the exhibition is free. For more information visit www.energie-solar.co.uk.
Moixa Energy Ltd crowned “Queen of Green” in Barclays Green Leaders in Business Awards
Pictured L-R: Chris Wright (Design & Engineering Director), Simon Daniel (CEO), Steve Cooper (Barclays Managing Director for Local Business)
Green Leaders in Business was open to all UK & Irish companies, and had three separate categories – companies with a turnover below £1m; between £1m and £20m; and above £20m.
Beating off stiff competitors in the below £1m turnover category, Moixa Energy Ltd., was presented with the Winners trophy at a glittering gala Awards luncheon held yesterday at London’s East Wintergarden.
Founded in 2005, Moixa Energy Ltd., ‘rethinks axioms’ and invents new technologies and products that make electricity use more efficient.
Their first major initiative has been to reduce battery waste by making better rechargeable batteries and to use these to help raise consumer and corporate awareness of the need for sustainability. This has saved millions of batteries from future landfill and aims to help the UK avoid potential EU fines for not reducing enough UK battery landfill.
USBCELL Batteries are the first truly portable rechargeable category as they can be re-charged without a charger via an embedded USB port and circuitry, or can be charged in regular chargers, so are easy to re-use hundreds of times.
The company’s research and development unit is also working to replace inefficient electrical adaptors with efficient Direct Current servers, encouraging householders to use renewable energy sources to power consumer electronics.
The plan is to make these changes simple for consumers, using good design and technology integration to help them make step by step adjustments to a greener way of life.
Founded by British innovators and designers Simon Daniel and Chris Wright, Moixa believe they can lead the way to a short term saving of over 10% of domestic electricity waste and significantly reduce landfill and CO2 waste. They have recently been recognized internationally with a global top 50 iF Gold Product Design award and by the Computerworld Honors Programme with an Energy/Environmental Finalist award in the USA in June.
With the USBCELL batteries already proving hugely popular, Moixa will be rolling out a full range of battery formats for consumer use as well as removing the need for chargers/cables in mobile phone batteries. They are looking at international markets through partnerships with major brands and introducing a variety of solutions for energy saving in the home.
To mark their success in a unique and memorable way, the 12 National Finalists will be featured in a limited edition book, which will now be sent to government heads and influential figures around the world, showing how British business is leading the way in a new industrial revolution – one that promises to protect and preserve our planet.
Speaking immediately after the Awards, Moixa CEO, Simon Daniel, said: “This is a proud moment for Moixa Energy and an amazing recognition of our team’s hard work.
“We are delighted that Barclays recognise the importance of protecting the environment alongside profitability.”
Tom Burke CBE, leading environmentalist and chair of the judging panel said: “Judging the Awards was a very difficult task but we feel Moixa Energy is a leader in the green business revolution, a company committed to ensuring there is a world for future generations to inherit.”
Barclays Commercial Bank Marketing Director, Richard French, said: “We are delighted to recognise Moixa Energy as an inspiring example of a forward thinking company at its very best – and we congratulate Moixa Energy on winning the below £1 million turnover category of the 2008 Barclays Commercial Bank Green Leaders in Business Awards.”
Barclays Marketing Director for Local Business, John Davis, added: “Moixa Energy were deserved winners of the 2008 Award, their ecological conscience will improve the way we treat our increasingly fragile planet. I hope winning such a prestigious Award adds to their future success.”
More information about Moixa and their product range can be found at www.moixaenergy.com.
Barclays Commercial Bank has teamed up with key partners to develop an exclusive environmental proposition for its customers:
Through Barclays Capital's award-winning expertise, we can help customers with carbon emissions trading.
We work in partnership with the European Investment Bank to offer an exclusive cashback scheme to customers financing a wide range of capital expenditure projects, with a minimum project cost of £50,000 and a maximum value of £17 million. Limits subject to change but are based on Euro exchange rate of 1.45.
Businesses can go to www.barclayscommercial.com/environment for further guidance on environmental issues.
Organisations who have secured their data with Captaris Alchemy can breathe a sigh of relief
If the worst happens, and old hardware finds its way onto eBay, Organisations who have secured their data with Captaris Alchemy can breathe a sigh of relief.
An Alchemy document management system developed for Surrey Heath Council to add functionality to their Graphical Information System has increased security by adding two additional layers of defence to ensure data safety.
Standard data can be password protected and can only be opened with Alchemy Viewer. For the ultimate level of security 256 bit Blowfish encryption can be applied to further increase the level of security, dependant upon business needs. Databases will remain secure – the only thing that could be seen would be unidentifiable data containers.
The way Alchemy works at Surrey Heath:
Through their Graphical Information System (GIS) Surrey Heath council has direct and instant access to planning information, thanks to the deployment of an integrated software solution developed by Avanquest Solutions www.avanquest-solutions.co.uk
Using the Captaris Alchemy document management solution, the archaic and time consuming manual retrieval of the planning history cards, essential for every planning application that is dealt with by the Council, has been reduced to minutes.
The electronic planning history card storage system was implemented solely to provide improved search functionality to archived electronic planning documents. However, the Council has been able to leverage their investment to provide electronic document management for an additional 5 departments as well as reinforcing their security policy with no additional costs.
Alchemy is integrated with Surrey Heath’s central GIS system allowing users to access all the information required from a single interface.
Ordnance Survey maps are scanned and the ‘dots’ relating to the northern and eastern grid reference recreated as vector data and loaded into the GIS system. This allows the unique reference to be digitally embedded to facilitate lookup.
The planning history cards are scanned and indexed to the same N & E coordinates and given an 8 digit grid reference to provide the same unique vector point of reference, plus an address field for ad-hoc look ups.
Now that the maps are captured into GIS with the coordinates imbedded and the planning cards indexed with the same unique reference, planning cards are only a click away.
When users click over a coordinate on the map, planners are instantly presented with the appropriate correct planning history card. The information is viewed from the Alchemy server through the Alchemy Web Viewer, no one has to get off their chair or contact anyone for help.
James Rutter, GIS Manager at Surrey Heath soon discovered that other departments within the council offices were also using Alchemy as a read-only solution to access data archived by a third party bureau to CD.
Many Service Bureaus use an Alchemy Pro software license to provide an archived ‘electronic filing cabinet’ for their customers. Computer output files, scanned images, PDFs and many popular PC file formats can all be stored in the same repository, making them easy to find, print and email - without needing a server! Archived data is delivered back to customers on a CD or DVD with read-only access via Alchemy Viewer.
James Rutter comments, “Because Alchemy provides additional, independent search functionality outside the GIS system and retrieving documents from the Alchemy server is a simple and standard process, we were able to load these additional databases to the Alchemy repository to give other departments access, management and control of their data. We now have better security and data recovery throughout the organisation.”
For further information on Avanquest Solutions visit www.avanquest-solutions.co.uk
An Alchemy document management system developed for Surrey Heath Council to add functionality to their Graphical Information System has increased security by adding two additional layers of defence to ensure data safety.
Standard data can be password protected and can only be opened with Alchemy Viewer. For the ultimate level of security 256 bit Blowfish encryption can be applied to further increase the level of security, dependant upon business needs. Databases will remain secure – the only thing that could be seen would be unidentifiable data containers.
The way Alchemy works at Surrey Heath:
Through their Graphical Information System (GIS) Surrey Heath council has direct and instant access to planning information, thanks to the deployment of an integrated software solution developed by Avanquest Solutions www.avanquest-solutions.co.uk
Using the Captaris Alchemy document management solution, the archaic and time consuming manual retrieval of the planning history cards, essential for every planning application that is dealt with by the Council, has been reduced to minutes.
The electronic planning history card storage system was implemented solely to provide improved search functionality to archived electronic planning documents. However, the Council has been able to leverage their investment to provide electronic document management for an additional 5 departments as well as reinforcing their security policy with no additional costs.
Alchemy is integrated with Surrey Heath’s central GIS system allowing users to access all the information required from a single interface.
Ordnance Survey maps are scanned and the ‘dots’ relating to the northern and eastern grid reference recreated as vector data and loaded into the GIS system. This allows the unique reference to be digitally embedded to facilitate lookup.
The planning history cards are scanned and indexed to the same N & E coordinates and given an 8 digit grid reference to provide the same unique vector point of reference, plus an address field for ad-hoc look ups.
Now that the maps are captured into GIS with the coordinates imbedded and the planning cards indexed with the same unique reference, planning cards are only a click away.
When users click over a coordinate on the map, planners are instantly presented with the appropriate correct planning history card. The information is viewed from the Alchemy server through the Alchemy Web Viewer, no one has to get off their chair or contact anyone for help.
James Rutter, GIS Manager at Surrey Heath soon discovered that other departments within the council offices were also using Alchemy as a read-only solution to access data archived by a third party bureau to CD.
Many Service Bureaus use an Alchemy Pro software license to provide an archived ‘electronic filing cabinet’ for their customers. Computer output files, scanned images, PDFs and many popular PC file formats can all be stored in the same repository, making them easy to find, print and email - without needing a server! Archived data is delivered back to customers on a CD or DVD with read-only access via Alchemy Viewer.
James Rutter comments, “Because Alchemy provides additional, independent search functionality outside the GIS system and retrieving documents from the Alchemy server is a simple and standard process, we were able to load these additional databases to the Alchemy repository to give other departments access, management and control of their data. We now have better security and data recovery throughout the organisation.”
For further information on Avanquest Solutions visit www.avanquest-solutions.co.uk
Chocolate Week
Are you looking for new and luxurious? Chocolate Week is tantalisingly close, taking place from the 13th until the 19th October. Not content with an average bar of chocolate, Food Inc., Dominic Ford and Pat McDonald’s food market in Whiteleys, is offering several different products that will appeal to all chocolate lovers.
Atkins and Potts have a range of luxury Chocolate Spreads, including ‘Vanilla White’ and ‘Pasilla Chilli’, which are delightfully versatile. The spreads can be used on croissants or brioche, or heated to pour over cakes or a torte. In addition a spoonful of the spread can be added to hot milk for a decadent treat.
For children and grown ups, Food Inc. stock Peanut Butter & Co’s ‘Dark Chocolate Dreams’; a peanut butter that is blended with dark chocolate, which is free from trans fats and cholesterol. Perfect as a delicious snack on sandwiches or toast.
The Vanilla Patisserie’s ‘Luxurious Chocolate Fondue’ is available in several different varieties, such as ‘Belgian Milk & Caramel’ and ‘Organic Milk’, and is perfect for sharing with friends with fruit or over ice cream. Presented in a corked rustic pot, the fondue is easy to prepare.
With Christmas approaching, all these and many more chocolate treats can be found at Food Inc. Ideal as gifts for any chocolate lover who wishes to indulge well beyond Chocolate Week!
Atkins and Potts have a range of luxury Chocolate Spreads, including ‘Vanilla White’ and ‘Pasilla Chilli’, which are delightfully versatile. The spreads can be used on croissants or brioche, or heated to pour over cakes or a torte. In addition a spoonful of the spread can be added to hot milk for a decadent treat.
For children and grown ups, Food Inc. stock Peanut Butter & Co’s ‘Dark Chocolate Dreams’; a peanut butter that is blended with dark chocolate, which is free from trans fats and cholesterol. Perfect as a delicious snack on sandwiches or toast.
The Vanilla Patisserie’s ‘Luxurious Chocolate Fondue’ is available in several different varieties, such as ‘Belgian Milk & Caramel’ and ‘Organic Milk’, and is perfect for sharing with friends with fruit or over ice cream. Presented in a corked rustic pot, the fondue is easy to prepare.
With Christmas approaching, all these and many more chocolate treats can be found at Food Inc. Ideal as gifts for any chocolate lover who wishes to indulge well beyond Chocolate Week!
Nominate your Unsung Hero
The BBC is set to honour individuals from the world of grassroots sport with the BBC Sports Unsung Hero Award 2008, launched last week (September 11). Across the UK everyone is invited to nominate people who have made a difference to their community through sport.
Now in its sixth year, the BBC Sports Unsung Hero Award, supported by Robinsons, recognises and rewards outstanding contribution by individuals at the grassroots level of local sport.
A local winner will be chosen in each BBC English region and in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. They will be joining the sporting stars of today in a glittering ceremony at Liverpool’s Echo Arena in December, where the overall UK winner will be announced.
So if you know someone in your area who goes an extra mile to change the lives of others through sport and deserves recognition, we want to hear from you. You can nominate people who, on a voluntary basis, prepare facilities, roll the pitch, coach the juniors, run local sports leagues or work behind the scenes so that sport can be played and enjoyed throughout the UK.
A shortlist of regional nominees in each area will be chosen by the local BBC panel of judges, and a winner picked by a judging panel. Bursaries of up to £2,500, supported by Robinsons, are available to winners of each regional award, to help them with their work in sport.
These 15 regional winners will be joining the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award ceremony at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, where an overall UK winner will be chosen.
Last year’s overall winner was 85-year-old Margaret Simons, founder of Bardwell FC in Bicester. She founded the club in 1964, bought the nets kits, balls, medical kits and refreshments from her own money, and was chair, secretary, treasurer, manager and coach to the 20 children in her first year. An estimated nearly 3,000 children between ages of seven and 16 have represented the club, which now has teams in four different leagues.
The judges said they had been “Impressed by her long-standing commitment (and) even at the age of 85 continues to give several hours of support each week.”
Nominations for the BBC Sports Unsung Hero Award can be made at www.bbc.co.uk/sportsunsunghero until Friday, October 31.
The 2008 Awards, held for the first time at the Echo Arena, Liverpool, will be covered live on BBC ONE on Sunday, December 14. Programme, ticket and voting details will be announced nearer the time.
Bank goes bust. FSA statement: Lehman Brothers
"Today, Lehman Brothers Holding Inc, a U.S. investment bank, announced that it intends to file a petition under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code," said a spokesman for the FSA.
"Lehman Brothers is a U.S. institution regulated by the SEC, so the FSA is working closely with the US authorities to ensure an orderly wind down of its principal UK trading subsidiary, Lehman Brothers International (Europe), which was placed into administration earlier this morning.
"The FSA is working with market practitioners, including the London Clearing House (LCH), to ensure the process connected with the winding down of this wholesale business is completed in an orderly manner to minimise any market disruption."
Further details are outlined by the firm and can be viewed at http://www.lehman.com.
New Team Taking The Fight To London's Loan Sharks
A new specialist team set up by the Government to crackdown on the capital's loan sharks has hit the ground running.
Consumer Affairs Minister Gareth Thomas said: "The new team has 33 investigations underway into loan sharks. The total value of the loans being looked into is more than £535,000. The investigations have started to lead to arrests and charges, with more activity expected over the coming months."
"This team is working around the clock to ensure that the credit crunch doesn't drive Londoners into the murky world of illegal money lenders."
Already the new team has charged three people with offences:
* A 26 year old male from Dagenham has been charged with illegal money lending and disguising criminal property. He is alleged to have lent £71,000 to 23 victims with interest rates of 100%. The case is due to be heard in Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15, 2008.
* A 71 year old male from Hackney has been charged with illegal money lending and transferring criminal property into proceeds of crime. He is alleged to have lent £185,000 to 21 clients over a 4 year period. The case is due in court during spring 2009.
* A 47 year old male from Enfield has been charged with illegal money lending, transferring criminal property into the proceeds of crime and perverting the course of justice. He is alleged to have lent £169,000 over a 5 year period to 58 victims. He is due to appear in Snaresbrook Crown Court on November 4, 2008.
Team leader, Peter Richardson said: "Our approach is to support victims and then take robust action against the sharks. Without the intervention of the London team, victims in some cases would now be homeless. We've also helped a number of small business owners who were financially controlled by these criminals. We are determined to hit loan sharks in the capital hard. If you are dealing with a loan shark then the team will understand your circumstances and we would urge you to call us."
The London team can be contacted in complete confidence 24 hours a day on 020 7364 6886.
The new team is part of a national roll out that builds on the huge success of pilot anti-loan shark teams in Birmingham and Glasgow. Since September 2004 these two teams have:
* shut down loan books worth more than £7million
* helped more than 6,000 victims
* seized and confiscated £260,000 in cash
* secured successful prosecutions which have resulted in sentences totalling over 33 years for illegal money lending and related criminal activity including assault, wounding, kidnapping, blackmail and possession of firearms
* In Scotland more than 30 individuals have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal
Government's multi-million pound investment means that there is now a specialist team in every region of England and in Wales and Scotland.
John Hutton announced funding for the new teams in September 2007. The teams became operational towards the end of the year after completing recruitment and other logistical arrangements.
FACT FILE:
The anti-loan shark teams funded by the Department for Business are staffed by specialist Trading Standards officers and work closely with the Police
There are now teams in:
* London - focused on Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets
* North East -focused on Newcastle and Tyneside
* East Midlands - focused on Nottingham, Leicester and Derby
* South West - focused on Bristol and Plymouth
* Wales - focused on Cardiff, Swansea and the Valleys
* The Birmingham pilot team has expanded into Yorkshire and Humberside (focusing on Sheffield and Leeds), the North West (focusing on Merseyside and Greater Manchester) the South East and East- focussing on (Peterborough, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Portsmouth, Southampton and Hastings)
The Glasgow pilot team covers the whole of Scotland
The Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform helps UK business succeed in an increasingly competitive world. It promotes business growth and a strong enterprise economy, leads the better regulation agenda and champions free and fair markets. It is the shareholder in a number of Government-owned assets and it works to secure, clean and competitively priced energy supplies
Consumer Affairs Minister Gareth Thomas said: "The new team has 33 investigations underway into loan sharks. The total value of the loans being looked into is more than £535,000. The investigations have started to lead to arrests and charges, with more activity expected over the coming months."
"This team is working around the clock to ensure that the credit crunch doesn't drive Londoners into the murky world of illegal money lenders."
Already the new team has charged three people with offences:
* A 26 year old male from Dagenham has been charged with illegal money lending and disguising criminal property. He is alleged to have lent £71,000 to 23 victims with interest rates of 100%. The case is due to be heard in Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15, 2008.
* A 71 year old male from Hackney has been charged with illegal money lending and transferring criminal property into proceeds of crime. He is alleged to have lent £185,000 to 21 clients over a 4 year period. The case is due in court during spring 2009.
* A 47 year old male from Enfield has been charged with illegal money lending, transferring criminal property into the proceeds of crime and perverting the course of justice. He is alleged to have lent £169,000 over a 5 year period to 58 victims. He is due to appear in Snaresbrook Crown Court on November 4, 2008.
Team leader, Peter Richardson said: "Our approach is to support victims and then take robust action against the sharks. Without the intervention of the London team, victims in some cases would now be homeless. We've also helped a number of small business owners who were financially controlled by these criminals. We are determined to hit loan sharks in the capital hard. If you are dealing with a loan shark then the team will understand your circumstances and we would urge you to call us."
The London team can be contacted in complete confidence 24 hours a day on 020 7364 6886.
The new team is part of a national roll out that builds on the huge success of pilot anti-loan shark teams in Birmingham and Glasgow. Since September 2004 these two teams have:
* shut down loan books worth more than £7million
* helped more than 6,000 victims
* seized and confiscated £260,000 in cash
* secured successful prosecutions which have resulted in sentences totalling over 33 years for illegal money lending and related criminal activity including assault, wounding, kidnapping, blackmail and possession of firearms
* In Scotland more than 30 individuals have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal
Government's multi-million pound investment means that there is now a specialist team in every region of England and in Wales and Scotland.
John Hutton announced funding for the new teams in September 2007. The teams became operational towards the end of the year after completing recruitment and other logistical arrangements.
FACT FILE:
The anti-loan shark teams funded by the Department for Business are staffed by specialist Trading Standards officers and work closely with the Police
There are now teams in:
* London - focused on Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets
* North East -focused on Newcastle and Tyneside
* East Midlands - focused on Nottingham, Leicester and Derby
* South West - focused on Bristol and Plymouth
* Wales - focused on Cardiff, Swansea and the Valleys
* The Birmingham pilot team has expanded into Yorkshire and Humberside (focusing on Sheffield and Leeds), the North West (focusing on Merseyside and Greater Manchester) the South East and East- focussing on (Peterborough, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Portsmouth, Southampton and Hastings)
The Glasgow pilot team covers the whole of Scotland
The Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform helps UK business succeed in an increasingly competitive world. It promotes business growth and a strong enterprise economy, leads the better regulation agenda and champions free and fair markets. It is the shareholder in a number of Government-owned assets and it works to secure, clean and competitively priced energy supplies
Third Time Unlucky For Consumers? BA/AA Alliance Would Stifle Competition And Force Up Fares
• BA/AA and Iberia would have a stranglehold on UK-US flights
• BA/AA and Iberia would control nearly half of all take-off and landing slots at Heathrow
Virgin Atlantic today warned that BA’s third attempt to tie-up with American Airlines would create a monster monopoly that would push up ticket prices and substantially reduce competition on the busiest air corridor in the world.
BA announced earlier that the three airlines – BA, AA and Iberia – would apply for permission from regulators in Europe and the US to fix prices and capacity on transatlantic routes, activities which would otherwise be illegal.
Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, commented: “Make no mistake – if this monster monopoly is approved it will be third time unlucky for consumers. It will still be bad for passengers, bad for competition, and bad for the UK and US aviation industry
“BA argues that the aviation landscape has changed since their last failed application – I disagree, nothing has changed. Open Skies has not delivered the greater competition that was promised because Heathrow is full. BA/AA and Iberia would still be unacceptably dominant, with nearly half of all of the slots at Heathrow, leaving competitors powerless to take them on.
“The current economic slowdown is also no justification for agreeing to this alliance. The job of the regulators is to assess the long-term impact of the alliance on competition, not
to provide special protection from the immediate challenges of the economic cycle, with which every other airline has to deal.
“We are not against consolidation but this alliance is on a scale never seen before. BA/AA with Iberia won’t create fair play - so we say no way BA/AA.”
Virgin Atlantic set out its specific concerns:
• BA/AA will form a dominant force in transatlantic markets, with nearly 60% of all Heathrow - US frequencies. In 2007 62% of passengers traveling between Heathrow and the US travelled on BA or AA, according to the US Department of Transport. Existing competitors will struggle to compete and new entrants will be deterred.
• BA/AA will have 63% of capacity between Heathrow and New York JFK, 79% between Heathrow and Boston and 75% between Heathrow and Miami. The alliance would have dominant market shares on other Heathrow routes, 66% to Chicago and 49% to Los Angeles, and would create a pure monopoly on the route from Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth. In each case customer choice is drastically reduced or eliminated and higher fares will follow.
• BA and AA have over 200,000 slots a year at London Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic has 17,000. Heathrow is full and no other carrier can replicate BA/AA’s network. BA/AA won’t face enough competition on its huge network to stop it raising prices to consumers.
• BA/AA and Iberia would control nearly half of all take-off and landing slots at Heathrow
Virgin Atlantic today warned that BA’s third attempt to tie-up with American Airlines would create a monster monopoly that would push up ticket prices and substantially reduce competition on the busiest air corridor in the world.
BA announced earlier that the three airlines – BA, AA and Iberia – would apply for permission from regulators in Europe and the US to fix prices and capacity on transatlantic routes, activities which would otherwise be illegal.
Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, commented: “Make no mistake – if this monster monopoly is approved it will be third time unlucky for consumers. It will still be bad for passengers, bad for competition, and bad for the UK and US aviation industry
“BA argues that the aviation landscape has changed since their last failed application – I disagree, nothing has changed. Open Skies has not delivered the greater competition that was promised because Heathrow is full. BA/AA and Iberia would still be unacceptably dominant, with nearly half of all of the slots at Heathrow, leaving competitors powerless to take them on.
“The current economic slowdown is also no justification for agreeing to this alliance. The job of the regulators is to assess the long-term impact of the alliance on competition, not
to provide special protection from the immediate challenges of the economic cycle, with which every other airline has to deal.
“We are not against consolidation but this alliance is on a scale never seen before. BA/AA with Iberia won’t create fair play - so we say no way BA/AA.”
Virgin Atlantic set out its specific concerns:
• BA/AA will form a dominant force in transatlantic markets, with nearly 60% of all Heathrow - US frequencies. In 2007 62% of passengers traveling between Heathrow and the US travelled on BA or AA, according to the US Department of Transport. Existing competitors will struggle to compete and new entrants will be deterred.
• BA/AA will have 63% of capacity between Heathrow and New York JFK, 79% between Heathrow and Boston and 75% between Heathrow and Miami. The alliance would have dominant market shares on other Heathrow routes, 66% to Chicago and 49% to Los Angeles, and would create a pure monopoly on the route from Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth. In each case customer choice is drastically reduced or eliminated and higher fares will follow.
• BA and AA have over 200,000 slots a year at London Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic has 17,000. Heathrow is full and no other carrier can replicate BA/AA’s network. BA/AA won’t face enough competition on its huge network to stop it raising prices to consumers.
WorkLight Goes Mobile with Support for the Apple iPhone
WorkLight® Inc., an Enterprise 2.0 company, today announced the release of the WorkLight Server support for the Apple iPhone, which allows companies, to do business securely using the popular mobile device. Businesses can now empower their customers and partners to use the iPhone to make purchases and track account and transaction activities. This is a critical business enabler for a wide range of industries, such as travel and hospitality, financial services, healthcare, utilities and others. From today, the same WorkLight services that have been available across a host of popular desktop and web platforms are now available via mobile phones.
“Businesses are looking for innovative ways to engage customers and partners in the places they frequent online, and extend the business reach beyond the portal,” said David Lavenda, VP Marketing and Product Strategy at WorkLight. “The highly popular Apple iPhone is a very attractive platform for businesses, and we are excited to expand our offerings to customers worldwide.”
Gartner has estimated that worldwide sales of mobile phones will reach 1.28 billion units in 2008, an 11 per cent increase from 2007. Worldwide mobile phone sales in the first quarter of 2008 reached 294.3 million, and Gartner expects sales in the second quarter of 2008 to be between 300 million and 305 million units. Apple has reported that over 1 million units of the latest release of the iPhone 3G device were sold in the first few days it was made available.
The new WorkLight Server offering also includes new security capabilities that specifically address Web 2.0 security risks. With the growing popularity of popular consumer tools for business, security measures are becoming crucial in dealing with emergent security challenges. The new offering adds enhanced phishing prevention mechanisms, such as secure provisioning, personally-registered gadgets and an enhanced secure login process.
The iPhone is the newest addition to the 14 Web 2.0 platforms that WorkLight supports. These platforms include personalised homepages, social networks, RSS, social tagging and bookmarking and others. WorkLight plans to announce support for additional mobile platforms in the future.
About Gartner Web Innovation Summit
The Gartner Web Innovation Summit: Profiting from Web 2.0, SaaS, Cloud Computing is focused on the next generation of Web technologies, including Web 2.0 and cloud computing and will cover future trends and innovations, best practices, vendor and product selections, tutorials, and tactical decision frameworks. For complete event details, please visit the Gartner Web Innovation Summit Web site at http://www.gartner.com/il/page.asp?id=648611
FACT FILE:
WorkLight® Inc. develops server software products that help businesses reach customers, channels, employees, and partners securely in the places they frequent online, such as iGoogle, Windows Live, desktop widgets, RSS readers, Facebook, even the Apple iPhone. Through WorkLight, people effortlessly get valuable information they desire, such as account status, product availability, or updates about their latest transactions. They can then take actions, for example order products or services, respond to promotions or offers, and consult with colleagues, without having to log into a portal or corporate web site. As such, WorkLight transforms consumer interfaces into enterprise-grade business tools that directly increase revenue.
WorkLight is a venture-backed company with offices in New York and Israel. WorkLight has received prestigious industry accolades including being named as one of the "Five Enterprise 2.0 Startups to Watch," by InformationWeek magazine, selected as part of CIO Magazine's Web 2.0 Product Suite, singled out with an honourable mention as one of Computerworld's "10 Cool Cutting-edge Technologies on the Horizon." For more information, visit www.myWorkLight.com.
Collapse of Holiday Company Throws Thousands into Confusion, claims What Consumer
Along with the raft of airlines which have collapsed over the previous 12 months, we hear of yet another tour operator which has gone the same way. The UK’s third largest holiday group, XL Leisure ceased trading earlier this month, with the loss of 2000 jobs and countless holiday plans ruined. It is anticipated that more companies in the travel industry will follow, so what are your rights and remedies if either the tour operator or the airline you’ve used to book your precious annual holiday goes into meltdown?
As What Consumer’s Catriona Bright explained; "The answer to this depends on what you have booked and the way in which you booked it. If you booked flights and hotels as a ‘package’ through a tour operator, then you are covered by the consumer protection scheme, ATOL. This means that if the hotel, the airline or even the tour operator itself goes bust or any link in the chain fails, you will be provided with an alternative, get a refund, or, if you are in the middle of your trip you will be able to continue to enjoy your holiday.
"If you have booked flights separately, you will be covered only if you have done so via a travel agent, and haven’t received your ticket within 24 hours of booking’ – strange rule, but there you are!
"But if, like many do, you have booked your flight directly from the airline, you won’t be protected at all. Just as many were left stranded or out of pocket by the recent collapse of budget airline Zoom. Although some were able to claim a refund via their credit card provider."
Bright continues, "most were under the impression they could make a claim on their travel insurance and were disappointed to find they didn’t have insolvency cover."
Insolvency aside, there are additional benefits to booking through a tour operator if the holiday turns out to be a disappointment. Under the Package Holiday Regulations, you are now able to claim compensation from the tour operator in the event that something went wrong, was not as described or was not stated, which led to additional expense, disappointment, or distress. This means any problem with the flight, the hotel or the excursions, even if it could not have been the fault of the tour operator directly. It also includes situations whereby the reality was not what was depicted or described in the brochure or on the web.
FACT FILE
As What Consumer’s Catriona Bright explained; "The answer to this depends on what you have booked and the way in which you booked it. If you booked flights and hotels as a ‘package’ through a tour operator, then you are covered by the consumer protection scheme, ATOL. This means that if the hotel, the airline or even the tour operator itself goes bust or any link in the chain fails, you will be provided with an alternative, get a refund, or, if you are in the middle of your trip you will be able to continue to enjoy your holiday.
"If you have booked flights separately, you will be covered only if you have done so via a travel agent, and haven’t received your ticket within 24 hours of booking’ – strange rule, but there you are!
"But if, like many do, you have booked your flight directly from the airline, you won’t be protected at all. Just as many were left stranded or out of pocket by the recent collapse of budget airline Zoom. Although some were able to claim a refund via their credit card provider."
Bright continues, "most were under the impression they could make a claim on their travel insurance and were disappointed to find they didn’t have insolvency cover."
Insolvency aside, there are additional benefits to booking through a tour operator if the holiday turns out to be a disappointment. Under the Package Holiday Regulations, you are now able to claim compensation from the tour operator in the event that something went wrong, was not as described or was not stated, which led to additional expense, disappointment, or distress. This means any problem with the flight, the hotel or the excursions, even if it could not have been the fault of the tour operator directly. It also includes situations whereby the reality was not what was depicted or described in the brochure or on the web.
FACT FILE
What Consumer is a leading UK consumer advice website and aims to empower and protect consumers against unscrupulous suppliers. The site was established to convince the public at large that knowing your basic statutory rights isn’t ‘rocket science’ and can come in extremely handy. It also provides interactive features providing consumers with the opportunity to support each other as well as engaging with consumer experts.
YOU might be breaking the law as you drive, warns Swinton
Expired UK photocards could drive motorists to break the law warns Swinton
Motorists could be unwittingly making their car insurance policies invalid and driving illegally because their photocard driving licence has expired.
Swinton, the UK’s leading high street insurance retailer is warning drivers who received the first wave of photocard licences issued in 1998 that they are now due to expire. Anyone who fails to renew their licence will invalidate their UK car insurance and will be breaking the law.
The DVLA has revealed that over 4,000 drivers whose licences expire in August 2008 have yet to apply for a new licence. This disturbing news puts thousands of drivers in danger of driving without insurance.
Driving without insurance is illegal and will result in up to eight penalty points and a hefty fine. If a driver has an accident and is uninsured then they will also be left with any repair bills and potentially personal injury costs.
Chris Collings, Director of Insurer Development at Swinton, said: “Driving without insurance has major ramifications, not only is it illegal and extremely dangerous but it would almost certainly increase premiums. We would urge all drivers with a photocard licence to check what date it expires.”
Motorists could be unwittingly making their car insurance policies invalid and driving illegally because their photocard driving licence has expired.
Swinton, the UK’s leading high street insurance retailer is warning drivers who received the first wave of photocard licences issued in 1998 that they are now due to expire. Anyone who fails to renew their licence will invalidate their UK car insurance and will be breaking the law.
The DVLA has revealed that over 4,000 drivers whose licences expire in August 2008 have yet to apply for a new licence. This disturbing news puts thousands of drivers in danger of driving without insurance.
Driving without insurance is illegal and will result in up to eight penalty points and a hefty fine. If a driver has an accident and is uninsured then they will also be left with any repair bills and potentially personal injury costs.
Chris Collings, Director of Insurer Development at Swinton, said: “Driving without insurance has major ramifications, not only is it illegal and extremely dangerous but it would almost certainly increase premiums. We would urge all drivers with a photocard licence to check what date it expires.”
£165M HIKE IN ENERGY BILLS FOR THE NHS: service cuts feared as health trusts plunder reserves to pay bills
Government’s eco-friendly watchdog reveals only one in five NHS bodies have signed up to cash-saving schemes
Channel 4 News Online has found that the soaring cost of gas and electricity means some health trusts are facing budget overspends, raising fears that hospitals may cut services.
BUT Channel 4 News Online can also reveal that only one if five NHS bodies have signed up to government-backed “green” cash-saving schemes, leading to criticism that some parts of the NHS are not taking the programmes seriously.
Details obtained by Channel 4 News Online from the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (Pasa), which arranges the energy contracts for 85 per cent of NHS organisations in the UK, revealed it expects NHS costs for gas and electricity to be almost £430m in 2008/9 – a £165m increase on the previous year.
The sharp rise in prices has led many health trusts to predict overspends.
Examples include:
- Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which expects the bills to be £2m more than first expected
- East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust predicting a £1m overspend
- Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust predicting around £300,000 overspend
- Gateshead Health predicting £80,000.
The costs vary depending on the size or the organisation, and how energy efficient it is.
None of the trusts above have indicated they will have to cut services, but Professor Peter Smith, director of the Centre for Health Economics at the University of York, warned the £165m hike could cause problems.
He told Channel 4 News Online: "Although it should not cause a problem to most trusts, there could be a few for whom the extra costs are very serious."
Norman Lamb, health spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, told Channel 4 News Online: “Inevitably there is a real concern that there will be a knock-on effect on hospital budgets which could impact on patient care. It could have a very disturbing potential impact.”
Mr Lamb said the rising energy bills were a reflection of previous “weak” energy efficiency guidelines.
He told Channel 4 News Online: “My frustration is that there has been a massive building programme since 1997 using PFI [private finance] but certainly until recently they only paid lip-service to achieving high energy efficiency standards.”
A report produced by the Welsh Assembly in 2002 found that many PFI hospitals had been built with “no more than compliance with the statutory minima” in terms of energy efficiency.
Richard Rugg, head of public sector at the Carbon Trust, the body paid by the government to help firms reduce their carbon emissions, told Channel 4 News Online: “There are a very large number of NHS trusts and PCTs that need to make an improvement in their energy efficiency programmes.
“We need bodies to engage with our Carbon Management Programme, and that requires a financial commitment.”
He said while he was pleased with the “rising interest” from NHS bodies regarding energy efficiency projects, still only a fifth of the sector had signed up to the trust’s flagship NHS CM programme, launched two years ago. The programme – a one year process – helps hospitals cut bills by assessing things such as lighting, heating, insulation and transport.
Mr Rudd added: “In PFI projects the energy efficiency levels vary per site – but the level of influence we can have is influenced by that [PFI]. It’s just a case of making sure you speak the right language to them and explain the business benefits.”
According to the Carbon Trust, The NHS in England is responsible for emitting approximately 3.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year from its buildings alone. The Department of Health has set targets for the NHS to reduce its carbon emissions by 15 per cent by 2010.
David Philliskirk, director of estates and facilities at East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, which faces a £1m overspend to pay for gas and electricity, told Channel 4 News Online: “It is a cost pressure that we would rather not have, but in the context of a £266m turnover it is not a big problem. The cost will be met from the reserves.
“The up-side under these circumstances is that energy efficiency programmes are becoming more and more attractive. We are currently progressing a £3m energy conservation investment plan for our boiler house.”
Due to a change in the way Pasa calculates its contracts it was unable to provide contract costs for oil, but gas and electricity make up the vast majority of costs for NHS bodies. Among the main suppliers to hospitals are Npower, EDF Energy, and British Gas.
A spokesman for the Department of Health said: “The nature and the scale of our business in the NHS means we have a responsibility - as well as a unique opportunity – to play a leading role in the climate change agenda for the benefit of patients and the public.
"The NHS is already working hard to reduce emissions and by 2009/10 it is predicted that energy performance will have improved by 10% when compared with consumption in 1999.
"While total carbon and CO2 emissions rose by 11 per cent between 1999/00 and 2004/05 due to an increase in NHS estate size it is forecast that emission rates will have reduced by approximately 4.6 per cent to 36.5 kg/m2 carbon and 130 kg/m2 CO2 by 2010.”
Coastguard assists mountain bikers!
At just after 8.30 Friday evening, Humber Coastguard received a 999 call from two mountain bikers who were lost in poor weather condition, somewhere on Great Ayton Moor, North Yorkshire.
The men reported they had left the car park beneath Captain Cook Monument at Little Ayton and proceeded cross country towards Guisborough but that on their return journey the weather closed in, and they had lost their bearings.
Using the information provided by the two men, Humber Coastguard operations staff were able to pin-point the pair on Ordnance Survey maps and sent Redcar Coast Rescue Team to find them.
Once the Coastguard were nearing the vicinity of the callers, they switched on their blue lights and the Operations Room Staff contacted the men and asked them to look out for the lights, and to also use the SOS signal on their mobile phone.
At 10.00 pm this evening the Coastguard mobile unit and the callers were united.
Lynda Hillerby at Humber Coastguard said:"The cyclists took the right action calling for assistance as soon as their predicament became apparent and staying in one place to enable them to be located at the earliest opportunity."
Angler swept from rocks near Polzeath, Cornwall
At just after 3.30 on Friday afternoon, Falmouth Coastguard were contacted by an emergency call which alerted the marine emergency service to an angler who had been swept off rocks at the Rumps, north of Polzeath.
The man from Launceston who had been angling with friends and who rang the Coastguard described their friend as wearing a blue jacket and jeans he said that his colleague was drifting straight out in rough and choppy seas, and was in the water between the Rumps and Mouls rocks.
A rescue helicopter from the Royal Naval Air Station at Culdrose was immediately scrambled as was a lifeboat from Padstow. The Polzeath Coastguard Rescue Team were also alerted.
A local fishing vessel `Excess' about half a mile away was alerted by the Coastguard to the incident and immediately went to the scene. By 4.00 p.m. the man had been pulled from the water by the crew of the 'Excess' and, with assistance from lifeboat crew, he was attended to onboard the fishing vessel and given cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Shortly after he was transferred back to the lifeboat which took him to calmer waters in the river before he was transferred by helicopter to hospital.
Ian Guy, Falmouth Coastguard watch manager said"We would advise anglers to make sure they stay well out of dangerous areas in such rough and choppy conditions. Wet rocks can be extremely slippery in such conditions, and of course lifejackets should be worn at all times when near the water."
Apple Introduces New iPod nano - Fourth Generation iPod nano Features Apple’s New Genius Technology
Apple® introduced the new fourth generation iPod® nano, the thinnest iPod ever featuring a sleek new design with a curved aluminium and glass enclosure, in nine vibrant colours. The new iPod nano incorporates Apple’s breakthrough Genius technology which automatically creates playlists from songs in your music library that go great together, with just one click. The new iPod nano also features a refined user interface, a high resolution portrait display and a built-in accelerometer which automatically switches to Cover Flow® when rotated and automatically goes into Shuffle™ mode when lightly shaken. The new iPod nano gives users up to 24 hours of music playback or four hours of video playback and is available worldwide immediately in an 8GB model for just £109 (inc VAT) and a 16GB model for just £149 (inc VAT). Both models come in silver, purple, blue, green, orange, yellow, pink, (PRODUCT) RED and black.
“The iPod nano is the world’s most popular music player and we’ve made it even better for this holiday season,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We think users are going to love the amazing new design, the automatic Genius playlist creation, as well as automatically going into Cover Flow with just a turn of the wrist.”
The new iPod nano—the thinnest iPod ever—features an elegant new design that beautifully blends a brilliant two-inch display with a gorgeous curved aluminium and glass enclosure. The new contoured design fits even more comfortably in your hand.
iPod nano works seamlessly with iTunes® so you can import, manage and then easily auto-sync your favourite content. You can buy music, video and games for your iPod nano from the iTunes Store with more than 8.5 million songs available for preview and one-click purchase. With up to 24 hours of music playback or four hours of video playback on a single charge, the new iPod nano is the ultra-portable way to enjoy your favourite music, TV shows, movies and games on the go. The 16GB model holds up to 4,000 songs, 14,000 photos and 16 hours of video, and the 8GB model holds up to 2,000 songs, 7,000 photos and eight hours of video.*
The new iPod nano works with the new iTunes 8 Genius feature, allowing customers to automatically create playlists while on-the-go with their iPod nano. Users can preview the playlist Genius creates, refresh the list to choose different songs and save Genius playlists to enjoy again later.
The iPod is the world’s most popular family of digital music players with over 160 million sold. Apple’s incredible new lineup includes the iPod shuffle in four vivid new colours starting at just £32 (inc VAT); the iPod classic in one slimline model with 50 percent more capacity for the same great price—120GB of storage for just £179 (inc VAT); the fourth generation iPod nano featuring a gorgeous curved aluminium and curved glass enclosure, in nine vibrant colours starting at £109 (inc VAT); and the second generation iPod touch now starting at just £169 (inc VAT). iPod owners can choose from a vast ecosystem of accessories with over 5,000 products made specifically for the iPod including speaker systems, fitness accessories, fashionable cases and iPod connectivity available in over 90 percent of new car models sold in the US.
Pricing & Availability
The new iPod nano is available immediately for a suggested price of £109 (inc VAT) for the 8GB model and £149 (inc VAT) for the 16GB model through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com/uk), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorised Resellers. Both capacities come in silver, blue, purple, green, orange, yellow, pink, (PRODUCT) RED and black. iPod nano requires a Mac® with a USB 2.0 port, Mac OS® X v10.4.11 or later and iTunes 8; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional (Service Pack 3) or later and iTunes 8.
*Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings. See www.apple.com/uk/batteries for more information. Music capacity is based on four minutes per song and 128-Kbps AAC encoding; photo capacity is based on iPod-viewable photos transferred from iTunes; and video capacity is based on H.264 1.5-Mbps video at 640-by-480 resolution.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Tatty Devine & Ashish Collaborate For London Fashion Week!
This season Tatty Devine have been very busy, not only working on their new SS/09 collection 'Leisure Pursuits', but also on a hot new collaboration with Ashish.Rosie Wolfenden and Harriet Vine have always been big fans of Ashish and feel that his designs share a similar aesthetic to their own, so they were delighted to be asked to design the accessories for his SS/09 catwalk show. Ashish was equally pleased to be working with Tatty Devine and said "I love Tatty Devine and I'm so excited that they are creating special pieces for the show!"
His SS/09 collection focuses on hard glamour. There is a military theme running throughout but not military as you might know it. This collection is sexy and subversive, but remains young and fun, channeling Goldie Hawn in 'Private Benjamin'.
The Tatty Devine pieces have been designed to complement Ashish's collection perfectly. The classic 'Pegasus Wings' from the 'Best Of' collection feature heavily in gold mirrored acrylic, as necklaces, brooches and rings and there are some fantastic leather shoe wings too, which look like horse riding spurs. There are also tough military style medal ribbons and medal brooches in acrylic. As well as giant 'A' initial brooches, 'ASHISH' name necklaces and knuckledusters and cool aviator sunglasses brooches in silver.
All pieces are handmade in Tatty Devine's London studio and will be available from February.
Www.tattydevine.com
Marshalls Delighted By The Balanced Approach In Front Garden Legislation
With the recent announcement by the Government that from Wednesday 1st October 2008 the permitted development rights for domestic front gardens has been changed. The UK’s leading hard landscaping company, Marshalls plc, has welcomed the balanced approach set out in the changes.
A document helping the householder understand the legislation released by Communities & Local Government and Environment Agency called ‘Guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens’, outlines the new directive:
‘From 1st October 2008 the permitted development rights that allow householders to pave their front garden for hardstanding without planning permission have changed. Planning permission is now required to lay traditional impermeable driveways that allow uncontrolled runoff of rainwater from front gardens onto roads, because this can contribute to flooding and pollution of watercourses.
If a new driveway or parking area is constructed using permeable surfaces such as permeable concrete block paving, porous asphalt or gravel, or if the water is otherwise able to soak into the ground you will not require planning permission. The new rules will also apply where existing hardstandings are being replaced. The new rules apply to hard surfaces exceeding 5 square metres in area.’
Chris Harrop, Group Marketing Director, Marshalls, commented on the legislation:
“The introduction of Permeable paving to domestic front gardens is a very important development in the battle against extreme weather conditions driven by climate change. Marshalls are fully supportive of the move towards the use permeable paving and have an extensive range of products available..
“However we are pleased to see that the Government has recognised that permeable paving is not suitable for all driveways for example those that slope towards the house or for all areas of the country, due to the differing nature of the UK’s ground conditions especially those with very heavy clay or where the land lies below the water table.
“We think the decision to still utilise impermeable concrete block paving materials, providing that adequate provision is made for run off water to be channelled to soakaways, or a rain garden within the property boundary is a well thought out and is a considered move to providing a sustainable solution. Marshalls has introduced a range of domestic drainage options available to its Register Members to assist with such projects.
“In essence we believe this kind of development is about good garden design using hard and soft landscaping materials that meet the requirements of the legislation, considers all environmental issues and successfully deliver well designed spaces that meet the customers’ requirements.”
Marshalls already has an enormous amount of experience in providing successful and proven permeable paving and sustainable urban drainage (SUDs) solutions for public and private developments. The company has worked on numerous significant projects throughout the UK where surface water issues needed to be addressed.
Marshalls SUDS solutions have been specifically designed to remove the need for highly complex tanking or membrane systems ensuring that the move to SUDS and permeable paving is made as straightforward as possible.
Earlier this year Marshalls introduced 3 new SUDS products into the driveways market, offering permeable paving ranges in its Priora, Tegula Priora and Grassgaurd offerings. These combine to offer householders 10 colour and texture options and most importantly are produced using Marshalls special low carbon production technology which delivers a 39% reduction in the products carbon footprint. Marshalls are a Carbon Trust labelling partner and have recently announced the labelling of 503 of its Domestic paving products, the largest official carbon labelling program in the world.
In January 2009 Marshalls will add yet another permeable paving product to its range, the contemporary Argent Priora. With this product range Marshalls believes that it has the UK’s most comprehensive SUDS and permeable paving product offering.
In other areas Marshalls is leading the industry in the training of installers on permeable installations. So far this year it has offered free training to its Marshalls Register of Approved Landscape Contractors & Driveway Installers for the design and installation of permeable paving. To date it has trained over 134 businesses and has over 200 companies booked for courses at 13 training sites in the next few weeks.
For its Builders Merchant stockists Marshalls has literature available on the issue and is supporting them with the introduction of a new training and sales support package.
Coinciding with the Government’s announcement on 10 Sept 2008, Marshalls held a spectacular permeable paving demonstration at one of its Marshalls Gardens & Driveways Display Centres in Enfield.
Recreating the conditions of a 100 year storm, Marshalls released 5000 litres of water on to a 100 square metre display pad showcasing all its permeable paving products. The results were an amazing testament to their products with Marshalls Priora, Marshals Tegula Priora and Marshalls Grassguard performing perfectly, there was no flooding, the driveways quickly dispersed the water with no run off in conditions where water was landing at a massive rate of 10 litres per second.
Advice and help on permeable paving for driveways and front gardens can be found on the Marshalls website www.marshalls.co.uk/news and from Marshalls Register of Approved Landscapers and Driveways Installers.
Chris Harrop concludes:
“Marshalls is fully committed to offering our consumers unrivalled choice and quality and we will continue to innovate in this area to bring the very latest technology combined with outstanding landscaping designs to the domestic market.
“We are fully supporting Consumers, our Registered Installers & Builders Merchant stockists and see this as a great opportunity to sustainably transform Britain’s Landscapes.”
For further information and full comprehensive details about the new legislation please follow the internet links below:
Easy to read guide to the changes: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/pavingfrontgardens
A handy image showing the government definition of a front garden area:
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/hhg/houseguide.html
The full legislation:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/pdf/uksi_20082362_en.pdf
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/em/uksiem_20082362_en.pdf
A document helping the householder understand the legislation released by Communities & Local Government and Environment Agency called ‘Guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens’, outlines the new directive:
‘From 1st October 2008 the permitted development rights that allow householders to pave their front garden for hardstanding without planning permission have changed. Planning permission is now required to lay traditional impermeable driveways that allow uncontrolled runoff of rainwater from front gardens onto roads, because this can contribute to flooding and pollution of watercourses.
If a new driveway or parking area is constructed using permeable surfaces such as permeable concrete block paving, porous asphalt or gravel, or if the water is otherwise able to soak into the ground you will not require planning permission. The new rules will also apply where existing hardstandings are being replaced. The new rules apply to hard surfaces exceeding 5 square metres in area.’
Chris Harrop, Group Marketing Director, Marshalls, commented on the legislation:
“The introduction of Permeable paving to domestic front gardens is a very important development in the battle against extreme weather conditions driven by climate change. Marshalls are fully supportive of the move towards the use permeable paving and have an extensive range of products available..
“However we are pleased to see that the Government has recognised that permeable paving is not suitable for all driveways for example those that slope towards the house or for all areas of the country, due to the differing nature of the UK’s ground conditions especially those with very heavy clay or where the land lies below the water table.
“We think the decision to still utilise impermeable concrete block paving materials, providing that adequate provision is made for run off water to be channelled to soakaways, or a rain garden within the property boundary is a well thought out and is a considered move to providing a sustainable solution. Marshalls has introduced a range of domestic drainage options available to its Register Members to assist with such projects.
“In essence we believe this kind of development is about good garden design using hard and soft landscaping materials that meet the requirements of the legislation, considers all environmental issues and successfully deliver well designed spaces that meet the customers’ requirements.”
Marshalls already has an enormous amount of experience in providing successful and proven permeable paving and sustainable urban drainage (SUDs) solutions for public and private developments. The company has worked on numerous significant projects throughout the UK where surface water issues needed to be addressed.
Marshalls SUDS solutions have been specifically designed to remove the need for highly complex tanking or membrane systems ensuring that the move to SUDS and permeable paving is made as straightforward as possible.
Earlier this year Marshalls introduced 3 new SUDS products into the driveways market, offering permeable paving ranges in its Priora, Tegula Priora and Grassgaurd offerings. These combine to offer householders 10 colour and texture options and most importantly are produced using Marshalls special low carbon production technology which delivers a 39% reduction in the products carbon footprint. Marshalls are a Carbon Trust labelling partner and have recently announced the labelling of 503 of its Domestic paving products, the largest official carbon labelling program in the world.
In January 2009 Marshalls will add yet another permeable paving product to its range, the contemporary Argent Priora. With this product range Marshalls believes that it has the UK’s most comprehensive SUDS and permeable paving product offering.
In other areas Marshalls is leading the industry in the training of installers on permeable installations. So far this year it has offered free training to its Marshalls Register of Approved Landscape Contractors & Driveway Installers for the design and installation of permeable paving. To date it has trained over 134 businesses and has over 200 companies booked for courses at 13 training sites in the next few weeks.
For its Builders Merchant stockists Marshalls has literature available on the issue and is supporting them with the introduction of a new training and sales support package.
Coinciding with the Government’s announcement on 10 Sept 2008, Marshalls held a spectacular permeable paving demonstration at one of its Marshalls Gardens & Driveways Display Centres in Enfield.
Recreating the conditions of a 100 year storm, Marshalls released 5000 litres of water on to a 100 square metre display pad showcasing all its permeable paving products. The results were an amazing testament to their products with Marshalls Priora, Marshals Tegula Priora and Marshalls Grassguard performing perfectly, there was no flooding, the driveways quickly dispersed the water with no run off in conditions where water was landing at a massive rate of 10 litres per second.
Advice and help on permeable paving for driveways and front gardens can be found on the Marshalls website www.marshalls.co.uk/news and from Marshalls Register of Approved Landscapers and Driveways Installers.
Chris Harrop concludes:
“Marshalls is fully committed to offering our consumers unrivalled choice and quality and we will continue to innovate in this area to bring the very latest technology combined with outstanding landscaping designs to the domestic market.
“We are fully supporting Consumers, our Registered Installers & Builders Merchant stockists and see this as a great opportunity to sustainably transform Britain’s Landscapes.”
For further information and full comprehensive details about the new legislation please follow the internet links below:
Easy to read guide to the changes: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/pavingfrontgardens
A handy image showing the government definition of a front garden area:
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/hhg/houseguide.html
The full legislation:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/pdf/uksi_20082362_en.pdf
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/em/uksiem_20082362_en.pdf
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