Lord McKenzie, Minister responsible for Health and Safety, has today dismissed an appeal by East Sussex based company Alpha Fireworks Ltd to prevent their licences being revoked.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) gave notice to revoke two licences held by Alpha Fireworks Ltd for the purposes of regulation 17 of the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005.
ALPHA Fireworks Ltd appealed to the Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions against the decision of The Health and Safety Executive.
A Hearing of the appeal was held on 26th and 27th June and was heard by the Appointed Person, Ms J Eady QC.
DWP Minister Lord McKenzie said: "The appeal process has now been completed and based on the recommendation of the report, I have taken the decision to dismiss the appeal from Alpha Fireworks Ltd and uphold the decision of the Licensing Authority to revoke two licenses."
Friday, October 31, 2008
Weather Warnings:
E Lothian Midlothian Scottish BordersHeavy showers, some thundery with hail, will continue to move across the Eastern Borders and spread west to affect East Lothian and Midlothian during the afternoon, giving accumulations of more than 15 mm in 3 hours in places. The public are advised to take extra care and refer to 'Traffic Scotland' for further advice on traffic disruption on trunk roads.
Northumberland Heavy showers, some thundery with hail, will continue to move across Northumberland from the northeast during the afternoon, giving accumulations of more than 15 mm in 3 hours in places. The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the 'Highways Agency' for further advice on traffic disruption on trunk roads.
Northumberland Heavy showers, some thundery with hail, will continue to move across Northumberland from the northeast during the afternoon, giving accumulations of more than 15 mm in 3 hours in places. The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the 'Highways Agency' for further advice on traffic disruption on trunk roads.
Another statement from the BBC on the Brand/Ross Fiasco (in full)
The BBC Director-General, Mark Thompson, reported to a meeting of the BBC Trust Editorial Standards Committee earlier today on the circumstances surrounding a broadcast of the Russell Brand Show on BBC Radio 2 on 18 October.
The Director-General made it clear that there had been a serious breach of editorial compliance that allowed grossly offensive material to be broadcast, which should never have happened. He also reiterated his regret that any suffering had been caused to Andrew Sachs, his granddaughter and family as a result and expressed regret that the broadcast had caused serious public offence.
Tim Davie, Director of BBC Audio & Music, reported on the known facts behind the making of the programme, its content and what had occurred during the editorial supervision and compliance of the broadcast.
The Director-General has accepted the resignation of Lesley Douglas, the Controller of BBC Radio 2, this morning.
The presenter Jonathan Ross will be suspended from all broadcasting for the BBC for a 12-week period, ending in mid-January 2009. He will not be paid by the BBC during this period: the fees that would have been paid will be deducted from his BBC contract.
Mark Thompson said: "The ultimate editorial responsibility for BBC programmes lies with producers and editorial managers. The consequences of errors of judgement are therefore more serious for managers.
"Nonetheless, Jonathan Ross's contribution to this edition of the Russell Brand Show was utterly unacceptable and cannot be allowed to go uncensured or without sanction. A 12-week suspension is an exceptional step, but I believe it is a proportionate response to Jonathan's role in this unhappy affair.
"Jonathan Ross has already made a comprehensive and unreserved personal apology to Andrew Sachs and his grand-daughter. I believe that he fully understands the seriousness of what has happened. I have made very clear to him the central importance of the clause in his contract about not bringing the BBC into disrepute. We agree that nothing like this must ever happen again and that tight discipline will be required for the future."
At the meeting with the BBC Trust, the Director-General outlined a series of proposed management actions to be carried out as a matter of urgency. After discussion, the Trust approved the following actions:
A comprehensive review of compliance procedures across all radio output in the Audio & Music division to be carried out immediately by the Deputy Director-General, with recommendations for action to be delivered to the BBC Trust by December.
With immediate effect, the Director of BBC Audio & Music will ensure that all programmes are re-assessed for editorial risk and all those identified as representing a high risk have additional and strong oversight.
Special sessions will be held over the next six weeks, led by the Director-General and Deputy Director-General, to highlight to all senior editorial leaders and compliance staff across the BBC the serious editorial and compliance failures identified in this case, and the lessons to be learnt to prevent it happening again.
BBC management's Editorial Standards Board will lead a study into where the appropriate boundaries of taste and standards should lie across all BBC output. The conclusions will be reported to the BBC Trust and will inform the revision of the BBC's Editorial Guidelines which is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed in 2009.
(EDITOR: It might be good PR to replace the Ross programme with episodes of Fawlty Towers. But I doubt that will happen!)
The Director-General made it clear that there had been a serious breach of editorial compliance that allowed grossly offensive material to be broadcast, which should never have happened. He also reiterated his regret that any suffering had been caused to Andrew Sachs, his granddaughter and family as a result and expressed regret that the broadcast had caused serious public offence.
Tim Davie, Director of BBC Audio & Music, reported on the known facts behind the making of the programme, its content and what had occurred during the editorial supervision and compliance of the broadcast.
The Director-General has accepted the resignation of Lesley Douglas, the Controller of BBC Radio 2, this morning.
The presenter Jonathan Ross will be suspended from all broadcasting for the BBC for a 12-week period, ending in mid-January 2009. He will not be paid by the BBC during this period: the fees that would have been paid will be deducted from his BBC contract.
Mark Thompson said: "The ultimate editorial responsibility for BBC programmes lies with producers and editorial managers. The consequences of errors of judgement are therefore more serious for managers.
"Nonetheless, Jonathan Ross's contribution to this edition of the Russell Brand Show was utterly unacceptable and cannot be allowed to go uncensured or without sanction. A 12-week suspension is an exceptional step, but I believe it is a proportionate response to Jonathan's role in this unhappy affair.
"Jonathan Ross has already made a comprehensive and unreserved personal apology to Andrew Sachs and his grand-daughter. I believe that he fully understands the seriousness of what has happened. I have made very clear to him the central importance of the clause in his contract about not bringing the BBC into disrepute. We agree that nothing like this must ever happen again and that tight discipline will be required for the future."
At the meeting with the BBC Trust, the Director-General outlined a series of proposed management actions to be carried out as a matter of urgency. After discussion, the Trust approved the following actions:
A comprehensive review of compliance procedures across all radio output in the Audio & Music division to be carried out immediately by the Deputy Director-General, with recommendations for action to be delivered to the BBC Trust by December.
With immediate effect, the Director of BBC Audio & Music will ensure that all programmes are re-assessed for editorial risk and all those identified as representing a high risk have additional and strong oversight.
Special sessions will be held over the next six weeks, led by the Director-General and Deputy Director-General, to highlight to all senior editorial leaders and compliance staff across the BBC the serious editorial and compliance failures identified in this case, and the lessons to be learnt to prevent it happening again.
BBC management's Editorial Standards Board will lead a study into where the appropriate boundaries of taste and standards should lie across all BBC output. The conclusions will be reported to the BBC Trust and will inform the revision of the BBC's Editorial Guidelines which is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed in 2009.
(EDITOR: It might be good PR to replace the Ross programme with episodes of Fawlty Towers. But I doubt that will happen!)
Navy helicopter pilot receives the Distinguished Flying Cross
A Royal Navy helicopter pilot who twice braved ferocious enemy fire to save the lives of British troops wounded in Afghanistan received his Distinguished Flying Cross from HM The Queen at ceremony at Buckingham Palace today.
Lieutenant Nichol James Emslie Benzie, 34, was a member of the Joint Helicopter Force in Afghanistan in November last year. He was the captain of an RAF Chinook helicopter when he evacuated casualties on two successive days, as well as re-supplying ground forces with ammunition on the second occasion.
On November 9 2007, a patrol through the Sangin Valley in Helmand Province came under fire seriously injuring two of the patrol. Lt Benzie's Chinook was launched to evacuate the casualties but was held off for an hour by heavy enemy machine gun and anti-aircraft fire.
However, as daylight was fading, time was running out for the rescue operation and Lt Benzie decided to take his aircraft in despite the ferocious fire. With close air support, he demonstrated exceptional skill by landing his aircraft in a small area between crops while avoiding enemy positions. The casualties were successfully extracted, despite the Chinook being engaged with small arms fire as it left the area.
The following day, Lt Benzie's Chinook was in action again to urgently re-supply ground forces with ammunition in the same area and to evacuate more casualties. The under-slung load meant that he had to approach the landing site at very low level and with reduced manoeuvrability, heightening the risk to his aircraft.
The ammunition was delivered but enemy fire forced the Chinook, engulfed by clouds of dust, to depart rapidly without embarking all the injured. Despite low light and the continuing enemy threat, Lt Benzie returned to carry out a textbook recovery of the remaining wounded.
Lt Benzie' citation states:
"In recovering seriously injured casualties on successive days in the most demanding environmental conditions and in the face of such intense enemy activity, Lt Benzie showed exceptional courage, inspirational leadership and flying ability of the highest order. His gallant actions undoubtedly saved lives and deserves recognition."
Lt Benzie lives in Arundel, West Sussex, with his fiancee, Dr Amelia Bolgar. She and Lt Benzie's parents, Michael and Jiffy, attended the Palace with him. Also there was a fellow crew member in the Chinook at the time, Flight Lieutenant Al Sparkes RAF.
On receiving his award, Lt Benzie said: "I am absolutely delighted and honoured to receive the highest award specifically for flying duties. I feel I am accepting it on behalf of the three other crew members of my aircraft."
It is the second time that Lt Benzie has received an award. He was Mention in Dispatches for his leading role as Operations Officer of the Chinook Squadron, part of the Joint Helicopter Force in Afghanistan, during a major air assault on a Taliban stronghold in 2006.
Lt Benzie joined the Royal Navy in 1997 after being educated at Cranleigh School near Guildford and Exeter University.
Lieutenant Nichol James Emslie Benzie, 34, was a member of the Joint Helicopter Force in Afghanistan in November last year. He was the captain of an RAF Chinook helicopter when he evacuated casualties on two successive days, as well as re-supplying ground forces with ammunition on the second occasion.
On November 9 2007, a patrol through the Sangin Valley in Helmand Province came under fire seriously injuring two of the patrol. Lt Benzie's Chinook was launched to evacuate the casualties but was held off for an hour by heavy enemy machine gun and anti-aircraft fire.
However, as daylight was fading, time was running out for the rescue operation and Lt Benzie decided to take his aircraft in despite the ferocious fire. With close air support, he demonstrated exceptional skill by landing his aircraft in a small area between crops while avoiding enemy positions. The casualties were successfully extracted, despite the Chinook being engaged with small arms fire as it left the area.
The following day, Lt Benzie's Chinook was in action again to urgently re-supply ground forces with ammunition in the same area and to evacuate more casualties. The under-slung load meant that he had to approach the landing site at very low level and with reduced manoeuvrability, heightening the risk to his aircraft.
The ammunition was delivered but enemy fire forced the Chinook, engulfed by clouds of dust, to depart rapidly without embarking all the injured. Despite low light and the continuing enemy threat, Lt Benzie returned to carry out a textbook recovery of the remaining wounded.
Lt Benzie' citation states:
"In recovering seriously injured casualties on successive days in the most demanding environmental conditions and in the face of such intense enemy activity, Lt Benzie showed exceptional courage, inspirational leadership and flying ability of the highest order. His gallant actions undoubtedly saved lives and deserves recognition."
Lt Benzie lives in Arundel, West Sussex, with his fiancee, Dr Amelia Bolgar. She and Lt Benzie's parents, Michael and Jiffy, attended the Palace with him. Also there was a fellow crew member in the Chinook at the time, Flight Lieutenant Al Sparkes RAF.
On receiving his award, Lt Benzie said: "I am absolutely delighted and honoured to receive the highest award specifically for flying duties. I feel I am accepting it on behalf of the three other crew members of my aircraft."
It is the second time that Lt Benzie has received an award. He was Mention in Dispatches for his leading role as Operations Officer of the Chinook Squadron, part of the Joint Helicopter Force in Afghanistan, during a major air assault on a Taliban stronghold in 2006.
Lt Benzie joined the Royal Navy in 1997 after being educated at Cranleigh School near Guildford and Exeter University.
Weather rubbish, situation normal!
Winter has arrived, this means more rain, even more rain than the summer, and perhaps a little snow.With the traditional English weather in mind, Vango offer lightweight and waterproof rain covers for your rucsac. The range comes in three separate sizes (SRP: £9.00, £10.00 & £11.00) to suit all backpacks in the marketplace.
Keeping your gear safe and dry and making yourself visible on even the darkest of nights, the Vango rain cover is made of PU coated polyester body and boasts a unique reflective Vango logo. So check your local Vango trader!
West Midlands arrests follow 'major' tax credit fraud investigation
Eight people were yesterday charged across the West Midlands in relation to tax credit fraud totalling an estimated £266,500.
The action follows an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) into a number of mainly unrelated false claims for children who it is believed either do not exist, have previously been taken into care or for whom disabilities have been invented.
Adrian Farley, Assistant Director of Investigation, for HM Revenue & Customs, said: "Today's action in tackling the ruthless theft of money from the public purse will send a clear and firm message to those falsely claiming tax credits, or considering such measures. We have robust and effective teams in place to investigate and to ensure this illegal activity is ended. Those involved in this form of crime are exploiting their children, particularly those in care, for purely personal gain."
He added: "We recognise it is only a minority that are exploiting the system but would encourage anyone with information relating to tax credit fraud to call the Benefits Anti Fraud Helpline on 0800 854 440 in total confidence."
Seven women and one man have been charged for fraudulently claiming Tax Credits Contrary to the Tax Credit Act 2002. They include:
Katrina Elaine Smith, Lyecroft Avenue, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham
Samantha Louise Smith, Arbury Hall Road, Shirley, Solihull
Kelly Louise Smith, Pike Drive, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham
Leona Kirwan, Tavistock Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham
Jennifer Kirwan, Tavistock Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham
Rushella Russell, Inverness Road, Northfield, Rubery, Birmingham
Scott Collins, Severn Close, Smiths Wood, Birmingham
Cherie Jayne Haydon, Severn Close, Smiths Wood, Birmingham
"The individuals were arrested in May 2008 following dawn raids by Revenue & Customs investigators." said a spokesman for the HMRC.
(EDITOR: Since when have 'dawn raids' been necessary to deal with people alleged to have been operating tax credit frauds?)
The action follows an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) into a number of mainly unrelated false claims for children who it is believed either do not exist, have previously been taken into care or for whom disabilities have been invented.
Adrian Farley, Assistant Director of Investigation, for HM Revenue & Customs, said: "Today's action in tackling the ruthless theft of money from the public purse will send a clear and firm message to those falsely claiming tax credits, or considering such measures. We have robust and effective teams in place to investigate and to ensure this illegal activity is ended. Those involved in this form of crime are exploiting their children, particularly those in care, for purely personal gain."
He added: "We recognise it is only a minority that are exploiting the system but would encourage anyone with information relating to tax credit fraud to call the Benefits Anti Fraud Helpline on 0800 854 440 in total confidence."
Seven women and one man have been charged for fraudulently claiming Tax Credits Contrary to the Tax Credit Act 2002. They include:
Katrina Elaine Smith, Lyecroft Avenue, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham
Samantha Louise Smith, Arbury Hall Road, Shirley, Solihull
Kelly Louise Smith, Pike Drive, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham
Leona Kirwan, Tavistock Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham
Jennifer Kirwan, Tavistock Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham
Rushella Russell, Inverness Road, Northfield, Rubery, Birmingham
Scott Collins, Severn Close, Smiths Wood, Birmingham
Cherie Jayne Haydon, Severn Close, Smiths Wood, Birmingham
"The individuals were arrested in May 2008 following dawn raids by Revenue & Customs investigators." said a spokesman for the HMRC.
(EDITOR: Since when have 'dawn raids' been necessary to deal with people alleged to have been operating tax credit frauds?)
Foreign Secretary comments on fighting in the Eastern Democractic Republic of the Congo
He said "The recent upsurge in fighting in Eastern DRC has reinforced the urgent need for a political solution to the region's problems. The UN Secretary General reassured me this afternoon that he and the UN were fully engaged in efforts to mediate between the parties to the dispute.
"I have also discussed with the French, German and Belgian Foreign Ministers and Javier Solana, European support for the political process and the UN's Peacekeeping Force. Meanwhile, Mark Malloch Brown offered President Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo British support for the political process.
"He spoke to the Rwandan President this evening. The UK continues to be very concerned at the impact recent fighting has had on the already dire humanitarian situation in the region. While we welcome the ceasefire declared last night, there is an urgent need to restore long term stability."
"I have also discussed with the French, German and Belgian Foreign Ministers and Javier Solana, European support for the political process and the UN's Peacekeeping Force. Meanwhile, Mark Malloch Brown offered President Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo British support for the political process.
"He spoke to the Rwandan President this evening. The UK continues to be very concerned at the impact recent fighting has had on the already dire humanitarian situation in the region. While we welcome the ceasefire declared last night, there is an urgent need to restore long term stability."
Foreign Secretary comments on sentencing of members of Damascus Declaration Group
He said "Yesterday's sentencing of the twelve members of the Damascus Declaration group sends a bad message about Syria's determination to abide by international standards. These intellectuals and activists have been sentenced on criminal charges simply for voicing their call for greater freedoms and political pluralism in Syria.
"I call on the Syrian Government to fulfil all of its human rights obligations and allow its citizens to practice the right to freedom of expression and association without fear of sanction."
"I call on the Syrian Government to fulfil all of its human rights obligations and allow its citizens to practice the right to freedom of expression and association without fear of sanction."
Rainforest scheme to receive by Royal visit
HRH The Prince of Wales will this Sunday (November 2) visit one of the world’s most innovative rainforest conservation projects as part of his Far East tour.
The Prince will see how logged rainforest on the Indonesian island of Sumatra is being protected and restored by conservation groups Burung Indonesia, the RSPB and BirdLife International.
The three organisations are working to regenerate Harapan Rainforest, a 250,000-acre site on an island on which most forests have been lost to oil palm or timber plantations.
A recent law, which the groups helped develop, allowed conservationists to aquire the management rights to the southern half of Harapan Rainforest. They can oversee limited work in the northern section as well and are hopeful that Indonesia’s forestry minister, Malam Sambat Kaban will confirm the imminent handover of management rights to the northern half, during the royal visit this Sunday. That would safeguard the whole of Harapan Rainforest for at least 100 years.
RSPB Chief Executive, Graham Wynne, said: “We are delighted with the interest and support HRH The Prince of Wales is showing in Harapan Rainforest”.
“The initiative is protecting one of the world’s finest wildlife hotspots and we are finding new species of plant and animal with each survey we do. Indonesia has huge potential for rainforest protection and this trail-blazing project will show how precious sites like Harapan Rainforest can be retained for wildlife, for the people whose livelihoods depend on rainforests and how they can be used to cut the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.”
The new law, enabling forest restoration, paved the way for the Harapan Rainforest project last April. Previously, those holding management rights for rainforests were obliged to extract timber, often doing so unsustainably. The new law sanctioned the right to keep the trees standing.
That meant carbon stores could be left intact, flooding reduced and unique wildlife safeguarded. The elusive Sumatran tiger, Asian elephants, loud and spectacular hornbills and almost 300 other species of bird are among species Harapan Rainforest now protects.
Sumatran lowland forest is thought to host more plantlife than any other place on earth and earlier this year, scientists from Kew Gardens and the Indonesian Institute of Science Herbarium trained Harapan Rainforest staff in plant identification.
Specimens are being sent back to Kew and one rare plant has already been found – a low-growing shrub belonging to the Myrsine family and closely related to the Christmas berry.
Harapan Rainforest has several plant nurseries where staff are growing native saplings for planting in the forest. Those staff are among 80 employees working in Harapan Rainforest as rangers, guides and researchers. Most of the rangers are local people and now work with police to stop deforestation.
Graham Wynne said: “Work to restore Harapan Rainforest will take decades because much of it has been badly damaged by logging. Nearly half the commercial forests in Indonesia are no longer managed which means far more rainforest could be used for environmental benefit. The support of the Indonesian Government has created huge opportunities and we hope to hear very soon that we have secured management rights to the whole of the Harapan site.”
Professor Ani Mardiastuti, Chairwoman of Burung Indonesia, said: “The people of Indonesia admire HRH The Prince of Wales for his tireless fight to save rainforests. His visit to Harapan Rainforest is a great honour and reinforces our determination to conserve the forest.”
The Prince will see how logged rainforest on the Indonesian island of Sumatra is being protected and restored by conservation groups Burung Indonesia, the RSPB and BirdLife International.
The three organisations are working to regenerate Harapan Rainforest, a 250,000-acre site on an island on which most forests have been lost to oil palm or timber plantations.
A recent law, which the groups helped develop, allowed conservationists to aquire the management rights to the southern half of Harapan Rainforest. They can oversee limited work in the northern section as well and are hopeful that Indonesia’s forestry minister, Malam Sambat Kaban will confirm the imminent handover of management rights to the northern half, during the royal visit this Sunday. That would safeguard the whole of Harapan Rainforest for at least 100 years.
RSPB Chief Executive, Graham Wynne, said: “We are delighted with the interest and support HRH The Prince of Wales is showing in Harapan Rainforest”.
“The initiative is protecting one of the world’s finest wildlife hotspots and we are finding new species of plant and animal with each survey we do. Indonesia has huge potential for rainforest protection and this trail-blazing project will show how precious sites like Harapan Rainforest can be retained for wildlife, for the people whose livelihoods depend on rainforests and how they can be used to cut the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.”
The new law, enabling forest restoration, paved the way for the Harapan Rainforest project last April. Previously, those holding management rights for rainforests were obliged to extract timber, often doing so unsustainably. The new law sanctioned the right to keep the trees standing.
That meant carbon stores could be left intact, flooding reduced and unique wildlife safeguarded. The elusive Sumatran tiger, Asian elephants, loud and spectacular hornbills and almost 300 other species of bird are among species Harapan Rainforest now protects.
Sumatran lowland forest is thought to host more plantlife than any other place on earth and earlier this year, scientists from Kew Gardens and the Indonesian Institute of Science Herbarium trained Harapan Rainforest staff in plant identification.
Specimens are being sent back to Kew and one rare plant has already been found – a low-growing shrub belonging to the Myrsine family and closely related to the Christmas berry.
Harapan Rainforest has several plant nurseries where staff are growing native saplings for planting in the forest. Those staff are among 80 employees working in Harapan Rainforest as rangers, guides and researchers. Most of the rangers are local people and now work with police to stop deforestation.
Graham Wynne said: “Work to restore Harapan Rainforest will take decades because much of it has been badly damaged by logging. Nearly half the commercial forests in Indonesia are no longer managed which means far more rainforest could be used for environmental benefit. The support of the Indonesian Government has created huge opportunities and we hope to hear very soon that we have secured management rights to the whole of the Harapan site.”
Professor Ani Mardiastuti, Chairwoman of Burung Indonesia, said: “The people of Indonesia admire HRH The Prince of Wales for his tireless fight to save rainforests. His visit to Harapan Rainforest is a great honour and reinforces our determination to conserve the forest.”
Thursday, October 30, 2008
FSA fines firm and MLRO for money laundering controls failings
he Financial Services Authority (FSA) has today fined Sindicatum Holdings Limited (SHL) £49,000 and its money laundering reporting officer (MLRO), Michael Wheelhouse, £17,500 for not having adequate anti-money laundering systems and controls in place for verifying and recording clients’ identities. This is the first time the FSA has fined a money laundering reporting officer.
The FSA found a number of failings including:
the firm failed to implement adequate procedures for verifying the identity of its clients;
it failed to verify adequately the identity of a significant number of its clients;
it failed to keep adequate records with regard to the verification of the identity of its clients; and
Mr Wheelhouse failed to take reasonable steps to implement adequate procedures for controlling money laundering risk.
William Amos, head of retail enforcement at the FSA, said: “It is vital to the integrity of the UK’s financial markets that regulated firms are not used by criminals to launder money. Senior management must implement and follow procedures that meet our requirements so that the risks their firms face are properly managed.
“This fine is a warning to firms and individuals about the importance of complying with our rules in this area and we will not hesitate to clamp down on failures, where necessary.”
In deciding the penalty for SHL, the FSA took into account the limited financial resources of the firm and its ability to pay the fine. Had it not been for these factors the penalty would have been significantly larger.
SHL and Mr Wheelhouse have taken robust steps to review and improve the firm’s systems and controls in relation to financial crime.
The FSA did not find any evidence of money laundering at the firm.
The FSA found a number of failings including:
the firm failed to implement adequate procedures for verifying the identity of its clients;
it failed to verify adequately the identity of a significant number of its clients;
it failed to keep adequate records with regard to the verification of the identity of its clients; and
Mr Wheelhouse failed to take reasonable steps to implement adequate procedures for controlling money laundering risk.
William Amos, head of retail enforcement at the FSA, said: “It is vital to the integrity of the UK’s financial markets that regulated firms are not used by criminals to launder money. Senior management must implement and follow procedures that meet our requirements so that the risks their firms face are properly managed.
“This fine is a warning to firms and individuals about the importance of complying with our rules in this area and we will not hesitate to clamp down on failures, where necessary.”
In deciding the penalty for SHL, the FSA took into account the limited financial resources of the firm and its ability to pay the fine. Had it not been for these factors the penalty would have been significantly larger.
SHL and Mr Wheelhouse have taken robust steps to review and improve the firm’s systems and controls in relation to financial crime.
The FSA did not find any evidence of money laundering at the firm.
Intuit Rocks Your Socks Off With Free Jingles From TheJingleGenerator.com
Inks Legendary Music Producer Tommy Silk to Help Small Businesses Sing a New Tune
Accounting software specialist Intuit has signed a deal with legendary recording mogul Tommy Silk, to synthesise free jingles for small businesses. At TheJingleGenerator.com, Silk helps small businesses create customized jingles that they can take and share with customers, or download to use on their Web site, voicemail or mobile ringtone, limited only by their imagination. Silk, who produced his last hit on vinyl, is reportedly eager to bring his trademark synthesizer sound into the digital age with The Jingle Generator.
FACT FILE:
1980s recording mogul Tommy Silk is back in action and has teamed up with Intuit, makers of QuickBooks, the nation’s best-selling accounting software.
Together they have launched The Jingle Generator at www.thejinglegenerator.com, where anyone can work directly with the superstar to synthesize a free jingle.
The Jingle Generator creates a customised jingle in just a few easy steps, enabling businesses across the country to rock their sales!
Visitors to the site can also download free accounting software to help them manage all of the new business their jingle will bring.
Tommy Silk said: “I was the mastermind behind countless hit songs twenty years ago. Now I’m applying my astonishing talent to help small businesses move to the top of the charts with their customers.
“I want to help entrepreneurs get back to business like Marty McFly got back to the future, so I’m giving my jingle services away for free to all. Log on and rock on!”
Intuit Inc. is a leading provider of business and financial management solutions for small and mid-sized businesses; financial institutions, including banks and credit unions; consumers and accounting professionals. Its flagship products and services, including QuickBooks®, Quicken® and TurboTax® software, simplify small business management and payroll processing, personal finance, and tax preparation and filing.
ProSeries® and Lacerte® are Intuit’s leading tax preparation software suites for professional accountants. The company’s financial institutions division, anchored by Digital Insight, provides on-demand banking services to help banks and credit unions serve businesses and consumers with innovative solutions. (EDITOR: Intuit products are available in the UK and other markets but may differ on what they offer. Please check with Intuit)
Founded in 1983, Intuit had annual revenue of $2.67 billion in its fiscal year 2007. The company has approximately 8,000 employees with major offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and other locations. More information can be found at intuit.com.
Never heard of Tommy Silk? Well, that's probably because Tommy Silk is a totally fictitious character. A spokesman for Intuit cheerily admitted: "Tommy Silk was created solely for the promotion of theJingleGenerator.com because we didn’t have the budget to hire someone famous or use their name without getting our pants sued off. Any resemblance to real music moguls, living or dead, is purely coincidental. So there!"
All I want for Christmas… is an Andrex® Winter Puppy
All I want for Christmas… is an Andrex® Winter Puppy (to help raise lots of money for Teenage Cancer Trust)Santa Claus isn’t the only one coming to town this Christmas - there’s a special new Puppy around too who’s set to make it to the top of every wish list this year.
This adorable limited edition Andrex® Winter Puppy, wrapped up in a cute bobble hat and scarf ready for the chilly December weather, is the perfect stocking surprise this year.
And…there’s something extra special about this Puppy. He’s helping the nation’s favourite toilet tissue brand, Andrex®, raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust, the national charity which helps teenagers and young adults fight cancer. All proceeds from every Puppy sold will go towards building specialist Teenage Cancer Trust units in NHS hospitals to help the six teenagers diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK.
By purchasing this cuddly Winter Puppy, you are helping to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust. So make sure you ask Santa early for your very own limited edition Andrex® Winter Puppy before they run out; he’s only around this year!
To buy your Winter Puppy look out for special packs of Andrex or visit www.andrexpuppy.co.uk.
Bosnian Pyramid excavator to visit UK
The so-called “Bosnian Pyramids” acquired international media attention in late 2005, when Bosnian entrepreneur Sam Osmanagic invested in a geological survey. Since then, the excavation of what may turn out to be the oldest pyramid on Earth has gone on to feature in the popular “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and has made Osmanagic a national celebrity in Bosnia.
In 2006, Osmanagic kicked off a five-year project, in an effort to find out whether the Bosnia town of Visoko has one – if not more – pyramids. So far, archaeological excavations have been carried out at four sites, two of which are on the pyramids itself, namely the so-called Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Most work, however, has been focused on two tunnel systems, one of which continues to reveal signs of human activity with every spade. The tunnel system of Ravne sits in the immediate vicinity of the Pyramid of the Sun and over the next few years, the excavation work will enter the mass of the pyramid itself.
As with all such things, the project has not been without its critics, but an important swing in the controversy came in September 2007, when Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Nabil Swelim – who discovered no less than four pyramids in Egypt himself – concluded that the pyramids were indeed man-made, labelling them “pyramid hills”: natural hills that have been reshaped into the form of a pyramid by human intervention.
When and whom precisely did this, is so far not clear, but the valley is known to have been one of the most fertile in Bosnia, and has seen human occupation from at least 5000 BC – as discovered by other recent archaeological excavations in the valley. In fact, one excavation in September 2008 was able to unearth a small ceramic object, dated to 6000-3000 BC, in the shape of a pyramid.
Osmanagic is aware that such projects will by default come with controversy. He is very much familiar with the controversy surrounding the tomb of Tutankhamen and how Howard Carter, for several years, found nothing, until one day, he struck – literally – gold. Osmanagic feels that in the past three seasons of excavations, he has done much more and much better than Carter, and that with a little bit more time, the archaeologists will be able to find evidence that will sway even the fiercest of critics.
To provide an overview of the current state of research, between November 14 and November 22, Osmanagich is touring the UK. His tour starts in Bury St. Edmunds at the Stars and Stones Winter Forum on November 15 and will finish at the Histories & Mysteries Conference in Edinburgh, on November 22.
For further information on Osmanagic’s work, see www.piramidasunca.ba/en/
Schedule:
Stars and Stones Winter Forum
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th November 2008
Booking Enquiries: 01359 270524.
http://www.starsandstonesforum.net/Events.html
Monday 17th November 2008 at 7.30pm
Methodist Church, Fore Street, Totnes, Devon
Booking enquiries: 01803 868744 or 01963 251772 patrickfound@btinternet.com
Tuesday 18th November 2008 at 7.30pm
Springhead, Mill Lane, Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0NU
Booking enquiries: 01963 251772 patrickfound@btinternet.com
Wednesday 19th November 2008 at 7.30pm
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute (BRLSI), 16 Queens Square, Bath, BA1 2HN
Booking enquiries: 01225 312085 or 01963 251772 patrickfound@btinternet.com
Saturday 22nd November 2008, 10-6pm
The Hub, Edinburgh
Booking enquiries: 01620 894 902 www.histories-mysteries.com
In 2006, Osmanagic kicked off a five-year project, in an effort to find out whether the Bosnia town of Visoko has one – if not more – pyramids. So far, archaeological excavations have been carried out at four sites, two of which are on the pyramids itself, namely the so-called Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Most work, however, has been focused on two tunnel systems, one of which continues to reveal signs of human activity with every spade. The tunnel system of Ravne sits in the immediate vicinity of the Pyramid of the Sun and over the next few years, the excavation work will enter the mass of the pyramid itself.
As with all such things, the project has not been without its critics, but an important swing in the controversy came in September 2007, when Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Nabil Swelim – who discovered no less than four pyramids in Egypt himself – concluded that the pyramids were indeed man-made, labelling them “pyramid hills”: natural hills that have been reshaped into the form of a pyramid by human intervention.
When and whom precisely did this, is so far not clear, but the valley is known to have been one of the most fertile in Bosnia, and has seen human occupation from at least 5000 BC – as discovered by other recent archaeological excavations in the valley. In fact, one excavation in September 2008 was able to unearth a small ceramic object, dated to 6000-3000 BC, in the shape of a pyramid.
Osmanagic is aware that such projects will by default come with controversy. He is very much familiar with the controversy surrounding the tomb of Tutankhamen and how Howard Carter, for several years, found nothing, until one day, he struck – literally – gold. Osmanagic feels that in the past three seasons of excavations, he has done much more and much better than Carter, and that with a little bit more time, the archaeologists will be able to find evidence that will sway even the fiercest of critics.
To provide an overview of the current state of research, between November 14 and November 22, Osmanagich is touring the UK. His tour starts in Bury St. Edmunds at the Stars and Stones Winter Forum on November 15 and will finish at the Histories & Mysteries Conference in Edinburgh, on November 22.
For further information on Osmanagic’s work, see www.piramidasunca.ba/en/
Schedule:
Stars and Stones Winter Forum
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th November 2008
Booking Enquiries: 01359 270524.
http://www.starsandstonesforum.net/Events.html
Monday 17th November 2008 at 7.30pm
Methodist Church, Fore Street, Totnes, Devon
Booking enquiries: 01803 868744 or 01963 251772 patrickfound@btinternet.com
Tuesday 18th November 2008 at 7.30pm
Springhead, Mill Lane, Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0NU
Booking enquiries: 01963 251772 patrickfound@btinternet.com
Wednesday 19th November 2008 at 7.30pm
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute (BRLSI), 16 Queens Square, Bath, BA1 2HN
Booking enquiries: 01225 312085 or 01963 251772 patrickfound@btinternet.com
Saturday 22nd November 2008, 10-6pm
The Hub, Edinburgh
Booking enquiries: 01620 894 902 www.histories-mysteries.com
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Russell Brand quits radio show
In an interesting twist, Russell Brand has quit his Radio Two show.
In a statement to the media Brand is reported to have said that he only broadcast his radio show to make listeners laugh, and has decided to stop broadcasting it due to the coverage both it and he have received since the last broadcast. "I got a bit caught up in the moment and forgot that at the core of the rude comments and silly songs were the real feelings of a beloved and brilliant comic actor and a very sweet and big-hearted young woman," he is reported as having said.
Incidentally, it became apparent that Russell Brand and Georgina Baillie (Sachs' granddaughter) had at one time been romantically involved, which, in the minds of some people makes what Brand and Ross did, even worse. "No gentleman kisses and tells" as the old saying goes.
It will be interesting to see if Ross has the same courage and self-awareness that Brand has displayed when he offered his resignation and such a fulsome apology.
Ross has chosen instead -as is his right- to issue a formal statement of apology through his solicitors, Schillings.
In a statement to the media Brand is reported to have said that he only broadcast his radio show to make listeners laugh, and has decided to stop broadcasting it due to the coverage both it and he have received since the last broadcast. "I got a bit caught up in the moment and forgot that at the core of the rude comments and silly songs were the real feelings of a beloved and brilliant comic actor and a very sweet and big-hearted young woman," he is reported as having said.
Incidentally, it became apparent that Russell Brand and Georgina Baillie (Sachs' granddaughter) had at one time been romantically involved, which, in the minds of some people makes what Brand and Ross did, even worse. "No gentleman kisses and tells" as the old saying goes.
It will be interesting to see if Ross has the same courage and self-awareness that Brand has displayed when he offered his resignation and such a fulsome apology.
Ross has chosen instead -as is his right- to issue a formal statement of apology through his solicitors, Schillings.
At last! Mark Thompson (BBC Director-General) finds his voice!
The BBC today issued a statement from Mark Thompson, Director-General.
"I would like to add my own personal and unreserved apology to Andrew Sachs, his family and to licence fee payers for the completely unacceptable broadcast on BBC Radio 2.
"BBC audiences accept that, in comedy, performers attempt to push the line of taste. However, this is not a marginal case. It is clear from the views expressed by the public that this broadcast has caused severe offence and I share that view.
"Since Sunday, I have been in regular contact with the senior executives I tasked with handling this issue. The investigation that I instructed Tim Davie to conduct is nearing completion, and I am returning to London to review the findings and, in the coming days, announce what action we will take.
"In the meantime, I have decided that it is not appropriate for either Russell Brand or Jonathan Ross to continue broadcasting on the BBC until I have seen the full report of the actions of all concerned.
"This gross lapse of taste by the performers and the production team has angered licence payers. I am determined that we satisfy them that any lessons will be learnt and appropriate action taken. I have been asked to report to the Trust's Editorial Standards Committee before the end of this week and will discuss with the Trust the findings of the report and the actions I propose."
(EDITORIAL OPINION: Translated: "I had hoped if we ignored it, it would go away. Oh, dear! It hasn't. Now I'd better do something!"
It should never have happened in the first place. And it this editorial opinion that Brand and Ross should have been suspended -along with the production staff- as soon as the first complaints were made, not several days later. Mark Thompson must also look at his own position. After all, it was under his direction that the broadcast was made...
It is said that a previous Director-General of the BBC dmitted that sometimes he had allowed programmes to be broadcast only because he knew the material would upset Mary Whitehouse. It would seem this is still in force. BBC, here is a clue: Mary Whitehouse died nearly a decade ago. You can stop trying to offend her, now.)
"I would like to add my own personal and unreserved apology to Andrew Sachs, his family and to licence fee payers for the completely unacceptable broadcast on BBC Radio 2.
"BBC audiences accept that, in comedy, performers attempt to push the line of taste. However, this is not a marginal case. It is clear from the views expressed by the public that this broadcast has caused severe offence and I share that view.
"Since Sunday, I have been in regular contact with the senior executives I tasked with handling this issue. The investigation that I instructed Tim Davie to conduct is nearing completion, and I am returning to London to review the findings and, in the coming days, announce what action we will take.
"In the meantime, I have decided that it is not appropriate for either Russell Brand or Jonathan Ross to continue broadcasting on the BBC until I have seen the full report of the actions of all concerned.
"This gross lapse of taste by the performers and the production team has angered licence payers. I am determined that we satisfy them that any lessons will be learnt and appropriate action taken. I have been asked to report to the Trust's Editorial Standards Committee before the end of this week and will discuss with the Trust the findings of the report and the actions I propose."
(EDITORIAL OPINION: Translated: "I had hoped if we ignored it, it would go away. Oh, dear! It hasn't. Now I'd better do something!"
It should never have happened in the first place. And it this editorial opinion that Brand and Ross should have been suspended -along with the production staff- as soon as the first complaints were made, not several days later. Mark Thompson must also look at his own position. After all, it was under his direction that the broadcast was made...
It is said that a previous Director-General of the BBC dmitted that sometimes he had allowed programmes to be broadcast only because he knew the material would upset Mary Whitehouse. It would seem this is still in force. BBC, here is a clue: Mary Whitehouse died nearly a decade ago. You can stop trying to offend her, now.)
"Said-It Crunch" for Gordon Brown?
Cameron and Clegg could win the war of words!
Who to believe when it comes to reassurances about recession? A new poll suggests the Tory leader David Cameron and the Lib Dem’s Nick Clegg are more likely to have the ear of the nation just because of the way they speak.
A survey examining the nation’s accents reveals Cameron and Clegg’s southern spoken word beats Gordon Brown’s Scottish brogue when it comes to public trust. Londoners and Home County dwellers are ranked in second place of most trusted accents with Scots taking third place. The study revealed the Yorkshire accent to be the most trustworthy in the UK, while Scouse accents fair the worst when it comes to believing what is being said.
It’s even worse news for Bank of England Governor Mervyn King when he comments on the state of the economy – his Brummie accent puts him in a lowly ninth place in the Travelodge Trusted Talk poll, voted for by 3,000 Brits. The chair of the Financial Services Authority (FSA), Lord Turner, from East Anglia, comes in eighth place.
The nation’s most trusted accents:
Yorkshire
London/South
Scottish
West Country
Welsh
Geordie
Lancashire
East Anglian
West midlands
Northern Irish
East Midlands
Scouse
The search to find Britain’s most trusted accent is part of a nationwide study by Travelodge on the UK’s different dialects which found that local sayings from around the UK are now in jeopardy. Results revealed Brits are now more likely to know phrases from France or Germany than some UK sayings that go back hundreds of years.
The research shows:
· A quarter of Britons think their term for tourists ‘Emmets’ comes from Spain or Greece
· Over a third of adults (35%) think the Scouse word ‘Loop-di-loop’ (meaning soup) originates from Holland or Norway
· Almost a fifth of respondents thought the Yorkshire term for a silly person – a ‘daft ha-porth’ – is a foreign phrase from Denmark or Poland.
· A quarter of Brits thought the Newcastle’s famous Brown Ale or ‘Broon’ is a signature drink from Brussels or Munich
David Beckham and Amy Winehouse have the most hated voices in the UK – Cheryl Cole and Ant and Dec have the most liked.
Campaigning to keep local lingo alive, Travelodge is aiming to make life easier for the growing number of Britons exploring the UK during the credit crunch by providing Lingo Busting Guides on its website for people to download before they check in.
Greg Dawson, Travelodge Director of Communications said, “Regional accents – whether you love them or hate them – are as diverse as ever in Britain, but it seems we have something of a national communication problem on our hands, as many Brits simply don’t understand some of the UK’s most loved regional dialects. With our Lingo Busting Guides, we hope to help Brits converse more easily with locals when they stay in our hotels, helping them to fully absorb the distinct regional cultures that the UK has to offer.”
Travelodge’s “Lingo Busting Guides” can be downloaded from www.travelodge.co.uk
(EDITOR: Oi! As a fellow Brummie I say leave Mervyn alone!)
Who to believe when it comes to reassurances about recession? A new poll suggests the Tory leader David Cameron and the Lib Dem’s Nick Clegg are more likely to have the ear of the nation just because of the way they speak.
A survey examining the nation’s accents reveals Cameron and Clegg’s southern spoken word beats Gordon Brown’s Scottish brogue when it comes to public trust. Londoners and Home County dwellers are ranked in second place of most trusted accents with Scots taking third place. The study revealed the Yorkshire accent to be the most trustworthy in the UK, while Scouse accents fair the worst when it comes to believing what is being said.
It’s even worse news for Bank of England Governor Mervyn King when he comments on the state of the economy – his Brummie accent puts him in a lowly ninth place in the Travelodge Trusted Talk poll, voted for by 3,000 Brits. The chair of the Financial Services Authority (FSA), Lord Turner, from East Anglia, comes in eighth place.
The nation’s most trusted accents:
Yorkshire
London/South
Scottish
West Country
Welsh
Geordie
Lancashire
East Anglian
West midlands
Northern Irish
East Midlands
Scouse
The search to find Britain’s most trusted accent is part of a nationwide study by Travelodge on the UK’s different dialects which found that local sayings from around the UK are now in jeopardy. Results revealed Brits are now more likely to know phrases from France or Germany than some UK sayings that go back hundreds of years.
The research shows:
· A quarter of Britons think their term for tourists ‘Emmets’ comes from Spain or Greece
· Over a third of adults (35%) think the Scouse word ‘Loop-di-loop’ (meaning soup) originates from Holland or Norway
· Almost a fifth of respondents thought the Yorkshire term for a silly person – a ‘daft ha-porth’ – is a foreign phrase from Denmark or Poland.
· A quarter of Brits thought the Newcastle’s famous Brown Ale or ‘Broon’ is a signature drink from Brussels or Munich
David Beckham and Amy Winehouse have the most hated voices in the UK – Cheryl Cole and Ant and Dec have the most liked.
Campaigning to keep local lingo alive, Travelodge is aiming to make life easier for the growing number of Britons exploring the UK during the credit crunch by providing Lingo Busting Guides on its website for people to download before they check in.
Greg Dawson, Travelodge Director of Communications said, “Regional accents – whether you love them or hate them – are as diverse as ever in Britain, but it seems we have something of a national communication problem on our hands, as many Brits simply don’t understand some of the UK’s most loved regional dialects. With our Lingo Busting Guides, we hope to help Brits converse more easily with locals when they stay in our hotels, helping them to fully absorb the distinct regional cultures that the UK has to offer.”
Travelodge’s “Lingo Busting Guides” can be downloaded from www.travelodge.co.uk
(EDITOR: Oi! As a fellow Brummie I say leave Mervyn alone!)
Unique Irish Records Collections released by Familyrelatives.com
One of the largest collections of Irish records available is being released online by www.Familyrelatives.com. This forms part of a programme to add more than 10 million new records by the end of this year.
The new sources will contain, Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857 (5 Volumes), Irish Genealogical Guide, Quaker Records Dublin Abstracts of Wills, Alumni Dublinense 1593-1846, Ireland Topographical Dictionary, Land Records Ireland, Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy, 1660-1815, Irish Names and Surnames, MacDonald’s Directory – 5 counties and the Medical Register for Ireland 2 Volumes. The records contain amongst other material, surnames, year, location and county.
An extract from the Irish Genealogical Guide - Copies & Abstracts of Irish Wills describes why these records are so useful to family historians and came to exist. “Wills being of paramount importance for the study of family and social history, the act of vandalism by which the buildings of the Four Courts, Dublin, were destroyed on the 30th June, 1922, has proved to be a serious set-back to genealogical research, as all the original wills deposited therein at the time were burned; many other documents of national importance met a similar fate.
Fortunately however, prior to the disaster, genealogists had copied from time to time many thousands of these wills and the results of their labours had been offtimes published in genealogical journals and family histories….”
We are very pleased to present the Irish collection online, it has always been our intention to add Irish records to the existing Familyrelatives.com data as these rare records are invaluable to family historians and assist in their research, a spokesman for the site added.
IRISH RECORDS COLLECTION
Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857 (5 Volumes), this dataset is a five-volume series of indexes to Irish wills. Each entry lists the individual's name, address, and the year the will was settled in probate.
Irish Genealogical Guide, copies and Abstracts of Irish Wills covers the period from 1445 to 1834. Each entry lists the individual's name, address, reference and the year the will was settled in probate.
Quaker Records Dublin Abstracts of Wills. The Abstracts include valuable information including the individual's name, address, and the year the will was settled and proved in probate. Family relations, occupations, witnesses, freeholds, monies, inventories and more are mentioned in the abstracts.
Alumni Dublinense 1593-1846. Amongst other material includes schools, school alumni, the individual’s name, father’s name, trade, profession, or rank, age, birthplace, and the year they were awarded their degree.
The Royal School, Armagh register officially began in 1849 although records date back to 1635.
The Register will prove invaluable in researching your family history as the material includes the individual's name, place or date of birth, father's name, rank, profession or trade, the year they were at the school, educational qualification and career. This may include additional information on their military ranks with the dates of promotion and the date and place of death.
Includes students and pupils from Ireland and abroad.
A typical entry in the register reads;
FITZHERBERT NICHOLAS CODDINGTON
Born in Meath, third son of Nicholas Coddington, of Oldbridge, Co.Meath,
In Couser’s books, 1820-1822 ; T.C.D., July, 1822 ; Ensign, 40th Foot,
22nd September, 1825 ; Lieut., 17th January, 1828 ; capt., 24th December, 1832 ; Major, 30th April, 1884 ; retired, 10th July, 1846 ; received a dangerous sabre wound at the battle of Maharajpore (medal). Died at Brighton, 6th April 1853
Note: T.C.D Trinity College Dublin
Ireland Topographical Dictionary. The database is an alphabetical dictionary of the topography of Ireland and provides historical and statistical descriptions of several of Ireland's counties, cities, boroughs, corporate markets, post towns, parishes, and villages. A useful resource as they enable us to locate and learn about the places our ancestors lived.
Return of Owners Land Ireland 1876. The Return shows the holding, in acres, roods and poles, and estimated yearly rental valuation, of all holdings over 1 acre. The database is organised by county, landowner and address for each landowner is provided.
MacDonald’s Directory 1927 for the counties of Antrim, Tipperary, Armagh, Belfast, Londonderry and Kerry. Business and trade directories providing useful social history information on trade names and occupations, names, addresses as well as information on schools in the locality.
Irish Names and Surnames, a fascinating collection of Irish names and surnames, the records include the Gaelic names of men and women from English to Irish and Irish to English and Clan names with useful and historical descriptions and the origins of a name. A treat for budding onomatologists.
Medical Register for Ireland 2 Volumes. The records contain the surname, address and location, year and qualifications followed by the Medical Schools from which the Members qualified.
Irish Passenger Lists 1846-1851, Passengers who arrived at the Port of New York during the Irish famine are already available for free online.
All these records are available as part of the Subscription and provide unprecedented value for money.
Upcoming Collections
Familyrelatives.com will be adding valuable new datasets to the site to benefit our subscribers. Additions over the next few months will include many more Military records including Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy, 1660-1815 as well as School and University records for England, Wales, Scotland, including Ireland and the USA.
Irish records being added
Alumni Dublinense 1593-1846
Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy 1660-1815
Index to Prerogative Wills of Ireland
Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857
Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857 Vol I
Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857 Vol II
Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857 Vol III
Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857 Vol IV
Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857 Vol V
Ireland - Return of Owners of Land in Ireland
Irish Genealogical Guide
Irish Names and Surnames
Irish Immigration records 1846-1850
Irish Medical Directory 1878
Irish Medical Directory 1932
MacDonald’s Directory - Antrim
MacDonald’s Directory - Armagh
MacDonald’s Directory - Belfast
MacDonald’s Directory - Kerry
MacDonald’s Directory - Londonderry
MacDonald’s Directory – Tipperary
Quaker Records Dublin Abstracts of Wills
Royal School Armagh
Familyrelatives.com is the number 1 website for searching birth, marriage and death indexes online and is unique as the first website to provide the complete birth, marriage and death indexes for England & Wales for the period 1837-2005 having fully transcribed over 150 million records between 1866 and 1920.
Subsequently Familyrelatives.com have developed and added many new useful tools and free social features including the facility to add comments to records and provide unique insights into individuals. Familyrelatives.com has been instrumental in helping family historians to search and find their ancestors with greater ease by providing both free and pay-per-view datasets.
Since its launch Familyrelatives.com continues to add new records and now have over 600 million records available online for England, Wales, Ireland and the USA. The focus this year will be to build on its rapidly growing presence ensuring that records are available to as wide an audience as possible in the United Kingdom and abroad.
For a full list of records online please visit www.familyrelatives.co
The new sources will contain, Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857 (5 Volumes), Irish Genealogical Guide, Quaker Records Dublin Abstracts of Wills, Alumni Dublinense 1593-1846, Ireland Topographical Dictionary, Land Records Ireland, Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy, 1660-1815, Irish Names and Surnames, MacDonald’s Directory – 5 counties and the Medical Register for Ireland 2 Volumes. The records contain amongst other material, surnames, year, location and county.
An extract from the Irish Genealogical Guide - Copies & Abstracts of Irish Wills describes why these records are so useful to family historians and came to exist. “Wills being of paramount importance for the study of family and social history, the act of vandalism by which the buildings of the Four Courts, Dublin, were destroyed on the 30th June, 1922, has proved to be a serious set-back to genealogical research, as all the original wills deposited therein at the time were burned; many other documents of national importance met a similar fate.
Fortunately however, prior to the disaster, genealogists had copied from time to time many thousands of these wills and the results of their labours had been offtimes published in genealogical journals and family histories….”
We are very pleased to present the Irish collection online, it has always been our intention to add Irish records to the existing Familyrelatives.com data as these rare records are invaluable to family historians and assist in their research, a spokesman for the site added.
IRISH RECORDS COLLECTION
Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857 (5 Volumes), this dataset is a five-volume series of indexes to Irish wills. Each entry lists the individual's name, address, and the year the will was settled in probate.
Irish Genealogical Guide, copies and Abstracts of Irish Wills covers the period from 1445 to 1834. Each entry lists the individual's name, address, reference and the year the will was settled in probate.
Quaker Records Dublin Abstracts of Wills. The Abstracts include valuable information including the individual's name, address, and the year the will was settled and proved in probate. Family relations, occupations, witnesses, freeholds, monies, inventories and more are mentioned in the abstracts.
Alumni Dublinense 1593-1846. Amongst other material includes schools, school alumni, the individual’s name, father’s name, trade, profession, or rank, age, birthplace, and the year they were awarded their degree.
The Royal School, Armagh register officially began in 1849 although records date back to 1635.
The Register will prove invaluable in researching your family history as the material includes the individual's name, place or date of birth, father's name, rank, profession or trade, the year they were at the school, educational qualification and career. This may include additional information on their military ranks with the dates of promotion and the date and place of death.
Includes students and pupils from Ireland and abroad.
A typical entry in the register reads;
FITZHERBERT NICHOLAS CODDINGTON
Born in Meath, third son of Nicholas Coddington, of Oldbridge, Co.Meath,
In Couser’s books, 1820-1822 ; T.C.D., July, 1822 ; Ensign, 40th Foot,
22nd September, 1825 ; Lieut., 17th January, 1828 ; capt., 24th December, 1832 ; Major, 30th April, 1884 ; retired, 10th July, 1846 ; received a dangerous sabre wound at the battle of Maharajpore (medal). Died at Brighton, 6th April 1853
Note: T.C.D Trinity College Dublin
Ireland Topographical Dictionary. The database is an alphabetical dictionary of the topography of Ireland and provides historical and statistical descriptions of several of Ireland's counties, cities, boroughs, corporate markets, post towns, parishes, and villages. A useful resource as they enable us to locate and learn about the places our ancestors lived.
Return of Owners Land Ireland 1876. The Return shows the holding, in acres, roods and poles, and estimated yearly rental valuation, of all holdings over 1 acre. The database is organised by county, landowner and address for each landowner is provided.
MacDonald’s Directory 1927 for the counties of Antrim, Tipperary, Armagh, Belfast, Londonderry and Kerry. Business and trade directories providing useful social history information on trade names and occupations, names, addresses as well as information on schools in the locality.
Irish Names and Surnames, a fascinating collection of Irish names and surnames, the records include the Gaelic names of men and women from English to Irish and Irish to English and Clan names with useful and historical descriptions and the origins of a name. A treat for budding onomatologists.
Medical Register for Ireland 2 Volumes. The records contain the surname, address and location, year and qualifications followed by the Medical Schools from which the Members qualified.
Irish Passenger Lists 1846-1851, Passengers who arrived at the Port of New York during the Irish famine are already available for free online.
All these records are available as part of the Subscription and provide unprecedented value for money.
Upcoming Collections
Familyrelatives.com will be adding valuable new datasets to the site to benefit our subscribers. Additions over the next few months will include many more Military records including Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy, 1660-1815 as well as School and University records for England, Wales, Scotland, including Ireland and the USA.
Irish records being added
Alumni Dublinense 1593-1846
Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy 1660-1815
Index to Prerogative Wills of Ireland
Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857
Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857 Vol I
Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857 Vol II
Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857 Vol III
Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857 Vol IV
Indexes to Irish Wills 1536-1857 Vol V
Ireland - Return of Owners of Land in Ireland
Irish Genealogical Guide
Irish Names and Surnames
Irish Immigration records 1846-1850
Irish Medical Directory 1878
Irish Medical Directory 1932
MacDonald’s Directory - Antrim
MacDonald’s Directory - Armagh
MacDonald’s Directory - Belfast
MacDonald’s Directory - Kerry
MacDonald’s Directory - Londonderry
MacDonald’s Directory – Tipperary
Quaker Records Dublin Abstracts of Wills
Royal School Armagh
Familyrelatives.com is the number 1 website for searching birth, marriage and death indexes online and is unique as the first website to provide the complete birth, marriage and death indexes for England & Wales for the period 1837-2005 having fully transcribed over 150 million records between 1866 and 1920.
Subsequently Familyrelatives.com have developed and added many new useful tools and free social features including the facility to add comments to records and provide unique insights into individuals. Familyrelatives.com has been instrumental in helping family historians to search and find their ancestors with greater ease by providing both free and pay-per-view datasets.
Since its launch Familyrelatives.com continues to add new records and now have over 600 million records available online for England, Wales, Ireland and the USA. The focus this year will be to build on its rapidly growing presence ensuring that records are available to as wide an audience as possible in the United Kingdom and abroad.
For a full list of records online please visit www.familyrelatives.co
Parcel mules scam exposed as fraud experts kick ass on ITV1's Tonight programme
A new and emerging fraud scam was exposed on the latest ITV1’s Tonight programme, when it confronted the true face of criminals involved deception and theft through so-called human ‘mules’.
With the support of experts at card fraud protection specialist, the 3rd Man – www.the3rdman.co.uk - the programme reveals how fraudsters prey on innocent victims to defraud retailers of goods.
‘Money mules’, the term used for people who unwittingly become duped into helping transfer illegal money, now has a less sophisticated but equally problematic spin-off: the ‘parcel mule’. Instead of transferring money, innocent and vulnerable people are now being duped into handling goods obtained fraudulently, forwarding items on to criminals in other countries.
For criminals using parcel mules there is far less risk of being caught by using someone else to handle goods that have been obtained illegally using fraudulent credit cards. Mules are often recruited through fake ‘job’ advertisements as well as through other methods such as spoof websites and even dating sites, as highlighted in the programme.
Last month (September 2008), APACS, the UK payments association, revealed the extent of the problem in the UK as data showed 873 detected fake ‘job’ adverts for money mules in the first half of 2008, up 345 per cent over the last three years, and 33 per cent on last year.
However, despite the increase in attempted fraud, the fact remains that it is still safe for consumers to buy online. This is due to the diligent attitude of retailers who see card fraud as a threat to their businesses.
“With the financial climate as it is, retailers face an uncertain sales period during the run up to Christmas; the last thing they need is yet another scam that rips off more of their revenue through deception,” says Andrew Goodwill, fraud expert with the 3rd Man. “Criminals may think they are invisible, but actually UK retailers have become far more savvy to techniques such as ‘parcel mules’ and are using shared data schemes more extensively to prevent theft.
“This is how we detected the most recent type of mule scam that will be shown in this TV programme. Although fraudsters will do their best to target UK retailers during the run up to Christmas, the fact that retailers are increasingly sharing data about criminal activity has made it even more difficult for thieves to succeed.
“This programme will also go some way to warning vulnerable individuals, particularly people using dating websites, that they should be wary of deceitful and unscrupulous individuals posing as their friends.”
So far this year, the 3rd Man’s Supersearch shared database detected and prevented £83,117,390.52 fraud. This figure is expected to increase significantly during the lead up to Christmas.
Shared databases contain clearly fraudulent and highly suspicious data, including listings of bad or questionable details such as email addresses, delivery addresses, phone numbers, IP addresses and card numbers.
Shared databases are not restricted to retailers as banks can also integrate their systems with services such as SuperSearch. “When fraud is detected a data feed is sent to the respective bank informing them that their cardholder has had details compromised,” explains Paul Simms, CEO of the 3rd Man Group. “They can then act to re-issue the account number and possibly block the card. In the same way the banking community succeeded with Chip and PIN, this is another major way to protect retailers from card not present fraud.”
With the support of experts at card fraud protection specialist, the 3rd Man – www.the3rdman.co.uk - the programme reveals how fraudsters prey on innocent victims to defraud retailers of goods.
‘Money mules’, the term used for people who unwittingly become duped into helping transfer illegal money, now has a less sophisticated but equally problematic spin-off: the ‘parcel mule’. Instead of transferring money, innocent and vulnerable people are now being duped into handling goods obtained fraudulently, forwarding items on to criminals in other countries.
For criminals using parcel mules there is far less risk of being caught by using someone else to handle goods that have been obtained illegally using fraudulent credit cards. Mules are often recruited through fake ‘job’ advertisements as well as through other methods such as spoof websites and even dating sites, as highlighted in the programme.
Last month (September 2008), APACS, the UK payments association, revealed the extent of the problem in the UK as data showed 873 detected fake ‘job’ adverts for money mules in the first half of 2008, up 345 per cent over the last three years, and 33 per cent on last year.
However, despite the increase in attempted fraud, the fact remains that it is still safe for consumers to buy online. This is due to the diligent attitude of retailers who see card fraud as a threat to their businesses.
“With the financial climate as it is, retailers face an uncertain sales period during the run up to Christmas; the last thing they need is yet another scam that rips off more of their revenue through deception,” says Andrew Goodwill, fraud expert with the 3rd Man. “Criminals may think they are invisible, but actually UK retailers have become far more savvy to techniques such as ‘parcel mules’ and are using shared data schemes more extensively to prevent theft.
“This is how we detected the most recent type of mule scam that will be shown in this TV programme. Although fraudsters will do their best to target UK retailers during the run up to Christmas, the fact that retailers are increasingly sharing data about criminal activity has made it even more difficult for thieves to succeed.
“This programme will also go some way to warning vulnerable individuals, particularly people using dating websites, that they should be wary of deceitful and unscrupulous individuals posing as their friends.”
So far this year, the 3rd Man’s Supersearch shared database detected and prevented £83,117,390.52 fraud. This figure is expected to increase significantly during the lead up to Christmas.
Shared databases contain clearly fraudulent and highly suspicious data, including listings of bad or questionable details such as email addresses, delivery addresses, phone numbers, IP addresses and card numbers.
Shared databases are not restricted to retailers as banks can also integrate their systems with services such as SuperSearch. “When fraud is detected a data feed is sent to the respective bank informing them that their cardholder has had details compromised,” explains Paul Simms, CEO of the 3rd Man Group. “They can then act to re-issue the account number and possibly block the card. In the same way the banking community succeeded with Chip and PIN, this is another major way to protect retailers from card not present fraud.”
Don’t go battery-mad
Relax and recharge your (iPhone) batteries
The new iPow External Battery Case has just been launched in the UK to protect your iPhone and fight the frustration of limited battery power. The leather flip case protects your device whilst the integrated battery doubles the power capacity. With twice the amount of talk, usage and standby time you can avoid the annoyance of losing power at the most inconvenient moment. The case also incorporates mini stereo speakers so you can enjoy your music with friends whilst on the move.
The iPhone is designed for surfing the net and for multimedia and Bluetooth use. Unfortunately these are all power-hungry things which can eat into battery time. iPhone batteries are not easy or economical to replace. Other power solutions have come and gone but the iPow External Battery Case is the first neat and integrated solution.
The iPow External Battery Case is compatible with the original Apple iPhone. The integrated lithium ion battery can be simultaneously recharged with the phone. The standard iPhone battery currently allows up to 8 hours talk time, 7 hours of video playback, 6 hours of web access or 24 hours listening time. The iPow can double these. Charging the iPhone’s integrated battery less frequently can also extend its overall life.
The case fits snugly to the iPhone with a smart camera hole and magnetic flip catch. The case weighs just 98g so it is both light and convenient. The case is hard-backed to protect your device and the leather front gives a sleek finish. The integrated mini-speakers offer double the sound output from your iPhone without the hassle of wire-connected speaker accessories.
The iPow External battery case is a reliable and economically efficient way to enhance the battery capacity of your iPhone.
The iPow is priced at £49.99 and is available from selected high streets stores and www.twistedcarbon.com. Visitors to the Stuff Live & What Hi-Fi show (31st October – 2nd November 2008, Excel, London) will be able to see the iPow on the RXS stand (number 466). Look out for the next generation iPow which will be compatible with the iPhone3G and selected iPods – coming soon!
The new iPow External Battery Case has just been launched in the UK to protect your iPhone and fight the frustration of limited battery power. The leather flip case protects your device whilst the integrated battery doubles the power capacity. With twice the amount of talk, usage and standby time you can avoid the annoyance of losing power at the most inconvenient moment. The case also incorporates mini stereo speakers so you can enjoy your music with friends whilst on the move.
The iPhone is designed for surfing the net and for multimedia and Bluetooth use. Unfortunately these are all power-hungry things which can eat into battery time. iPhone batteries are not easy or economical to replace. Other power solutions have come and gone but the iPow External Battery Case is the first neat and integrated solution.
The iPow External Battery Case is compatible with the original Apple iPhone. The integrated lithium ion battery can be simultaneously recharged with the phone. The standard iPhone battery currently allows up to 8 hours talk time, 7 hours of video playback, 6 hours of web access or 24 hours listening time. The iPow can double these. Charging the iPhone’s integrated battery less frequently can also extend its overall life.
The case fits snugly to the iPhone with a smart camera hole and magnetic flip catch. The case weighs just 98g so it is both light and convenient. The case is hard-backed to protect your device and the leather front gives a sleek finish. The integrated mini-speakers offer double the sound output from your iPhone without the hassle of wire-connected speaker accessories.
The iPow External battery case is a reliable and economically efficient way to enhance the battery capacity of your iPhone.
The iPow is priced at £49.99 and is available from selected high streets stores and www.twistedcarbon.com. Visitors to the Stuff Live & What Hi-Fi show (31st October – 2nd November 2008, Excel, London) will be able to see the iPow on the RXS stand (number 466). Look out for the next generation iPow which will be compatible with the iPhone3G and selected iPods – coming soon!
Unseen Beatles Footage From Kansas 1964 Goes to Auction
Another major Beatles collectable will be offered for auction by Cameo Auctioneers on the 4th November 2008 at 10.30am.
Lot 330 is an 8mm silent colour film reel, approx. 2 minutes long from September 17th 1964, an unscheduled gig in Kansas City on the Beatles first tour of the USA.
The film was discovered in August of this year whilst clearing out an estate, to read the full account of this find click here, a snippet is shown below;
“We cleared out my parent’s estate 2 months ago. And there I discovered it…at the bottom of the old drawer, still lying in its original photo- lab box with “Beatles 1964” on the back of the box where I’d feverishly scrawled it in blue ballpoint pen…the one and only motion picture, in existence, of the one and only concert the Beatles would ever perform in Kansas City.”
To view a preview of the movie please click here http://www.cameo-auctioneers.co.uk/041108/.
A spokesperson at Cameo confirms that this a rare and exciting find and a very collectable piece of Beatles history.
For more information contact the auctioneers directly on 0118 971 3772 or via email at office@cameo-auctioneers.co.uk
Lot 330 is an 8mm silent colour film reel, approx. 2 minutes long from September 17th 1964, an unscheduled gig in Kansas City on the Beatles first tour of the USA.
The film was discovered in August of this year whilst clearing out an estate, to read the full account of this find click here, a snippet is shown below;
“We cleared out my parent’s estate 2 months ago. And there I discovered it…at the bottom of the old drawer, still lying in its original photo- lab box with “Beatles 1964” on the back of the box where I’d feverishly scrawled it in blue ballpoint pen…the one and only motion picture, in existence, of the one and only concert the Beatles would ever perform in Kansas City.”
To view a preview of the movie please click here http://www.cameo-auctioneers.co.uk/041108/.
A spokesperson at Cameo confirms that this a rare and exciting find and a very collectable piece of Beatles history.
For more information contact the auctioneers directly on 0118 971 3772 or via email at office@cameo-auctioneers.co.uk
Health, Happiness and You!
In the current economic and social climate of doom and gloom are you desperately hoping for a glimmer of health, wealth and happiness? As Britain finds itself on the brink of a recession, are you starting to feel overwhelmed by stress and negativity?
Sue Stone, Happiness and Confidence Coach to the celebrities will be appearing at A Day of Empowerment, Happiness and Angels at the Tregonwell Hall, Bournemouth International Centre on 23rd November 2008. She joins the world renowned authority on angels, Diana Cooper and spiritual teacher Kathy Crosswell.
Sue Stone transformed her life from one of sheer desperation and distress as a single mother to one of happiness, inner peace and prosperity through her study and understanding of the incredible power of our thoughts and feelings. Having faced financial ruin, divorce and 3 young children to bring up, Sue now dedicates her time to helping others achieve happiness and abundance and is the acclaimed author of Love Life, Live Life and regular TV expert.
When Diana Cooper, world renowned spiritual author, was broke and in despair an angel visitation showed her a new way of living. Do YOU believe in angels? Are you ready to see visible proof of their presence? Diana Cooper has helped millions of people fulfil their spiritual potential and will provide awesome photographs of angel orbs (angels captured on film).
Tickets are available online at: www.suestone.com/events.htm
Sue Stone, Happiness and Confidence Coach to the celebrities will be appearing at A Day of Empowerment, Happiness and Angels at the Tregonwell Hall, Bournemouth International Centre on 23rd November 2008. She joins the world renowned authority on angels, Diana Cooper and spiritual teacher Kathy Crosswell.
Sue Stone transformed her life from one of sheer desperation and distress as a single mother to one of happiness, inner peace and prosperity through her study and understanding of the incredible power of our thoughts and feelings. Having faced financial ruin, divorce and 3 young children to bring up, Sue now dedicates her time to helping others achieve happiness and abundance and is the acclaimed author of Love Life, Live Life and regular TV expert.
When Diana Cooper, world renowned spiritual author, was broke and in despair an angel visitation showed her a new way of living. Do YOU believe in angels? Are you ready to see visible proof of their presence? Diana Cooper has helped millions of people fulfil their spiritual potential and will provide awesome photographs of angel orbs (angels captured on film).
Tickets are available online at: www.suestone.com/events.htm
Mungo & Maud Announces Harrods Store Opening
Mungo & Maud has announced plans to open its first shop in shop within Harrods at the end of November 2008. Extending over 300 sq ft on the 4th floor, this location will be the luxury brand’s second door in London. The new store will showcase the extensive Mungo & Maud unique collections and will echo the sensibility of the flagship store in Elizabeth Street.
In order to celebrate the opening, a refined dog coat made from the finest quality wool, tailored with an English twist has been specially created (see picture). It will be sold exclusively in the Harrods boutique for a month and will be priced at £120.
Michael Sacher, Mungo & Maud Chief Executive comments, "Mungo & Maud has enjoyed an important following in London through the flagship Elizabeth Street boutique. Harrods is the largest, most influential luxury multibrand department store in the world. We are therefore delighted to bring the Mungo & Maud shop in shop to Harrods to join the increasingly impressive mix that the store has to offer."
Opening Times:
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 8pm
Sunday: 11:30am – 6pm
Mungo & Maud opened its first store in the heart of London’s village scene on Elizabeth Street near Sloane Square in May 2005. Husband and wife team Michael and Nicola Sacher founded the edgy new concept in dog and cat stores with the aim of sourcing and creating elegant, well-designed accessories to complement the contemporary home. The design approach is stylish, considered and with a timeless quality.
Products are minimalist yet tactile with a strong use of natural materials such as cotton, wool, leather and linen. They range from hand-stitched leather collars and leads to wooden feeding bowls, cotton beds and organic treats, made to Mungo & Maud’s own recipe. Most of the products sold are exclusive to Mungo & Maud within the UK, and include the Mungo & Maud private-label line which is available at both locations as well as online. It is also available across retailers in Europe, North America & Asia.
Visit www.mungoandmaud.com for details or to order on line.
Online supermarket sales now beating gadgets by volume of sales
Statistics from the UK’s largest free to use discount and voucher code website have revealed that sales related to online supermarket shopping have outstripped electronic and gadget related online sales for the first time since internet retail was established.
More people than ever before are now buying their weekly shopping online from supermarkets with Tesco taking the lead as the customers favourite, meaning that for the first time ever, internet based sales of electronic items such as computers and televisions are not the number one most purchased items on the web.
Sales statistics from MyVoucherCodes have revealed that more people are now looking to find bargains on their essential items such as bread and milk and are being attracted to the online supermarket sites because of the exclusive offers and discounts on home delivery as well as shopping.
The Top Four current online shopping sectors are; online grocery shopping with 31% of sales; 25% of sales for electronic items such as computers, TV’s and gadgets; 21% of sales attributed to clothing and fashion items and; 15% of sales related to holidays.
Having identified the upwards trend in web-based supermarket shopping MyVoucherCodes commissioned further research into which supermarkets were the most popular and how much was being spent on average.
4238 people from across the UK took part in the research and revealed that Tesco leads the way when it comes to the most popular online supermarket website with 44.2% of people saying they shopped at the retail giant leaving ASDA trailing with just 23.2% and Sainsbury’s with only 11.7% of market share. The rest of sales were attributed between brands such as Waitrose, OCADO, Iceland and John Lewis*.
The research also revealed that the average amount spent on online groceries was £53.00 per week and the North West is the region that uses online supermarkets the most, followed by the South East, London, South West and North East.
Speaking about the results the Managing Director of MyVoucherCodes said,
“We were amazed at the fact that supermarket sales are now beating PC’s and TV’s when it comes to online shopping and this is surely down to the fact that people are looking to find the best bargains to get them through everyday life in these tough economic times.”
“As you would expect the supermarkets are masters when it comes to marketing and we are seeing an increase in discount and voucher codes relating to free deliveries of groceries to encourage more people to use their online services.”
He continued, “This is the largest piece of research we have ever commissioned and just over 4200 people took part. We wanted to try and get a better understanding of what types of discounts and vouchers people are looking for and it is clear that supermarkets lead the way.”
www.MyVoucherCodes.co.uk is the largest directory of active UK discount codes, some of which offer up to 30% off purchases from large LCD televisions and holidays.
MyVoucherCodes launched 18 months ago and in that time has become the leading free voucher and discount code Website in the UK. The site has 3 million unique visitors per month**, and over 250,000 people have now signed up to the weekly newsletter that delivers the latest bargains and discounts into their inbox.
The site monitors and updates the new vouchers and discount codes every day thanks to a combination of people sending them in to help other consumers and the site owner using technology to keep a watchful eye on the market place.
For more information visit MyVoucherCodes
More people than ever before are now buying their weekly shopping online from supermarkets with Tesco taking the lead as the customers favourite, meaning that for the first time ever, internet based sales of electronic items such as computers and televisions are not the number one most purchased items on the web.
Sales statistics from MyVoucherCodes have revealed that more people are now looking to find bargains on their essential items such as bread and milk and are being attracted to the online supermarket sites because of the exclusive offers and discounts on home delivery as well as shopping.
The Top Four current online shopping sectors are; online grocery shopping with 31% of sales; 25% of sales for electronic items such as computers, TV’s and gadgets; 21% of sales attributed to clothing and fashion items and; 15% of sales related to holidays.
Having identified the upwards trend in web-based supermarket shopping MyVoucherCodes commissioned further research into which supermarkets were the most popular and how much was being spent on average.
4238 people from across the UK took part in the research and revealed that Tesco leads the way when it comes to the most popular online supermarket website with 44.2% of people saying they shopped at the retail giant leaving ASDA trailing with just 23.2% and Sainsbury’s with only 11.7% of market share. The rest of sales were attributed between brands such as Waitrose, OCADO, Iceland and John Lewis*.
The research also revealed that the average amount spent on online groceries was £53.00 per week and the North West is the region that uses online supermarkets the most, followed by the South East, London, South West and North East.
Speaking about the results the Managing Director of MyVoucherCodes said,
“We were amazed at the fact that supermarket sales are now beating PC’s and TV’s when it comes to online shopping and this is surely down to the fact that people are looking to find the best bargains to get them through everyday life in these tough economic times.”
“As you would expect the supermarkets are masters when it comes to marketing and we are seeing an increase in discount and voucher codes relating to free deliveries of groceries to encourage more people to use their online services.”
He continued, “This is the largest piece of research we have ever commissioned and just over 4200 people took part. We wanted to try and get a better understanding of what types of discounts and vouchers people are looking for and it is clear that supermarkets lead the way.”
www.MyVoucherCodes.co.uk is the largest directory of active UK discount codes, some of which offer up to 30% off purchases from large LCD televisions and holidays.
MyVoucherCodes launched 18 months ago and in that time has become the leading free voucher and discount code Website in the UK. The site has 3 million unique visitors per month**, and over 250,000 people have now signed up to the weekly newsletter that delivers the latest bargains and discounts into their inbox.
The site monitors and updates the new vouchers and discount codes every day thanks to a combination of people sending them in to help other consumers and the site owner using technology to keep a watchful eye on the market place.
For more information visit MyVoucherCodes
Crunch hits hard. Staff work late to keep their jobs
Sales stats from the UK’s leading online takeaway site show office staff are working longer hours to safeguard their jobs; with more takeaways being delivered to offices later than ever before.
As the threat of redundancy looms for many office workers, sales statistics from the UK’s leading online takeaway portal, www.Just-Eat.co.uk show that late night work is the order of the day, with thousands of office workers across the UK buying takeaway meals to eat as they work.
Post 5pm ordering from offices has risen by a staggering 236% in the last 6 months, compared to the 6 month period before that, with many employees eating their evening meals at their desks in a bid to complete their workload and safeguard their jobs.
In research of 1,304 office workers, 42% have worked late in the last month on more than 5 occasions, and 37% are worried about their job security given the current economic climate.
Pizza is the most popular takeaway choice to be delivered to offices, with 83% of sales attributed to the easy-to-share meal.
David Buttress, CEO of Just-Eat.co.uk said "More people are ordering from their desk than we’ve ever experienced. The ease of ordering a takeaway whilst having as little time away from working as possible has meant that our sales to offices after 5pm have rocketed, with pizzas being particularly popular, given the ability to easily share one with minimal fuss and distraction.
“Due to the fact that many people work away from their local home area where they are unaware of the surrounding takeaway restaurants, our service has ensured that the restaurants closest to their office which deliver are just a couple of clicks away."
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.
As the threat of redundancy looms for many office workers, sales statistics from the UK’s leading online takeaway portal, www.Just-Eat.co.uk show that late night work is the order of the day, with thousands of office workers across the UK buying takeaway meals to eat as they work.
Post 5pm ordering from offices has risen by a staggering 236% in the last 6 months, compared to the 6 month period before that, with many employees eating their evening meals at their desks in a bid to complete their workload and safeguard their jobs.
In research of 1,304 office workers, 42% have worked late in the last month on more than 5 occasions, and 37% are worried about their job security given the current economic climate.
Pizza is the most popular takeaway choice to be delivered to offices, with 83% of sales attributed to the easy-to-share meal.
David Buttress, CEO of Just-Eat.co.uk said "More people are ordering from their desk than we’ve ever experienced. The ease of ordering a takeaway whilst having as little time away from working as possible has meant that our sales to offices after 5pm have rocketed, with pizzas being particularly popular, given the ability to easily share one with minimal fuss and distraction.
“Due to the fact that many people work away from their local home area where they are unaware of the surrounding takeaway restaurants, our service has ensured that the restaurants closest to their office which deliver are just a couple of clicks away."
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.
Naturebotts offers help for reducing waste this Christmas by delivering orders in reused boxes from local businesses
Eco Mother and Baby online retailer Naturebotts has found a great way to reduce waste this Christmas by re-using packaging from local businesses to ship its orders to customers.
Did you know that 3 million tonnes of waste is dumped during Christmas in the UK? -Enough to fill 120 million wheelie bins. Around half of the waste produced by households at Christmas could easily be recycled, but last year almost 90% ended up in the dustbin.
This is one of the environmental consequences of Christmas and so for those of us who are looking for a green Christmas as well as a white one, thank heavens for a great idea set up by eco Mother and Baby website Naturebotts.
Naturebotts has teamed up with local businesses and use the boxes they would ordinarily destroy to deliver their goods in - keeping the environmental impact of the business down to an absolute minimum. So Naturebotts customers should not be alarmed if their nappies and wipes arrive in a business stationary box – the company isn’t diversifying into selling photocopying paper!
Caitlin Castillo, founder of Naturebotts says, “I had been searching for an eco friendly supplier of packaging for us to deliver our orders in. I was walking past neighbours bins just after Christmas and couldn’t help but notice all the packaging from Christmas presents - juice makers and the such that come in big boxes. It gave me the idea to go to companies who have this amount of wasted packaging every day and was delighted when our local businesses agreed to let us reuse their packaging that would otherwise have been destroyed.
"This not only offers a great environmental benefit but a cost saving too that we can pass on to our customers. So they can put a ‘natural’ smile on their face as they bring a baby into a world – a world that needs a bit of help….”
Did you know that 3 million tonnes of waste is dumped during Christmas in the UK? -Enough to fill 120 million wheelie bins. Around half of the waste produced by households at Christmas could easily be recycled, but last year almost 90% ended up in the dustbin.
This is one of the environmental consequences of Christmas and so for those of us who are looking for a green Christmas as well as a white one, thank heavens for a great idea set up by eco Mother and Baby website Naturebotts.
Naturebotts has teamed up with local businesses and use the boxes they would ordinarily destroy to deliver their goods in - keeping the environmental impact of the business down to an absolute minimum. So Naturebotts customers should not be alarmed if their nappies and wipes arrive in a business stationary box – the company isn’t diversifying into selling photocopying paper!
Caitlin Castillo, founder of Naturebotts says, “I had been searching for an eco friendly supplier of packaging for us to deliver our orders in. I was walking past neighbours bins just after Christmas and couldn’t help but notice all the packaging from Christmas presents - juice makers and the such that come in big boxes. It gave me the idea to go to companies who have this amount of wasted packaging every day and was delighted when our local businesses agreed to let us reuse their packaging that would otherwise have been destroyed.
"This not only offers a great environmental benefit but a cost saving too that we can pass on to our customers. So they can put a ‘natural’ smile on their face as they bring a baby into a world – a world that needs a bit of help….”
60 Minute Makeover gets a little help from Cube Kitchen Homewares!
ITV show 60 Minute Makeover, asked for the help of Cube Homewares when presenter Teri Dwyer and the team were in Bromsgrove, trying to help Nicky decorate her best friend Becky’s new house.
The team needed a sixteen piece dinner set for Becky’s dining room which they redecorated with stunning black and gold walls and a gold chandelier. The sixteen piece dinner set chosen was a beautifully crafted Damask Round Stoneware Dinner Set (in Toffee) which was selected for its feminine curves and sleek lines.
Andrea Hughes, of Cube Homewares was delighted: “When the ITV researcher called saying they really liked the look of our products and would we consider supplying items to the 60 Minute Makeover shows we were thrilled. We have since supplied items for the Bromsgrove show and for ones to be filmed in the future.”
Designer, John Amabile wanted to create a striking gold and brown dining room and Cube Homeware’s eye-catching sixteen piece dining set with contrasting gold and toffee designs fit the bill perfectly. When presented with the room, homeowner, Becky, declared she thought it was “Beautiful – and really posh!”
The Damask Round Stoneware Dinner Set contains fours round dinner plates, four round side plates, four round bowls and four mugs. The set is dishwasher and oven safe and has a striking glossy glaze.
Cubehomewares specialise in unique and contempory homewares. They stock all the major brand names including Ethos (who made this set) and Dulton as well as top designs from Linda Barker, Aldo Zilli, Paul Cardew, Sebastian Conran and Anthony Joseph, at affordable prices.
For more information please visit http://www.cubehomewares.co.uk/
Or contact Cube Homewares Customer Services
Tel: 08450710570
The team needed a sixteen piece dinner set for Becky’s dining room which they redecorated with stunning black and gold walls and a gold chandelier. The sixteen piece dinner set chosen was a beautifully crafted Damask Round Stoneware Dinner Set (in Toffee) which was selected for its feminine curves and sleek lines.
Andrea Hughes, of Cube Homewares was delighted: “When the ITV researcher called saying they really liked the look of our products and would we consider supplying items to the 60 Minute Makeover shows we were thrilled. We have since supplied items for the Bromsgrove show and for ones to be filmed in the future.”
Designer, John Amabile wanted to create a striking gold and brown dining room and Cube Homeware’s eye-catching sixteen piece dining set with contrasting gold and toffee designs fit the bill perfectly. When presented with the room, homeowner, Becky, declared she thought it was “Beautiful – and really posh!”
The Damask Round Stoneware Dinner Set contains fours round dinner plates, four round side plates, four round bowls and four mugs. The set is dishwasher and oven safe and has a striking glossy glaze.
Cubehomewares specialise in unique and contempory homewares. They stock all the major brand names including Ethos (who made this set) and Dulton as well as top designs from Linda Barker, Aldo Zilli, Paul Cardew, Sebastian Conran and Anthony Joseph, at affordable prices.
For more information please visit http://www.cubehomewares.co.uk/
Or contact Cube Homewares Customer Services
Tel: 08450710570
Online video CVs take recruitment a step forward
Multilingualvacancies.com, the specialist language job board is offering a new dimension to the traditional method of online recruitment by developing video CVs; a system for candidates to demonstrate first hand their multi-lingual abilities to camera.
This addition to the job board allows companies to watch job seekers anywhere and listen to their language skills at any time prior to arranging a face to face interview. In turn it saves money, time and effort, and improves the overall success rate for both parties.
“The site, which advertises vacancies both in the UK and overseas means Multilingualvacancies.com’s clients recruit from across the world” says Associate Director Miranda Reid. “The ability to screen candidates in any time zone and without the expense of travel cost will mean companies can be more confident about the people they eventually choose to interview. The internet has changed the way CVs are accessed and interpreted, but has now finally evolved to the next stage. As video messaging becomes part of our everyday culture through social internet sites such as MySpace or Facebook, it seems only right that the online recruitment world such follow”.
The application is simple to use with clients only having to enter simple criteria information to locate potential candidates and their online videos. Softer skills and communication skills can be assessed online giving the client a deeper insight into a job seeker’s capabilities.
“Multilingualvacancies.com has chosen to differentiate itself and its candidates by innovating their online recruitment service” says David Padgett, Director of seemecv who developed the technology. “The addition of a candidate video benefits the matching process for job seekers and corporate clients. What better way to assess a candidate’s language skill than to see and listen to them speak it?”
www.Multilingualvacancies.com
This addition to the job board allows companies to watch job seekers anywhere and listen to their language skills at any time prior to arranging a face to face interview. In turn it saves money, time and effort, and improves the overall success rate for both parties.
“The site, which advertises vacancies both in the UK and overseas means Multilingualvacancies.com’s clients recruit from across the world” says Associate Director Miranda Reid. “The ability to screen candidates in any time zone and without the expense of travel cost will mean companies can be more confident about the people they eventually choose to interview. The internet has changed the way CVs are accessed and interpreted, but has now finally evolved to the next stage. As video messaging becomes part of our everyday culture through social internet sites such as MySpace or Facebook, it seems only right that the online recruitment world such follow”.
The application is simple to use with clients only having to enter simple criteria information to locate potential candidates and their online videos. Softer skills and communication skills can be assessed online giving the client a deeper insight into a job seeker’s capabilities.
“Multilingualvacancies.com has chosen to differentiate itself and its candidates by innovating their online recruitment service” says David Padgett, Director of seemecv who developed the technology. “The addition of a candidate video benefits the matching process for job seekers and corporate clients. What better way to assess a candidate’s language skill than to see and listen to them speak it?”
www.Multilingualvacancies.com
No More Christmas Present Panic
Red Letter Days makes festive fear a thing of the past
This year don’t do a mad dash on Christmas Eve and come away panicking or worrying whether or not you’ve bought the right thing. Go that extra mile, be unique and let Red Letter Days help you come up with an inspired gift that will put a smile on that special someone’s face.
Ensure a stress-free, magical Christmas and spread the joy with the little red box of tricks.
Perfect for Him:
Up to £50 –Whiskey Masterclass – Red nose and rosy cheeks! Warm up with a wee dram of this festive favourite.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/VINWH
Up to £100 – Microlighting – Leave the reindeer at home and take to the skies in something a bit more contemporary than a sleigh!
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/XMLIA
Up to £200 – Superstock Racing – Back to the glory days of childhood daydreams, this super stocking filler will bring a smile to every big kid’s face.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/ICNGS
Perfect For Her:
Up to £50 – Rasul– Say goodbye to post-Christmas stress disorder with a dose of chakra mud in an exotic steam temple.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/XRASP
Up to £100 – Chocolate Wrap – It’s not just kids that can enjoy chocolate this Christmas. She’ll love this alternative and delicious way to unwind.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/XCHOC
Up to £200 – Personal Fashion Consultant – Banish fashion faux pas’ and learn to make the best of even the worst Christmas jumper gift.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/BUIPT
Perfect For Kids:
Up to £50 – Junior Spy Academy – Christmas isn’t just about Bond reruns so get young spies off the sofas and out trying the real deal.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/XSPIU
Up to £100 – Junior Ferrari – Tonka Trucks? So passé. Scalectrix? Boring! This year it’s all about getting behind the wheel of the real thing!
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/EUPJF
Up to £200 – Child Model Agency – For kids that have out-grown the nativity play, let their star quality shine with a day on the catwalk.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/KIDMA
Perfect for Couples:
Up to £100 – English Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting – New Year shouldn’t just be about detoxing. It should be about refining your taste!
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/BVNWT
Up to £250 – Massage Workshop – Learn to ease each other’s Christmas tensions with the gift that keeps on giving.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/SUSMW
Up to £300 – Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning – See the world from Santa’s point of view – toast a new dawn and a New Year.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/XBLHE
This year don’t do a mad dash on Christmas Eve and come away panicking or worrying whether or not you’ve bought the right thing. Go that extra mile, be unique and let Red Letter Days help you come up with an inspired gift that will put a smile on that special someone’s face.
Ensure a stress-free, magical Christmas and spread the joy with the little red box of tricks.
Perfect for Him:
Up to £50 –Whiskey Masterclass – Red nose and rosy cheeks! Warm up with a wee dram of this festive favourite.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/VINWH
Up to £100 – Microlighting – Leave the reindeer at home and take to the skies in something a bit more contemporary than a sleigh!
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/XMLIA
Up to £200 – Superstock Racing – Back to the glory days of childhood daydreams, this super stocking filler will bring a smile to every big kid’s face.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/ICNGS
Perfect For Her:
Up to £50 – Rasul– Say goodbye to post-Christmas stress disorder with a dose of chakra mud in an exotic steam temple.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/XRASP
Up to £100 – Chocolate Wrap – It’s not just kids that can enjoy chocolate this Christmas. She’ll love this alternative and delicious way to unwind.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/XCHOC
Up to £200 – Personal Fashion Consultant – Banish fashion faux pas’ and learn to make the best of even the worst Christmas jumper gift.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/BUIPT
Perfect For Kids:
Up to £50 – Junior Spy Academy – Christmas isn’t just about Bond reruns so get young spies off the sofas and out trying the real deal.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/XSPIU
Up to £100 – Junior Ferrari – Tonka Trucks? So passé. Scalectrix? Boring! This year it’s all about getting behind the wheel of the real thing!
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/EUPJF
Up to £200 – Child Model Agency – For kids that have out-grown the nativity play, let their star quality shine with a day on the catwalk.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/KIDMA
Perfect for Couples:
Up to £100 – English Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting – New Year shouldn’t just be about detoxing. It should be about refining your taste!
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/BVNWT
Up to £250 – Massage Workshop – Learn to ease each other’s Christmas tensions with the gift that keeps on giving.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/SUSMW
Up to £300 – Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning – See the world from Santa’s point of view – toast a new dawn and a New Year.
http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/Experience/Ref/XBLHE
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Half Term Fun - Top Five Family Days out in London
There are some great savings to be made on train travel if you book through thetrainline.com. Thanks to their Best Fare Finder and Ticket Alert Service, thetrainline customers save an average of 39%! With the looming recession and kids to entertain during half term, read on for more tips on how to save money on family rail travel and our hand-picked top 5 family days out in London.
Save money on your family’s train tickets with these deals
Family Railcard
For just £25 you can buy a Family & Friends Railcard (formerly known as Family Railcard) and save a third on most adult rail fares and 60% on child fares. Not only that, but it gives you a Days Out UK membership for only £4.95 (usually £14.99), great offers on food and hotels and many more discounts.
To use your Family and Friends Railcard on thetrainline.com, just select it from the ‘Railcards and other discounts’ drop down menu when you make your booking.
To buy a Family and Friends Railcard, find out about all the savings you can make with it, or to read the terms & conditions, please visit the Family and Friends website.
Groupsave Ticket
The GroupSave ticket allows 3 or 4 people to travel together during off-peak times for the price of only 2 adults to hundreds of destinations in London and the South East. Even better, up to four additional 5-15 year olds can each travel for only £1, single or return!
If you’d like to make great savings on your group travel, just select the ‘GroupSave 3’ or ‘GroupSave 4’ option from the ‘Railcards and other discounts’ drop down menu when you book with the trainline.com.
For more information on GroupSave tickets, including terms & conditions, exclusions and example prices, please visit the Days Out Guide website.
2 For 1 on top London attractions
If you travel by train to London, you can get over 100 fantastic offers for the City’s best attractions, restaurants, theatres and much more. Just visit the Days Out Guide website to see what’s available and to download your 2 for 1 voucher.
If you have any questions, read this FAQ section on the Days Out Guide website.
thetrainline tools to help your family save money
Best Fare Finder: Click here for thetrainline’s Best Fare Finder to find the cheapest tickets for the time and date that you and your family want to travel.
Ticket Alert: Click here to sign up to thetrainline’s Ticket Alert Service, which means you’ll receive an email as soon as cheap “advance tickets” become available to buy to your London terminal station.
Top five family days out in London
Top indoor day out
The Science Museum and IMAX 3D - All the best bits of science under one roof!
Have you ever felt the breath of a dinosaur on your neck or been to an atomic disco? For all things weird, wonderful and downright amazing, The Science Museum is a brilliant mish-mash of brain-bending displays and interactive science fun. There’s nothing better than breaking up the day than by sitting back to a mind-blowing IMAX film in the museum’s own 3D cinema. From magnificent sea monsters and dinosaurs, to Egyptian wonders and breathtaking space voyages, imaginations will run wild. And the best bit? Entry to the museum is totally free, although there are charges for the IMAX 3D Cinema, simulators and some special exhibitions.
Info: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Top Tip: Plan ahead and decide which collections you want to see. It would take weeks to explore the whole museum!
Practical
Prices: FREE ENTRY, but charges apply for the IMAX 3D Cinema, simulators and some special exhibitions. FAMILY TICKET (only available for the IMAX 3D Cinema)£18 for 1 adult & 2 children, £24 for 2 adults & 2 children. For more price information, see The Science Museum Price list here. You can buy tickets by calling 0870 870 4868 (booking fee applies) or at any sales desk inside the Museum either before your visit or on the day. During busy periods attractions may sell out very early in the day.
Location: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD.
Opening Times: Open 10am – 6pm every day, except 24 to 26 December.
Travel: Take the London underground to South Kensington Station or bus routes 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430 and C1, which stop outside South Kensington Underground Station, from where it is a five minute walk north to the Museum's Main Entrance.
Food: Eating and drinking is permitted in any uncarpeted area and a picnic area with seating is provided. Alternatively, try the museum’s café or family restaurant. There are plenty of options outside the museum too.
Top outdoor day out
Hampton Court Palace – Hobnobbing with the Tudors!
A lovely day outside, this beautiful historic site on the fringes of London was once home to Henry VIII and his court. However old your children, they are sure to be entertained here. There are family trails packed with activities, costumed tours, a skill-testing maze and even the opportunity to try your luck at singing, dancing and Tudor games. The Tudor kitchens come complete with sights and smells from the past and the Haunted Gallery lets you explore the palace’s many ghost stories. Set within enchanting riverside gardens, there is plenty of room for kids to run around while you soak up some sun and admire the view.
Info: www.hrp.org.uk
Top Tip: Book online to save time and money.
Practical
Prices: FAMILY TICKET (up to 2 adults & 3 children*) £34 online offer, £37 gate price. Under 5’s enter FREE of charge. See more ticket prices here. Buy discount tickets online here.**
(*Under 16s)
(**Prices until 28 Feb '09 incl.)
Special offer Saturday 25 October - Sunday 2 November 2008 inclusive:
FREE ENTRY for up to 4 under 16’s per full paying adult.
Location: East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
Opening Times: 10am – 6pm every day, except 24th to 26th December.
Travel: Travel to Hampton Court train station.
Food: Restaurants and cafes are on site, or you can use the picnic tables and benches in the gardens and seats in the courtyard.
Top teens day out
The London Bridge Experience and London Tombs – Scare yourself silly
…
Recently quoted the scariest attraction in London, this spine-chilling experience uses Hollywood effects and actors to re-create what London Bridge was really like in the past. Basically, not very nice. You’ll learn about its gruesome punishments for criminals, whilst dodging pick-pockets and surprises along the way. If you haven’t jumped out of your skin by then, you can descend deeper into the London Tombs, located directly below the London Bridge. Once the plague pits of the 14th century, these dark cavities have been filled with even more gruesomeness to truly shake those senses. Cool.
Info: www.thelondonbridgeexperience.com
Top Tip: Save up to 50% if you buy online!
Practical
Prices: FAMILY TICKET (2 adults & 2 children*) £24.99 online offer (after 5pm), £45 online offer (before 5pm), £59.95 gate price. Under 5s go FREE. See more ticket prices here. Buy discount tickets online here. *Under 14s.
Location: 2-4 Tooley Street, London Bridge, London, SE1 2PF
Opening Times: 10am until 6pm Seven days per week, except 24th Dec, 26th Dec, 31st Dec, 1st Jan 11:00am-4:00pm and Christmas Day when The London Bridge Experience is closed.
Travel: 50 metres from London Bridge train station, or buses 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 78, 133, 149, 381.
Food: Food or drink may not be consumed during The London Bridge Experience or The London Tombs tours. There is a cafeteria on site.
Top kids day out
The London Zoo – Find your inner monkey!
Zoos are always a hit with the kids, and this one really tops the bill. Over 750 species of animals are on display, including the popular Blackfooted penguins and Moon jellyfish, amongst the more classic lions and giraffes. Kids can get up really close to creepy crawlies with the Megabugs presentation, or watch the penguins gulp down whole fish during feeding time, with many more daily events taking place. The brilliant ‘Meet the Monkeys’ enclosure allows visitors to walk through a recreation of a Bolivian rainforest, with no barriers between them and the animals! A specially designed play area encourages visitors to imitate the movement of monkeys and teaches them about some of the tools they use to get around. These are just some of the highlights of a truly magical day for all the family.
Info: www.zsl.org
Top Tip: Last admission is one hour before the advertised closing time of 17.30, so don’t get caught out.
Practical
Prices: FAMILY TICKET (2 adults & 2 children* or 1 adult & 3 children*) £49.10. See more ticket prices here. Buy tickets online here.
(*Under 16s)
Location: ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY
Opening Times: 1st September – 26th October 10.00 – 17.30, 27th October – 2nd November 10.00 - 16.30, 3rd November – February 2009 10.00 – 16.00
Travel: Take the tube to Camden Town (15 mins walk) or Regents Park (20 mins walk) station or take the number 274 bus to Ormonde Terrace. Alternatively take the C2 bus from Oxford Circus to Gloucester Gate.
Food: A restaurant, picnic shop and fish and chip shop are available on site.
And now for something a little more unusual …
London wild card
London Ducktours – A tour with a twist!
Once you’ve climbed aboard this quirky yellow amphibious vehicle, you’re in for a real treat. This guided tour of the capital starts on land, taking you through the city of Westminster past London’s marvelous landmarks. An engaging commentary provides interesting facts on the city and the history of the ‘Ducks’, which were once used in the D-Day landings. Watch the amazement on your kids’ faces as your tour vehicle glides straight from land into the Thames to continue its informative river-cruise. Great for all ages!
Info: www.londonducktours.co.uk
Top Tip: London Ducktours trips depart behind the London Eye, so why not catch a quick ride for a thrillingly high view of The City? www.londoneye.com
Practical
Prices: FAMILY TICKET (2 adults & 2 children*) £57.50, See more ticket prices and buy tickets online here.
(*Under 13s)
Location: Tour starts behind the London Eye
Opening Times: First tour starts at 10am, last tour at 16.30pm
Travel: Go to Waterloo station and follow signs for the London Eye
About thetrainline.com
thetrainline.com is the UK’s leading independent rail ticket retailer. Buy tickets, check train times & pricesand reserve seats on all train companies. Customers who buy their tickets in advance through thetrainline make an average saving of 39% on train travel.
Save money on your family’s train tickets with these deals
Family Railcard
For just £25 you can buy a Family & Friends Railcard (formerly known as Family Railcard) and save a third on most adult rail fares and 60% on child fares. Not only that, but it gives you a Days Out UK membership for only £4.95 (usually £14.99), great offers on food and hotels and many more discounts.
To use your Family and Friends Railcard on thetrainline.com, just select it from the ‘Railcards and other discounts’ drop down menu when you make your booking.
To buy a Family and Friends Railcard, find out about all the savings you can make with it, or to read the terms & conditions, please visit the Family and Friends website.
Groupsave Ticket
The GroupSave ticket allows 3 or 4 people to travel together during off-peak times for the price of only 2 adults to hundreds of destinations in London and the South East. Even better, up to four additional 5-15 year olds can each travel for only £1, single or return!
If you’d like to make great savings on your group travel, just select the ‘GroupSave 3’ or ‘GroupSave 4’ option from the ‘Railcards and other discounts’ drop down menu when you book with the trainline.com.
For more information on GroupSave tickets, including terms & conditions, exclusions and example prices, please visit the Days Out Guide website.
2 For 1 on top London attractions
If you travel by train to London, you can get over 100 fantastic offers for the City’s best attractions, restaurants, theatres and much more. Just visit the Days Out Guide website to see what’s available and to download your 2 for 1 voucher.
If you have any questions, read this FAQ section on the Days Out Guide website.
thetrainline tools to help your family save money
Best Fare Finder: Click here for thetrainline’s Best Fare Finder to find the cheapest tickets for the time and date that you and your family want to travel.
Ticket Alert: Click here to sign up to thetrainline’s Ticket Alert Service, which means you’ll receive an email as soon as cheap “advance tickets” become available to buy to your London terminal station.
Top five family days out in London
Top indoor day out
The Science Museum and IMAX 3D - All the best bits of science under one roof!
Have you ever felt the breath of a dinosaur on your neck or been to an atomic disco? For all things weird, wonderful and downright amazing, The Science Museum is a brilliant mish-mash of brain-bending displays and interactive science fun. There’s nothing better than breaking up the day than by sitting back to a mind-blowing IMAX film in the museum’s own 3D cinema. From magnificent sea monsters and dinosaurs, to Egyptian wonders and breathtaking space voyages, imaginations will run wild. And the best bit? Entry to the museum is totally free, although there are charges for the IMAX 3D Cinema, simulators and some special exhibitions.
Info: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Top Tip: Plan ahead and decide which collections you want to see. It would take weeks to explore the whole museum!
Practical
Prices: FREE ENTRY, but charges apply for the IMAX 3D Cinema, simulators and some special exhibitions. FAMILY TICKET (only available for the IMAX 3D Cinema)£18 for 1 adult & 2 children, £24 for 2 adults & 2 children. For more price information, see The Science Museum Price list here. You can buy tickets by calling 0870 870 4868 (booking fee applies) or at any sales desk inside the Museum either before your visit or on the day. During busy periods attractions may sell out very early in the day.
Location: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD.
Opening Times: Open 10am – 6pm every day, except 24 to 26 December.
Travel: Take the London underground to South Kensington Station or bus routes 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430 and C1, which stop outside South Kensington Underground Station, from where it is a five minute walk north to the Museum's Main Entrance.
Food: Eating and drinking is permitted in any uncarpeted area and a picnic area with seating is provided. Alternatively, try the museum’s café or family restaurant. There are plenty of options outside the museum too.
Top outdoor day out
Hampton Court Palace – Hobnobbing with the Tudors!
A lovely day outside, this beautiful historic site on the fringes of London was once home to Henry VIII and his court. However old your children, they are sure to be entertained here. There are family trails packed with activities, costumed tours, a skill-testing maze and even the opportunity to try your luck at singing, dancing and Tudor games. The Tudor kitchens come complete with sights and smells from the past and the Haunted Gallery lets you explore the palace’s many ghost stories. Set within enchanting riverside gardens, there is plenty of room for kids to run around while you soak up some sun and admire the view.
Info: www.hrp.org.uk
Top Tip: Book online to save time and money.
Practical
Prices: FAMILY TICKET (up to 2 adults & 3 children*) £34 online offer, £37 gate price. Under 5’s enter FREE of charge. See more ticket prices here. Buy discount tickets online here.**
(*Under 16s)
(**Prices until 28 Feb '09 incl.)
Special offer Saturday 25 October - Sunday 2 November 2008 inclusive:
FREE ENTRY for up to 4 under 16’s per full paying adult.
Location: East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
Opening Times: 10am – 6pm every day, except 24th to 26th December.
Travel: Travel to Hampton Court train station.
Food: Restaurants and cafes are on site, or you can use the picnic tables and benches in the gardens and seats in the courtyard.
Top teens day out
The London Bridge Experience and London Tombs – Scare yourself silly
…
Recently quoted the scariest attraction in London, this spine-chilling experience uses Hollywood effects and actors to re-create what London Bridge was really like in the past. Basically, not very nice. You’ll learn about its gruesome punishments for criminals, whilst dodging pick-pockets and surprises along the way. If you haven’t jumped out of your skin by then, you can descend deeper into the London Tombs, located directly below the London Bridge. Once the plague pits of the 14th century, these dark cavities have been filled with even more gruesomeness to truly shake those senses. Cool.
Info: www.thelondonbridgeexperience.com
Top Tip: Save up to 50% if you buy online!
Practical
Prices: FAMILY TICKET (2 adults & 2 children*) £24.99 online offer (after 5pm), £45 online offer (before 5pm), £59.95 gate price. Under 5s go FREE. See more ticket prices here. Buy discount tickets online here. *Under 14s.
Location: 2-4 Tooley Street, London Bridge, London, SE1 2PF
Opening Times: 10am until 6pm Seven days per week, except 24th Dec, 26th Dec, 31st Dec, 1st Jan 11:00am-4:00pm and Christmas Day when The London Bridge Experience is closed.
Travel: 50 metres from London Bridge train station, or buses 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 78, 133, 149, 381.
Food: Food or drink may not be consumed during The London Bridge Experience or The London Tombs tours. There is a cafeteria on site.
Top kids day out
The London Zoo – Find your inner monkey!
Zoos are always a hit with the kids, and this one really tops the bill. Over 750 species of animals are on display, including the popular Blackfooted penguins and Moon jellyfish, amongst the more classic lions and giraffes. Kids can get up really close to creepy crawlies with the Megabugs presentation, or watch the penguins gulp down whole fish during feeding time, with many more daily events taking place. The brilliant ‘Meet the Monkeys’ enclosure allows visitors to walk through a recreation of a Bolivian rainforest, with no barriers between them and the animals! A specially designed play area encourages visitors to imitate the movement of monkeys and teaches them about some of the tools they use to get around. These are just some of the highlights of a truly magical day for all the family.
Info: www.zsl.org
Top Tip: Last admission is one hour before the advertised closing time of 17.30, so don’t get caught out.
Practical
Prices: FAMILY TICKET (2 adults & 2 children* or 1 adult & 3 children*) £49.10. See more ticket prices here. Buy tickets online here.
(*Under 16s)
Location: ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY
Opening Times: 1st September – 26th October 10.00 – 17.30, 27th October – 2nd November 10.00 - 16.30, 3rd November – February 2009 10.00 – 16.00
Travel: Take the tube to Camden Town (15 mins walk) or Regents Park (20 mins walk) station or take the number 274 bus to Ormonde Terrace. Alternatively take the C2 bus from Oxford Circus to Gloucester Gate.
Food: A restaurant, picnic shop and fish and chip shop are available on site.
And now for something a little more unusual …
London wild card
London Ducktours – A tour with a twist!
Once you’ve climbed aboard this quirky yellow amphibious vehicle, you’re in for a real treat. This guided tour of the capital starts on land, taking you through the city of Westminster past London’s marvelous landmarks. An engaging commentary provides interesting facts on the city and the history of the ‘Ducks’, which were once used in the D-Day landings. Watch the amazement on your kids’ faces as your tour vehicle glides straight from land into the Thames to continue its informative river-cruise. Great for all ages!
Info: www.londonducktours.co.uk
Top Tip: London Ducktours trips depart behind the London Eye, so why not catch a quick ride for a thrillingly high view of The City? www.londoneye.com
Practical
Prices: FAMILY TICKET (2 adults & 2 children*) £57.50, See more ticket prices and buy tickets online here.
(*Under 13s)
Location: Tour starts behind the London Eye
Opening Times: First tour starts at 10am, last tour at 16.30pm
Travel: Go to Waterloo station and follow signs for the London Eye
About thetrainline.com
thetrainline.com is the UK’s leading independent rail ticket retailer. Buy tickets, check train times & pricesand reserve seats on all train companies. Customers who buy their tickets in advance through thetrainline make an average saving of 39% on train travel.
The Memphis Range of Jukeboxes – Smaller but perfectly formed!
We all know that small things can make a big difference and this is certainly true of the Memphis range of jukeboxes from Jukeboxes Direct – http://www.wurlitzer.co.uk/.
Most people at some point in their lives have admired the beauty and style of these iconic symbols of a bygone era but have lacked the space or the budget to accommodate their desires. However, the Memphis range overcomes both these issues, being two-thirds the size of a full-sized jukebox and with prices starting from as little as £560, they are attractive on the wallet too! Style junkies can rest assured though the Memphis range still has all the style, design and quality features of full sized models, combined with a rich musical sound.
One of the most popular models in the range is the New York, a reproduction floor standing jukebox with remote control. It comes with a single CD player and a USB port for MP3 players or flash memory drives. A 7 colour changing LED lighting tube enhances the design, giving a dramatic light function that works in time with the music. The New York design is available in either a cherry effect or honey wood veneer cabinet and prices start at £560.
If the music lover is looking for something a little more advanced then the California maybe just what they are looking for. The California is a multi-play CD Jukebox switchable, continuous colour change. The California will hold up to 10 CDs and comes with full remote control and an FM radio with 15 presets. It has a visible spinning disc display, with a powerful 50 watt output with the facility to add external speakers, if required. It is available in a cherry effect and wood veneer cabinet and prices start at £995.
Jukeboxes are iconic symbols of a bygone era, they have this power to create memories and nostalgia which make them as popular today with individuals as they ever were, and increasing numbers of bars, restaurants and clubs are also moving back to the roots of music. We all know it is a small world and when living spaces and budgets are getting even smaller it is time to look at smaller jukeboxes to create these powerful musical memories – after all small things can make a big difference!
For more information on the Memphis Jukebox range contact Jukeboxes Direct on 0114 267 6333 or visit http://www.wurlitzer.co.uk/. The online shop details all the models currently available including vintage jukeboxes.
FACT FILE:
Jukeboxes Direct is one of the most successful Jukebox companies in the UK. Originally opening in Birmingham, the company has been operating successfully for over 22 years. It relocated to Sheffield 7 years ago, where it has a large showroom and office. It is an official Wurlitzer dealer (there are only 11 in the UK) and it is the most northerly of these.
Most people at some point in their lives have admired the beauty and style of these iconic symbols of a bygone era but have lacked the space or the budget to accommodate their desires. However, the Memphis range overcomes both these issues, being two-thirds the size of a full-sized jukebox and with prices starting from as little as £560, they are attractive on the wallet too! Style junkies can rest assured though the Memphis range still has all the style, design and quality features of full sized models, combined with a rich musical sound.
One of the most popular models in the range is the New York, a reproduction floor standing jukebox with remote control. It comes with a single CD player and a USB port for MP3 players or flash memory drives. A 7 colour changing LED lighting tube enhances the design, giving a dramatic light function that works in time with the music. The New York design is available in either a cherry effect or honey wood veneer cabinet and prices start at £560.
If the music lover is looking for something a little more advanced then the California maybe just what they are looking for. The California is a multi-play CD Jukebox switchable, continuous colour change. The California will hold up to 10 CDs and comes with full remote control and an FM radio with 15 presets. It has a visible spinning disc display, with a powerful 50 watt output with the facility to add external speakers, if required. It is available in a cherry effect and wood veneer cabinet and prices start at £995.
Jukeboxes are iconic symbols of a bygone era, they have this power to create memories and nostalgia which make them as popular today with individuals as they ever were, and increasing numbers of bars, restaurants and clubs are also moving back to the roots of music. We all know it is a small world and when living spaces and budgets are getting even smaller it is time to look at smaller jukeboxes to create these powerful musical memories – after all small things can make a big difference!
For more information on the Memphis Jukebox range contact Jukeboxes Direct on 0114 267 6333 or visit http://www.wurlitzer.co.uk/. The online shop details all the models currently available including vintage jukeboxes.
FACT FILE:
Jukeboxes Direct is one of the most successful Jukebox companies in the UK. Originally opening in Birmingham, the company has been operating successfully for over 22 years. It relocated to Sheffield 7 years ago, where it has a large showroom and office. It is an official Wurlitzer dealer (there are only 11 in the UK) and it is the most northerly of these.
It has clients across Europe ranging from individuals, museums, public houses, shops. It is currently enjoying an export boom in Europe with the rising cost of the pound.
Shropshire woman fined over eBay fakes
Shropshire County Council's Trading Standards Service has today issued a warning to people selling items on internet auction site, eBay not to deal in fakes. This follows the prosecution of a Shrewsbury woman for selling fake Nike trainers, designer clothing and jewellery on the site.
Susan Spence, aged 48, of Harlescott Grange, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, appeared at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court on Monday where she pleaded guilty to offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994.
She was fined £500 and ordered to pay £500 towards prosecution costs. Trading Standards Officers secretly purchased a pair of Nike branded training shoes from Spence on eBay. These were confirmed to be counterfeit copies and as a result, working alongside West Mercia Police, Spence's home was raided in August 2007 where further supplies of fake training shoes were seized together with a range of clothing, jewellery and mobile phone accessories.
In addition to the fine and costs, the Court ordered the forfeiture of all of the counterfeit goods seized.
Frances Darling, Shropshire Trading Standards enforcement manager, said: "With a recession looming the temptation is there to take a few risks to make some extra money. Ordinary members of the public can get sucked into buying and selling goods as a sideline to their main income. What starts out as a bit of fun and a few extra pounds in the pocket can quickly get out of hand when counterfeit goods are sold.
“Trading Standards Services across the country are monitoring internet sellers, both routinely and in response to complaints from the public, and sellers of illegal goods are one click from investigation and prosecution. Sellers should be aware that the courts will see them for what they are, small businesses selling fake goods."
John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Trading Standards, added: “This case highlights that we are doing everything we can to stop these unscrupulous traders. We would also like to advise local people to be vigilant when making purchases, and if they are in any doubt about the authenticity of an item to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.”
Shropshire's Trading Standards Service is currently investigating other internet sales of counterfeit goods, and further test purchase exercises are planned.
Susan Spence, aged 48, of Harlescott Grange, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, appeared at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court on Monday where she pleaded guilty to offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994.
She was fined £500 and ordered to pay £500 towards prosecution costs. Trading Standards Officers secretly purchased a pair of Nike branded training shoes from Spence on eBay. These were confirmed to be counterfeit copies and as a result, working alongside West Mercia Police, Spence's home was raided in August 2007 where further supplies of fake training shoes were seized together with a range of clothing, jewellery and mobile phone accessories.
In addition to the fine and costs, the Court ordered the forfeiture of all of the counterfeit goods seized.
Frances Darling, Shropshire Trading Standards enforcement manager, said: "With a recession looming the temptation is there to take a few risks to make some extra money. Ordinary members of the public can get sucked into buying and selling goods as a sideline to their main income. What starts out as a bit of fun and a few extra pounds in the pocket can quickly get out of hand when counterfeit goods are sold.
“Trading Standards Services across the country are monitoring internet sellers, both routinely and in response to complaints from the public, and sellers of illegal goods are one click from investigation and prosecution. Sellers should be aware that the courts will see them for what they are, small businesses selling fake goods."
John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Trading Standards, added: “This case highlights that we are doing everything we can to stop these unscrupulous traders. We would also like to advise local people to be vigilant when making purchases, and if they are in any doubt about the authenticity of an item to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.”
Shropshire's Trading Standards Service is currently investigating other internet sales of counterfeit goods, and further test purchase exercises are planned.
‘Respect for your elders’ a thing of the past as spiralling economy impacts on basic British standards
The fall-out from the global financial crisis and inevitability of economic recession are having a corrosive effect on the UK life with standards of respect, honesty and public service fading.
More than 80 per cent* of people believe that automatic respect for the older generation has disappeared and 70 per cent of the public believe that standards have either slipped or can only get worse as the fracturing money markets continue to pile pressure on domestic life.
A disturbing 54 per cent of the public feel that the nation has become less honest over the last decade.
The findings, from research released today by financial services provider AXA, points at lowering standards of behaviour and public and private sector services.
But the majority of the public demands better customer service during times of national crisis with 60 per cent claiming that companies and institutions need to provide significant improvements.
Anna Paul, Head of Customer Experience at AXA, said: “Our research shows people feel that standards are dropping all around them. It is unsettling that the current economic uncertainty is having a negative effect on basic standards and shows the extent of how the credit crunch is affecting many more areas of our lives than just financial affairs.
“It proves just how important it is that companies ensure that service standards are maintained throughout these turbulent times.”
The withering of public and personal standards will cause alarm. 54 per cent of respondents claimed that people in the UK had become less honest over the last ten years and there were also damning verdicts on the performance of core public services with the conduct of crime prevention, transport, healthcare, education and care for the elderly registering worrying results.
Only 15 per cent of the public thought that the UK’s nursing care for its ageing population had performed satisfactorily over the last ten years while crime and transport only reached a 16 per cent approval rating.
Healthcare fares poorly with only 19 per cent saying services had demonstrated any improvement over the decade. Just one in five (22 per cent) were satisfied with the performance of education.
The results will spark concerns through political circles as the poll was conducted after public ratings last weekend showed renewed popularity for Gordon Brown after his action over the global financial crisis.
Britain’s Olympic athletes who grabbed glory with incredible performances in Beijing and ignited enthusiasm for the London 2012 Games were rated as the having the most positive impact on the nation’s current reputation for standards. 64 per cent of respondents said they felt they were a good influence.
The figures of Princess Diana and Winston Churchill were rated 2nd and 3rd with The Queen, Richard Branson and Jamie Oliver all scoring huge approval ratings.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown and punk rocker Johnny Rotten were bracketed together as having the worst effect on Britain’s reputation. They were joined by David Cameron, John Major and Victoria Beckham in the bottom group in ratings of 30 public figures and celebrities
More than 80 per cent* of people believe that automatic respect for the older generation has disappeared and 70 per cent of the public believe that standards have either slipped or can only get worse as the fracturing money markets continue to pile pressure on domestic life.
A disturbing 54 per cent of the public feel that the nation has become less honest over the last decade.
The findings, from research released today by financial services provider AXA, points at lowering standards of behaviour and public and private sector services.
But the majority of the public demands better customer service during times of national crisis with 60 per cent claiming that companies and institutions need to provide significant improvements.
Anna Paul, Head of Customer Experience at AXA, said: “Our research shows people feel that standards are dropping all around them. It is unsettling that the current economic uncertainty is having a negative effect on basic standards and shows the extent of how the credit crunch is affecting many more areas of our lives than just financial affairs.
“It proves just how important it is that companies ensure that service standards are maintained throughout these turbulent times.”
The withering of public and personal standards will cause alarm. 54 per cent of respondents claimed that people in the UK had become less honest over the last ten years and there were also damning verdicts on the performance of core public services with the conduct of crime prevention, transport, healthcare, education and care for the elderly registering worrying results.
Only 15 per cent of the public thought that the UK’s nursing care for its ageing population had performed satisfactorily over the last ten years while crime and transport only reached a 16 per cent approval rating.
Healthcare fares poorly with only 19 per cent saying services had demonstrated any improvement over the decade. Just one in five (22 per cent) were satisfied with the performance of education.
The results will spark concerns through political circles as the poll was conducted after public ratings last weekend showed renewed popularity for Gordon Brown after his action over the global financial crisis.
Britain’s Olympic athletes who grabbed glory with incredible performances in Beijing and ignited enthusiasm for the London 2012 Games were rated as the having the most positive impact on the nation’s current reputation for standards. 64 per cent of respondents said they felt they were a good influence.
The figures of Princess Diana and Winston Churchill were rated 2nd and 3rd with The Queen, Richard Branson and Jamie Oliver all scoring huge approval ratings.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown and punk rocker Johnny Rotten were bracketed together as having the worst effect on Britain’s reputation. They were joined by David Cameron, John Major and Victoria Beckham in the bottom group in ratings of 30 public figures and celebrities
Use a flare in distress; not on November 5th!
With Halloween, and November 5th celebrations rapidly approaching, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is reminding all members of the public that marine pyrotechnics (flares) should not be fired at either public or private firework parties, or any other occasion as a source of entertainment.
Last year a flare landed on a boat as it was moored in Southampton during Firework night celebrations.
The distress flare hit the cockpit next to a store for gas canisters, but a fellow sailor extinguished the blaze. A five year old girl was sleeping in a cabin close to the cockpit when the flare landed on the boat.
Last year numerous flares were reported in marinas in the Southampton and Portsmouth area alone, and dozens more along other stretches of UK coastline. Her Majesty's Coastguard has also been recently informed by a member of public that he would be using his out-of-date flares in a firework display. He has been firmly advised against this course of action.
Jim McWilliams, Head of Search and Rescue at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said
"The firing of a red flare in a non distress situation is illegal under the Merchant Shipping Act and could divert valuable search and rescue assets away from a genuine search and rescue emergency.
Helicopter and lifeboat crews stand ready to respond to real emergencies, not to be taken away from their own family gatherings to chase false flare reports. Marine distress flares are NOT fireworks, and if used incorrectly can be extremely dangerous.
Marine flares are designed to be used in the maritime environment and should only be used in a distress situation. "Flares must never be used after expiry date. Pyrotechnics must be treated as hazardous waste and should be disposed of responsibly in accordance with regulations and local rules."
Last year a flare landed on a boat as it was moored in Southampton during Firework night celebrations.
The distress flare hit the cockpit next to a store for gas canisters, but a fellow sailor extinguished the blaze. A five year old girl was sleeping in a cabin close to the cockpit when the flare landed on the boat.
Last year numerous flares were reported in marinas in the Southampton and Portsmouth area alone, and dozens more along other stretches of UK coastline. Her Majesty's Coastguard has also been recently informed by a member of public that he would be using his out-of-date flares in a firework display. He has been firmly advised against this course of action.
Jim McWilliams, Head of Search and Rescue at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said
"The firing of a red flare in a non distress situation is illegal under the Merchant Shipping Act and could divert valuable search and rescue assets away from a genuine search and rescue emergency.
Helicopter and lifeboat crews stand ready to respond to real emergencies, not to be taken away from their own family gatherings to chase false flare reports. Marine distress flares are NOT fireworks, and if used incorrectly can be extremely dangerous.
Marine flares are designed to be used in the maritime environment and should only be used in a distress situation. "Flares must never be used after expiry date. Pyrotechnics must be treated as hazardous waste and should be disposed of responsibly in accordance with regulations and local rules."
RJW Provide Update on Sofa Rash Compensation Case
RJW, a national firm of solicitors, has reported on the latest hearing in the 'sofa burns' group litigation which took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
So far around 3000 people have been affected by the sofa rash and other allergic skin reactions and burns after purchasing sofas containing the anti-mould agent Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) and are pursuing claims against Argos, Land of Leather and Walmsley's Furnishing, as well as a number of other retailers.
It was ruled that further investigation into the medical evidence was necessary and that more clarity over affected sofa models and batch numbers was needed for those seeking sofa rash compensation.
It was also revealed that a major advertising campaign would hit the press and continue throughout October, in order to alert the public to the potential link between skin injury and rashes and affected sofas.
In addition, those who have already brought sofa rash claims through a solicitor should expect to receive a postal questionnaire in the next couple of months which must be returned as soon as possible in order to assess the viability of their claim.
Richard Langton, the RJW partner in charge of the sofa litigation said; "The judge has made it clear he wants all the defendants to clarify their position on accepting liability. We should then be able to make good progress towards settling cases so consumers get proper financial redress as soon as possible. Anyone who thinks they may have been affected needs to join in the proceedings urgently if they want to get the benefit of the group action."
The next hearing in the case is due to take place in December.
So far around 3000 people have been affected by the sofa rash and other allergic skin reactions and burns after purchasing sofas containing the anti-mould agent Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) and are pursuing claims against Argos, Land of Leather and Walmsley's Furnishing, as well as a number of other retailers.
It was ruled that further investigation into the medical evidence was necessary and that more clarity over affected sofa models and batch numbers was needed for those seeking sofa rash compensation.
It was also revealed that a major advertising campaign would hit the press and continue throughout October, in order to alert the public to the potential link between skin injury and rashes and affected sofas.
In addition, those who have already brought sofa rash claims through a solicitor should expect to receive a postal questionnaire in the next couple of months which must be returned as soon as possible in order to assess the viability of their claim.
Richard Langton, the RJW partner in charge of the sofa litigation said; "The judge has made it clear he wants all the defendants to clarify their position on accepting liability. We should then be able to make good progress towards settling cases so consumers get proper financial redress as soon as possible. Anyone who thinks they may have been affected needs to join in the proceedings urgently if they want to get the benefit of the group action."
The next hearing in the case is due to take place in December.
And now for a truly unique Christmas gift! Christmas Gifts that Grow for a Green Christmas from Tree2mydoor
OK. For some people Christmas means being polite about socks (wrong colour) ties (wrong colour/s!) underwear ("if he/she thinks I'm wearing that!") duff choice of scent (causes violent sneezing) and so on. Please! Please, for once can't someone just buy a unique Christmas gift?!
Now, they can. For Tree2mydoor (www.tree2mydoor.com) has been sending trees as gifts to doors all over the UK and Ireland the last five years. The Award Winning Tree Gifts company specialises in packing individual trees into custom made gift boxes with personalised greetings cards and sending them directly to friends, family and business associates across the British Isles.
Tree2mydoor has a wonderful range of Christmas Gifts on offer, perfect for that hard to buy for family member who has everything!
Christmas Tree for Life Gift Pack - from £34.94
One living Christmas Tree sapling presented in a purpose made gift box with Christmas greetings card and a personalised engraved snowflake Christmas Tree decoration]. Snowflake Christmas Tree decorations are available in Gold and Pewter.
Citrus Tree Gifts with ripening fruit - £49.98
A brilliant Christmas gift idea. Evergreen Orange Trees and Lemon Trees with large ripening fruit available to send with a personalised Christmas Card. The special gift boxes that these trees arrive in immediately fall away from the trees once boxes are opened. A brilliant Christmas Gift and lovely gift experience!
Baby Christmas Trees - from £24.50
Order a Baby Christmas Tree to grow up with your family year after year and help make Christmas a little more sustainable. Christmas Trees are available pot grown or ready to be planted into a pot. (EDITOR: What a truly adorable idea! Really first rate!)
Other Christmas Gifts] from Tree2mydoor include:
* Evergreen Olive Trees - from £44.99
* Evergreen Bay Trees - from £28.99
* Italian Grown Topiary Trees - from £49.98 (plus Buy 1, Get 1 Half Price offer)
* Native UK Truffle Trees - from £39.99
Corporate Gifts for Christmas
Tree2mydoor have worked with some of the UK's leading companies to supply a range of corporate gift solutions. Find out more about Tree2mydoor's green gifts for corporate customers here www.tree2mydoor.com/corporate
FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
P&P Costs - Standard delivery £4.95 (1st Class Royal Mail). Premium delivery £7.50 (Next Day Courier).
Christmas Order Deadline - Monday 22nd December
Christmas Delivery Deadline - Christmas Eve
All items are individually hand packed into custom made packaging that is patent pending and design protected. Created in house by Tree2mydoor Ltd.
Christmas Orders can be placed securely online at www.tree2mydoor.comor by telephone on 0161 870 6590.
Christmas 2008 is forecast to be Tree2mydoor's best Christmas to date with record breaking sales. Tree2mydoor has seen a dramatic rise in sales over 07/08, which is expected to continue over the next 3 years.
Tree2mydoor Ltd was formed in September 2003 by Gareth Mitchell. The company is based in Manchester.
Now, they can. For Tree2mydoor (www.tree2mydoor.com) has been sending trees as gifts to doors all over the UK and Ireland the last five years. The Award Winning Tree Gifts company specialises in packing individual trees into custom made gift boxes with personalised greetings cards and sending them directly to friends, family and business associates across the British Isles.
Tree2mydoor has a wonderful range of Christmas Gifts on offer, perfect for that hard to buy for family member who has everything!
Christmas Tree for Life Gift Pack - from £34.94
One living Christmas Tree sapling presented in a purpose made gift box with Christmas greetings card and a personalised engraved snowflake Christmas Tree decoration]. Snowflake Christmas Tree decorations are available in Gold and Pewter.
Citrus Tree Gifts with ripening fruit - £49.98
A brilliant Christmas gift idea. Evergreen Orange Trees and Lemon Trees with large ripening fruit available to send with a personalised Christmas Card. The special gift boxes that these trees arrive in immediately fall away from the trees once boxes are opened. A brilliant Christmas Gift and lovely gift experience!
Baby Christmas Trees - from £24.50
Order a Baby Christmas Tree to grow up with your family year after year and help make Christmas a little more sustainable. Christmas Trees are available pot grown or ready to be planted into a pot. (EDITOR: What a truly adorable idea! Really first rate!)
Other Christmas Gifts] from Tree2mydoor include:
* Evergreen Olive Trees - from £44.99
* Evergreen Bay Trees - from £28.99
* Italian Grown Topiary Trees - from £49.98 (plus Buy 1, Get 1 Half Price offer)
* Native UK Truffle Trees - from £39.99
Corporate Gifts for Christmas
Tree2mydoor have worked with some of the UK's leading companies to supply a range of corporate gift solutions. Find out more about Tree2mydoor's green gifts for corporate customers here www.tree2mydoor.com/corporate
FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
P&P Costs - Standard delivery £4.95 (1st Class Royal Mail). Premium delivery £7.50 (Next Day Courier).
Christmas Order Deadline - Monday 22nd December
Christmas Delivery Deadline - Christmas Eve
All items are individually hand packed into custom made packaging that is patent pending and design protected. Created in house by Tree2mydoor Ltd.
Christmas Orders can be placed securely online at www.tree2mydoor.comor by telephone on 0161 870 6590.
Christmas 2008 is forecast to be Tree2mydoor's best Christmas to date with record breaking sales. Tree2mydoor has seen a dramatic rise in sales over 07/08, which is expected to continue over the next 3 years.
Tree2mydoor Ltd was formed in September 2003 by Gareth Mitchell. The company is based in Manchester.
Industry Honour For Morgan Lovell's REAL Green Office
Pioneering work to create a sustainable workplace of the future – developed in the unlikely setting of a 1960s London office block – has been recognised by the facilities management industry.Morgan Lovell picked up a highly commended accolade in the Best Practice In A Fit Out Project category, at the British Institute of Facilities Management Investors in FM Excellence awards.
The office transformation specialist received the award for its work to create a green workplace at its own London headquarters, located in Noel Street, Soho.
GMTV’s Penny Smith hosted the glittering ceremony, which took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
David Henderson, managing director of Morgan Lovell, said: “Judges were looking at the extent of facilities management integration throughout the whole process of planning, design, building and operating the facility.
“Our Noel Street headquarters demonstrate that it is possible to create a sustainable office refurbishment using the building stock we already have, in a cost-effective way - and achieve the social, economic and environmental benefits of a green workplace.”
The office was in the type of building that would have previously been viewed as an environmental write-off. However, Morgan Lovell’s office design and build team worked together to create a cost-effective and stylish workplace in tune with the environment.
Morgan Lovell’s office in Noel Street went on to achieve the highest BREEAM fit out environmental assessment score to date in the UK, receiving an award from the Building Research Establishment (BRE) as a result.
The company also recently secured a prestigious Green Apple Award for the office design and fit out.
As well as the BIFM accolade and the BRE and Green Apple awards, the Noel Street project has also been shortlisted in the 99% Campaign for Refurbishment, developed to find the best examples in the UK of carbon being cut in existing buildings. The award is organised by Building magazine and the winner is to be announced on November 18, 2008.
Morgan Lovell’s green office is also in the finals of the PFM Awards, as well as Haymarket’s Green Business Awards and the Emirates Glass Leaf Awards – which all take place later this year.
Find out more about green office interiors at www.morganlovell.com/sustainability
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. 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.
Gary Eastwood wins Landscape Photographer of the Year 2008
Gary Eastwood has won the 2008 Take a View Landscape Photographer of the Year competition. Gary’s winning picture shows his dog enjoying a magnificent sunset on a jetty in Hove, East Sussex. This year’s theme was the great outdoors and thousands of entries were submitted to this annual award, now in its second year.
“Receiving the phone call from my hero, Charlie Waites – one of Britain’s best landscape photographers and founder of Take a View – telling me I’d won the prize was the best surprise I’ve ever had,” he said. “Winning the competition has given a tremendous boost to my confidence and ambition to become a professional photographer.”
Gary receives £10,000 for the top prize and a jacket from Páramo Directional Clothing Systems. His winning photo will appear in a nine-week exhibition of all the winning images from this year’s competition at London’s prestigious National Theatre from November 18 to January 17. In addition, it will be included in the 2008 book, Landscape Photographer of the Year – Collection 02 (AA Publishing, £25) published on 31 October.
As well as the winning photo, Gary received a Commended for a second image of a jogger on Hove promenade battling through a freak snowstorm in April. This will also appear in the book and at the exhibition as a display print.
The 2008 Take a View awards were sponsored by The Sunday Times Magazine and the leading tourist agencies of the UK & Channel Islands: Enjoy England, Visit Wales, VisitScotland, VisitBritain, Britain on View, VisitGuernsey, Jersey Tourism and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
Gary’s winning pictures can be seen at www.garyeastwood.co.uk
“Receiving the phone call from my hero, Charlie Waites – one of Britain’s best landscape photographers and founder of Take a View – telling me I’d won the prize was the best surprise I’ve ever had,” he said. “Winning the competition has given a tremendous boost to my confidence and ambition to become a professional photographer.”
Gary receives £10,000 for the top prize and a jacket from Páramo Directional Clothing Systems. His winning photo will appear in a nine-week exhibition of all the winning images from this year’s competition at London’s prestigious National Theatre from November 18 to January 17. In addition, it will be included in the 2008 book, Landscape Photographer of the Year – Collection 02 (AA Publishing, £25) published on 31 October.
As well as the winning photo, Gary received a Commended for a second image of a jogger on Hove promenade battling through a freak snowstorm in April. This will also appear in the book and at the exhibition as a display print.
The 2008 Take a View awards were sponsored by The Sunday Times Magazine and the leading tourist agencies of the UK & Channel Islands: Enjoy England, Visit Wales, VisitScotland, VisitBritain, Britain on View, VisitGuernsey, Jersey Tourism and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
Gary’s winning pictures can be seen at www.garyeastwood.co.uk
Ricky Tomlinson joins Lloydspharmacy against Coronary Heart Disease
Actor Ricky Tomlinson has warned British men against the threat of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) as part of a new campaign for Lloydspharmacy. Ricky freely admits that he did not take his heart health seriously in the past and paid the price in 2007 when he was diagnosed with heart disease after his wife insisted that he went to the doctor for a check-up.
A quadruple bypass and a significant amount of weight loss later, Ricky says he is a new man. He admits that if his wife hadn't mentioned to his doctor that he had been a little breathless, he would probably be either very ill now, or worse.
Tomlinson's campaign, 'Ten Years Longer', is designed to encourage men who are at risk of CHD to get their hearts checked out. "Men think illness is the same as weakness and it's not very manly to be ill," said Ricky. "The trouble with that is that if you ignore your health then you are more likely to get very ill indeed."
He continued, "If women will go on a TV show to look ten years younger, then men can go to a pharmacy to live ten years longer."
According to a new study by Lloydspharmacy, CHD will rob British men of more than 16.5 million years of life, although early detection of cardiovascular problems could lead to 4.3 million of those years being saved. That's an average of 4 years per at-risk individual, but for some the number of additional years could be much greater.
Andy Murdock, Pharmacy Director for Lloydspharmacy said: "Most men can manage to keep the appointments that they think are important. They get their cars serviced, get to meetings on time and remember to file their tax returns. The one appointment they can't seem to make is for a health check up."
Lloydspharmacy offers cholesterol and heart checks at 625 of its pharmacies across the UK. The Lloydspharmacy cholesterol and heart check removes many of the excuses men typically give for not getting themselves checked out. No appointment is necessary so they can just walk into the chemist off the street at a time which is convenient.
Dr David Grainger, a heart disease researcher at Cambridge University and British Heart Foundation Senior Fellow, who compiled the Lloydspharmacy study, said, "When my father died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 55, he had no idea there was any problem with his heart. But this study emphasises that despite improvements over the last decade, heart disease still has a huge impact on the health of the UK population, and men in particular. The first step to avoiding a heart attack is being aware of the risks."
About The Lloydspharmacy Heart Healthcheck
The 15 minute Lloydspharmacy Heart Healthcheck checks cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose and body mass index as well as giving a full lifestyle assessment. Based on these results a percentage risk score of developing heart disease over the next ten years is estimated. Everyone who uses the free service will receive a personal action plan and summary of the test results. For high-risk customers a support pack is supplied and referral to the GP is recommended.
The Heart Healthcheck was trialled in 122 Lloydspharmacy outlets across the country last year and results show approximately 40% of those who had a check were referred to their GP.
A quadruple bypass and a significant amount of weight loss later, Ricky says he is a new man. He admits that if his wife hadn't mentioned to his doctor that he had been a little breathless, he would probably be either very ill now, or worse.
Tomlinson's campaign, 'Ten Years Longer', is designed to encourage men who are at risk of CHD to get their hearts checked out. "Men think illness is the same as weakness and it's not very manly to be ill," said Ricky. "The trouble with that is that if you ignore your health then you are more likely to get very ill indeed."
He continued, "If women will go on a TV show to look ten years younger, then men can go to a pharmacy to live ten years longer."
According to a new study by Lloydspharmacy, CHD will rob British men of more than 16.5 million years of life, although early detection of cardiovascular problems could lead to 4.3 million of those years being saved. That's an average of 4 years per at-risk individual, but for some the number of additional years could be much greater.
Andy Murdock, Pharmacy Director for Lloydspharmacy said: "Most men can manage to keep the appointments that they think are important. They get their cars serviced, get to meetings on time and remember to file their tax returns. The one appointment they can't seem to make is for a health check up."
Lloydspharmacy offers cholesterol and heart checks at 625 of its pharmacies across the UK. The Lloydspharmacy cholesterol and heart check removes many of the excuses men typically give for not getting themselves checked out. No appointment is necessary so they can just walk into the chemist off the street at a time which is convenient.
Dr David Grainger, a heart disease researcher at Cambridge University and British Heart Foundation Senior Fellow, who compiled the Lloydspharmacy study, said, "When my father died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 55, he had no idea there was any problem with his heart. But this study emphasises that despite improvements over the last decade, heart disease still has a huge impact on the health of the UK population, and men in particular. The first step to avoiding a heart attack is being aware of the risks."
About The Lloydspharmacy Heart Healthcheck
The 15 minute Lloydspharmacy Heart Healthcheck checks cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose and body mass index as well as giving a full lifestyle assessment. Based on these results a percentage risk score of developing heart disease over the next ten years is estimated. Everyone who uses the free service will receive a personal action plan and summary of the test results. For high-risk customers a support pack is supplied and referral to the GP is recommended.
The Heart Healthcheck was trialled in 122 Lloydspharmacy outlets across the country last year and results show approximately 40% of those who had a check were referred to their GP.
Monday, October 27, 2008
HSE launches 'Asbestos: the Hidden Killer' campaign in Wales with Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez
Figures issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have revealed that every week 20 tradesmen die from asbestos-related diseases, and this number is set to increase.
Swansea City FC's manager Roberto Martinez has got behind the HSE's Asbestos:The Hidden Killer campaign which is running throughout October and November and aims to reduce the rising death rate by educating today's tradesmen about the danger that asbestos presents to them. He was joined at the Liberty Stadium by Director of HSE Wales Terry Rose and widow of mesothelioma victim Anne Howells.
This follows the announcement last week that Ian Wright was also supporting the campaign. The former England International was shocked when he learnt that 20 tradesmen a week were dying from having been exposed to asbestos in their working lives. "I used to be a plasterer before becoming a professional footballer, and was really surprised to learn that the number of deaths is actually on the increase year on year. If that was footballers dying, the whole of the premiership would be wiped out in just three months."
Terry Rose, Director of the HSE in Wales says, "We need to educate tradesmen about how asbestos and its dangers are relevant to them. We want them to change the way they work so that they don't put their lives at risk."
Roberto Martinez added: "I can sympathise with the situations tradesmen find themselves in and urge them to take care. That is why we will be putting an article in our next home programme for the match against Watford on Sunday, 9 November."
Steve Coldrick, Director of the Disease Reduction Programme for the HSE explained why a major campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the real risk that tradesmen face, "Exposure to asbestos is the biggest single cause of work-related deaths, with around 4,000 people a year dying from asbestos-related disease. The overall number of deaths is rising because a large number of workers who have already been exposed to asbestos dust around 40 years ago will go on to develop mesothelioma, a terminal cancer or other asbestos related diseases."
1,000 (25%) of the 4,000 now dying each year are tradesmen and while the number of deaths in traditional industries has plateaued, deaths in trades continue to rise.
"The HSE campaign is vital because research shows that only one in ten tradesmen know that exposure to asbestos can prove fatal" says Jill Morrell, Head of Public Affairs at the British Lung Foundation. "The asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma is a cruel disease which as yet has no cure. We must do all we can to prevent more people dying from this preventable disease"
Research shows that many workers, particularly tradesmen, think that they are not personally at risk of exposure to asbestos and the diseases it can cause. They think that since asbestos was banned many years ago, the problem has been dealt with and therefore it is not relevant to them. The reality is very different.
Mrs Howells, who lost her husband Alan to asbestos related disease mesothelioma in 2001, said "We did not know that asbestos posed a threat to people working with it back when Alan was working as a plumber. If we did, there is no way that he would have taken risks with it. He would have taken the necessary precautions, such as wearing a mask and making sure that he did not bring home his work clothes - because anyone coming in to contact with disturbed asbestos fibres is at risk. Alan wouldn't have wanted his family put at risk any more than himself."
Even today asbestos presents a real and relevant risk to plumbers, joiners, electricians and many other maintenance workers. Asbestos may be present in any building constructed or refurbished before the year 2000, and it is estimated that around 500,000 non-domestic buildings could contain asbestos. These buildings all need repair and maintenance work from time to time and when the asbestos fibres are disturbed e.g. by drilling or cutting, they are likely to be inhaled as a deadly dust.
If asbestos-containing material is in good condition and in a position where it cannot be disturbed or damaged, it is safer to leave it where it is and ensure that the risks are managed. Those responsible for managing building maintenance and repair of non-domestic buildings, have a duty to inform tradesmen if asbestos is present in a building they are working in.
Depending on the type of asbestos-containing material, and providing they have been trained and the proper controls are in place, they may be able to work on the project. Asbestos sprayed coatings, board or lagging on pipes and boilers - should only be tackled by licensed workers.
Posters and radio adverts will encourage tradesmen to get a free asbestos information pack by calling 0845 345 0055 or by visiting http://www.hse.gov.uk/hiddenkiller for further information. The free information pack provides information on the dangers of asbestos, highlighting where asbestos-containing materials may be present in buildings, what they look like, how they should be dealt with and where to find training.
Swansea City FC's manager Roberto Martinez has got behind the HSE's Asbestos:The Hidden Killer campaign which is running throughout October and November and aims to reduce the rising death rate by educating today's tradesmen about the danger that asbestos presents to them. He was joined at the Liberty Stadium by Director of HSE Wales Terry Rose and widow of mesothelioma victim Anne Howells.
This follows the announcement last week that Ian Wright was also supporting the campaign. The former England International was shocked when he learnt that 20 tradesmen a week were dying from having been exposed to asbestos in their working lives. "I used to be a plasterer before becoming a professional footballer, and was really surprised to learn that the number of deaths is actually on the increase year on year. If that was footballers dying, the whole of the premiership would be wiped out in just three months."
Terry Rose, Director of the HSE in Wales says, "We need to educate tradesmen about how asbestos and its dangers are relevant to them. We want them to change the way they work so that they don't put their lives at risk."
Roberto Martinez added: "I can sympathise with the situations tradesmen find themselves in and urge them to take care. That is why we will be putting an article in our next home programme for the match against Watford on Sunday, 9 November."
Steve Coldrick, Director of the Disease Reduction Programme for the HSE explained why a major campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the real risk that tradesmen face, "Exposure to asbestos is the biggest single cause of work-related deaths, with around 4,000 people a year dying from asbestos-related disease. The overall number of deaths is rising because a large number of workers who have already been exposed to asbestos dust around 40 years ago will go on to develop mesothelioma, a terminal cancer or other asbestos related diseases."
1,000 (25%) of the 4,000 now dying each year are tradesmen and while the number of deaths in traditional industries has plateaued, deaths in trades continue to rise.
"The HSE campaign is vital because research shows that only one in ten tradesmen know that exposure to asbestos can prove fatal" says Jill Morrell, Head of Public Affairs at the British Lung Foundation. "The asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma is a cruel disease which as yet has no cure. We must do all we can to prevent more people dying from this preventable disease"
Research shows that many workers, particularly tradesmen, think that they are not personally at risk of exposure to asbestos and the diseases it can cause. They think that since asbestos was banned many years ago, the problem has been dealt with and therefore it is not relevant to them. The reality is very different.
Mrs Howells, who lost her husband Alan to asbestos related disease mesothelioma in 2001, said "We did not know that asbestos posed a threat to people working with it back when Alan was working as a plumber. If we did, there is no way that he would have taken risks with it. He would have taken the necessary precautions, such as wearing a mask and making sure that he did not bring home his work clothes - because anyone coming in to contact with disturbed asbestos fibres is at risk. Alan wouldn't have wanted his family put at risk any more than himself."
Even today asbestos presents a real and relevant risk to plumbers, joiners, electricians and many other maintenance workers. Asbestos may be present in any building constructed or refurbished before the year 2000, and it is estimated that around 500,000 non-domestic buildings could contain asbestos. These buildings all need repair and maintenance work from time to time and when the asbestos fibres are disturbed e.g. by drilling or cutting, they are likely to be inhaled as a deadly dust.
If asbestos-containing material is in good condition and in a position where it cannot be disturbed or damaged, it is safer to leave it where it is and ensure that the risks are managed. Those responsible for managing building maintenance and repair of non-domestic buildings, have a duty to inform tradesmen if asbestos is present in a building they are working in.
Depending on the type of asbestos-containing material, and providing they have been trained and the proper controls are in place, they may be able to work on the project. Asbestos sprayed coatings, board or lagging on pipes and boilers - should only be tackled by licensed workers.
Posters and radio adverts will encourage tradesmen to get a free asbestos information pack by calling 0845 345 0055 or by visiting http://www.hse.gov.uk/hiddenkiller for further information. The free information pack provides information on the dangers of asbestos, highlighting where asbestos-containing materials may be present in buildings, what they look like, how they should be dealt with and where to find training.
Yacht found. Crew safge and well
The crew of the missing yacht 'Calyx of Lolworth' have been located and are safe and well. One of the crew was able to call Humber Coastguard this morning at 6.30 am on vhf radio. The vessel had drifted out of vhf radio range due to the adverse weather conditions, but is now east of Whitby. The crew had been able to hear the Coastguard calling them but had been unable to respond.
Mike Puplett, Humber Coastguard Watch Manager says: "We are very relieved that all of the crew are safe and well. We had just scrambled two helicopters to begin a search so were able to recall them."
(EDITOR: Presumably this shows the value of having H.F. radio sets as well as V.H.F. on board ships?)
Mike Puplett, Humber Coastguard Watch Manager says: "We are very relieved that all of the crew are safe and well. We had just scrambled two helicopters to begin a search so were able to recall them."
(EDITOR: Presumably this shows the value of having H.F. radio sets as well as V.H.F. on board ships?)
A search is ongoing for a yacht which is missing off the east coast
The 48 ft sailing vessel 'Calyx of Lolworth' which has seven or possibly eight people on board was reported as missing at 8.15 pm this evening by the wife of one of the crew. She had been watching the yacht's progress on the internet as the crewmember had been plotting it from his laptop onboard. However, the last plot (off the north east coast of Norfolk) was at 9.30 pm last night and she last heard from her husband via text at 11.00 pm when he reported that they were in gale force 8 weather which was "a bit rough".
Humber Coastguard have been working with their colleagues at Yarmouth Coastguard and Forth Coastguard to check all harbours along the east coast of England and into Scotland. There is no sign of the missing vessel. In addition, the Coastguard operations room has attempted to contact the vessel via VHF, MF, digital selective calling (DSC) and Navtex alert, without success. There have also been broadcasts to all vessels in the area, requesting them to keep a look out for the blue and white yacht.
Mike Puplett, Humber Coastguard Watch Manager says: "We are very concerned for the safety of the crew of 'Calyx of Lolworth' There has been no word from them in over 24 hours (the yacht's progress had been plotted in every 30 minutes) and all attempts to contact them have been fruitless.
"At the moment we are working on the possibility that their vessel may have become dismasted and that they may not be able to communicate or that they have suffered some kind of engine problem which may have resulted in them drifting out of range.
"Military fixed wing aircraft and helicopters have been alerted with a view to searching a large area of the North Sea.
'Calyx of Lolworth' left Brighton on Wednesday bound for Port Edgar in the Firth of Forth.
Humber Coastguard have been working with their colleagues at Yarmouth Coastguard and Forth Coastguard to check all harbours along the east coast of England and into Scotland. There is no sign of the missing vessel. In addition, the Coastguard operations room has attempted to contact the vessel via VHF, MF, digital selective calling (DSC) and Navtex alert, without success. There have also been broadcasts to all vessels in the area, requesting them to keep a look out for the blue and white yacht.
Mike Puplett, Humber Coastguard Watch Manager says: "We are very concerned for the safety of the crew of 'Calyx of Lolworth' There has been no word from them in over 24 hours (the yacht's progress had been plotted in every 30 minutes) and all attempts to contact them have been fruitless.
"At the moment we are working on the possibility that their vessel may have become dismasted and that they may not be able to communicate or that they have suffered some kind of engine problem which may have resulted in them drifting out of range.
"Military fixed wing aircraft and helicopters have been alerted with a view to searching a large area of the North Sea.
'Calyx of Lolworth' left Brighton on Wednesday bound for Port Edgar in the Firth of Forth.
The National Trust Joins 'Cut The VAT' Coalition
The ‘Cut the VAT’ Coalition is delighted to announce that the National Trust has become the latest organisation to join the campaign. The National Trust, which has over 3.5 million members, cares for over 300 historic houses and gardens, monuments and mills, along with over a thousand kilometres of coastline and thousands of hectares of countryside across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The ‘Cut the VAT’ Coalition believes that reducing VAT from 17.5 per cent to five per cent for all maintenance and home improvement work would benefit both society and business in many various ways. These include helping the Government achieve its target of cutting carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050; getting rid of rogue traders; helping those who cannot afford vital repairs to their homes; bringing our empty properties back into use; protecting the countryside; stopping the destruction of decent existing buildings and helping to preserve our national heritage.
Tony Burton, Director of Strategy and External Affairs at the National Trust said: “The National Trust is pleased to support the campaign. VAT is a significant burden to those who own and care for historic buildings which are of value to us all. This reduction in costs will go a long way towards helping maintain the historic built environment and the benefits it brings.”
He continued: “At a time of ‘credit crunch’, and with an urgency to respond to the challenges of climate change, we need to be able to use and re-use existing buildings in a cost-effective and environmentally efficient way. We estimate, for example, that with this VAT reduction some £1 million can go back into Trust projects for caring for the nation's historic environment for the benefit of everyone.”
Richard Hyslop, Cut the VAT Coalition Coordinator, pointed out: “There are so many people and environments that would benefit from the cut in VAT. We are therefore delighted that the National Trust, with its many different properties, has decided to become a member and will help to boost the work of the ‘Cut the VAT’ Coalition.”
He added: “With European Finance Ministers deciding in November whether or not to support the European Commission’s proposal to amend VAT Directive 2006/112/EC so as to allow Member States, the ability to apply reduced VAT rates for some labour-intensive services on a permanent basis, the National Trust could not have joined at a more important time. Over the coming weeks the ‘Cut the VAT’ Coalition will be working hard to ensure that all European Finance Ministers, including our own Chancellor vote in November supporting the amendment of VAT Directive 2006/112/EC.”
FACT FILE:
November Ecofin Council Meeting – VAT Directive 2006/112/EC
At the forthcoming Ecofin Council meeting on 4th November, European Finance Ministers will be asked to decide whether to support the European Commission’s proposal to amend VAT Directive 2006/112/EC so as to provide Member States with the flexibility to apply reduced VAT rates for some labour-intensive services on a permanent basis. This would allow for a reduction in VAT from 17.5 per cent to five per cent in the following areas:
•Provision of services related to renovation, repair, transformation, maintenance and cleaning of housing
•Provision of services related to renovation, repair, transformation, maintenance and cleaning of places of worship, cultural heritage and historic monuments recognised by the Member State.
The European Commission proposal to amend VAT Directive 2006/112/EC follows the 1999 decision of the Ecofin Council to adopt Directive 1999/85/EC covering VAT on labour-intensive services which allowed the application of a reduced VAT rate to certain specific labour-intensive services, but only for an experimental period of three years so as to test its impact, in terms of job creation and in combating the informal economy. This temporary period was prolonged several times and is now valid until the end of 2010.
The list of categories to which specific Member States were authorised to apply a reduced rate of VAT included the “renovation and repairing of private dwellings, excluding materials which account for a significant part of the service supplied”.
As a result of this initiative we know that a reduced rate of VAT can reap economic benefits. In December 2007, the Isle of Man Treasury reported on the impact of a reduced rate of VAT charged on the renovation and repair of private dwellings in the United Kingdom (Isle of Man) and concluded that, “The actual tax take increased despite the 12.5 per cent differential in VAT for the comparable organisations” and that, “The experiment had been a fiscal success on the Island.”
The Belgian Government has seen the measure increase both turnover and employment. The French Government saw the creation of some 43,000 new jobs in the construction industry and 5.6 per cent growth of turnover in the construction industry in the order of €1.4 billion. In Italy, the measure saw the creation of between 65,000 to 75,000 new jobs in the construction industry and 35,000 enterprises emerged from the informal economy and started paying VAT for the first time. Not to mention Portugal’s construction industry, which enjoyed 20 to 25 per cent growth, well above average, and created many thousands of new jobs.
The National Trust is Europe’s biggest conservation organisation and looks after special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland forever, for everyone. People and places are at the heart of everything it does. 3.5 million members, 50,000 volunteers, 500,000 school children, and millions of visitors, donors and supporters help the Trust look after its 300 historic houses and gardens, 1,100km of coastline and 250,000 hectares of open countryside. www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
About the ‘Cut the VAT’ Coalition
The ‘Cut the VAT’ coalition was formed by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in January and is made up of the following organisations: Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors; Bathroom Manufacturers Association; Countryside Alliance; Country Land and Business Association; The Civic Trust; Empty Homes Agency; Federation of Master Builders; House Beautiful Magazine; Listed and Period Owners Group; National Home Improvement Council; National Landlords Association; The National Trust; Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors; Thatched Owners Group and the TaxPayers’ Alliance.
For more information on Cut the VAT please visit: http://www.cutthevat.co.uk/
The ‘Cut the VAT’ Coalition believes that reducing VAT from 17.5 per cent to five per cent for all maintenance and home improvement work would benefit both society and business in many various ways. These include helping the Government achieve its target of cutting carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050; getting rid of rogue traders; helping those who cannot afford vital repairs to their homes; bringing our empty properties back into use; protecting the countryside; stopping the destruction of decent existing buildings and helping to preserve our national heritage.
Tony Burton, Director of Strategy and External Affairs at the National Trust said: “The National Trust is pleased to support the campaign. VAT is a significant burden to those who own and care for historic buildings which are of value to us all. This reduction in costs will go a long way towards helping maintain the historic built environment and the benefits it brings.”
He continued: “At a time of ‘credit crunch’, and with an urgency to respond to the challenges of climate change, we need to be able to use and re-use existing buildings in a cost-effective and environmentally efficient way. We estimate, for example, that with this VAT reduction some £1 million can go back into Trust projects for caring for the nation's historic environment for the benefit of everyone.”
Richard Hyslop, Cut the VAT Coalition Coordinator, pointed out: “There are so many people and environments that would benefit from the cut in VAT. We are therefore delighted that the National Trust, with its many different properties, has decided to become a member and will help to boost the work of the ‘Cut the VAT’ Coalition.”
He added: “With European Finance Ministers deciding in November whether or not to support the European Commission’s proposal to amend VAT Directive 2006/112/EC so as to allow Member States, the ability to apply reduced VAT rates for some labour-intensive services on a permanent basis, the National Trust could not have joined at a more important time. Over the coming weeks the ‘Cut the VAT’ Coalition will be working hard to ensure that all European Finance Ministers, including our own Chancellor vote in November supporting the amendment of VAT Directive 2006/112/EC.”
FACT FILE:
November Ecofin Council Meeting – VAT Directive 2006/112/EC
At the forthcoming Ecofin Council meeting on 4th November, European Finance Ministers will be asked to decide whether to support the European Commission’s proposal to amend VAT Directive 2006/112/EC so as to provide Member States with the flexibility to apply reduced VAT rates for some labour-intensive services on a permanent basis. This would allow for a reduction in VAT from 17.5 per cent to five per cent in the following areas:
•Provision of services related to renovation, repair, transformation, maintenance and cleaning of housing
•Provision of services related to renovation, repair, transformation, maintenance and cleaning of places of worship, cultural heritage and historic monuments recognised by the Member State.
The European Commission proposal to amend VAT Directive 2006/112/EC follows the 1999 decision of the Ecofin Council to adopt Directive 1999/85/EC covering VAT on labour-intensive services which allowed the application of a reduced VAT rate to certain specific labour-intensive services, but only for an experimental period of three years so as to test its impact, in terms of job creation and in combating the informal economy. This temporary period was prolonged several times and is now valid until the end of 2010.
The list of categories to which specific Member States were authorised to apply a reduced rate of VAT included the “renovation and repairing of private dwellings, excluding materials which account for a significant part of the service supplied”.
As a result of this initiative we know that a reduced rate of VAT can reap economic benefits. In December 2007, the Isle of Man Treasury reported on the impact of a reduced rate of VAT charged on the renovation and repair of private dwellings in the United Kingdom (Isle of Man) and concluded that, “The actual tax take increased despite the 12.5 per cent differential in VAT for the comparable organisations” and that, “The experiment had been a fiscal success on the Island.”
The Belgian Government has seen the measure increase both turnover and employment. The French Government saw the creation of some 43,000 new jobs in the construction industry and 5.6 per cent growth of turnover in the construction industry in the order of €1.4 billion. In Italy, the measure saw the creation of between 65,000 to 75,000 new jobs in the construction industry and 35,000 enterprises emerged from the informal economy and started paying VAT for the first time. Not to mention Portugal’s construction industry, which enjoyed 20 to 25 per cent growth, well above average, and created many thousands of new jobs.
The National Trust is Europe’s biggest conservation organisation and looks after special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland forever, for everyone. People and places are at the heart of everything it does. 3.5 million members, 50,000 volunteers, 500,000 school children, and millions of visitors, donors and supporters help the Trust look after its 300 historic houses and gardens, 1,100km of coastline and 250,000 hectares of open countryside. www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
About the ‘Cut the VAT’ Coalition
The ‘Cut the VAT’ coalition was formed by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in January and is made up of the following organisations: Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors; Bathroom Manufacturers Association; Countryside Alliance; Country Land and Business Association; The Civic Trust; Empty Homes Agency; Federation of Master Builders; House Beautiful Magazine; Listed and Period Owners Group; National Home Improvement Council; National Landlords Association; The National Trust; Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors; Thatched Owners Group and the TaxPayers’ Alliance.
For more information on Cut the VAT please visit: http://www.cutthevat.co.uk/
Business leaders launch attack on Gordon Brown
British Airways, Tesco, McDonalds and Nokia are some of the big brands backing a call for the scrapping of empty rates that has been led by the British Property Federation and Birmingham Council leader Mike Whitby.
Household names like B&Q, British Airways, Next and Legal & General have joined property heavyweights like Brixton, Canary Wharf and Land Securities to get business rate relief on empty buildings to be reapplied immediately to stop the chaos of demolitions and bankruptcy for large and small firms.
They will send an open letter to the prime minister today.
Firms with property in Birmingham are paying over £23million in empty rates, while the council itself has to pay over £800,000 in rates for empty council property.
BPF chief executive Liz Peace, said: “It’s like making the unemployed pay income tax. Taxing hardship and business failure is a ludicrous way to help people through the hard times. Brown must act now to undo this mess.”
Mike Whitby said: The government’s current 'tax now, ask questions later' policy is threatening this growth and suffocating vital new developments.”
Asda, which has admitted flattening a call centre to avoid empty rates, said: "Just as things have become more difficult economically, the government has imposed an ill-timed tax on empty properties which has had a number of unintended consequences.”
And as recession sweeps Britain, firms laying people off as they fight to survive will find themselves hit for tax on the empty space if the government continues to ignore common sense.
Dubbed the ‘bombsite Britain’ tax over the way it has caused landlords to demolish buildings rather than go bust paying rates, the British Property Federation (BPF), trade body for property, has led a yearlong campaign backed by dozens of MPs.
Support for a Commons motion against the tax, placed by Halifax MP Linda Riordan, has doubled in the last week to over 70 MPs. The tax has hit small businesses hard, especially pensioners and other individuals who have invested in a shop or office to fund retirement. Many now see their investments costing thousands of pounds a month in rates.
Riordan said: “Far from being an issue that will just affect jobs and regeneration in Halifax, empty rates will hurt all areas of the country, irrespective of what industry or political alignment they have.”
Today’s letter will heap embarrassment on the government after it set out measures last week to help businesses affected by the downturn.
In Parliament last Thursday to jeers from both benches, Gordon Brown even refused to help a 70yearold Essex pension paying £500 of empty rates a month out of a £700 pension. The extraordinary exchange can be viewed here at 19m41s: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7684493.stm. It highlights just how ignorant the government have been over the issue.
Shadow business minister Alan Duncan called the tax ‘immoral’, saying: "Taxing something that generates no revenue does enormous damage. Removing the tax relief for empty property rates is bringing to a grinding halt any kind of activity for preparing business premises or developing wrecked premises for future use. It is taking money from people who have not got it to the point where they have to take the roof off or demolish what they have just built.”
Christmas is wrapped up by FLEXXiLease®
Does the thought of Christmas fill you with dread? Does battling through the shops to find something special for that special someone make you feel decidedly un-festive? Well, how about a car?
FLEXXiLease®, the short to medium term vehicle leasing company offers leases for as short as three months. This means you can give someone you love the luxury of a brand new car to get them through the cold, miserable months of winter. For only £400 a month your loved one could be driving a BMW 1 Series or for those with a conscience, there’s the Toyota Prius.
FLEXXiLease ® MD, Mel Goodliffe says, “Finding gifts that are just that little bit different seems to get harder and harder each year but we think we’ve got the solution for those with a slighter bigger budget. What could be more exciting than a brand new car but without the hassles of maintenance or remembering to pay the tax?
"Of course, we do offer leases for longer than three months, together with a fantastic range of cars, but a three month lease would make sure your loved one could enjoy the joys of the open road for the winter – just in time to change to a convertible for the summer!”
FLEXXiLease® is an internet-based company founded in 2004 and a subsidiary of One Stop Car Shop. FLEXXiLease® operates a diverse fleet of 4,000 car and commercial vehicles supplied by more than 20 manufacturers. It specialises in short to medium term leases with the shortest lease being for just three months. FLEXXiLease® employs over 40 personnel and utilises the parent company’s 16 vehicle delivery centres across the UK to manage its fleet distribution. FLEXXiLease® has offices in Verwood, Dorset and in Newcastle. Visit www.flexxilease.co.uk to see the full offering of the company.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
THREE NEW limited editions from Glengoyne
In celebration of Glengoyne’s 175th year, the distillery is adding three new 70cl Limited Edition Single Cask Malts to their award-winning whisky portfolio.
Handpicked by a team of experts at Glengoyne and personally approved by the signature of Robbie Hughes, Distillery Manager, the limited edition 11 Years Old, 16 Years Old and 19 Years Old are to meet the growing demand from Glengoyne enthusiasts, keen to discover new and rare expressions from the highly respected distillery.
The three single casks each have their own unique characteristics. The 11 Years Old, described as deep auburn with slow legs in appearance, offers a sweet nose of chocolate cake mix and warm sherry, complemented by a palate of plums and rum and raisin ice-cream with a long and oaky finish.
The 16 Years Old, from a refill hogshead cask, is gold in appearance, with a nose of summer fruits and strawberry ice-lollies. A palate of bananas and cream then develops to stewed apples and grapefruit, before a very long and slow finish.
Described in appearance as dark mahogany with a ruby glow, the 19 Years Old Glengoyne is a classic after dinner dram. Starting sweet on the palate before getting beefy with prunes, this full flavoured Single Malt offers a long and dry finish.
These exceptional malts are limited worldwide to 301 bottles of the 11 Years Old, 287 bottles of the 16 Years Old and 262 bottles of the 19 Years Old. UK recommended retail prices for these very limited bottles start at £105 for the 11 Years Old, £145 for the 16 Years Old and £169 for the 19 Years Old, reflecting their rarity.
Glengoyne ‘The Real Taste of Malt’ is one of the leading premium malt whiskies in the world and has been distilled at Glengoyne distillery since 1833. These new bottles join the award-winning core range, which includes the single malt 10 Years Old, 12 Years Old cask strength, 17 Years Old and 21 Years Old.
For further information visit: www.glengoyne.com
Dog rescues Kittens from house fire
Leo the pet dog risked his life to save a litter of newborn kittens from a house fire in Australia. Leo died as a result of smoke inhalation and the intense heat, but the fire crew were able to use heart massage and oxygen therapy to bring the plucky young dog back to life. Kittens, dogs and family are all doing well, That's News is happy to report.
Lord Tebbit and Václav Klaus, the President of the Czech Republic speak against EU Centralisation
Bruges Speech 20th Anniversary Dinner
Monday, 27th October 2008 - From 6.30pm
Monday, 27th October 2008 - From 6.30pm
Tonight (Monday) the Bruges Group is holding a major dinner to celebrate twenty years since Margaret Thatcher’s famous Bruges Speech.
This event is to be attended by Lady Thatcher and will be addressed by Lord Tebbit and Václav Klaus, the President of the Czech Republic. President Klaus is Europe’s leading statesman opposing European integration and the Lisbon Treaty. He has said of the Lisbon Treaty that the Irish referendum vote was a ‘victory of freedom and reason’ and has said that ‘ratification cannot continue’.
Tonight they will argue that it is time for the principles so eloquently set out by Lady Thatcher 20 years ago to be embraced. Norman Tebbit will call on the Conservative Party to take early action when in power and resolve the European question. Calling on a Conservative Government to show ‘Thatchertite courage and determination’.
THE SPEECHES
THE RT HON. LORD TEBBIT OF CHINGFORD will say, “I hope that the Conservative Party will set out a negotiating brief that the next Conservative Government will take to Brussels early in its next term, and that it would within two years of the next election, present to the British people the outcome of its negotiations.
“Then in a referendum the British people would decide whether to accept what was on offer - or simply to leave the Union. We cannot drift on as we have been. It is not fair either to the British people or to the European Union.
“We need to show Thatcherite courage and determination to lead the country along that path.”
PRESIDENT VÁCLAV KLAUS will say,
"Lady Thatcher’s speech in Bruges should be remembered as well. I share the ideas expressed in it fully. They still hold true today. The European Union has been increasingly evolving into a state-like entity. The inter-European opening-up and overall positive removal of barriers based on intergovernmental cooperation was replaced by excessive interventionism, standardization and harmonisation.
"The marching towards an ever-closer union must be reversed.
"It is evident that neither the Constitutional Treaty nor the Lisbon Treaty gained a unanimous approval by all the EU member states. Any repetition of the Irish referendum would be absurd… The vote of any member state and of its citizens must be respected.
"I am pleased that the Bruges Group has invited me together with all of you who refuse to look at the European Union uncritically and do not applaud everything that comes from Brussels. We need to continue fighting vigorously for the goals outlined in the Bruges Speech, just as Lady Thatcher always has."
Men! Braun Gets You In Touch With Your Smooth Side
Braun Male Grooming is proud to introduce the latest and most dramatic revolution in the male electric shaving market to date; the all new Braun Series range. Following extensive consumer research the new Braun range has been simplified, extended and redefined offering the optimum choice for consumers in today’s fast moving consumer market.
Each of the Series models comes with an energy saving smart plug ensuring Braun is good for the environment as well as for your face
FOUR QUICK FIRE FACTS ON THE EXCITING NEW RANGE
- Six new pieces of product development in the Series 1 and Series 5 shavers
- Gillette Blade Technology now features across Series 5 and 7 shavers
- 2 year manufacturer’s guarantee to avoid having to replace or re-purchase
- A new and simpler product range making it easier for consumers to choose
INTRODUCING THE BRAUN SERIES RANGE
Series 7 – Sonic Technology
The most premium shaver ever released by Braun for the man who demands perfection, the Series 7 includes Sonic Technology, which gently stimulates and raises hairs making them easier to cut, ensuring a closer shave in fewer strokes. The Series 7 includes Cross cutting technology and an Optimized Power Comb along with the expertise of the Gillette Precision Comfort Blades. Series 7 comes with Braun’s most advanced Clean&Renew™ system to date which helps keep the shaver like new everyday. An interactive LCD panel ensures that the Series 7 satisfies even the most rigid gadget fan. Model comes with Clean&Renew™ system RRP £249.99. Other models available
Series 5
With a sleek new design this intelligent gadget comprises the very latest shaver technology to ensure you maintain your smooth look. The Series 5 range is one of two to include the craftsmanship and expertise of Gillette with Gillette Blade technology used in the foil cutter, helping to deliver a uniquely close and comfortable shave. The Series 5 also includes a Comfort Setting Switch; a new personalisation feature that controls the level of pivot according to your comfort and skin type. As well as all this innovation, the Series 5 also includes the Clean&Renew™ System ensuring a hygienically clean shave every time as well as a 7 x LED monitor and 5 minute quick charge option. Model comes with Clean&Renew™ system RRP £189.99
Series 3
With its Smartfoil™ and contour-hugging head the Series 3 is an affordable quality shaver offering maximum comfort and convenience for those with sensitive skin. The patented 3 Stage Cutting System ensures that you reach every hair, even in hard to reach areas, following the shape of your face for a gentle and close shave. The Series 3 also comes with the Clean&Renew™ system offering an uncompromisingly hygienic shave, ensuring your shaver feels like new every day. At the touch of a button the shaver is cleaned, dried and automatically charged. For the business traveller, the Series 3 also comes with a handy travel pod (also standard on Series 5 & 7) Model comes with Clean&Renew™ system RRP £79.99. Other models available
Series 1
An exciting and sleek new product, this cordless single foil shaver with FreeFloat™ head includes an LED charge indicator ensuring you’re never caught short when it comes to getting that quick and close shave. With a 5 minute quick charge, the Series 1 is convenient and affordable. This ergonomically designed shaver also includes an extendable trimmer for keeping that moustache and sideburns in check.
Model RRP £39.99. Other models available
The Braun series range is available at selected retailers including Argos, Boots, Superdrug and online at Amazon.
Each of the Series models comes with an energy saving smart plug ensuring Braun is good for the environment as well as for your face
FOUR QUICK FIRE FACTS ON THE EXCITING NEW RANGE
- Six new pieces of product development in the Series 1 and Series 5 shavers
- Gillette Blade Technology now features across Series 5 and 7 shavers
- 2 year manufacturer’s guarantee to avoid having to replace or re-purchase
- A new and simpler product range making it easier for consumers to choose
INTRODUCING THE BRAUN SERIES RANGE
Series 7 – Sonic Technology
The most premium shaver ever released by Braun for the man who demands perfection, the Series 7 includes Sonic Technology, which gently stimulates and raises hairs making them easier to cut, ensuring a closer shave in fewer strokes. The Series 7 includes Cross cutting technology and an Optimized Power Comb along with the expertise of the Gillette Precision Comfort Blades. Series 7 comes with Braun’s most advanced Clean&Renew™ system to date which helps keep the shaver like new everyday. An interactive LCD panel ensures that the Series 7 satisfies even the most rigid gadget fan. Model comes with Clean&Renew™ system RRP £249.99. Other models available
Series 5
With a sleek new design this intelligent gadget comprises the very latest shaver technology to ensure you maintain your smooth look. The Series 5 range is one of two to include the craftsmanship and expertise of Gillette with Gillette Blade technology used in the foil cutter, helping to deliver a uniquely close and comfortable shave. The Series 5 also includes a Comfort Setting Switch; a new personalisation feature that controls the level of pivot according to your comfort and skin type. As well as all this innovation, the Series 5 also includes the Clean&Renew™ System ensuring a hygienically clean shave every time as well as a 7 x LED monitor and 5 minute quick charge option. Model comes with Clean&Renew™ system RRP £189.99
Series 3
With its Smartfoil™ and contour-hugging head the Series 3 is an affordable quality shaver offering maximum comfort and convenience for those with sensitive skin. The patented 3 Stage Cutting System ensures that you reach every hair, even in hard to reach areas, following the shape of your face for a gentle and close shave. The Series 3 also comes with the Clean&Renew™ system offering an uncompromisingly hygienic shave, ensuring your shaver feels like new every day. At the touch of a button the shaver is cleaned, dried and automatically charged. For the business traveller, the Series 3 also comes with a handy travel pod (also standard on Series 5 & 7) Model comes with Clean&Renew™ system RRP £79.99. Other models available
Series 1
An exciting and sleek new product, this cordless single foil shaver with FreeFloat™ head includes an LED charge indicator ensuring you’re never caught short when it comes to getting that quick and close shave. With a 5 minute quick charge, the Series 1 is convenient and affordable. This ergonomically designed shaver also includes an extendable trimmer for keeping that moustache and sideburns in check.
Model RRP £39.99. Other models available
The Braun series range is available at selected retailers including Argos, Boots, Superdrug and online at Amazon.
Hundreds of runners missing in Fell Race (UPDATE ALL NOW SAFE)
Many of the competitors in Original Mountain Marathon two-day race had to camp overnight when the race was abandoned due to unexpected floodis caused by bad weather.
At one point concerned members of Cumbria Police reported that some 1,700 people were missing. But as people began leaving the mountains during the morning, thye number of missing was reduced to 44.
A Cumbria Police spokesman said: "The figure we are working on is 44 unaccounted for. There is nothing to suggest they need medical assistance and it is not confirmed they are actually on the fell or have made their way down yesterday or overnight."
An RAF rescue helicopter from RAF Valley, Anglesey, Wales is available to offer assistance to Cockermouth Mountain Research team and the police in searching for missing competitors.
It is unclear if weather warnings were issued before the event started.
(UPDATE 19.00hrs: As of 19.00 it has been reported that all participants in the race have now been accounted for. A number required medical treatment for hypthermia and what were described as 'minor injuries' sustained during 90mph winds and flash floods.)
Don't forget, UK, Eire! The clocks go BACK one hour!
All over the UK, people will awaken tomorrow and they might be an hour out in their time!
Why? Because at 2am the United Kingdom will switch from BST (British Summer Time) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) meaning it will then be 1am!
The time in Eire will also change to BST at the same time.
In order to remember when the clocks go backwards or forwards, here is a little saying:
It is SPRING forward and FALL back. (The only time the older term Fall is used in the UK, rather than Autumn. Another name for Autumn in Britain was Leaf Fall, shortened to Fall. Fall is, of course, still used in America for this time of year.
Why? Because at 2am the United Kingdom will switch from BST (British Summer Time) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) meaning it will then be 1am!
The time in Eire will also change to BST at the same time.
In order to remember when the clocks go backwards or forwards, here is a little saying:
It is SPRING forward and FALL back. (The only time the older term Fall is used in the UK, rather than Autumn. Another name for Autumn in Britain was Leaf Fall, shortened to Fall. Fall is, of course, still used in America for this time of year.
LG Cookie Makes Its Global Début
A feature-rich handset with the ultimate touchscreen experienceLG Electronics, a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications, today announces it is bringing an affordable touchscreen phone to the masses with the introduction of the LG Cookie (LG-KP500).
At 13.9mm slim, this slinky, lightweight (89g) handset packs in an array of features that would come as standard in any premium-priced phone. The LG Cookie boasts a highly intuitive Active Flash user interface with haptic feedback. Its vivid widget icons on its 3.0”inch screen make it so simple to use. The LG Cookie’s QWERTY keyboard slides into view when it is held horizontally and its auto-rotating display shifts images or documents for enhanced viewing, while its compact 3 megapixel camera makes the LG Cookie a great all rounder.
“The LG Cookie was developed to reflect the desire of many consumers who want to own a full touchscreen phone without having to pay a premium price” says Jeremy Newing, head of LG mobile marketing, LG Electronics. “LG has stepped up to meet the demand of today’s ‘Touch Generation’ as more and more consumers look to experience the pleasure of using touchscreen phones. With the introduction of the LG Cookie we are continuing to build on our range of feature-rich yet affordable handsets”.
Interacting with a handset has never been so fun and easy, as the user can personalise the interface by placing their favourite icon function widgets such as MP3 player, FM radio, calendar and clock in any order they wish.
Instant access to your friends is quick and simple as the LG Cookie allows for photos to be attached to a friend’s contact details, for one-touch speed dial. It has automatic synchronisation with Windows Media Player, so managing and listening to favourite music files is quick and easy.
For the full interactive gaming experience the LG Cookie has a range of motion sensor games that respond to the player shifting, flipping and moving the handset. An artfully concealed stylus pen slides in and out for users who wish to use handwriting recognition for writing emails, texts and editing photos.
The LG Cookie will be available from Carphone Warehouse.
For more information, please visit www.lge.com.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened Remastered Edition Ready For Investigation Today
New Version Features Challenging Puzzles, Authentic Environments And Different View Modes
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened Remastered Edition, from Ascaron and 93Games is available for close scrutiny today. This classic point and click adventure includes a new third person view mode, improved graphics and an updated help system.
Players will have their powers of observation and logic severely tested as they guide the infamous resident of 221B Baker Street across London in search of vital clues, accompanied by his loyal sidekick Doctor Watson. Budding detectives will benefit from three main additional features:
• A new third person mode - Players can now choose between stepping into the first person mode of Sherlock Holmes himself or viewing gameplay in the new third person mode. This allows a more objective view, helping players to avoid missing any clues that must be scrutinized using Holmes’ iconic magnifying glass.
• Improved graphics - New lighting, HD effects, shaders, shadows and new animations, giving the locations a distinctive and genuine 19th century feel.
• An updated help system - Displays available actions on the screen to provide assistance with difficult puzzles.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened Remastered Edition is the updated version of the successful PC adventure Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened and is on sale today.
To download the demo visit:
http://www.focus-files.com/demos/sh3remastered/sh3_remastered_demo_en-shop.exe
To watch the latest trailer visit:
http://www.sherlockholmes-thegame.com/en/movies/sh3r/
FACT FILE:
Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment / 93Games
Web: www.Ascaron.com
Developer: Frogwares
Release date: 24th October 2008
PEGI: 16+
Format: PC
Genre: Adventure
From Day One in 1989 Ascaron Entertainment has become one of the leading European “boutique” developers and Publishers of games for the PC, with many successful titles including Patrician, Port Royale, DarkStar One and SACRED.
Ascaron maintains development studios in Berlin, Gutersloh and Aachen (Germany), as well as an international department in Birmingham (UK). Ascaron currently markets its products in more than 40 countries and over 15 languages.
Ascaron Entertainment (UK) is an independent office and is highly regarded on a domestic and global scale. With a professional reputation, full-service product management, and a wealth of experience in the games industry, the UK operation manages the international releases of Ascaron's entire catalogue, whilst also providing a bespoke publishing, sales, PR and marketing function to selected affiliate label partners. Ascaron Entertainment (UK) continues to be responsible for successfully launching titles into the UK market from developers and publishers worldwide. Titles include the popular UFO, Panzers, Cossacks and Blitzkrieg series of games, as well as critically acclaimed hits such as Call of Juarez, TrackMania United, and City Life 2008.
www.ascaron.com
About 93GAMES
Founded in 1996, 93GAMES is a French publishing and distribution company based near Paris, France. Known for the diversity, quality and originality of its catalogue, 93GAMES now publishes and distributes many of its titles throughout Europe and also world-wide in both boxed retail and digital distribution formats. The last five years have been very successful for 93GAMES in France, with many of its PC licenses becoming top-sellers. 93GAMES has also published several original titles, including the adventure game Runaway, the renowned Cycling Manager and the much-loved TrackMania. The coming months will be exciting and full of surprises with the release of high-quality games such as Blood Bowl, TrackMania DS, Runaway: A Twist of Fate, Sherlock Holmes and sport games dedicated to major events such as the America’s Cup or the Tour de France.
http://www.focus-home.com
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened Remastered Edition, from Ascaron and 93Games is available for close scrutiny today. This classic point and click adventure includes a new third person view mode, improved graphics and an updated help system.
Players will have their powers of observation and logic severely tested as they guide the infamous resident of 221B Baker Street across London in search of vital clues, accompanied by his loyal sidekick Doctor Watson. Budding detectives will benefit from three main additional features:
• A new third person mode - Players can now choose between stepping into the first person mode of Sherlock Holmes himself or viewing gameplay in the new third person mode. This allows a more objective view, helping players to avoid missing any clues that must be scrutinized using Holmes’ iconic magnifying glass.
• Improved graphics - New lighting, HD effects, shaders, shadows and new animations, giving the locations a distinctive and genuine 19th century feel.
• An updated help system - Displays available actions on the screen to provide assistance with difficult puzzles.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened Remastered Edition is the updated version of the successful PC adventure Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened and is on sale today.
To download the demo visit:
http://www.focus-files.com/demos/sh3remastered/sh3_remastered_demo_en-shop.exe
To watch the latest trailer visit:
http://www.sherlockholmes-thegame.com/en/movies/sh3r/
FACT FILE:
Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment / 93Games
Web: www.Ascaron.com
Developer: Frogwares
Release date: 24th October 2008
PEGI: 16+
Format: PC
Genre: Adventure
From Day One in 1989 Ascaron Entertainment has become one of the leading European “boutique” developers and Publishers of games for the PC, with many successful titles including Patrician, Port Royale, DarkStar One and SACRED.
Ascaron maintains development studios in Berlin, Gutersloh and Aachen (Germany), as well as an international department in Birmingham (UK). Ascaron currently markets its products in more than 40 countries and over 15 languages.
Ascaron Entertainment (UK) is an independent office and is highly regarded on a domestic and global scale. With a professional reputation, full-service product management, and a wealth of experience in the games industry, the UK operation manages the international releases of Ascaron's entire catalogue, whilst also providing a bespoke publishing, sales, PR and marketing function to selected affiliate label partners. Ascaron Entertainment (UK) continues to be responsible for successfully launching titles into the UK market from developers and publishers worldwide. Titles include the popular UFO, Panzers, Cossacks and Blitzkrieg series of games, as well as critically acclaimed hits such as Call of Juarez, TrackMania United, and City Life 2008.
www.ascaron.com
About 93GAMES
Founded in 1996, 93GAMES is a French publishing and distribution company based near Paris, France. Known for the diversity, quality and originality of its catalogue, 93GAMES now publishes and distributes many of its titles throughout Europe and also world-wide in both boxed retail and digital distribution formats. The last five years have been very successful for 93GAMES in France, with many of its PC licenses becoming top-sellers. 93GAMES has also published several original titles, including the adventure game Runaway, the renowned Cycling Manager and the much-loved TrackMania. The coming months will be exciting and full of surprises with the release of high-quality games such as Blood Bowl, TrackMania DS, Runaway: A Twist of Fate, Sherlock Holmes and sport games dedicated to major events such as the America’s Cup or the Tour de France.
http://www.focus-home.com
SPIL GAMES Announces Launch of The Red Cross Game: Emergency Response Unit
SPIL GAMES today announced that The Red Cross Game: Emergency Response Unit is now available online.Released by the Dutch publisher Youdagames and sponsored by SPIL GAMES, The Red Cross Game: Emergency Response Unit is a strategy title where players manage relief efforts and race against the clock to try to help those in need. Created to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Dutch Red Cross, the game was developed by I Sioux Game Productions with the cooperation of Red Cross specialists to provide a highly realistic simulation of relief efforts. The game will be sold for $19.95 and proceeds from the game will be donated to the world-renowned emergency response organization.
“The Red Cross Game: Emergency Response Unit gives people a glimpse into the wide range of challenging missions carried out by the Red Cross every day,” said Peter Driessen, CEO of SPIL GAMES. “It not only gives people a chance to learn about heroic work done by Red Cross workers, but also directly supports this valiant organization.”
In The Red Cross Game: Emergency Response Unit, players manage a Red Cross base camp. While deployed to numerous disaster zones to build a base camp, players assess critical situations and make tough decisions on how to allocate resources in order to save lives. Players distribute supplies, treat the sick, set up temporary shelters for the homeless, clean up debris from disasters, coordinate with local authorities, and fly rescue missions using airplanes and helicopters. Players can try out two full missions for free at www.redcrossgame.com. The premium version includes all 11 missions and provides hours of challenging gameplay.
As a primary distribution partner, SPIL GAMES launched The Red Cross Game: Emergency Response Unit across all 45 of their gaming portals including the following: www.gamesgames.com, www.agame.com, www.girlsgogames.com, www.games.co.uk, www.mygames.co.uk, www.girlsgogames.co.uk, www.spel.nl, www.spelletjes.nl, and www.girlsgogames.nl.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Multimap joins forces with Toptable.com
Map data linked to free information about 4,000 restaurants
Campaign to increase awareness of restaurant sites and encourage bookings
Multimap, the UK’s specialist online mapping service, is launching a mashup with toptable.com, Europe’s leading restaurant reservation site, to increase awareness of restaurant locations. Multimap has integrated toptable’s rich restaurant data into its maps by location. Users can search for a map and toptable’s restaurant locations are indicated by a toptable star which is overlaid on to the map. Consumers then click on a star to view photography of a venue and information such as the cuisine type, address and directions to it. They can then click through for more details, see user reviews and to make a booking.
Toptable - which was launched in 2000 as a marketing tool for the restaurant industry - features detailed information and almost 500,000 user-generated reviews on over 4,000 restaurants and bars, and seats more than 11,000 diners a day in the UK, Europe and New York. The site is free to consumers and offers exclusive money off deals for advance bookings. Its shareholders include football manager Sir Alex Ferguson and celebrity chef and ‘Strictly come Dancing’ participant Gary Rhodes.
Chris Wood, Managing Director of toptable explains, ‘We will seat three million diners in 2008 making toptable the largest online restaurant booker in Europe. Location is critical to the choice of restaurant and this mashup will not only make people more aware of the possibilities in a given area but will encourage them to click through and book, which will deliver incremental reservations for our restaurant partners.’
Jim Cruickshank, Director of Mapping, Local and Shopping for Microsoft adds, ‘When a customer searches for an area and views a map, they can choose to tick a box to reveal local restaurant information. This displays clickable stars on the map highlighting photography and information about a range of restaurants to suit a variety of tastes. Consumers are encouraged to click through and place a booking. It’s relevant and useful information that can help plan everything from a night out to a trip away.’
Visitors to www.Multimap.com can choose to view toptable restaurant locations by selecting ‘Hotels and Restaurants’ on the left-hand navigation bar.
Campaign to increase awareness of restaurant sites and encourage bookings
Multimap, the UK’s specialist online mapping service, is launching a mashup with toptable.com, Europe’s leading restaurant reservation site, to increase awareness of restaurant locations. Multimap has integrated toptable’s rich restaurant data into its maps by location. Users can search for a map and toptable’s restaurant locations are indicated by a toptable star which is overlaid on to the map. Consumers then click on a star to view photography of a venue and information such as the cuisine type, address and directions to it. They can then click through for more details, see user reviews and to make a booking.
Toptable - which was launched in 2000 as a marketing tool for the restaurant industry - features detailed information and almost 500,000 user-generated reviews on over 4,000 restaurants and bars, and seats more than 11,000 diners a day in the UK, Europe and New York. The site is free to consumers and offers exclusive money off deals for advance bookings. Its shareholders include football manager Sir Alex Ferguson and celebrity chef and ‘Strictly come Dancing’ participant Gary Rhodes.
Chris Wood, Managing Director of toptable explains, ‘We will seat three million diners in 2008 making toptable the largest online restaurant booker in Europe. Location is critical to the choice of restaurant and this mashup will not only make people more aware of the possibilities in a given area but will encourage them to click through and book, which will deliver incremental reservations for our restaurant partners.’
Jim Cruickshank, Director of Mapping, Local and Shopping for Microsoft adds, ‘When a customer searches for an area and views a map, they can choose to tick a box to reveal local restaurant information. This displays clickable stars on the map highlighting photography and information about a range of restaurants to suit a variety of tastes. Consumers are encouraged to click through and place a booking. It’s relevant and useful information that can help plan everything from a night out to a trip away.’
Visitors to www.Multimap.com can choose to view toptable restaurant locations by selecting ‘Hotels and Restaurants’ on the left-hand navigation bar.
Brits Search For Home Safes And Sewing Classes As Financial Crisis Looms
Google data reveal how Britons are responding to the financial crisis
Google today revealed some surprising changes in what the British public are searching for online. The data come from Insights for Search, a free Google tool that analyses a portion of Google searches to compute how many searches have been done for a term relative to the total number of searches done on Google over time.
Among the interesting trends:
Searches for home safes are also up 150% over the levels in October 2007, and searches for safe savings are up 900%.
People's money worries reveal themselves in both expected and unexpected ways: searches for petrol prices are up 200% over last year, and searches for negative equity are up by 220%. Searches for redundancy insurance are up 450% over this time last year.
Britons are searching for comfort foods more: apple crumble is 40% more popular this year than last autumn.
Searches for homes in Spain are down 28% from 2007, searches for moving home are down 16%, and searches for fitted kitchens are down 17%.
People are also trying to economise: searches for vouchers are up 35% over 2007 and for budget meals are up 52% over 2007.
Searches for sewing classes are up 60%, and searches for clothes swaps are up 90%. Searches for city breaks are down almost 20%.
Elan Dekel, Product Manager at Google, said, "This is a fascinating snapshot into how Britons are reacting to the current economic situation. Every day, hundreds of millions of people search on Google, so we can see trends emerge in real time. What people are searching for gives insights into the zeitgeist, what people are interested in and what concerns them. And the best thing about this tool is that it's free for anyone to use, so you can learn more about past and current trends and break down data by geography and category."
Anyone can use Insights for search by visiting http://google.com/insights/search/
Google today revealed some surprising changes in what the British public are searching for online. The data come from Insights for Search, a free Google tool that analyses a portion of Google searches to compute how many searches have been done for a term relative to the total number of searches done on Google over time.
Among the interesting trends:
Searches for home safes are also up 150% over the levels in October 2007, and searches for safe savings are up 900%.
People's money worries reveal themselves in both expected and unexpected ways: searches for petrol prices are up 200% over last year, and searches for negative equity are up by 220%. Searches for redundancy insurance are up 450% over this time last year.
Britons are searching for comfort foods more: apple crumble is 40% more popular this year than last autumn.
Searches for homes in Spain are down 28% from 2007, searches for moving home are down 16%, and searches for fitted kitchens are down 17%.
People are also trying to economise: searches for vouchers are up 35% over 2007 and for budget meals are up 52% over 2007.
Searches for sewing classes are up 60%, and searches for clothes swaps are up 90%. Searches for city breaks are down almost 20%.
Elan Dekel, Product Manager at Google, said, "This is a fascinating snapshot into how Britons are reacting to the current economic situation. Every day, hundreds of millions of people search on Google, so we can see trends emerge in real time. What people are searching for gives insights into the zeitgeist, what people are interested in and what concerns them. And the best thing about this tool is that it's free for anyone to use, so you can learn more about past and current trends and break down data by geography and category."
Anyone can use Insights for search by visiting http://google.com/insights/search/
Bad Times Signal The Return Of The Good Life
Suburbs go self-sufficient as Britain battens down hatches for hard times ahead.
Under-siege Brits facing a winter of discontent and long-term global recession are pulling up the drawbridges on their self-sufficient castles.
As well as increasing security by adding bars to windows and heavy-duty locks, savvy suburbanites from Surbiton to Stockport are converting their conservatories into greenhouses and patios into vegetable patches.
That’s according to wish-granting website www.eGenie.co.uk which has seen an increase in people wanting to turn their homes into family fortresses to protect themselves from financial, food and fuel foes.
“Previously we saw people keeping up with the Jones’ with home improvements,” says Stefan Troester of eGenie.co.uk – the leading website for people looking for reputable tradespeople and service providers.
“Now it seems they are taking a leaf out of Tom and Barbara Good’s book and converting to a self-sufficient lifestyle. We think it’s unusual but a growing trend as people become fed up of rising prices for food and fuel, uncertain financial markets and more aware of their impact on the environment.”
“The housing market also means that rather than escaping to the country, people are converting their suburban houses into small holdings.”
eGenie.co.uk has had requests to take out decking and patios and turn lawns into vegetable patches. People are also building chicken coops and rabbit hutches, and converting expensive conservatories into practical greenhouses to grow their own meat and two veg.
Other popular job requests relating to the credit crunch include installing safes, turning garden sheds into home offices, and making rooms suitable for the rental market.
“The Good Life might seem idealistic but it’s becoming an attractive option as the cost of living goes up, unemployment peaks and global uncertainty continues,” says Troester. “But eGenie.co.uk is certainly the right place to find the right person for the job at the right price.”
20 WAYS TO BEAT THE CREDIT CRUNCH AT HOME
1. Make use of dead space such as cellars and lofts. These can be converted into living areas or storage areas for food, tools and supplies. Spare bedrooms can be rented out to lodgers.
2. Invest in a chest freezer to preserve the food you produce and buy cheaper frozen food. This also eliminates waste. (Have an alarm fitted and consider having a lock, if you have your chest freezer in an outbuilding, shed or garage)
3. Take up your lawn or patio decking and turn it into a vegetable patch. You can even sell the turf and decking to fund your garden needs.
4. Make full use of your conservatory by converting it into a greenhouse area. A compromise could be to plant window boxes of herbs and seasonal vegetables.
5. Build a chicken coop to keep your own chickens, to provide fresh eggs and meat. You can now buy special fox proof coops designed for keeping chickens in small town gardens. Some people breed rabbits for the pot.
6. Sell any extra produce that you cannot keep and use that cash to buy essentials.
7. Check with your local council to ensure that any changes of land use are legal.
8. Turn lights off in a room when you leave it or fit timers.
9. Fit a heat exchanger to the exhaust of your boiler – use the heat it expels, don’t waste it.
10. Fit solar panel heating to your roof or in the garden – local builders merchants and DIY stores stock the system. you can even sell the energy you generate back to the national grid.
11. Use rain harvesting systems to use rainwater for toilet flushing.
12. Have a grey water recycling system fitted – this will re-use washing up water and bath water for non drinking purposes.
13. In some areas you can recycle brown water and black water – look it up.
14. Make the most of compost – use household waste on your own veg.
15. Get the kids to do the chores – it keeps them off their bottoms and fit. They may even love gardening. Grow real potatoes not couch potatoes.
16. Buy a water butt – this will save you money when watering your garden – especially if you live in a metered area.
17. Make sure you are on the cheapest gas and electricity deals.
18. Make your own bread – it’s healthier and a bread maker will soon pay for itself.
19. When making a cuppa, only boil the water you need, or make a flask.
20. Just ask the right service professionals on eGenie.co.uk. They will help you and get your problems sorted.
FACT FILE:
eGenie.co.uk acts as a price and service comparison website where customers can find the best deals in their area for trusted service professionals specialising in construction, household and gardening including also a wider range of services and professions. eGenie.co.uk allows its customers to rate, review and recommend service providers for other users.
Under-siege Brits facing a winter of discontent and long-term global recession are pulling up the drawbridges on their self-sufficient castles.
As well as increasing security by adding bars to windows and heavy-duty locks, savvy suburbanites from Surbiton to Stockport are converting their conservatories into greenhouses and patios into vegetable patches.
That’s according to wish-granting website www.eGenie.co.uk which has seen an increase in people wanting to turn their homes into family fortresses to protect themselves from financial, food and fuel foes.
“Previously we saw people keeping up with the Jones’ with home improvements,” says Stefan Troester of eGenie.co.uk – the leading website for people looking for reputable tradespeople and service providers.
“Now it seems they are taking a leaf out of Tom and Barbara Good’s book and converting to a self-sufficient lifestyle. We think it’s unusual but a growing trend as people become fed up of rising prices for food and fuel, uncertain financial markets and more aware of their impact on the environment.”
“The housing market also means that rather than escaping to the country, people are converting their suburban houses into small holdings.”
eGenie.co.uk has had requests to take out decking and patios and turn lawns into vegetable patches. People are also building chicken coops and rabbit hutches, and converting expensive conservatories into practical greenhouses to grow their own meat and two veg.
Other popular job requests relating to the credit crunch include installing safes, turning garden sheds into home offices, and making rooms suitable for the rental market.
“The Good Life might seem idealistic but it’s becoming an attractive option as the cost of living goes up, unemployment peaks and global uncertainty continues,” says Troester. “But eGenie.co.uk is certainly the right place to find the right person for the job at the right price.”
20 WAYS TO BEAT THE CREDIT CRUNCH AT HOME
1. Make use of dead space such as cellars and lofts. These can be converted into living areas or storage areas for food, tools and supplies. Spare bedrooms can be rented out to lodgers.
2. Invest in a chest freezer to preserve the food you produce and buy cheaper frozen food. This also eliminates waste. (Have an alarm fitted and consider having a lock, if you have your chest freezer in an outbuilding, shed or garage)
3. Take up your lawn or patio decking and turn it into a vegetable patch. You can even sell the turf and decking to fund your garden needs.
4. Make full use of your conservatory by converting it into a greenhouse area. A compromise could be to plant window boxes of herbs and seasonal vegetables.
5. Build a chicken coop to keep your own chickens, to provide fresh eggs and meat. You can now buy special fox proof coops designed for keeping chickens in small town gardens. Some people breed rabbits for the pot.
6. Sell any extra produce that you cannot keep and use that cash to buy essentials.
7. Check with your local council to ensure that any changes of land use are legal.
8. Turn lights off in a room when you leave it or fit timers.
9. Fit a heat exchanger to the exhaust of your boiler – use the heat it expels, don’t waste it.
10. Fit solar panel heating to your roof or in the garden – local builders merchants and DIY stores stock the system. you can even sell the energy you generate back to the national grid.
11. Use rain harvesting systems to use rainwater for toilet flushing.
12. Have a grey water recycling system fitted – this will re-use washing up water and bath water for non drinking purposes.
13. In some areas you can recycle brown water and black water – look it up.
14. Make the most of compost – use household waste on your own veg.
15. Get the kids to do the chores – it keeps them off their bottoms and fit. They may even love gardening. Grow real potatoes not couch potatoes.
16. Buy a water butt – this will save you money when watering your garden – especially if you live in a metered area.
17. Make sure you are on the cheapest gas and electricity deals.
18. Make your own bread – it’s healthier and a bread maker will soon pay for itself.
19. When making a cuppa, only boil the water you need, or make a flask.
20. Just ask the right service professionals on eGenie.co.uk. They will help you and get your problems sorted.
FACT FILE:
eGenie.co.uk acts as a price and service comparison website where customers can find the best deals in their area for trusted service professionals specialising in construction, household and gardening including also a wider range of services and professions. eGenie.co.uk allows its customers to rate, review and recommend service providers for other users.
eGenie.co.uk is a job auction web site connecting people with the best professionals saving customers time and money when searching for service providers. The website helps tradesmen promote their skills, work history and qualifications using a specially designed business profiling system - eGenie.co.uk’s Quality Index compares a range of skills, attributes and attitudes of service providers.
eGenie.co.uk was launched in 2008 created by the people who developed the award-winning German internet portal blauarbeit.de which was established in 2004.
www.eGenie.co.uk
Travelodge Lines Up £150 Million Scottish Expansion
Travelodge, the UK’s leading budget hotelier, today unveiled an ambitious £150 million expansion plan for Scotland as the company seeks to use the current economic conditions to its advantage.
With 30 hotels already in the country, providing 2,071 rooms, Travelodge has laid out its plans to at least double the room number across the nation.
Travelodge is particularly keen to talk to existing hoteliers who are struggling in the current conditions and are looking to get out of the market. In Edinburgh alone Travelodge has taken over three existing hotels and is keen to discover more.
Paul Harvey, Managing Director for Property Development at Travelodge, said: “Scotland is a very important growth market for us, not just in Edinburgh and Glasgow but across the country.
“Given the current economic climate we are particularly keen to speak to hoteliers who are looking to get out as they start to struggle. If anyone is interested in talking to us they should contact our property agents in Scotland, Eric Young and Co.”
Details of where Travelodge is looking to expand to can be found at www.travelodgedevelopment.co.uk
With 30 hotels already in the country, providing 2,071 rooms, Travelodge has laid out its plans to at least double the room number across the nation.
Travelodge is particularly keen to talk to existing hoteliers who are struggling in the current conditions and are looking to get out of the market. In Edinburgh alone Travelodge has taken over three existing hotels and is keen to discover more.
Paul Harvey, Managing Director for Property Development at Travelodge, said: “Scotland is a very important growth market for us, not just in Edinburgh and Glasgow but across the country.
“Given the current economic climate we are particularly keen to speak to hoteliers who are looking to get out as they start to struggle. If anyone is interested in talking to us they should contact our property agents in Scotland, Eric Young and Co.”
Details of where Travelodge is looking to expand to can be found at www.travelodgedevelopment.co.uk
NAEA Relieved To See Greater London Authority Taking A More Realistic Approach To Affordable Housing
The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), the residential sales arm of the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP), is relieved to see that the Greater London Authority (GLA) has adopted a more realistic approach towards its affordable housing target as Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has taken the first step towards removing the 50% London wide affordable housing target.
Peter Bolton King, Chief Executive of the NAEA, comments: “It is refreshing to see that the Mayor is adopting a more realistic approach to the much needed Affordable Housing situation. Every authority has different priorities and to work with councils on an individual basis, to ensure individual targets are delivered, seems a much more feasible option that will deliver the desired results. We have seen from The Mayors past predecessor that enforcing blanket demand on all councils is not easy to operate or control and in the past did not deliver the results needed.
“Councils will soon have the power to negotiate with developers under their own steam, allowing the establishment the flexibility it needs. After all, every development site has its own characteristics and problems; be it issues of contamination, noise, flood risk and so on. All these factors can handicap the viability of sites which consequently will have a knock on effect for providing appropriate Affordable Housing and councils hitting targets. It is hoped that with this new collaborative approach, London Boroughs will be able to negotiate more freely with developers; meaning in the long-run more Affordable Housing schemes will be forthcoming. This will go some way to assist the governments housing supply figures and help struggling first time buyers take a step onto the property ladder.”
Peter Bolton King, Chief Executive of the NAEA, comments: “It is refreshing to see that the Mayor is adopting a more realistic approach to the much needed Affordable Housing situation. Every authority has different priorities and to work with councils on an individual basis, to ensure individual targets are delivered, seems a much more feasible option that will deliver the desired results. We have seen from The Mayors past predecessor that enforcing blanket demand on all councils is not easy to operate or control and in the past did not deliver the results needed.
“Councils will soon have the power to negotiate with developers under their own steam, allowing the establishment the flexibility it needs. After all, every development site has its own characteristics and problems; be it issues of contamination, noise, flood risk and so on. All these factors can handicap the viability of sites which consequently will have a knock on effect for providing appropriate Affordable Housing and councils hitting targets. It is hoped that with this new collaborative approach, London Boroughs will be able to negotiate more freely with developers; meaning in the long-run more Affordable Housing schemes will be forthcoming. This will go some way to assist the governments housing supply figures and help struggling first time buyers take a step onto the property ladder.”
Surviving a recession - a case study
Robyn Jones, co-founder and chief executive of independent catering company, Charlton House, established the business with her husband, Tim Jones, at the height of the last recession in July 1991.
Robyn had been made redundant from her position as General Manager with Higgs and Hill plc. She applied for a Government Enterprise Allowance of £50 per week for fledging businesses but in order to get it she had to invest £1,500 into the business to show her commitment. She used her redundancy cheque of £2,500 to purchase a second-hand diesel car (Peugeot 205) and a computer, leaving her with just £1,000 to fund the business.
As Robyn and Tim had just moved house and had taken on a large mortgage, to keep spend to a minimum Robyn used an old wallpaper pasting table as a desk and banana boxes as filing cabinets.
Armed only with a telephone, a telephone directory, (no marketing literature whatsoever) and endless enthusiasm, Robyn sat in her spare bedroom and began cold calling. For six months she sat at her desk from 8.00am until 5.00pm each day making cold calls. She wouldn’t let herself have a cup of coffee until she had spoken to a potential client, or lunch until she had made an appointment. Apparently, she got very thirsty and very hungry!
Her vision for the company at that stage was to gain three clients. She said:” I thought to myself that if I could just get three clients, I would be made.”
At the end of her first year trading (Sept 1992), her turnover was £340,000 and she employed 16 people. She had already met her long-term goal of gaining three contracts.
She wrote to her former boss and thanked him for making her redundant.
Today, Charlton House is one of the UK’s most successful independent contract caterers. Annual turnover currently stands at £80 million and Charlton House has 150 clients and employs 2,000 people nationwide. Clients include The Law Society, The RIBA and the UK corporate headquarters of BUPA, Sony and Network Rail.
Robyn Jones started her career in catering as a school cook. She is a Catey winner (the hospitality industry’s equivalent to an Oscar) and she was named the Credit Suisse Most Outstanding Woman in Business at the National Business Awards in 2006.
www.charltonhouse.co.uk
Robyn had been made redundant from her position as General Manager with Higgs and Hill plc. She applied for a Government Enterprise Allowance of £50 per week for fledging businesses but in order to get it she had to invest £1,500 into the business to show her commitment. She used her redundancy cheque of £2,500 to purchase a second-hand diesel car (Peugeot 205) and a computer, leaving her with just £1,000 to fund the business.
As Robyn and Tim had just moved house and had taken on a large mortgage, to keep spend to a minimum Robyn used an old wallpaper pasting table as a desk and banana boxes as filing cabinets.
Armed only with a telephone, a telephone directory, (no marketing literature whatsoever) and endless enthusiasm, Robyn sat in her spare bedroom and began cold calling. For six months she sat at her desk from 8.00am until 5.00pm each day making cold calls. She wouldn’t let herself have a cup of coffee until she had spoken to a potential client, or lunch until she had made an appointment. Apparently, she got very thirsty and very hungry!
Her vision for the company at that stage was to gain three clients. She said:” I thought to myself that if I could just get three clients, I would be made.”
At the end of her first year trading (Sept 1992), her turnover was £340,000 and she employed 16 people. She had already met her long-term goal of gaining three contracts.
She wrote to her former boss and thanked him for making her redundant.
Today, Charlton House is one of the UK’s most successful independent contract caterers. Annual turnover currently stands at £80 million and Charlton House has 150 clients and employs 2,000 people nationwide. Clients include The Law Society, The RIBA and the UK corporate headquarters of BUPA, Sony and Network Rail.
Robyn Jones started her career in catering as a school cook. She is a Catey winner (the hospitality industry’s equivalent to an Oscar) and she was named the Credit Suisse Most Outstanding Woman in Business at the National Business Awards in 2006.
www.charltonhouse.co.uk
Are Pubcos bleeding landlords dry?
A commercial solicitor active in the pub sector says high rents imposed by Pubcos are bleeding publicans dry. These companies include Midlands based Punch Taverns and Enterprise Inns.
Key Facts:
• 24,000 of Britain’s pubs are tied to Pubcos. Even though tied landlords can buy cheaper beer - the Tied pub landlords must buy all of their beer and some other supplies from the Pubco.
• Consequently the consumer is usually paying a significantly inflated price for a pint of beer, and tied pub landlords are being forced to sell beer at a loss.
• Around 27 pubs a week - just under four a day - are closing.
Sarah Ferdinand of Ferdinand Kelly, commercial solicitors, is an adviser to the Fair Pints Campaign which is lobbying Government to investigate the effect of pub rents and beer supply ties on licensees.
Sarah explained:-
“The value of the pub companies depends on levels of rent that can be secured from licensees – hence the tendency for tenants to be bled dry by increased rents.
The hold that the pub companies have over licensees is in their control over what beer is supplied and at what price. However also at the heart of the issue for licensees are the rents they currently pay and their vulnerability to upward rent reviews. There is no doubt in my mind that many pub rents are too high. They are good for pubcos balance sheets, but the tenants are being bled dry.
I want to see:-
The forthcoming House of Commons Committee order an investigation into the pubcos effect on fair competition in the industry
Most importantly of all - a fair deal for licensees which should mean less pubs being forced to close.”
The House of Commons announced a follow-up to the 2004 Report on pubcos this Autumn.
Ferdinand Kelly are specialists in commercial and competition law. They won a landmark case against a pubco when a proposed rent increase was defeated in open court.
To contact Sarah Ferdinand go to: www.ferdinandkelly.co.uk
For more information on the Fair Pint Campaign go to www.fairpint.org.uk
(EDITOR: This is an update to a story previously carried)
Key Facts:
• 24,000 of Britain’s pubs are tied to Pubcos. Even though tied landlords can buy cheaper beer - the Tied pub landlords must buy all of their beer and some other supplies from the Pubco.
• Consequently the consumer is usually paying a significantly inflated price for a pint of beer, and tied pub landlords are being forced to sell beer at a loss.
• Around 27 pubs a week - just under four a day - are closing.
Sarah Ferdinand of Ferdinand Kelly, commercial solicitors, is an adviser to the Fair Pints Campaign which is lobbying Government to investigate the effect of pub rents and beer supply ties on licensees.
Sarah explained:-
“The value of the pub companies depends on levels of rent that can be secured from licensees – hence the tendency for tenants to be bled dry by increased rents.
The hold that the pub companies have over licensees is in their control over what beer is supplied and at what price. However also at the heart of the issue for licensees are the rents they currently pay and their vulnerability to upward rent reviews. There is no doubt in my mind that many pub rents are too high. They are good for pubcos balance sheets, but the tenants are being bled dry.
I want to see:-
The forthcoming House of Commons Committee order an investigation into the pubcos effect on fair competition in the industry
Most importantly of all - a fair deal for licensees which should mean less pubs being forced to close.”
The House of Commons announced a follow-up to the 2004 Report on pubcos this Autumn.
Ferdinand Kelly are specialists in commercial and competition law. They won a landmark case against a pubco when a proposed rent increase was defeated in open court.
To contact Sarah Ferdinand go to: www.ferdinandkelly.co.uk
For more information on the Fair Pint Campaign go to www.fairpint.org.uk
(EDITOR: This is an update to a story previously carried)
New Solar Powered Lights Keeping Cyclists and Walkers Safe When Clocks go back
Two new unique solar powered lighting products, Baglite and Anklelite, launched by Pedalite International will be protecting cyclists, commuters, horse riders and walkers when the clocks go back and helping to reduce the number of accidents which occur this time of year, when the nights draw in.
The products complement the company’s highly popular, award-winning battery-free, safety pedals Pedal Lights, which are fitted onto bikes instead of ordinary pedals and provide 360 degree, always on, lighting for cyclists, ensuring they can be seen any time day or night.
With no batteries required, these new eco-friendly products are recharged by natural sunlight or artificial light, such as ordinary lights in an office or at home.
They are ideal for cyclists, joggers, commuters looking to increase their safety this winter and Baglite in particular will appeal to parents because it ensures that children walking to and from school can be clearly seen by motorists.
Users of the products save money by not having to constantly purchase batteries, that run out at inopportune moments and also they will be protecting the environment by not adding to the millions of batteries that fill land-fills around the world every year.
Baglite is an innovative, solar powered lighting system that is worn over the shoulders and fits over any size backpack or bag, so is ideal for cyclists and for children. It uses a unique 360 degree floodlight module in order to ‘light up.' There is a single red floodlight at the back and two white floodlights at the front attached to straps that fit to the shoulder straps of a backpack.
The lights shine out from every angle so that people wearing Baglite will be seen clearly by motorists from a distance of 1km. The lights can be turned on and off and set to different modes – flashing or constant. Pedalite’s innovative technology means that, on a sunny day, users can get one hour of light out of Baglite for each hour of sunlight to which it is exposed. It retails at around £25 pounds and is available in good bike shops and other retail stores.
Anklelite is a unique solar powered ankle lighting system for cyclists, horse riders and sports people. Retailing at just £12.49, Anklelite is a weather resistant, light weight adjustable strap which fits all sizes. Designed to be worn on the ankle with or without trousers, it can also be worn on the arm and it fits securely over riding or other full length boots.
Anklelite has a 360 floodlight module which is attached to ankle strap and ensures that the lighting shines out at every angle. High visibility reflective strips on both sides of the strap are an additional feature. At only 85 grms in weight, the Anklelite provides the essential side lighting required for cyclists using clipless or cleated pedals on their bike.
3 out of every 4 accidents involving bicycles on UK roads happen at road junctions where cyclists need to be seen from the side according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of accidents. Baglite, Anklelite and the Pedalite Pedal Lights all provide essential side lighting which will help reduce accidents in the darker evenings and mornings.
Pedalite Pedal lights remain a best selling product and are unique battery-free pedal lights for bicycles that have been designed to make cyclists more visible to motorists day and night from any angle including the side.
Pedalite pedal lights also help cyclists create their own virtual cycle lane as motorists naturally give cyclists with Pedalite pedals a wider berth and distance, increasing their safety. As soon as cyclists start pedalling the Pedalite pedals uniquely harvest and store a small amount of energy from the bicycle so the lights continue to flash when the cyclist is freewheeling or has stopped at a road junction. Now used by tens of thousands of cyclists, Pedalite 360 degree pedal lights and optional toe clips can be seem on bikes in over 40 countries.
Tony Doyle, a former World Champion Cyclist says, “When the clocks go back each year there is an increase in the numbers of cycle accidents; we want to prevent that happening this year at all costs. These new clever products designed to light up cyclists and children going to school should be essential requirements because they ensure they will be seen at all times. Following the great success of the UK cyclists in the Olympics, there has been a huge increase in the number of cyclists commuting and riding for leisure. These products can protect them and enable them to enjoy the sport, free from safety worries this winter.”
Simon Theobald, Managing Director of Pedalite, “Baglite and Anklelite extend way beyond cycling, with Baglite in particular likely to prompt parents to modify their "going to School" checklist for their children to be "have you got your schoolbooks, your lunch and your Baglite?" as it is ideal for children or commuters walking as the nights draw in. They both offer practical, lightweight, stylish and environmentally friendly lighting that requires no maintenance and which could save lives. The technology breakthroughs of these products have allowed retail prices whereby Anklelite represents an "impulse buy" and that Baglite is the perfect Christmas present.”
FACT FILE:
Pedalite International design, make and sell worldwide battery free products for Safety, Health and the Environment with QUALITY built in. The Pedalite product range includes the best selling battery free 360° visibility pedal lights, toe clips, solar powered lighting for backpacks & rucksacks and solar powered ankle lights.
www.pedalite.com
The products complement the company’s highly popular, award-winning battery-free, safety pedals Pedal Lights, which are fitted onto bikes instead of ordinary pedals and provide 360 degree, always on, lighting for cyclists, ensuring they can be seen any time day or night.
With no batteries required, these new eco-friendly products are recharged by natural sunlight or artificial light, such as ordinary lights in an office or at home.
They are ideal for cyclists, joggers, commuters looking to increase their safety this winter and Baglite in particular will appeal to parents because it ensures that children walking to and from school can be clearly seen by motorists.
Users of the products save money by not having to constantly purchase batteries, that run out at inopportune moments and also they will be protecting the environment by not adding to the millions of batteries that fill land-fills around the world every year.
Baglite is an innovative, solar powered lighting system that is worn over the shoulders and fits over any size backpack or bag, so is ideal for cyclists and for children. It uses a unique 360 degree floodlight module in order to ‘light up.' There is a single red floodlight at the back and two white floodlights at the front attached to straps that fit to the shoulder straps of a backpack.
The lights shine out from every angle so that people wearing Baglite will be seen clearly by motorists from a distance of 1km. The lights can be turned on and off and set to different modes – flashing or constant. Pedalite’s innovative technology means that, on a sunny day, users can get one hour of light out of Baglite for each hour of sunlight to which it is exposed. It retails at around £25 pounds and is available in good bike shops and other retail stores.
Anklelite is a unique solar powered ankle lighting system for cyclists, horse riders and sports people. Retailing at just £12.49, Anklelite is a weather resistant, light weight adjustable strap which fits all sizes. Designed to be worn on the ankle with or without trousers, it can also be worn on the arm and it fits securely over riding or other full length boots.
Anklelite has a 360 floodlight module which is attached to ankle strap and ensures that the lighting shines out at every angle. High visibility reflective strips on both sides of the strap are an additional feature. At only 85 grms in weight, the Anklelite provides the essential side lighting required for cyclists using clipless or cleated pedals on their bike.
3 out of every 4 accidents involving bicycles on UK roads happen at road junctions where cyclists need to be seen from the side according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of accidents. Baglite, Anklelite and the Pedalite Pedal Lights all provide essential side lighting which will help reduce accidents in the darker evenings and mornings.
Pedalite Pedal lights remain a best selling product and are unique battery-free pedal lights for bicycles that have been designed to make cyclists more visible to motorists day and night from any angle including the side.
Pedalite pedal lights also help cyclists create their own virtual cycle lane as motorists naturally give cyclists with Pedalite pedals a wider berth and distance, increasing their safety. As soon as cyclists start pedalling the Pedalite pedals uniquely harvest and store a small amount of energy from the bicycle so the lights continue to flash when the cyclist is freewheeling or has stopped at a road junction. Now used by tens of thousands of cyclists, Pedalite 360 degree pedal lights and optional toe clips can be seem on bikes in over 40 countries.
Tony Doyle, a former World Champion Cyclist says, “When the clocks go back each year there is an increase in the numbers of cycle accidents; we want to prevent that happening this year at all costs. These new clever products designed to light up cyclists and children going to school should be essential requirements because they ensure they will be seen at all times. Following the great success of the UK cyclists in the Olympics, there has been a huge increase in the number of cyclists commuting and riding for leisure. These products can protect them and enable them to enjoy the sport, free from safety worries this winter.”
Simon Theobald, Managing Director of Pedalite, “Baglite and Anklelite extend way beyond cycling, with Baglite in particular likely to prompt parents to modify their "going to School" checklist for their children to be "have you got your schoolbooks, your lunch and your Baglite?" as it is ideal for children or commuters walking as the nights draw in. They both offer practical, lightweight, stylish and environmentally friendly lighting that requires no maintenance and which could save lives. The technology breakthroughs of these products have allowed retail prices whereby Anklelite represents an "impulse buy" and that Baglite is the perfect Christmas present.”
FACT FILE:
Pedalite International design, make and sell worldwide battery free products for Safety, Health and the Environment with QUALITY built in. The Pedalite product range includes the best selling battery free 360° visibility pedal lights, toe clips, solar powered lighting for backpacks & rucksacks and solar powered ankle lights.
www.pedalite.com
Property Downturn Drives WOW Estate Agent's Growth
WOW Property, the £999 fixed fee estate agent, continues to grow phenomenally despite the massive number of competitor branch closures and company restructuring.
2008 continues to see Countrywide as the largest estate agent, followed by Connells, LSL Property Services and Halifax. However during the rollercoaster year it has also been reported that Halifax has announced the closure of 53 branches, Foxtons (who was acquired in May 2007 for £390M by BC Partners) have brought in the investment bank NM Rothschild to restructure, Strutt & Parker merged with Lane Fox and the latest victim is Humberts going into administration and was subsequently acquired by a joint-venture company. Inevitably by the end of 2008, it is likely that there will be 2,000 fewer estate agency branches than there were at the beginning of the year.
Not forgetting the knock-on effect of the bank meltdown and mortgage approvals down by 95 per cent (according to the latest Council of Mortgage Lenders figures), it does not negate the fact that life goes on and the state of the economy affects people’s decision about their biggest asset - their home.
High values and quick turnarounds have long gone and there will always be homeowners who still need to move. Whether the reasons are one of the big three D’s – Debt, Divorce or Death to name just a few, the public are researching ‘value for money’ prices for many products and services including high street estate agent fees.
The estate agency industry is easily comparable to the supermarket sector where more than 40% of British shoppers have switched to cheaper brands, according to a recent report by the market research group Mintel reflecting the growing evidence that shoppers are rethinking their financial priorities.
WOW was launched over a year ago with its business model based around a market downturn. Gareth Robinson, Chief Executive Officer comments: “The recession plays into our hands as WOW offers a fixed fee, no frills, value for money service. Other estate agents are being seen recently to be piloting the flat fee of £999 but their main differentiator is to ‘pay up front with no refund’. WOW’s business principles are based on the standard model of ‘no sale, no fee’ which is proving to be a winning solution.”
“We are continuing to sell properties exceeding the current average of less than one per week and keeping our costs low means we can pass the savings to our customers. Our aim is to take in excess of 1% of the marketplace by 2010 so watch this space.”
Customers are able to contact the sales team on 0845 0000 999 or via the website www.wowproperty.co.uk for further information.
2008 continues to see Countrywide as the largest estate agent, followed by Connells, LSL Property Services and Halifax. However during the rollercoaster year it has also been reported that Halifax has announced the closure of 53 branches, Foxtons (who was acquired in May 2007 for £390M by BC Partners) have brought in the investment bank NM Rothschild to restructure, Strutt & Parker merged with Lane Fox and the latest victim is Humberts going into administration and was subsequently acquired by a joint-venture company. Inevitably by the end of 2008, it is likely that there will be 2,000 fewer estate agency branches than there were at the beginning of the year.
Not forgetting the knock-on effect of the bank meltdown and mortgage approvals down by 95 per cent (according to the latest Council of Mortgage Lenders figures), it does not negate the fact that life goes on and the state of the economy affects people’s decision about their biggest asset - their home.
High values and quick turnarounds have long gone and there will always be homeowners who still need to move. Whether the reasons are one of the big three D’s – Debt, Divorce or Death to name just a few, the public are researching ‘value for money’ prices for many products and services including high street estate agent fees.
The estate agency industry is easily comparable to the supermarket sector where more than 40% of British shoppers have switched to cheaper brands, according to a recent report by the market research group Mintel reflecting the growing evidence that shoppers are rethinking their financial priorities.
WOW was launched over a year ago with its business model based around a market downturn. Gareth Robinson, Chief Executive Officer comments: “The recession plays into our hands as WOW offers a fixed fee, no frills, value for money service. Other estate agents are being seen recently to be piloting the flat fee of £999 but their main differentiator is to ‘pay up front with no refund’. WOW’s business principles are based on the standard model of ‘no sale, no fee’ which is proving to be a winning solution.”
“We are continuing to sell properties exceeding the current average of less than one per week and keeping our costs low means we can pass the savings to our customers. Our aim is to take in excess of 1% of the marketplace by 2010 so watch this space.”
Customers are able to contact the sales team on 0845 0000 999 or via the website www.wowproperty.co.uk for further information.
Leeds based band CHICHINO add their soulful voices to the chorus supporting the Knife Crime Awareness Tour 2009/2010
2008 has proved to be a successful year for Leeds-based funksters Chichino, with numerous television and radio appearances as well as playing high profile gigs billed alongside such acts as Rose Royce, Basshunter, Richard Hawley, Corinne Bailey Rae and The Sugababes, to name but a few.Whilst 2009 is set to be another successful year for Chichino, the band is very aware of issues affecting the areas that they grew up in and still live.
Lead vocalist Narelle said, “We all grew up in areas where just a few years ago, you could feel reasonably safe, but this appears to now be a thing of the past. We just want to help spread the message that it’s not cool to carry any sort of weapon. Mistakes young people make now could have consequences for them and those around them for the rest of their lives. The statistics on violent youth crime in Britain are really shocking.
We’re honoured to be taking part in this tour and doing anything we can to show the youth audience that there are alternatives to a knife culture.”
Friday, October 24, 2008
Missing man and daughter, 9, found 'safe and well'
Humber Coastguard has this afternoon coordinated the search for a 47 year old man and his 9 year old daughter, who had been reported missing after setting off from Runswick Bay at 11am this morning.
The father and daughter, who also had a Jack Russell dog with them, set off walking in the direction of Port Mulgrave, but failed to return by the expected time of 2pm.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from Whitby, Staithes and Kettleness were called out and the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat from Staithes, along with the private inshore rescue boat from Runswick and the RAF Rescue Helicopter from Leconfield completed a search of the coastline from Sandsend up to Staithes.
The missing people were on holiday in the area, and said to know the area relatively well, often going out to enjoy the beach and investigate rock pools.
Although the persons were located safe and well, at a place known locally as Cobble Dump just to the North of Runswick Bay, they had actually become cut off by the incoming tide.
Liz Hustler, Coastguard Watch Assistant from Humber Coastguard, commented: "Whilst we want people to enjoy our beautiful Yorkshire coastline, we would always urge coastal users to check tide times. Spring tides in particular can catch people out quickly and without warning. Thankfully this gentleman and his daughter are no worse for wear".
The father and daughter, who also had a Jack Russell dog with them, set off walking in the direction of Port Mulgrave, but failed to return by the expected time of 2pm.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from Whitby, Staithes and Kettleness were called out and the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat from Staithes, along with the private inshore rescue boat from Runswick and the RAF Rescue Helicopter from Leconfield completed a search of the coastline from Sandsend up to Staithes.
The missing people were on holiday in the area, and said to know the area relatively well, often going out to enjoy the beach and investigate rock pools.
Although the persons were located safe and well, at a place known locally as Cobble Dump just to the North of Runswick Bay, they had actually become cut off by the incoming tide.
Liz Hustler, Coastguard Watch Assistant from Humber Coastguard, commented: "Whilst we want people to enjoy our beautiful Yorkshire coastline, we would always urge coastal users to check tide times. Spring tides in particular can catch people out quickly and without warning. Thankfully this gentleman and his daughter are no worse for wear".
Cara-fans’ & ‘motorcara-fans’ flock to Birmingham’s NEC
www.caravanshows.com
International Caravan & Motorhome 2008 proved it was the place to be last week for nearly 70,000 cara-fans (69,838 visitors subject to audit) as the UK’s favourite caravan and motorhome show rolled into Birmingham for its third consecutive year. With an increase in visitor numbers, the industry’s leading event continues to offer a winning formula with a wider selection of brand new models, a greater choice of accessories and terrific show deals.
Running from 14 - 19 October, International Caravan & Motorhome 2008 gave visitors the opportunity to meet representatives from almost 300 exhibiting companies, and receive essential information on what to look for when choosing new vehicle together with the best places to stay.
This year’s event offered the biggest and best choice of 2009 models for visitors to purchase and have delivered in time for the new season. It also provided an enormous accessory megastore and expert advice from dealers including Swift, Bailey and Explorer.
Launched in 2006 to meet the huge increase in demand from both visitors and exhibitors in the industry, the show has gone from strength to strength and this year moved to new halls at the NEC.
Visitors to the show voiced their support of the move to new halls with Catherine Hart from Solihull commenting; “Moving to the new halls was a great idea, the place doesn’t feel as crowded as it did last year due to the extra space and we like the way it has all been laid out. There is plenty to see and lots of temptation!”
Covering an area equivalent to five football fields the event showcased thousands of models. The walkways became ‘roads’ with many ‘roundabouts’ and ‘road signs’ strategically placed to ensure visitors found what they wanted quickly and easily. Outside, The Camping and Caravanning Club offered visitors the chance to take to the highways and byways of Birmingham towing a caravan with an expert instructor beside them.
One of the main attractions this year was iconic star Patrick Duffy from 1980’s hit show Dallas. He officially opened the show and unveiled The Caravan Club’s concept Airstream van, the Ecostream, possibly the most eco friendly caravan ever built. Designed and created by ex Top Gear presenter Steve Berry and cinematographer Tighe Grainger the Ecostream proved to be a hit with cara-fans keen on learning how to lower their carbon footprint whilst on the road.
This year’s show offered something for everyone – from the enthusiast to the novice, the traditionalist to the uber-cool, all ‘cara-fans’ were catered for, with models that suited every taste and budget.
Sam North, Show Director commented: "The show was a great success. Our attendance figures for the week are just shy of 70,000, which is an increase on last years audited figures. Feedback from exhibitors is that they met not only keen caravanners & motorhomers but also lots of young families looking for an affordable holiday option."
The dates for International Caravan & Mortorhome 2009 are already booked and the show will return to the NEC for the fourth year from 13 – 18 October, proving that caravanning and motorhoming is here to stay as growing and popular holiday of choice.
However, visitors who didn’t make the NEC show can rest easy as The Caravan & Motorhome Show 2009, Manchester Central, formally G-Mex, is just around the corner. Running from 22 – 25 January the Manchester show will be packed with super deals and a huge accessories hall containing everything needed for a holiday on the road.
International Caravan & Motorhome 2008 proved it was the place to be last week for nearly 70,000 cara-fans (69,838 visitors subject to audit) as the UK’s favourite caravan and motorhome show rolled into Birmingham for its third consecutive year. With an increase in visitor numbers, the industry’s leading event continues to offer a winning formula with a wider selection of brand new models, a greater choice of accessories and terrific show deals.
Running from 14 - 19 October, International Caravan & Motorhome 2008 gave visitors the opportunity to meet representatives from almost 300 exhibiting companies, and receive essential information on what to look for when choosing new vehicle together with the best places to stay.
This year’s event offered the biggest and best choice of 2009 models for visitors to purchase and have delivered in time for the new season. It also provided an enormous accessory megastore and expert advice from dealers including Swift, Bailey and Explorer.
Launched in 2006 to meet the huge increase in demand from both visitors and exhibitors in the industry, the show has gone from strength to strength and this year moved to new halls at the NEC.
Visitors to the show voiced their support of the move to new halls with Catherine Hart from Solihull commenting; “Moving to the new halls was a great idea, the place doesn’t feel as crowded as it did last year due to the extra space and we like the way it has all been laid out. There is plenty to see and lots of temptation!”
Covering an area equivalent to five football fields the event showcased thousands of models. The walkways became ‘roads’ with many ‘roundabouts’ and ‘road signs’ strategically placed to ensure visitors found what they wanted quickly and easily. Outside, The Camping and Caravanning Club offered visitors the chance to take to the highways and byways of Birmingham towing a caravan with an expert instructor beside them.
One of the main attractions this year was iconic star Patrick Duffy from 1980’s hit show Dallas. He officially opened the show and unveiled The Caravan Club’s concept Airstream van, the Ecostream, possibly the most eco friendly caravan ever built. Designed and created by ex Top Gear presenter Steve Berry and cinematographer Tighe Grainger the Ecostream proved to be a hit with cara-fans keen on learning how to lower their carbon footprint whilst on the road.
This year’s show offered something for everyone – from the enthusiast to the novice, the traditionalist to the uber-cool, all ‘cara-fans’ were catered for, with models that suited every taste and budget.
Sam North, Show Director commented: "The show was a great success. Our attendance figures for the week are just shy of 70,000, which is an increase on last years audited figures. Feedback from exhibitors is that they met not only keen caravanners & motorhomers but also lots of young families looking for an affordable holiday option."
The dates for International Caravan & Mortorhome 2009 are already booked and the show will return to the NEC for the fourth year from 13 – 18 October, proving that caravanning and motorhoming is here to stay as growing and popular holiday of choice.
However, visitors who didn’t make the NEC show can rest easy as The Caravan & Motorhome Show 2009, Manchester Central, formally G-Mex, is just around the corner. Running from 22 – 25 January the Manchester show will be packed with super deals and a huge accessories hall containing everything needed for a holiday on the road.
ABD Welcomes Swindon Decision To Scrap Speed Cameras
Last night Swindon Borough Council decided to scrap fixed speed cameras in the town.
ABD spokesman Nigel Humphries explains why the decision is a welcome one and urges other councils to follow: "The ABD are not entirely opposed to the use of speed cameras where the speed limit has been set by scientific principles and there is a genuine accident blackspot that cannot be engineered out where the accidents can be shown to be caused by sober, licensed drivers exceeding the speed limit.
"Unfortunately there is hardly a camera in the country that conforms to these criteria. Instead, cameras have been used as a first resort where there have been a few more accidents than usual over a few years, often not caused by excesses of the speed limit. Then, accidents being a random affair, great claims have been made for success when the accident level naturally reverts to normal."
Swindon council say that funds will instead be invested in other safety measures.
Humphries continues: "We welcome the investment in other road safety measures, education in particular. For all too long there has been a concentration on adherence to numerical speeds as the be all and end all of road safety.
"Yes, speed at inappropriate levels can and does kill but the relatively few accidents that occur caused by speed are invariably where the driver has failed to observe road conditions and adjusted his or her speed to suit. This can only be solved by education.
"The phrase 'Always drive at a speed where you can safely stop in the distance you can guarantee to be clear' is vital yet rarely heard. Many speed related accidents involve stolen cars, unlicenced drivers and drunk or drugged drivers travelling way above the limit (the government won't say how many but one only needs to look at the reports).
"Here, of course, education will not work but speed cameras don`t affect these drivers either!"
Walsall council are also reported to be reconsidering their speed camera policy. The ABD hopes that the decision in Swindon will be the first of many.
ABD spokesman Nigel Humphries explains why the decision is a welcome one and urges other councils to follow: "The ABD are not entirely opposed to the use of speed cameras where the speed limit has been set by scientific principles and there is a genuine accident blackspot that cannot be engineered out where the accidents can be shown to be caused by sober, licensed drivers exceeding the speed limit.
"Unfortunately there is hardly a camera in the country that conforms to these criteria. Instead, cameras have been used as a first resort where there have been a few more accidents than usual over a few years, often not caused by excesses of the speed limit. Then, accidents being a random affair, great claims have been made for success when the accident level naturally reverts to normal."
Swindon council say that funds will instead be invested in other safety measures.
Humphries continues: "We welcome the investment in other road safety measures, education in particular. For all too long there has been a concentration on adherence to numerical speeds as the be all and end all of road safety.
"Yes, speed at inappropriate levels can and does kill but the relatively few accidents that occur caused by speed are invariably where the driver has failed to observe road conditions and adjusted his or her speed to suit. This can only be solved by education.
"The phrase 'Always drive at a speed where you can safely stop in the distance you can guarantee to be clear' is vital yet rarely heard. Many speed related accidents involve stolen cars, unlicenced drivers and drunk or drugged drivers travelling way above the limit (the government won't say how many but one only needs to look at the reports).
"Here, of course, education will not work but speed cameras don`t affect these drivers either!"
Walsall council are also reported to be reconsidering their speed camera policy. The ABD hopes that the decision in Swindon will be the first of many.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Former military man hits out at doorstep sellers
A former solider is going to war against unwanted door-to-door salesmen with the launch of a national scheme (www.ukdoorstepchoice.org.uk) to outlaw unsolicited callers to the home.
For years furious householders across the country have complained about the scourge of unwanted callers, which are considered at best a nuisance and at worst an opportunity to exploit vulnerable and elderly people.
Newspapers across the country have been filled with horror stories of people driven to the brink by high-pressurised door-step selling, while many others have been conned out of their life savings by rogue callers.
The growing wave of complaints from the public has led to recent changes in the law governing doorstep selling but now millions of UK householders can join a new national membership scheme launched today to say NO to door-to-door callers.
UK Doorstep Choice (www.ukdoorstepchoice.org.uk) has been set up in response to the massive 95 per cent of householders who are fed up with unsolicited callers at the door.
Prompted by mounting unrest among householders, the Trading Standards Institute, who revealed the scale of the problem in a massive national survey, called for a ban on doorstep cold-calling selling.
Members of the newly launched UK Doorstep Choice (UKDC) get the backing of a national organisation who will provide approved door signs for the home warning callers not to knock. They also have access to a manned hotline to report unwanted sales calls at their home.
The man behind UKDC (www.ukdoorstepchoice.org.uk)is ex-soldier Paul Gibbon, 42, originally from Houghton-le-Spring and now living in Sacriston, County Durham, who freely admits to being a self-confessed poacher turned gamekeeper. After retiring through injury from the forces Paul began a career in sales.
It was while selling charity magazine subscriptions door-to-door that he saw high pressure sales techniques being used by others on vulnerable people.
Paul said: “I was talking to one customer while next door an energy sales person was giving an elderly lady a really hard time. I intervened and after seeing the look of fear on the woman’s face realised that action needed to be taken.
“It was something of a moment of epiphany, I suppose. From there I set up a very successful trial version of the full-scale UKDC that is launching today nationally. Companies must respect a person’s right to privacy in their home if they request it. We are now here to help householders defend that right and urge anyone, company or organisation, to respect the UKDC signage that will be appearing on front doors across the country.
“If a cold caller repeatedly knocks on a property after been requested not to they are on very rocky ground. We will help our members report and complain against any heavy handed activity or people who ignore the signage, which is a clear request not to call!”
Demand for the service has already been proved during a successful trial in the North East, which attracted around 3,000 members and the door signage was recognised by the likes of energy company Scottish and Southern and Norwich Union.
Sales companies and organisations could face civil action under harassment laws where it is proved they have called at a home after they have been requested not to. UKDC represents the first stage in taking these complaints forward on behalf of householders.
Following the successful trial the service is now launching nationally with annual membership of the scheme costing £5 – that’s just over a penny a day. Plans are in place to make donations from any future cash surpluses to a charitable trust of which the board of trustees will make donations. In view of UKDC founder Paul Gibbon’s military past, the first designated charity will be the Help for Heroes campaign which aids wounded service men and women.
As part of the annual fee UKDC also plans to negotiate favourable deals for lower tariff fuel, household goods and services on behalf its members.
Paul Gibbon added: “We represent the buffer between the door-to-door callers and the public. Many people in society are simply too polite or too nervous to turn away people at the door which research tells us they clearly do not want!
“With a downturn in the economy we expect the problem of door-to-door selling activity to get worse as more resource is put into direct selling.
“Now, for the first time, UKDC offers householders the chance to have their right to privacy within their home respected.”
Last year, government advice service Consumer Direct received more than 50,000 complaints from consumers about goods and services bought from doorstep sellers. Also the Local Government Association surveyed councils and found that 51 out of 57 local authorities reported that peddlers were a problem in their area.
Research and reports from Age Concern, National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, the Office for Fair Trading, the DTi, Trading Standards Institute, the EEC and Ofgem clearly demonstrate the need for action. For years Citizens Advice and Trading Standards have stated that a nationally recognised preference service for the door would be a “good idea for consumers” but until now no such service has existed.
Anyone wanting to find out more or join the service can go to www.ukdoorstepchoice.org.uk or call 0845 094 3069.
For years furious householders across the country have complained about the scourge of unwanted callers, which are considered at best a nuisance and at worst an opportunity to exploit vulnerable and elderly people.
Newspapers across the country have been filled with horror stories of people driven to the brink by high-pressurised door-step selling, while many others have been conned out of their life savings by rogue callers.
The growing wave of complaints from the public has led to recent changes in the law governing doorstep selling but now millions of UK householders can join a new national membership scheme launched today to say NO to door-to-door callers.
UK Doorstep Choice (www.ukdoorstepchoice.org.uk) has been set up in response to the massive 95 per cent of householders who are fed up with unsolicited callers at the door.
Prompted by mounting unrest among householders, the Trading Standards Institute, who revealed the scale of the problem in a massive national survey, called for a ban on doorstep cold-calling selling.
Members of the newly launched UK Doorstep Choice (UKDC) get the backing of a national organisation who will provide approved door signs for the home warning callers not to knock. They also have access to a manned hotline to report unwanted sales calls at their home.
The man behind UKDC (www.ukdoorstepchoice.org.uk)is ex-soldier Paul Gibbon, 42, originally from Houghton-le-Spring and now living in Sacriston, County Durham, who freely admits to being a self-confessed poacher turned gamekeeper. After retiring through injury from the forces Paul began a career in sales.
It was while selling charity magazine subscriptions door-to-door that he saw high pressure sales techniques being used by others on vulnerable people.
Paul said: “I was talking to one customer while next door an energy sales person was giving an elderly lady a really hard time. I intervened and after seeing the look of fear on the woman’s face realised that action needed to be taken.
“It was something of a moment of epiphany, I suppose. From there I set up a very successful trial version of the full-scale UKDC that is launching today nationally. Companies must respect a person’s right to privacy in their home if they request it. We are now here to help householders defend that right and urge anyone, company or organisation, to respect the UKDC signage that will be appearing on front doors across the country.
“If a cold caller repeatedly knocks on a property after been requested not to they are on very rocky ground. We will help our members report and complain against any heavy handed activity or people who ignore the signage, which is a clear request not to call!”
Demand for the service has already been proved during a successful trial in the North East, which attracted around 3,000 members and the door signage was recognised by the likes of energy company Scottish and Southern and Norwich Union.
Sales companies and organisations could face civil action under harassment laws where it is proved they have called at a home after they have been requested not to. UKDC represents the first stage in taking these complaints forward on behalf of householders.
Following the successful trial the service is now launching nationally with annual membership of the scheme costing £5 – that’s just over a penny a day. Plans are in place to make donations from any future cash surpluses to a charitable trust of which the board of trustees will make donations. In view of UKDC founder Paul Gibbon’s military past, the first designated charity will be the Help for Heroes campaign which aids wounded service men and women.
As part of the annual fee UKDC also plans to negotiate favourable deals for lower tariff fuel, household goods and services on behalf its members.
Paul Gibbon added: “We represent the buffer between the door-to-door callers and the public. Many people in society are simply too polite or too nervous to turn away people at the door which research tells us they clearly do not want!
“With a downturn in the economy we expect the problem of door-to-door selling activity to get worse as more resource is put into direct selling.
“Now, for the first time, UKDC offers householders the chance to have their right to privacy within their home respected.”
Last year, government advice service Consumer Direct received more than 50,000 complaints from consumers about goods and services bought from doorstep sellers. Also the Local Government Association surveyed councils and found that 51 out of 57 local authorities reported that peddlers were a problem in their area.
Research and reports from Age Concern, National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, the Office for Fair Trading, the DTi, Trading Standards Institute, the EEC and Ofgem clearly demonstrate the need for action. For years Citizens Advice and Trading Standards have stated that a nationally recognised preference service for the door would be a “good idea for consumers” but until now no such service has existed.
Anyone wanting to find out more or join the service can go to www.ukdoorstepchoice.org.uk or call 0845 094 3069.
Reasons to be tearful? Why holidays are cancelled
Customer statistics from the UK’s fastest growing online independent travel agent show that the number one reason for cancellation of holidays is due to relationship break-ups.
Research involving more than 2000 holiday-makers by the fastest growing online independent travel agent has found that a relationship split is the number one reason people cancel their holidays.
This happens to many more people than others may instantly realise, given that 12% of couples that book a romantic break do not end up so much as boarding the plane together.
It is estimated that £96million* is wasted on non-refundable deposits in the UK every year, with reasons for cancelling a holiday including separation, family bereavement and illness and even the death of a pet. Nearly 2.1% of holidays booked in the UK are eventually cancelled according to the travel agents.
Over a third of people that split from their partner before their holiday end up changing the name on the booking to include a friend, ensuring they don’t go it alone, according to the research.
In the poll of 2,364 holiday-makers by www.sunshine.co.uk, the number one reason given for cancelling holidays in the past was separation/divorce. The full top 10 is below:
1. Separation/divorce
2. Illness/injury
3. Finances
4. Family bereavement
5. Extreme weather
6. Phobias
7. War in country/Foreign office warning
8. Unforeseen work commitments
9. No longer wished to go
10. Death of a pet
sunshine.co.uk is also warning that the problem may only get worse, as high street holiday companies continue to encourage holiday makers to book well in advance in order to get better deals, thus increasing the chances of changes needing to be made to the booking that some companies will then charge for, to make a greater profit.
Chris Clarkson, Marketing Director of sunshine.co.uk said,
“We were looking at ways we could improve our customer service by trying to understand the reasons behind cancellations, and were shocked to see that a large number of people have to cancel their holiday due to breaking up with their partner.
“Going on holiday with a partner is a big step for many couples; but one that unfortunately for many never transpires.”
*Abta estimation – 46 million UK holidays 2007-2008, sunshine.co.uk average deposit estimate £100 per holiday, 2.1% of holidays cancelled = £96million (estimate)
Research involving more than 2000 holiday-makers by the fastest growing online independent travel agent has found that a relationship split is the number one reason people cancel their holidays.
This happens to many more people than others may instantly realise, given that 12% of couples that book a romantic break do not end up so much as boarding the plane together.
It is estimated that £96million* is wasted on non-refundable deposits in the UK every year, with reasons for cancelling a holiday including separation, family bereavement and illness and even the death of a pet. Nearly 2.1% of holidays booked in the UK are eventually cancelled according to the travel agents.
Over a third of people that split from their partner before their holiday end up changing the name on the booking to include a friend, ensuring they don’t go it alone, according to the research.
In the poll of 2,364 holiday-makers by www.sunshine.co.uk, the number one reason given for cancelling holidays in the past was separation/divorce. The full top 10 is below:
1. Separation/divorce
2. Illness/injury
3. Finances
4. Family bereavement
5. Extreme weather
6. Phobias
7. War in country/Foreign office warning
8. Unforeseen work commitments
9. No longer wished to go
10. Death of a pet
sunshine.co.uk is also warning that the problem may only get worse, as high street holiday companies continue to encourage holiday makers to book well in advance in order to get better deals, thus increasing the chances of changes needing to be made to the booking that some companies will then charge for, to make a greater profit.
Chris Clarkson, Marketing Director of sunshine.co.uk said,
“We were looking at ways we could improve our customer service by trying to understand the reasons behind cancellations, and were shocked to see that a large number of people have to cancel their holiday due to breaking up with their partner.
“Going on holiday with a partner is a big step for many couples; but one that unfortunately for many never transpires.”
*Abta estimation – 46 million UK holidays 2007-2008, sunshine.co.uk average deposit estimate £100 per holiday, 2.1% of holidays cancelled = £96million (estimate)
ECommute Smart Week starts on Sunday October 26
It will focus, against a background of economic turmoil, on the major benefits to business and employees of smarter working and commuting.
Starting the day after the clocks go back, the week will also highlight a number of ways of avoiding the misery of travelling to and from work in the dark.
Trying alternative ways of commuting, such as cycling or walking, can also help reduce congestion and public transport overcrowding, and at the same time significantly improve health and wellbeing.
Smarter working practices, such as working from home and staggering work starting and finishing times, can help reduce the number of journeys or avoid peak travel congestion.
The knock-on effect of reducing overall traffic congestion and public transport overcrowding by extending the rush hour and reducing peak demand through smarter working and commuting will make the daily journey to work more bearable for those workers who have no choice when and how to travel.
National Commute Smart Week this year will have five themes, one for each weekday:
• Flexible working and travel plans
• Walking (get off a stop or station early and walk)
• Cycling (why spend hours in the gym?)
• Health benefits of smarter working and commuting
• Road congestion and road safety (including car sharing)
Smarter working and commuting may also help mitigate the significant increase in deaths and injuries that occur on our roads during the winter.
A number of spokespersons will be available from Work Wise UK and from organisations which successfully practise smarter working, both national and regional.
Work Wise UK will be publishing a series of tips and guidance on working smarter, which will be circulated to the media and uploaded on the Work Wise website prior to National Commute Smart Week.
Further information will be issued the week before but if you have any advance requests, please contact the press office below.
Further details about Work Wise UK can be found on the website (www.workwiseuk.org).
Starting the day after the clocks go back, the week will also highlight a number of ways of avoiding the misery of travelling to and from work in the dark.
Trying alternative ways of commuting, such as cycling or walking, can also help reduce congestion and public transport overcrowding, and at the same time significantly improve health and wellbeing.
Smarter working practices, such as working from home and staggering work starting and finishing times, can help reduce the number of journeys or avoid peak travel congestion.
The knock-on effect of reducing overall traffic congestion and public transport overcrowding by extending the rush hour and reducing peak demand through smarter working and commuting will make the daily journey to work more bearable for those workers who have no choice when and how to travel.
National Commute Smart Week this year will have five themes, one for each weekday:
• Flexible working and travel plans
• Walking (get off a stop or station early and walk)
• Cycling (why spend hours in the gym?)
• Health benefits of smarter working and commuting
• Road congestion and road safety (including car sharing)
Smarter working and commuting may also help mitigate the significant increase in deaths and injuries that occur on our roads during the winter.
A number of spokespersons will be available from Work Wise UK and from organisations which successfully practise smarter working, both national and regional.
Work Wise UK will be publishing a series of tips and guidance on working smarter, which will be circulated to the media and uploaded on the Work Wise website prior to National Commute Smart Week.
Further information will be issued the week before but if you have any advance requests, please contact the press office below.
Further details about Work Wise UK can be found on the website (www.workwiseuk.org).
Field Fisher Waterhouse recovers compensation for man left with brain injuries after fall
Law firm Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has recovered compensation from Homes for Haringey Ltd on behalf of Kyle Bullock, a 33 year old from South London, who suffered severe brain damage following a serious fall on a poorly maintained road.
It was the Claimant’s case that Kyle was walking with friends in North London one evening in July 2007, when they called for him to catch them up. Kyle then broke into a gentle jog and tripped in a deep pothole in Lightfoot Road. He stumbled and lost balance, falling heavily and rolling down the steep hill striking his head on the edge of a second pothole. It was subsequently apparent that the road was in a poor state with multiple pot holes present.
Kyle was taken to Whittington Hospital and was later transferred to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. He suffered severe traumatic brain injury; with damage to the frontal lobes and multiple skull fractures requiring surgery and changes to his personality leading to the breakdown of his relationship and inability to work. Kyle has since been through rehabilitation but still requires help and assistance.
Jill Greenfield, partner in the Personal Injury Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, represented Kyle and brought a claim against Homes for Haringey Ltd, a subsidiary of Haringey Council, which was set up in 2006 to manage Haringey’s council housing and was responsible for the maintenance of the road. While the Defence admitted the road was poorly maintained, they refused to admit that it was the road surface that caused the accident. A trial was due to take place in November 2008.
After negotiations the organisation accepted the majority of responsibility, 72.5%. Kyle has received an initial £75,000 interim payment but expects to receive a substantial award once the claim has been fully quantified.
Amanda Bailey his litigation friend and ex partner said, “Kyle’s accident left him with serious brain damage and changed our lives forever. This money is there to assist Kyle with his financial and rehabilitation needs. Money can never bring back what he has lost but it will allow Kyle to live as good a life as possible, getting access to therapy in Australia and helping him to build his life.”
Jill Greenfield, personal injury partner at Field Fisher Waterhouse said, “My client was simply returning home after a night out with friends when he fell and suffered brain damage. My initial inspection of this road made it clear to me that it was poorly maintained, with deep potholes. It was our case that a pot hole had caused the fall.
"The road should never have been left in this state and I felt Kyle had a strong case. The compromise represents the fact that Kyle could be seen to be partially at fault and the fact that the Defence was disputing the fact that the poorly maintained road was the cause of the accident. I am pleased that we have been able to recover compensation for Kyle so that he is able to join his family in Australia and begin to rebuild his life.”
It was the Claimant’s case that Kyle was walking with friends in North London one evening in July 2007, when they called for him to catch them up. Kyle then broke into a gentle jog and tripped in a deep pothole in Lightfoot Road. He stumbled and lost balance, falling heavily and rolling down the steep hill striking his head on the edge of a second pothole. It was subsequently apparent that the road was in a poor state with multiple pot holes present.
Kyle was taken to Whittington Hospital and was later transferred to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. He suffered severe traumatic brain injury; with damage to the frontal lobes and multiple skull fractures requiring surgery and changes to his personality leading to the breakdown of his relationship and inability to work. Kyle has since been through rehabilitation but still requires help and assistance.
Jill Greenfield, partner in the Personal Injury Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, represented Kyle and brought a claim against Homes for Haringey Ltd, a subsidiary of Haringey Council, which was set up in 2006 to manage Haringey’s council housing and was responsible for the maintenance of the road. While the Defence admitted the road was poorly maintained, they refused to admit that it was the road surface that caused the accident. A trial was due to take place in November 2008.
After negotiations the organisation accepted the majority of responsibility, 72.5%. Kyle has received an initial £75,000 interim payment but expects to receive a substantial award once the claim has been fully quantified.
Amanda Bailey his litigation friend and ex partner said, “Kyle’s accident left him with serious brain damage and changed our lives forever. This money is there to assist Kyle with his financial and rehabilitation needs. Money can never bring back what he has lost but it will allow Kyle to live as good a life as possible, getting access to therapy in Australia and helping him to build his life.”
Jill Greenfield, personal injury partner at Field Fisher Waterhouse said, “My client was simply returning home after a night out with friends when he fell and suffered brain damage. My initial inspection of this road made it clear to me that it was poorly maintained, with deep potholes. It was our case that a pot hole had caused the fall.
"The road should never have been left in this state and I felt Kyle had a strong case. The compromise represents the fact that Kyle could be seen to be partially at fault and the fact that the Defence was disputing the fact that the poorly maintained road was the cause of the accident. I am pleased that we have been able to recover compensation for Kyle so that he is able to join his family in Australia and begin to rebuild his life.”
FSA bans Lancashire broker for failing to insure consumers
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has banned Lancashire broker Neil McKay after finding that he cancelled contracts of insurance without customers’ knowledge or approval and failed to pass premium payments taken from customers on to other intermediaries or insurers as required.
The FSA also found that Mr McKay of Ideal Insurance Services Ltd (Ideal), Chorley failed to disclose in his application to be an approved person that he had been convicted in 1996 of eight counts of obtaining property by deception and sentenced to eight months imprisonment.
Jonathan Phelan, head of retail enforcement at the FSA, said: "The FSA will not tolerate insurance brokers who put customers at risk by failing to ensure their clients have appropriate cover. Taking client premiums and then failing to arrange insurance, and cancelling contracts of insurance without customers' knowledge or approval are unacceptable practices as is lack of frankness about a person’s past history when applying for FSA approval. We will take enforcement action to stop any behaviour that leads to consumer detriment."
The failings at Ideal were identified during a visit by the FSA in April 2008 after which the firm’s permission was suspended. Mr McKay has been banned from any financial services functions as he is not a fit and proper person in terms of his honesty and integrity. The FSA has also cancelled Ideal’s permission with effect from today.
The FSA also found that Mr McKay of Ideal Insurance Services Ltd (Ideal), Chorley failed to disclose in his application to be an approved person that he had been convicted in 1996 of eight counts of obtaining property by deception and sentenced to eight months imprisonment.
Jonathan Phelan, head of retail enforcement at the FSA, said: "The FSA will not tolerate insurance brokers who put customers at risk by failing to ensure their clients have appropriate cover. Taking client premiums and then failing to arrange insurance, and cancelling contracts of insurance without customers' knowledge or approval are unacceptable practices as is lack of frankness about a person’s past history when applying for FSA approval. We will take enforcement action to stop any behaviour that leads to consumer detriment."
The failings at Ideal were identified during a visit by the FSA in April 2008 after which the firm’s permission was suspended. Mr McKay has been banned from any financial services functions as he is not a fit and proper person in terms of his honesty and integrity. The FSA has also cancelled Ideal’s permission with effect from today.
Job advisers in children's centres to help parents into work
A new pilot aimed at helping the parents of children in poverty get into work, was launched in ten Local Authorities today. Parents will have access to Jobcentre Plus personal advisers in Children's Centres to help them access work focussed services. The pilot which will run in 30 children's centres from January 2009, was announced today by ministers, Kitty Ussher, Beverley Hughes and Stephen Timms.
As well as testing the impact of putting a full time Jobcentre Plus Personal Adviser into children's centres across ten Local Authorities, the pilot will also test what other support may help parents move into employment. The pilot will complement the existing initiative of providing tax credits advice through Children's Centres, which is being expanded following a successful pilot earlier in the year.
Child Poverty Minister Kitty Ussher said: "The Government remains committed to eradicating child poverty and around 600,000 children have been lifted out of relative poverty since 1997 with measures including the introduction of the national minimum wage. There are also 50,000 free childcare places are available to help unemployed parents whilst they are training to return to work.
"Work for parents who can, remains the best route out of poverty and we are committed to supporting them to find work, stay in work and progress so that they can build a sustainable future for their families. Making Jobcentres Plus services more accessible will give parents a further helping hand to achieve this goal."
Children's Minister Beverley Hughes said: "This Government has done much to help lift children and their families out of poverty, and today's announcement shows that we remain fully committed to tackling child poverty through support for families, carers and lone parents to get into work."
"We have introduced almost 3,000 Sure Start Children's Centres across the country. They are a key mechanism for improving outcomes for young children by reducing inequalities, supporting families who need help and giving parents access to a wide range of services. The Jobcentre Plus advisers are an invaluable addition to the Children's Centres existing offer."
Stephen Timms said: "In Budget 2008 the Government invested £ 125 million into pilots to test new ways to tackle child poverty. The Government understands how important it is to ensure that parents can access support and advice in the most appropriate setting. Having Jobcentre Plus staff available in children' s centres is just one of the ideas we are working on.
"HMRC has piloted new services in Children's Centres to give advice to parents on how to make the most of the support which tax credits provide. This will be rolled out further in the coming months and will include working with Jobcentre Plus. Tackling child poverty is in everybody' s interests and it needs to be everybody' s business; it is only through working in partnership that child poverty can be eradicated."
The ten Local Authorities chosen to test the impact of placing Jobcentre Plus services in children's centres are: Westminster, Lambeth, Nottingham City, Southampton, Sandwell, Redcar and Cleveland, Somerset, Blackpool, Kingston Upon Hull and Ealing.
As well as testing the impact of putting a full time Jobcentre Plus Personal Adviser into children's centres across ten Local Authorities, the pilot will also test what other support may help parents move into employment. The pilot will complement the existing initiative of providing tax credits advice through Children's Centres, which is being expanded following a successful pilot earlier in the year.
Child Poverty Minister Kitty Ussher said: "The Government remains committed to eradicating child poverty and around 600,000 children have been lifted out of relative poverty since 1997 with measures including the introduction of the national minimum wage. There are also 50,000 free childcare places are available to help unemployed parents whilst they are training to return to work.
"Work for parents who can, remains the best route out of poverty and we are committed to supporting them to find work, stay in work and progress so that they can build a sustainable future for their families. Making Jobcentres Plus services more accessible will give parents a further helping hand to achieve this goal."
Children's Minister Beverley Hughes said: "This Government has done much to help lift children and their families out of poverty, and today's announcement shows that we remain fully committed to tackling child poverty through support for families, carers and lone parents to get into work."
"We have introduced almost 3,000 Sure Start Children's Centres across the country. They are a key mechanism for improving outcomes for young children by reducing inequalities, supporting families who need help and giving parents access to a wide range of services. The Jobcentre Plus advisers are an invaluable addition to the Children's Centres existing offer."
Stephen Timms said: "In Budget 2008 the Government invested £ 125 million into pilots to test new ways to tackle child poverty. The Government understands how important it is to ensure that parents can access support and advice in the most appropriate setting. Having Jobcentre Plus staff available in children' s centres is just one of the ideas we are working on.
"HMRC has piloted new services in Children's Centres to give advice to parents on how to make the most of the support which tax credits provide. This will be rolled out further in the coming months and will include working with Jobcentre Plus. Tackling child poverty is in everybody' s interests and it needs to be everybody' s business; it is only through working in partnership that child poverty can be eradicated."
The ten Local Authorities chosen to test the impact of placing Jobcentre Plus services in children's centres are: Westminster, Lambeth, Nottingham City, Southampton, Sandwell, Redcar and Cleveland, Somerset, Blackpool, Kingston Upon Hull and Ealing.
The North Face Women’s Mammatus Jacket
Not to be outdone, women get their own, custom-fit, Women’s Mammatus Jacket, new for Autumn 2008. Constructed with the same Gore-Tex® Pro Shell fabric as the men’s version, the Women’s Mammatus is engineered for the most demanding outdoor athletes tackling epic mountain expeditions.Waterproof and windproof, yet remarkably breathable, the hard shell boasts a Performance fit, specifically tailored to female proportions and offered in two colors, Molten Red and Kiwi Green. The fully-adjustable hood accommodates a helmet, and the waist and hem cinchcords make hauling a pack, well…a cinch.
RRP: £325
Web: www.thenorthface.com/eu
Stockist: +44 (0)1539 738882
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Publicans? Are you being bled dry? Help is at hand
A commercial solicitor active in the pub sector says high rents imposed by Pubcos are bleeding publicans dry. These companies include Midlands based Punch Taverns, Mitchells & Butlers and Enterprise Inns.Key Facts:
• 24,000 of Britain’s pubs are tied to Pubcos. Even though tied landlords can buy cheaper beer - the Tied pub landlords must buy all of their beer and some other supplies from the Pubco.
• Consequently the consumer is usually paying a significantly inflated price for a pint of beer, and tied pub landlords are being forced to sell beer at a loss.
• Around 27 pubs a week - just under four a day - are closing.
Sarah Ferdinand of Ferdinand Kelly, commercial solicitors, is an adviser to the Fair Pints Campaign which is lobbying Government to investigate the effect of pub rents and beer supply ties on licensees.
Sarah explained:-
“The value of the pub companies depends on levels of rent that can be secured from licensees – hence the tendency for tenants to be bled dry by increased rents.
The hold that the pub companies have over licensees is in their control over what beer is supplied and at what price. However also at the heart of the issue for licensees are the rents they currently pay and their vulnerability to upward rent reviews. There is no doubt in my mind that many pub rents are too high. They are good for pubcos balance sheets, but the tenants are being bled dry.
I want to see:-
The forthcoming House of Commons Committee order an investigation into the pubcos effect on fair competition in the industry
Most importantly of all - a fair deal for licensees which should mean less pubs being forced to close.”
The House of Commons announced a follow-up to the 2004 Report on pubcos this Autumn.
Ferdinand Kelly are specialists in commercial and competition law. They won a landmark case against a pubco when a proposed rent increase was defeated in open court.
To contact Sarah Ferdinand go to: www.ferdinandkelly.co.uk.
For more information on the Fair Pint Campaign go to www.fairpint.org.uk
Background Information on previous cases taken up by Ferdinand Kelly:
"A publican in Bristol renewed a 5-year lease. Old rent - £20,000 per annum; his Landlord was asking for renewal rent of £24,000; we got him a reduction to £16,000, with no rent reviews over the new 5-year term. His saving for the 5 years - £40,000."
"A pub/club in London renewed a 5-year lease. Old rent was £62k; his Landlord was asking £82k in the new lease; we got him £46.5k over 5 years with no reviews. His saving over 5 years - £177.5k."
The honeybee crisis: paradoxical findings deepen the CCD mystery
Vita urges beekeepers to become more proactive to prevent bee deaths
Beekeeping practices must change to ensure that honeybees survive and thrive, says Dr Max Watkins of Vita (Europe) Ltd, the honeybee health specialist, following one of the worst honey harvests in the UK and Northern Europe for many years. Although poor weather conditions may have badly affected the harvest an array of unexplained research findings indicates a more sinister and long-term challenge.
In recent decades, beekeeping has had to change radically to cope with the arrival of the varroa mite, a honeybee parasite. Minimalist or reactive management is no longer enough. Now with the threat of CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder) and other unexplained colony deaths, beekeepers must now become more vigilant and pro-active and use emerging pre-emptive bio-technologies from trusted sources to avert beekeeping catastrophe.
“Although the bad weather has had a significant impact on reducing this year’s UK honey harvest by something in the order of 30-50%, something more complex is afoot,” said Dr Max Watkins, Technical Director at Vita (Europe) Ltd. “I have never before seen so many paradoxical research findings and anecdotal reports in beekeeping.
“Although I firmly believe that varroa is at the core of the problem, the developing interplay of other factors while unsettling for beekeepers, is fascinating yet perplexing for researchers. The answers can only come from a thorough scientific approach. Investigations are underway across the globe and many suspects and accomplices are under suspicion – viruses once of little consequence are now becoming more prominent killers, but a clear pattern is elusive. One novel line of enquiry in Israel is focusing on “gene silencing” in an attempt to suppress the expression of bee viruses in the honeybee genome.
“Controlling varroa is now merely the first – and still absolutely essential – line of defence. Other action is also now necessary to keep colonies healthy. As a honeybee health company we are investing heavily in researching new bio-technologies and treatments. Already we have introduced two Vita Feeds to boost honeybee immune systems and all-round health, and we are now developing several new potential products which we expect will become vital weapons in the beekeeper’s armoury. One strand of our R&D is focusing on new alternative anti-varroa treatments and another is looking at ways of inhibiting microbes which are implicated in the death of colonies.”
The array of strange recent findings, many of them aired at the recent international conference of the Society of Invertebrate Pathology at the University of Warwick, UK, organised by Rothamsted IACR and sponsored by Vita, include:
Heavy bee losses are not new. They have been recorded several times during the history of beekeeping in the USA and Europe, with some symptoms similar to those attributed to what is currently termed Colony Collapse Disorder. Denis van Engelsdorp, Pennsylvania State Apiarist, USA recounted such experiences in American beekeeping history. Mike Brown of the National Bee Unit, UK, has also pointed out previously that largely unexplained heavy bee losses have occurred at intervals throughout Europe in the past. It may be that what is now termed Colony Collapse Disorder is not new at all, but is a variant of a recurring syndrome.
Viruses are implicated in CCD, but no single one has been identified as being “the cause”. Colonies with CCD apparently present with multiple viral infection, usually with four or more viruses: commonly Deformed Wing Virus (DMV), Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV), Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV), and Acute Paralysis Virus (APV) out of a total of 18 viruses discovered widely in US honeybee colony samples.
Varroa and nosema are also implicated in CCD and varroa saliva is now known to destabilise the immune system of honeybees. Dr Diana Cox-Foster of Penn State University, USA discussed this briefly in relation to the impact of viruses and other secondary infections where the bee’s immune system is already compromised.
Viruses can be found in almost all hive contents – and even in pollen on plants – before it enters the hive. Other pollinators, including wasps and bumble bees, have also been discovered to be infected with IAPV and DWV.
Viruses don't always debilitate: infection can be covert – Dr Elke Genersh of the Institut for Bee Research, Hohen Neuendorf, Germany showed that it depends on the threshold and the presence of infected varroa.
Research by Dr Ilan Sela of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem concentrated on detecting viral RNA incorporated into the honeybee genome. Honeybee colonies with IAPV-specific dsRNA within their genes triple their honey production and grow in size. Bees fed with IAPV specific dsRNA have a longer lifespan and are protected against some other viruses. However, bees infected with live IAPV alone are rapidly killed, falling to the floor with spasms and paralytic seizures. Several stress factors can trigger the expression of the virus when it is incorporated into the honeybee genome; the main trigger is believed to be parasitisation by varroa, but nutritional and environmental stresses can all contribute.
There appears to be some repellent in hives after CCD episodes – in the following few weeks the usual expected invasions by pests and scavengers do not occur. When colonies collapse they are usually soon robbed out by wasps or infested by wax moths, beetles etc, but this does not happen for some time, suggesting there is a repellent factor in these dead and dying colonies. Researchers in the USA are trying to determine what is causing the repellency.
In CCD colonies, some pollen was quarantined or entombed behind wax cappings suggesting that the bees were putting this food beyond use. All such pollen was reported to be contaminated with chlorthalonil fungicide.
In CCD colonies unexpectedly high residues from varroa treatments, notably coumaphos, have been found in many hives in the US – indicating over-dosing and misuse of illegal treatments. All beekeepers want to keep their bees alive. While it is understandable that desperate measures are sometimes taken, with any available [and cheap] treatment being applied, the indiscriminate use of non-regulated substances and products can have a devastating and long-term effect on bee health.
FACT FILE:
Vita (Europe) Ltd is a mite control and honeybee health specialist based in the UK and operating across the globe. Vita researches, develops, manufactures and markets acaricide products and is the world's dominant supplier of honeybee health products to the honey and pollination industries.
In the development of new and ecologically-sensitive approaches to mite pest control, Vita collaborates with universities including Cardiff, Milan, Udine and institutes including the Tierhygienisches Institut (Institute of Animal Health) in Freiburg, Germany, the UK Central Science Laboratory and the USDA in America. Vita's innovative research and development work has received support from the UK Government.
Vita’s products are available through a network of 60 distributors in 50 countries and have been registered by more than 60 veterinary authorities. Its product range includes anti-varroa acaricides (Apistan (outside the USA/Canada) and Apiguard), chalkbrood and wax moth controls, and foulbrood diagnostic kits) and two health-promoting feeds. All the control products are designed as elements of Integrated Pest Management programmes to inhibit the build-up of resistance and wherever possible use natural compounds and biological controls that are benign to all but the target pests.
As a result of its primary research of natural control agents, Vita is currently engaged in new projects exploring mite control in the agricultural, veterinary, and horticultural industries as well as public health and human allergen control.
Beekeeping practices must change to ensure that honeybees survive and thrive, says Dr Max Watkins of Vita (Europe) Ltd, the honeybee health specialist, following one of the worst honey harvests in the UK and Northern Europe for many years. Although poor weather conditions may have badly affected the harvest an array of unexplained research findings indicates a more sinister and long-term challenge.
In recent decades, beekeeping has had to change radically to cope with the arrival of the varroa mite, a honeybee parasite. Minimalist or reactive management is no longer enough. Now with the threat of CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder) and other unexplained colony deaths, beekeepers must now become more vigilant and pro-active and use emerging pre-emptive bio-technologies from trusted sources to avert beekeeping catastrophe.
“Although the bad weather has had a significant impact on reducing this year’s UK honey harvest by something in the order of 30-50%, something more complex is afoot,” said Dr Max Watkins, Technical Director at Vita (Europe) Ltd. “I have never before seen so many paradoxical research findings and anecdotal reports in beekeeping.
“Although I firmly believe that varroa is at the core of the problem, the developing interplay of other factors while unsettling for beekeepers, is fascinating yet perplexing for researchers. The answers can only come from a thorough scientific approach. Investigations are underway across the globe and many suspects and accomplices are under suspicion – viruses once of little consequence are now becoming more prominent killers, but a clear pattern is elusive. One novel line of enquiry in Israel is focusing on “gene silencing” in an attempt to suppress the expression of bee viruses in the honeybee genome.
“Controlling varroa is now merely the first – and still absolutely essential – line of defence. Other action is also now necessary to keep colonies healthy. As a honeybee health company we are investing heavily in researching new bio-technologies and treatments. Already we have introduced two Vita Feeds to boost honeybee immune systems and all-round health, and we are now developing several new potential products which we expect will become vital weapons in the beekeeper’s armoury. One strand of our R&D is focusing on new alternative anti-varroa treatments and another is looking at ways of inhibiting microbes which are implicated in the death of colonies.”
The array of strange recent findings, many of them aired at the recent international conference of the Society of Invertebrate Pathology at the University of Warwick, UK, organised by Rothamsted IACR and sponsored by Vita, include:
Heavy bee losses are not new. They have been recorded several times during the history of beekeeping in the USA and Europe, with some symptoms similar to those attributed to what is currently termed Colony Collapse Disorder. Denis van Engelsdorp, Pennsylvania State Apiarist, USA recounted such experiences in American beekeeping history. Mike Brown of the National Bee Unit, UK, has also pointed out previously that largely unexplained heavy bee losses have occurred at intervals throughout Europe in the past. It may be that what is now termed Colony Collapse Disorder is not new at all, but is a variant of a recurring syndrome.
Viruses are implicated in CCD, but no single one has been identified as being “the cause”. Colonies with CCD apparently present with multiple viral infection, usually with four or more viruses: commonly Deformed Wing Virus (DMV), Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV), Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV), and Acute Paralysis Virus (APV) out of a total of 18 viruses discovered widely in US honeybee colony samples.
Varroa and nosema are also implicated in CCD and varroa saliva is now known to destabilise the immune system of honeybees. Dr Diana Cox-Foster of Penn State University, USA discussed this briefly in relation to the impact of viruses and other secondary infections where the bee’s immune system is already compromised.
Viruses can be found in almost all hive contents – and even in pollen on plants – before it enters the hive. Other pollinators, including wasps and bumble bees, have also been discovered to be infected with IAPV and DWV.
Viruses don't always debilitate: infection can be covert – Dr Elke Genersh of the Institut for Bee Research, Hohen Neuendorf, Germany showed that it depends on the threshold and the presence of infected varroa.
Research by Dr Ilan Sela of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem concentrated on detecting viral RNA incorporated into the honeybee genome. Honeybee colonies with IAPV-specific dsRNA within their genes triple their honey production and grow in size. Bees fed with IAPV specific dsRNA have a longer lifespan and are protected against some other viruses. However, bees infected with live IAPV alone are rapidly killed, falling to the floor with spasms and paralytic seizures. Several stress factors can trigger the expression of the virus when it is incorporated into the honeybee genome; the main trigger is believed to be parasitisation by varroa, but nutritional and environmental stresses can all contribute.
There appears to be some repellent in hives after CCD episodes – in the following few weeks the usual expected invasions by pests and scavengers do not occur. When colonies collapse they are usually soon robbed out by wasps or infested by wax moths, beetles etc, but this does not happen for some time, suggesting there is a repellent factor in these dead and dying colonies. Researchers in the USA are trying to determine what is causing the repellency.
In CCD colonies, some pollen was quarantined or entombed behind wax cappings suggesting that the bees were putting this food beyond use. All such pollen was reported to be contaminated with chlorthalonil fungicide.
In CCD colonies unexpectedly high residues from varroa treatments, notably coumaphos, have been found in many hives in the US – indicating over-dosing and misuse of illegal treatments. All beekeepers want to keep their bees alive. While it is understandable that desperate measures are sometimes taken, with any available [and cheap] treatment being applied, the indiscriminate use of non-regulated substances and products can have a devastating and long-term effect on bee health.
FACT FILE:
Vita (Europe) Ltd is a mite control and honeybee health specialist based in the UK and operating across the globe. Vita researches, develops, manufactures and markets acaricide products and is the world's dominant supplier of honeybee health products to the honey and pollination industries.
In the development of new and ecologically-sensitive approaches to mite pest control, Vita collaborates with universities including Cardiff, Milan, Udine and institutes including the Tierhygienisches Institut (Institute of Animal Health) in Freiburg, Germany, the UK Central Science Laboratory and the USDA in America. Vita's innovative research and development work has received support from the UK Government.
Vita’s products are available through a network of 60 distributors in 50 countries and have been registered by more than 60 veterinary authorities. Its product range includes anti-varroa acaricides (Apistan (outside the USA/Canada) and Apiguard), chalkbrood and wax moth controls, and foulbrood diagnostic kits) and two health-promoting feeds. All the control products are designed as elements of Integrated Pest Management programmes to inhibit the build-up of resistance and wherever possible use natural compounds and biological controls that are benign to all but the target pests.
As a result of its primary research of natural control agents, Vita is currently engaged in new projects exploring mite control in the agricultural, veterinary, and horticultural industries as well as public health and human allergen control.
Computeractive’s free guide provides help in plain English
In the run up to Christmas many of us will be purchasing gifts from online retailers. Many of these online shops don’t play by the rules, however – and when this happens it can be hard to know what to do.
Computeractive magazine is giving away a free two-page guide to consumer rights as part of its Fair & Square campaign. This gives shoppers all the advice they need to demand fair treatment, presented in plain English.
The free guide will also help shoppers to avoid common mistakes made at Christmas, such as buyers putting presents away without inspecting them and so abandoning their legal rights.
“Putting a gift away until Christmas morning, rather than inspecting it when it arrives, abandons your right to return it under the Distance Selling Regulations. It’s vital to check what has been delivered so that you have time to return it if necessary,” said Computeractive Editor Paul Allen.
The free guide can be downloaded from: www.computeractive.co.uk/fair
Computeractive surveyed 3,500 people for the Fair & Square campaign and found that many online shops are breaking the law and getting away with it as buyers aren’t aware of their legal rights. In particular:
• 55% of consumers have been told that they need to return faulty goods to the manufacturer. This is incorrect – the shop is responsible for helping them.
• One in six of those polled have been charged an entirely fraudulent “restocking” or “administration” fee
• 54% of those polled said they do not understand their rights when shopping online
The Computeractive Fair & Square campaign has discovered that many online retailers ignore laws such as the Distance Selling Regulations. Some charge illegal “restocking fees,” while others refuse to accept goods returned within the seven working day* window set out by law.
The Fair & Square campaign has already scored one notable success. After it highlighted an illegal clause in the terms and conditions of computer giant Apple’s UK online store, the company acted swiftly to change its policy*.
“Online shopping can be great value, but some websites don’t act within the laws set up to protect consumers. We hope that our guide will give shoppers the confidence to demand fair treatment,” said Paul Allen
www.computeractive.co.uk/fair
*The Distance Selling regulations require that customers must notify the retailer that they wish to return the goods in question within seven working days from the day after the goods arrive. They are not obliged to actually return the goods in this period.
Computeractive magazine is giving away a free two-page guide to consumer rights as part of its Fair & Square campaign. This gives shoppers all the advice they need to demand fair treatment, presented in plain English.
The free guide will also help shoppers to avoid common mistakes made at Christmas, such as buyers putting presents away without inspecting them and so abandoning their legal rights.
“Putting a gift away until Christmas morning, rather than inspecting it when it arrives, abandons your right to return it under the Distance Selling Regulations. It’s vital to check what has been delivered so that you have time to return it if necessary,” said Computeractive Editor Paul Allen.
The free guide can be downloaded from: www.computeractive.co.uk/fair
Computeractive surveyed 3,500 people for the Fair & Square campaign and found that many online shops are breaking the law and getting away with it as buyers aren’t aware of their legal rights. In particular:
• 55% of consumers have been told that they need to return faulty goods to the manufacturer. This is incorrect – the shop is responsible for helping them.
• One in six of those polled have been charged an entirely fraudulent “restocking” or “administration” fee
• 54% of those polled said they do not understand their rights when shopping online
The Computeractive Fair & Square campaign has discovered that many online retailers ignore laws such as the Distance Selling Regulations. Some charge illegal “restocking fees,” while others refuse to accept goods returned within the seven working day* window set out by law.
The Fair & Square campaign has already scored one notable success. After it highlighted an illegal clause in the terms and conditions of computer giant Apple’s UK online store, the company acted swiftly to change its policy*.
“Online shopping can be great value, but some websites don’t act within the laws set up to protect consumers. We hope that our guide will give shoppers the confidence to demand fair treatment,” said Paul Allen
www.computeractive.co.uk/fair
*The Distance Selling regulations require that customers must notify the retailer that they wish to return the goods in question within seven working days from the day after the goods arrive. They are not obliged to actually return the goods in this period.
Week to focus on commuting revolution
Commute Smart Week starts on Sunday October 26. It will focus, against a background of economic turmoil, on the major benefits to business and employees of smarter working and commuting.
Starting the day after the clocks go back, the week will also highlight a number of ways of avoiding the misery of travelling to and from work in the dark.
Trying alternative ways of commuting, such as cycling or walking, can also help reduce congestion and public transport overcrowding, and at the same time significantly improve health and wellbeing.
Smarter working practices, such as working from home and staggering work starting and finishing times, can help reduce the number of journeys or avoid peak travel congestion.
The knock-on effect of reducing overall traffic congestion and public transport overcrowding by extending the rush hour and reducing peak demand through smarter working and commuting will make the daily journey to work more bearable for those workers who have no choice when and how to travel.
National Commute Smart Week this year will have five themes, one for each weekday:
· Flexible working and travel plans
· Walking (get off a stop or station early and walk)
· Cycling (why spend hours in the gym?)
· Health benefits of smarter working and commuting
· Road congestion and road safety (including car sharing)
Smarter working and commuting may also help mitigate the significant increase in deaths and injuries that occur on our roads during the winter.
A number of spokespersons will be available from Work Wise UK and from organisations which successfully practise smarter working, both national and regional.
Work Wise UK will be publishing a series of tips and guidance on working smarter, which will be circulated to the media and uploaded on the Work Wise website prior to National Commute Smart Week.
Further information will be issued the week before but if you have any advance requests, please contact the press office below.
Further details about Work Wise UK can be found on the website (www.workwiseuk.org).
Starting the day after the clocks go back, the week will also highlight a number of ways of avoiding the misery of travelling to and from work in the dark.
Trying alternative ways of commuting, such as cycling or walking, can also help reduce congestion and public transport overcrowding, and at the same time significantly improve health and wellbeing.
Smarter working practices, such as working from home and staggering work starting and finishing times, can help reduce the number of journeys or avoid peak travel congestion.
The knock-on effect of reducing overall traffic congestion and public transport overcrowding by extending the rush hour and reducing peak demand through smarter working and commuting will make the daily journey to work more bearable for those workers who have no choice when and how to travel.
National Commute Smart Week this year will have five themes, one for each weekday:
· Flexible working and travel plans
· Walking (get off a stop or station early and walk)
· Cycling (why spend hours in the gym?)
· Health benefits of smarter working and commuting
· Road congestion and road safety (including car sharing)
Smarter working and commuting may also help mitigate the significant increase in deaths and injuries that occur on our roads during the winter.
A number of spokespersons will be available from Work Wise UK and from organisations which successfully practise smarter working, both national and regional.
Work Wise UK will be publishing a series of tips and guidance on working smarter, which will be circulated to the media and uploaded on the Work Wise website prior to National Commute Smart Week.
Further information will be issued the week before but if you have any advance requests, please contact the press office below.
Further details about Work Wise UK can be found on the website (www.workwiseuk.org).
Coastguard emergency towing vessel takes Russian timber carrier under tow
Early this morning the Captain of the Russian general cargo vessel 'Mekahnik Semakov' reported problems to Stornoway Coastguard that he had difficulties with their engines and in particular their fuel oil. At the time a sister ship the 'Mekhanik Kraskovksi' was standing by.
The 'Mekahnik Semakov' which is carrying timber was drifting at the time, and the crew reported they needed an hour to fix their engine. The vessel was around 2.6 miles offshore from the Isle of Skye at the time. The vessel was being constantly monitored from the Coastguard Centre on the Isle of Lewis on their automatic identification system (AIS) which reported the vessel drifting north eastwards at a rate of 0.3 knots.
The Coastguard Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) ' Anglian Prince ' was sent to stand by the vessel whilst repairs were undertaken.
The weather in the area was good at the time but increased winds were forecast as the day progressed.
However by 9.30 this morning, the problem had not been resolved and the vessel's owners was asked to ensure it had tug assistance as the Coastguard was concerned at its rate and direction of drift and the projected increase in wind rate.
As no tugs were in the immediate vicinity it was decided that the `Anglian Prince' should undertake the tow and bring the 'Mekahnik Semakov' to a safe anchorage at Broad Bay, Isle of Lewis.
By 12.30 pm the line was attached, and the ETV began to tow the vessel out of harms way to Broad Bay.
Jim Dickson, Counter Pollution and Salvage Officer for the MCA said: "The MCA uses ocean going tugs such as the `Anglian Prince' and which are stationed in the Minch for just such a set of circumstances. The 'Mekahnik Semakov' represented a threat to the coastline and environment this morning, particularly as the repairs had not been effected as the day progressed, and our concern was the increased rate of drift of the vessel once forecast increased winds arrived.
"We then took the decision that our ETV would take the vessel to a place of safety. The tow is continuing and likely to bring the 'Mekahnik Semakov' to Broad Bay later tonight for full repairs to be carried out."
The 'Mekahnik Semakov' which is carrying timber was drifting at the time, and the crew reported they needed an hour to fix their engine. The vessel was around 2.6 miles offshore from the Isle of Skye at the time. The vessel was being constantly monitored from the Coastguard Centre on the Isle of Lewis on their automatic identification system (AIS) which reported the vessel drifting north eastwards at a rate of 0.3 knots.
The Coastguard Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) ' Anglian Prince ' was sent to stand by the vessel whilst repairs were undertaken.
The weather in the area was good at the time but increased winds were forecast as the day progressed.
However by 9.30 this morning, the problem had not been resolved and the vessel's owners was asked to ensure it had tug assistance as the Coastguard was concerned at its rate and direction of drift and the projected increase in wind rate.
As no tugs were in the immediate vicinity it was decided that the `Anglian Prince' should undertake the tow and bring the 'Mekahnik Semakov' to a safe anchorage at Broad Bay, Isle of Lewis.
By 12.30 pm the line was attached, and the ETV began to tow the vessel out of harms way to Broad Bay.
Jim Dickson, Counter Pollution and Salvage Officer for the MCA said: "The MCA uses ocean going tugs such as the `Anglian Prince' and which are stationed in the Minch for just such a set of circumstances. The 'Mekahnik Semakov' represented a threat to the coastline and environment this morning, particularly as the repairs had not been effected as the day progressed, and our concern was the increased rate of drift of the vessel once forecast increased winds arrived.
"We then took the decision that our ETV would take the vessel to a place of safety. The tow is continuing and likely to bring the 'Mekahnik Semakov' to Broad Bay later tonight for full repairs to be carried out."
Dream, dream, dreaming. Are you working in your dream job?
Or are you facing the reality that living the dream is harder than expected?
Research from fish4jobs (www.fish4jobs.co.uk) can confirm that despite most Brits not working in their dream job (86%), we are actually quite content with our lot. Most of those interviewed said that they wouldn’t retrain to get their dream job (57%).
The survey asked people what their dream jobs were when they were growing up. 22% wanted to become famous (actor / singer / TV Presenter), 24% wanted to be professional sports people and intriguingly only 10% wanted to work in the police force, which must be bucking the trend from previous generations when it was considered one of the best professions. Some slightly wacky dream jobs included a fighter pilot (1%), scientist (6%) and astronaut (6%). None of our respondents wanted to work in an office when they were growing up and teaching did not seem to inspire us either.
Out of those surveyed, 25% studied further to improve their chances of landing their dream job, with 4% still in training and 3% having given up the dream despite training for it. Strangely 9% said they never had a dream job whilst growing up!
Joe Slavin, CEO www.fish4jobs.co.uk comments “It’s really interesting to see the transition from our childhood dreams to adult reality. Many kids grow up wanting to be in glamorous careers but the reality is that it is very difficult to get that dream job when there is so much competition out there. People end up quitting college and their dreams to pursue something different and often more stable”
He continues “This doesn’t mean that we are encouraging people to not have a dream but if you want to make it on TV or in the music industry or in fact want to be an astronaut you really need to be at the top of your league. Our advice is to work really hard at school, go to college to get the right qualifications, and make sure that you take as many opportunities that come your way regarding work experience”.
The survey also revealed some of the regrets people had about their time at school – for example 20% wished they had concentrated harder, with 23% regretting that they had not taken better careers advice and 22% wishing they had gone to University or college.
At fish4jobs we have a tips site (http://www.fish4tips.co.uk/jobs/) which helps jobseekers and recruiters alike. Our top 5 tips for people searching for their dream are:
- Research your career choices carefully – speak to careers advisors, colleges, universities and make sure that your A-levels and further education qualifications will be suitable for your career choice.
- Make sure you stand out in the crowd – try to get work experience relevant to your dream job. Be prepared to do this for free, with the knowledge that you are gaining experience not necessarily a salary.
- Plan carefully – be aware of the risks and be realistic in competitive markets. Have a plan B just in case you do not get the grades you need, or find it difficult to get onto the first step of the ladder.
- Keep up to date with industry news so that you sound informed when you go on interviews either at college or at the workplace.
- Don’t give up. It may take years to get to where you want to be but it will be worth it in the long run. Be prepared to take on other work whilst pursuing your dreams so you can pay your bills.
The most frequently searched jobs for the month of September on the fish4jobs site in descending order were:
Office Administrator / Receptionist, Driver, Cleaner, Sales Assistant, Chef, Secretary, Engineer, Accountant, Teacher, Carpenter, Nurse and Warehouse Operator.
Interestingly near the bottom of the searches for the same month were jobs in the Police Force, Acting profession and theatre. The Air Force received 3 searches, Astronaut 1 search and Fighter Pilot 1 search!
Research from fish4jobs (www.fish4jobs.co.uk) can confirm that despite most Brits not working in their dream job (86%), we are actually quite content with our lot. Most of those interviewed said that they wouldn’t retrain to get their dream job (57%).
The survey asked people what their dream jobs were when they were growing up. 22% wanted to become famous (actor / singer / TV Presenter), 24% wanted to be professional sports people and intriguingly only 10% wanted to work in the police force, which must be bucking the trend from previous generations when it was considered one of the best professions. Some slightly wacky dream jobs included a fighter pilot (1%), scientist (6%) and astronaut (6%). None of our respondents wanted to work in an office when they were growing up and teaching did not seem to inspire us either.
Out of those surveyed, 25% studied further to improve their chances of landing their dream job, with 4% still in training and 3% having given up the dream despite training for it. Strangely 9% said they never had a dream job whilst growing up!
Joe Slavin, CEO www.fish4jobs.co.uk comments “It’s really interesting to see the transition from our childhood dreams to adult reality. Many kids grow up wanting to be in glamorous careers but the reality is that it is very difficult to get that dream job when there is so much competition out there. People end up quitting college and their dreams to pursue something different and often more stable”
He continues “This doesn’t mean that we are encouraging people to not have a dream but if you want to make it on TV or in the music industry or in fact want to be an astronaut you really need to be at the top of your league. Our advice is to work really hard at school, go to college to get the right qualifications, and make sure that you take as many opportunities that come your way regarding work experience”.
The survey also revealed some of the regrets people had about their time at school – for example 20% wished they had concentrated harder, with 23% regretting that they had not taken better careers advice and 22% wishing they had gone to University or college.
At fish4jobs we have a tips site (http://www.fish4tips.co.uk/jobs/) which helps jobseekers and recruiters alike. Our top 5 tips for people searching for their dream are:
- Research your career choices carefully – speak to careers advisors, colleges, universities and make sure that your A-levels and further education qualifications will be suitable for your career choice.
- Make sure you stand out in the crowd – try to get work experience relevant to your dream job. Be prepared to do this for free, with the knowledge that you are gaining experience not necessarily a salary.
- Plan carefully – be aware of the risks and be realistic in competitive markets. Have a plan B just in case you do not get the grades you need, or find it difficult to get onto the first step of the ladder.
- Keep up to date with industry news so that you sound informed when you go on interviews either at college or at the workplace.
- Don’t give up. It may take years to get to where you want to be but it will be worth it in the long run. Be prepared to take on other work whilst pursuing your dreams so you can pay your bills.
The most frequently searched jobs for the month of September on the fish4jobs site in descending order were:
Office Administrator / Receptionist, Driver, Cleaner, Sales Assistant, Chef, Secretary, Engineer, Accountant, Teacher, Carpenter, Nurse and Warehouse Operator.
Interestingly near the bottom of the searches for the same month were jobs in the Police Force, Acting profession and theatre. The Air Force received 3 searches, Astronaut 1 search and Fighter Pilot 1 search!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Could You Sell Your Home and Rent It Back With 999 Homebuyers?
If you are reluctant to sell your home but are finding finances increasingly pinched, a sale and rent back option from the home buying emergency service, 999 Homebuyers may be the answer. An antidote to the credit crunch, selling your home and renting it back is becoming increasingly popular with homeowners unable to meet the rising cost of their mortgage repayments and other monetary demands.
Under a sale and leaseback agreement, you sell your home to a company such as 999 Homebuyers. Once the sale is complete you lease back your home at a preferential rate, meaning no one ever need know about your financial struggles. Under the agreement, 999 Homebuyers also offer tenants the option to buy back their home within a set period of time at the market rate.
Lisa Fox, 999 Homebuyers spokeswoman said, “Selling and renting back a property is on the up with thousands of homeowners electing to do just that in 2007. The service offers a quick and hassle free sale so is most popular with those who need easy access to the cash tied up in their home or those facing monetary problems and unable to raise finances any other way.”
With a sale and rent back deal, 999 Homebuyers take all of the stress out a house sale, arranging everything from independent surveys to tenancy agreements at no cost. A typical sale takes around 3-4 weeks to complete. The rental agreement sets a fair monthly rental often at a price lower than the going market rate complete with a friendly, professional landlord service.
To find out more about 999 Homebuyers and their sale and rent back service as well as advice on repossession and property investment, log on to www.999Homebuyers.com
Under a sale and leaseback agreement, you sell your home to a company such as 999 Homebuyers. Once the sale is complete you lease back your home at a preferential rate, meaning no one ever need know about your financial struggles. Under the agreement, 999 Homebuyers also offer tenants the option to buy back their home within a set period of time at the market rate.
Lisa Fox, 999 Homebuyers spokeswoman said, “Selling and renting back a property is on the up with thousands of homeowners electing to do just that in 2007. The service offers a quick and hassle free sale so is most popular with those who need easy access to the cash tied up in their home or those facing monetary problems and unable to raise finances any other way.”
With a sale and rent back deal, 999 Homebuyers take all of the stress out a house sale, arranging everything from independent surveys to tenancy agreements at no cost. A typical sale takes around 3-4 weeks to complete. The rental agreement sets a fair monthly rental often at a price lower than the going market rate complete with a friendly, professional landlord service.
To find out more about 999 Homebuyers and their sale and rent back service as well as advice on repossession and property investment, log on to www.999Homebuyers.com
Charity Trek over Kilimanjaro Sponsored by Optical Express
Mother of two, Yasmeen Ali (35) packed her walking boots and travelled to Tanzania on Friday to complete a 9-day charity trek over the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Kilimanjaro – thanks to Optical Express.
Yasmeen decided to embark on this charity challenge after the successful completion of her Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) eye surgery with Optical Express in June this year. Inspired by her determination, Optical Express has provided Yasmeen with the £2000 sponsorship money she needs in order to undertake this challenge.
Yasmeen, who is the managing director of a health & safety consultancy in Scotland, is very active in the fundraising community. Having already completed the Inverness half and Edinburgh marathons earlier this year in aid of Kidney Research UK, Yasmeen will now embark on her biggest challenge to date, Kilimanjaro.
Before Yasmeen signed up to the 9 day expedition she dropped into her local Optical Express Clinic. “I didn’t want to be fumbling around with glasses or contact lenses while trying to trek over Kilimanjaro,” Yasmeen explained, “So I decided to take the plunge and have Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) eye surgery. The Aberdeen staff at Optical Express were fantastic and really helpful throughout the whole process.”
Shortly after her Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) treatment in June, Yasmeen applied for the Kilimanjaro challenge in order to continue raising money for her charity of choice, Kidney Research UK. “I’d left it quite late to apply,” said Yasmeen, “there were only a few places left on the expedition and I still needed to raise an initial £3000 in sponsorship money.”
Having raised £1K by herself in a week, Yasmeen still had to raise £2K in two weeks, or she would not have enough funds to participate in the charity trek.
“During my post treatment check-up, I told Fiona, the Laser eye treatment consultant, about my goal to raise funds to climb Kilimanjaro for charity,” Yasmeen explained, “I was absolutely delighted when Optical Express offered to sponsor me for the remaining £2K.”
“I now have perfect vision and I am about to embark on my biggest charity challenge yet and it’s all thanks to Optical Express.”
Liz McGuinness from Kidney Research UK said, “If anyone could raise that much sponsorship money in such a small amount of time, it’s Yasmeen. Her fund raising activities for Kidney Research UK over the last few years have been relentless. She is an inspiration to us all.”
Yasmeen decided to embark on this charity challenge after the successful completion of her Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) eye surgery with Optical Express in June this year. Inspired by her determination, Optical Express has provided Yasmeen with the £2000 sponsorship money she needs in order to undertake this challenge.
Yasmeen, who is the managing director of a health & safety consultancy in Scotland, is very active in the fundraising community. Having already completed the Inverness half and Edinburgh marathons earlier this year in aid of Kidney Research UK, Yasmeen will now embark on her biggest challenge to date, Kilimanjaro.
Before Yasmeen signed up to the 9 day expedition she dropped into her local Optical Express Clinic. “I didn’t want to be fumbling around with glasses or contact lenses while trying to trek over Kilimanjaro,” Yasmeen explained, “So I decided to take the plunge and have Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) eye surgery. The Aberdeen staff at Optical Express were fantastic and really helpful throughout the whole process.”
Shortly after her Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) treatment in June, Yasmeen applied for the Kilimanjaro challenge in order to continue raising money for her charity of choice, Kidney Research UK. “I’d left it quite late to apply,” said Yasmeen, “there were only a few places left on the expedition and I still needed to raise an initial £3000 in sponsorship money.”
Having raised £1K by herself in a week, Yasmeen still had to raise £2K in two weeks, or she would not have enough funds to participate in the charity trek.
“During my post treatment check-up, I told Fiona, the Laser eye treatment consultant, about my goal to raise funds to climb Kilimanjaro for charity,” Yasmeen explained, “I was absolutely delighted when Optical Express offered to sponsor me for the remaining £2K.”
“I now have perfect vision and I am about to embark on my biggest charity challenge yet and it’s all thanks to Optical Express.”
Liz McGuinness from Kidney Research UK said, “If anyone could raise that much sponsorship money in such a small amount of time, it’s Yasmeen. Her fund raising activities for Kidney Research UK over the last few years have been relentless. She is an inspiration to us all.”
A Cry from the Wilderness
Grandparents are being ignored in their heartfelt cry to be able to protect their grandchildren in real danger of becoming victims of drug and alcohol abuse. Thousands of children are living in homes rife with neglect and abuse because of this problem.
Think of the children who suffer abuse and neglect and are denied the joy of warmth and comfort of their grandparents that you experienced when you were a child. These children do not have that magic feeling of knowing that their grandparents are there for them, they need to be there to make sure that children are fed, clothed, and have a stable environment.
Why grandparents? Grandparents, if you had them, are the adults you could turn to and tell them your little secrets. They had the time to spend playing while mum and dad were working and who taught you to bake or make models. Who took you to Disneyland or places like that if they could afford it and gave you everlasting happy memories. With the exception of mum and dad who gave the best presents at birthdays and Christmas. Your grandparents!
Addicts are people who must have drugs or alcohol and are usually not totally responsible for their actions. Drugs and alcohol have a very deep rooted effect on people and eventually take over people’s lives and the need for them super cedes everything else. They are mind bending and very controlling and that is why children fall victim to the people who use them. This is where there is a need for grandparents to protect children and help the family that are affected by this horrible affliction.
*The law in this country does not give grandparents the right to protect children in these circumstances. In fact an addict can obtain a court order very easily to make sure that grandparents cannot help the children in these circumstances and who better is in a better position to help with their special love for their grandchildren than grandparents.*
The law must be changed to allow this life saving contact. So please inform your member of parliament to raise this question in parliament and help put a full stop to the abuse and neglect of these poor children.
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Think of the children who suffer abuse and neglect and are denied the joy of warmth and comfort of their grandparents that you experienced when you were a child. These children do not have that magic feeling of knowing that their grandparents are there for them, they need to be there to make sure that children are fed, clothed, and have a stable environment.
Why grandparents? Grandparents, if you had them, are the adults you could turn to and tell them your little secrets. They had the time to spend playing while mum and dad were working and who taught you to bake or make models. Who took you to Disneyland or places like that if they could afford it and gave you everlasting happy memories. With the exception of mum and dad who gave the best presents at birthdays and Christmas. Your grandparents!
Addicts are people who must have drugs or alcohol and are usually not totally responsible for their actions. Drugs and alcohol have a very deep rooted effect on people and eventually take over people’s lives and the need for them super cedes everything else. They are mind bending and very controlling and that is why children fall victim to the people who use them. This is where there is a need for grandparents to protect children and help the family that are affected by this horrible affliction.
*The law in this country does not give grandparents the right to protect children in these circumstances. In fact an addict can obtain a court order very easily to make sure that grandparents cannot help the children in these circumstances and who better is in a better position to help with their special love for their grandchildren than grandparents.*
The law must be changed to allow this life saving contact. So please inform your member of parliament to raise this question in parliament and help put a full stop to the abuse and neglect of these poor children.
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
iProfile.org warns job hunters to secure their CVs to protect against identity theft
As thousands flood onto the jobs market, a controlled experiment by iProfile.org shows people are exposing themselves to identity theft risk
Job hunters are being warned to secure their CVs after experts showed how freely people share their resumes with strangers, effectively handing over all the information criminals need to steal their identity.
In a controlled experiment, supported by the Metropolitan Police and the Information Assurance Advisory Council (IAAC), iProfile.org placed a job advert for a fictional company in a national newspaper, inviting people to apply by emailing their CV. The advert was run during the National Identity Fraud Prevention week. Anyone carrying out a simple web search for the company – ‘Denis Atlas’, an anagram of ‘steal an id’ - would have found a website telling them the company was fake. In just one week, 107 CVs were received in response to the job advert. iProfile enlisted the help of reformed identity thief, Bob Turney, to analyse the CVs and discovered that the vast majority contained enough information for an identity theft to occur.
Rick Bacon, CEO of iProfile, said: “With tens of thousands of people flooding onto the job market every week, the threat of CV identity theft should be at the forefront of peoples’ minds. Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the UK and sending your CV without first checking out where it’s going or masking your personal details is akin to giving an ID fraudster your life history on a plate. We were shocked to find that 68% of people sent their CV into our fake job advert without doing any background checks first.”
Reformed identity theft criminal, Bob Turney, said: “Whilst many people now routinely shred things like bank statements and utility bills, they still seem happy to send their CVs to complete strangers. They need to realise just how easy it is to use the information in a CV to set up a bank account or take out a credit card fraudulently.”
Typically, criminals need just three out of fifteen key pieces of information to commit identity fraud – the average CV received as part of the experiment contained eight pieces of information. 61 CVs (57%) included a date of birth, despite this no longer being a requirement due to age discrimination laws, and 98 (91.5%) included a full address. A further 20 (19%) put others at risk by providing full details of references. One even included the applicant’s passport number and national insurance details.
iProfile (www.iprofile.org) conducted the experiment as part of its ‘Secure Your CV’ campaign and has released advice on how people can protect themselves against identity theft from their CVs. It includes tips, such as excluding things like date of birth and home addresses from your CV as this is usually not needed by potential employers. It also advises people to check out the company online and ensure they have a bona fide telephone number and postal address.
Bacon also argues that hosting your CV securely on the Internet, using a reputable online CV provider can be much safer than posting or emailing a traditional word document: “Once you post or email a traditional CV, you have very little control over it. There’s nothing to stop someone photocopying it or sending it on to others. At iProfile we allow people to hold their CV online in a secure environment. Jobseekers can send a link to their iProfile CV to trusted contacts who can then only access the information by logging in. iProfile holders can hide a relevant section of their CV, to prevent people seeing their personal information and use phone masking services to protect their phone numbers”.
Bacon emphasises that choosing a reputable provider is crucial when placing your CV online: “There are many people who just place their CV online in an unsecured manner – for example by setting up their own simple webpage. We’d caution against this as it can expose them to identity fraud. Stick to the established providers who invest in security and processes to protect your information online.”
Support for the ‘Secure Your CV’ campaign:
Detective Superintendent Russell Day from the Economic and Specialist Crime Command, Metropolitan Police, said: "We are happy to support any campaign which aims to raise awareness of the growing threat of online identity fraud. We advise everyone not to post personal details on the internet which could collectively be used to clone your identity. This new campaign is an excellent method which could help prevent identity fraud and most importantly, protect you and your CV."
Neil Fisher, Vice President, IAAC, adds his support: “Identity fraud is a hugely serious issue and any campaign that raises awareness of the dangers should be commended. Many people are happy to send their CVs ‘blind’ without thinking about the consequences if their information fell into the wrong hands. Hopefully this campaign will help people better understand the risks involved and better protect the personal information on their CV in the future.”
FACT FILE:
More information about how the controlled experiment was conducted is available on request, or you can visit www.denisatlas.co.uk. The experiment was conducted during, but independently from, National Identity Fraud Prevention Week (6-12 October) – a time of supposed heightened awareness.
All CVs received as part of the experiment were destroyed, without being stored or shared, and applicants have been informed that they have been part of an experiment. Respondents to the job advert will not be identified in any way.
Advice on protecting yourself against ID theft when job hunting:
• Be wary if the email address does not contain the name of the company but just the name of a service provider
• Take extra care accessing personal information when using public computers, such as those in internet cafes, or when using a laptop in a WiFi hotspot
• Shred or destroy old copies of your CV
• Rather than using a traditional CV, think about using an iProfile - a free online CV service that helps safeguard your personal details
• Use a phone masking service to protect your personal number. With an iProfile you get phone masking, and it costs you nothing.
Think about who you share your career information with, make sure they are a real business and when posting your information to the web or on a job board database, remember to use an Internet Safe CV:
• Do not include your date of birth
• Do not include your marital status
• Do not include your place of birth
• Only give your first and last name
Think about the information a potential employer needs to find your details, you can share your full CV at a later stage when you are comfortable with the identity of the company or person you are sharing the information with.
iProfile is the free online CV which is rapidly replacing the traditional CV. Over 2.5 million jobseekers already own an iProfile, and this number is rising rapidly.
iProfile is more than an online CV, it is a dynamic career profile and the preferred CV template for many recruitment agencies. It is easy to set up and update, and because it gives users complete control over the job seeking process it is more secure than a Word CV. Job seekers can use an iProfile to instantly register with as many or as few recruitment agencies as required and it ensures they hear about the latest jobs. It also gives them immediate visibility over who’s received it, who’s viewed it, calls received and feedback from recruiters and hiring managers.
Personal data held on an iProfile is only visible to the people and agencies with whom the job seeker has chosen to share it with. Once that information is shared, any updates made to an iProfile are instantly transmitted to the individuals or databases of recruitment agencies that have been given access, ensuring they never hold an out-of-date copy.
iProfile has been adopted by thousands of recruiters. World leading recruitment companies have also taken advantage of our iProfile candidate sourcing solutions designed to maximise their net fee income by saving their recruiters time, improving efficiency and ensuring their candidate databases are significantly more up-to-date.
For a full copy of the Secure Your CV report, visit: http://www.iprofile.org/Career-Advice/Secure-Your-CV/default...
For more information on iProfile for jobseekers, visit: www.iprofile.org
For more information on iProfile for recruiters, visit: www.iprofile.org/recruiter
Job hunters are being warned to secure their CVs after experts showed how freely people share their resumes with strangers, effectively handing over all the information criminals need to steal their identity.
In a controlled experiment, supported by the Metropolitan Police and the Information Assurance Advisory Council (IAAC), iProfile.org placed a job advert for a fictional company in a national newspaper, inviting people to apply by emailing their CV. The advert was run during the National Identity Fraud Prevention week. Anyone carrying out a simple web search for the company – ‘Denis Atlas’, an anagram of ‘steal an id’ - would have found a website telling them the company was fake. In just one week, 107 CVs were received in response to the job advert. iProfile enlisted the help of reformed identity thief, Bob Turney, to analyse the CVs and discovered that the vast majority contained enough information for an identity theft to occur.
Rick Bacon, CEO of iProfile, said: “With tens of thousands of people flooding onto the job market every week, the threat of CV identity theft should be at the forefront of peoples’ minds. Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the UK and sending your CV without first checking out where it’s going or masking your personal details is akin to giving an ID fraudster your life history on a plate. We were shocked to find that 68% of people sent their CV into our fake job advert without doing any background checks first.”
Reformed identity theft criminal, Bob Turney, said: “Whilst many people now routinely shred things like bank statements and utility bills, they still seem happy to send their CVs to complete strangers. They need to realise just how easy it is to use the information in a CV to set up a bank account or take out a credit card fraudulently.”
Typically, criminals need just three out of fifteen key pieces of information to commit identity fraud – the average CV received as part of the experiment contained eight pieces of information. 61 CVs (57%) included a date of birth, despite this no longer being a requirement due to age discrimination laws, and 98 (91.5%) included a full address. A further 20 (19%) put others at risk by providing full details of references. One even included the applicant’s passport number and national insurance details.
iProfile (www.iprofile.org) conducted the experiment as part of its ‘Secure Your CV’ campaign and has released advice on how people can protect themselves against identity theft from their CVs. It includes tips, such as excluding things like date of birth and home addresses from your CV as this is usually not needed by potential employers. It also advises people to check out the company online and ensure they have a bona fide telephone number and postal address.
Bacon also argues that hosting your CV securely on the Internet, using a reputable online CV provider can be much safer than posting or emailing a traditional word document: “Once you post or email a traditional CV, you have very little control over it. There’s nothing to stop someone photocopying it or sending it on to others. At iProfile we allow people to hold their CV online in a secure environment. Jobseekers can send a link to their iProfile CV to trusted contacts who can then only access the information by logging in. iProfile holders can hide a relevant section of their CV, to prevent people seeing their personal information and use phone masking services to protect their phone numbers”.
Bacon emphasises that choosing a reputable provider is crucial when placing your CV online: “There are many people who just place their CV online in an unsecured manner – for example by setting up their own simple webpage. We’d caution against this as it can expose them to identity fraud. Stick to the established providers who invest in security and processes to protect your information online.”
Support for the ‘Secure Your CV’ campaign:
Detective Superintendent Russell Day from the Economic and Specialist Crime Command, Metropolitan Police, said: "We are happy to support any campaign which aims to raise awareness of the growing threat of online identity fraud. We advise everyone not to post personal details on the internet which could collectively be used to clone your identity. This new campaign is an excellent method which could help prevent identity fraud and most importantly, protect you and your CV."
Neil Fisher, Vice President, IAAC, adds his support: “Identity fraud is a hugely serious issue and any campaign that raises awareness of the dangers should be commended. Many people are happy to send their CVs ‘blind’ without thinking about the consequences if their information fell into the wrong hands. Hopefully this campaign will help people better understand the risks involved and better protect the personal information on their CV in the future.”
FACT FILE:
More information about how the controlled experiment was conducted is available on request, or you can visit www.denisatlas.co.uk. The experiment was conducted during, but independently from, National Identity Fraud Prevention Week (6-12 October) – a time of supposed heightened awareness.
All CVs received as part of the experiment were destroyed, without being stored or shared, and applicants have been informed that they have been part of an experiment. Respondents to the job advert will not be identified in any way.
Advice on protecting yourself against ID theft when job hunting:
• Be wary if the email address does not contain the name of the company but just the name of a service provider
• Take extra care accessing personal information when using public computers, such as those in internet cafes, or when using a laptop in a WiFi hotspot
• Shred or destroy old copies of your CV
• Rather than using a traditional CV, think about using an iProfile - a free online CV service that helps safeguard your personal details
• Use a phone masking service to protect your personal number. With an iProfile you get phone masking, and it costs you nothing.
Think about who you share your career information with, make sure they are a real business and when posting your information to the web or on a job board database, remember to use an Internet Safe CV:
• Do not include your date of birth
• Do not include your marital status
• Do not include your place of birth
• Only give your first and last name
Think about the information a potential employer needs to find your details, you can share your full CV at a later stage when you are comfortable with the identity of the company or person you are sharing the information with.
iProfile is the free online CV which is rapidly replacing the traditional CV. Over 2.5 million jobseekers already own an iProfile, and this number is rising rapidly.
iProfile is more than an online CV, it is a dynamic career profile and the preferred CV template for many recruitment agencies. It is easy to set up and update, and because it gives users complete control over the job seeking process it is more secure than a Word CV. Job seekers can use an iProfile to instantly register with as many or as few recruitment agencies as required and it ensures they hear about the latest jobs. It also gives them immediate visibility over who’s received it, who’s viewed it, calls received and feedback from recruiters and hiring managers.
Personal data held on an iProfile is only visible to the people and agencies with whom the job seeker has chosen to share it with. Once that information is shared, any updates made to an iProfile are instantly transmitted to the individuals or databases of recruitment agencies that have been given access, ensuring they never hold an out-of-date copy.
iProfile has been adopted by thousands of recruiters. World leading recruitment companies have also taken advantage of our iProfile candidate sourcing solutions designed to maximise their net fee income by saving their recruiters time, improving efficiency and ensuring their candidate databases are significantly more up-to-date.
For a full copy of the Secure Your CV report, visit: http://www.iprofile.org/Career-Advice/Secure-Your-CV/default...
For more information on iProfile for jobseekers, visit: www.iprofile.org
For more information on iProfile for recruiters, visit: www.iprofile.org/recruiter
Meet The Royal House Detective, Mark Baker author of A Royal Home in Wales - Llwynywermod
• The first book to go through the keyhole at HRH The Prince of Wales’ new home in Wales• Published to coincide with HRH The Prince of Wales’ 60th birthday celebrations on November 14th, 2008
• Reveals the fascinating history of the first royal home in Wales since the English Civil War and the history of its original owners the Griffies-Williams family
• Packed with full colour photographs and illustrations, including drawings by the official architects of the Royal restoration project
What links Henry VIII’s executed wife Anne Boleyn to HRH the Prince of Wales’ new home in Wales?
Why would medieval healers visit the area around the historic country estate to gather herbs?
And just how much did the previous owners pay when they bought the run-down farmhouse and 200 acres of land 10 years ago?
Find the answer to all these questions and more in Llwynywermod: A Royal Home in Wales by Mark Baker.
The first book to chart the fascinating history to HRH The Prince of Wales’ new home in Wales.
Mark Baker’s interest in preserving Welsh houses started more than 10 years ago.At the age of 13 he became one of the country’s youngest historians when he published his first book the Rise and Fall of Gwyrch Castle. He would pass the ruins every day on his way to school and was inspired to find out about its past. And what he discovered prompted him to launch a national campaign to save the castle by setting up the Gwyrch Castle Preservation Trust. At the time he appeared on TV, Radio, met Tony Blair, founded a charity and managed to persuade authorities to save the castle.
During this time he had his first meeting with HRH The Prince of Wales, when he visited Mark’s exhibition on Gwyrch Castle at Ruthin.
Over the years Mark has written ten books on Welsh houses and their families, as well as campaigning tirelessly for the historic built environment. His books include The Rise and Fall of Gwrych Castle, Hafodunos Hall – Triumph of the Martyr, Plas Teg – A Jacobean Country House and with Michael Tree, Forgotten Houses of Wales.
Mark lives on the North Wales Coast and is a PhD candidate at Cardiff University.
Published Accent Press www.accentpress.co.uk
New CAP 437 Compliant Heli Deck LED Light for Hazardous Areas and Harsh Environments
Hazardous areas lighting specialist, www.victor-lighting.com has introduced a CAP 437 and ICAO compliant heli deck perimeter light to their range. The high efficiency Vanguard VL34 meets the new safety standards, applicable from January 2009, providing safer and glare free perimeter lighting for helicopter platforms. Built for challenging environments, the VL34 will withstand prolonged exposure to extreme weather and is fully IEC Ex and ATEX compliant for use in Zone 1 hazardous areas.
Like all Vanguard products, the VL34, combines sound engineering principles with advanced technology. For resilience units have epoxy coated die cast bodies allied to diffusively patterned borosilicate lamp glass and silicone gasket sealing. An optional epoxy coated galvanised steel wire guard, with or without integrated bird spike, may also be fitted. The overall assembly achieves IP66/67 rating for ingress protection.
High efficiency illumination is achieved by the use of 8 x 1W green LEDs to maximise light output and minimise power consumption. Units have a projected working life of over 80,000 hours, so re-lamping should not be required throughout the life of the unit reducing pressures on maintenance teams. The VL34 will operate efficiently between -45 to +55 degrees centigrade and has a significant advantage over conventional light sources that light output is not diminished at low temperatures.
In the event of power failure the emergency version sustains lighting for 90 minutes by the in-built battery backup. Units are suitable for 110 to 254v supply. Technical assistance is available from Victor Lighting at +44 (0) 141 810 9644 and additional information is at
www.victor-lighting.com.
Like all Vanguard products, the VL34, combines sound engineering principles with advanced technology. For resilience units have epoxy coated die cast bodies allied to diffusively patterned borosilicate lamp glass and silicone gasket sealing. An optional epoxy coated galvanised steel wire guard, with or without integrated bird spike, may also be fitted. The overall assembly achieves IP66/67 rating for ingress protection.
High efficiency illumination is achieved by the use of 8 x 1W green LEDs to maximise light output and minimise power consumption. Units have a projected working life of over 80,000 hours, so re-lamping should not be required throughout the life of the unit reducing pressures on maintenance teams. The VL34 will operate efficiently between -45 to +55 degrees centigrade and has a significant advantage over conventional light sources that light output is not diminished at low temperatures.
In the event of power failure the emergency version sustains lighting for 90 minutes by the in-built battery backup. Units are suitable for 110 to 254v supply. Technical assistance is available from Victor Lighting at +44 (0) 141 810 9644 and additional information is at
www.victor-lighting.com.
As the clocks go back this retro clock table is a must for the style conscious!
Fall back in fashion with the iconic retro clock table.Just as the clocks fall back on 26th October 2008, a new retro clock table is ready for launch.
Designed by the award-winning IC innovations team, the clock table is a must have for the bachelor bad or the style-conscious, combining two practical functions of a table and clock in one. It has a 30cm face, is fitted with tempered glass and stands at 61cm tall making this contemporary piece a real talking point in the modern home.
Manufactured with a high quality brushed steel base, this novel gadget boasts Swiss quartz movement and is sure to feature through countless fads and fashions as it’s designed to last. The clock face has also been designed with style in mind as the white face and black dial fit with this Season’s monochrome effect. It has a unique tripod design and is suitable for use in any room of the house.
Turn back the time in style with the retro clock table.
SRP £39.99 from www.ic-innovations.com
Website to Transform Discovery of Sporting Talent
UsportStar.com launches on Tuesday October 7, 2008
A highly original website that showcases new sports talent is being launched at Chelsea Football Club on October 7, in conjunction with the opening of the major football business exhibition, “Leaders in Football”.
UsportStar.com is the first in a series of community driven portals by Dreamscape Media and is designed to target people with genuine sporting talent. By combining the worldwide appeal of Youtube with the extraordinary popularity of reality television shows, UsportStar.com generates content from video clips uploaded by the public. This user-created content promotes the skills and sporting ability of athletes of any age who believe they may possess star potential.
The use of the site to register and upload videos of sporting prowess and skills will be open to everyone. It is a concept which will reach out to people of all ages and backgrounds, drawing them even closer to the sports they love and increasing their sense of involvement. For many it will fuel dreams of discovery and achievement by showcasing the talent and skills of athletes of any age and ability who think they have what it takes.
Usporstar.com is expected to become a primary source of talent for professional team scouts, managers, major brands, agents and academies. The site will be a major point of reference for all professionals who are constantly on the look out for promising young sportspersons.
UsportStar.com has been developed with attention to detail, to ensure its broad appeal, ease-of-use, effectiveness and ethicality. All teams, scouts and agents will be thoroughly vetted and authorised, and all videos checked and verified; parental approval and protection of young people is intrinsic to the site’s design.
UsportStar.com’s ambition is to become the largest online sports community the in the world.
Pargat Mangat, a director of Dreamscape Media, the owners of Usportstar.com, said: “UsportStar.com will not only allow users from around the world a chance to showcase their sporting talent, it will also provide new and incredibly diverse search options for teams, brands and organizations to view and contact these users, who previously may never have had the opportunity.”
Dreamscape Media plans to become the first global media company to embrace the power and creativity of user-generated content across wide-ranging sporting categories, enabling users to connect with a vast new audience in an entirely new way.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Dyson Airblade™ Hand Dryer First to Gain New Hygiene Accreditation
The Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer is the first product to join the Royal Society for Public Health’s (RSPH) new accreditation scheme, which is designed to endorse products that support health, hygiene and safety.
The Royal Society’s panel of scientific experts has rigorously examined the hygiene claims made for the new hand dryer, to ensure that the scientific evidence really stacks up.
Unlike warm air hand dryers, it doesn’t rely on evaporation to dry hands. Instead it filters incoming air to remove 99.9% of bacteria and then literally scrapes water from hands in just ten seconds. The HEPA filtration combined with the fast dry time means that people leave the bathroom with completely dry hands, reducing the risk of cross contamination.
Professor Richard Parish, chief executive, Royal Society for Public Health, comments “We are pleased that the Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer is the first product to pass our stringent review, and we consider that it is a significant step forward in hand dryer technology and hygiene.”
Dyson’s hand dryer will now be able to use the new accreditation kitemark, which demonstrates that its claims have been closely examined and approved by an independent team of scientific specialists.
Toby Saville, Dyson microbiologist, says: “The RSPH accreditation helps reinforce our findings that the Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer is the most hygienic hand dryer available. In such an unregulated and murky market, endorsements such as the RSPH add much needed credibility and impartiality.”
Other organisations in the fields of cleaning, infection control, hygiene and safety, who are interested in accreditation for their products, should contact Anna Zilnyk at the Royal Society for Public Health for more information.
Ken Olisa Named in Powerlist Top Ten Influential Black Britons
Ken Olisa scores two out of three FTSE100 board positions
Boutique technology merchant bank, Restoration Partners, announces that its founder and chairman – Ken Olisa – has been named one of the top ten most influential black men in Britain.
A panel led by Baroness Amos of Brondesbury drew up the Powerlist 2008 published this week by Powerful Media.
Ken was recognised for his business and charitable achievements, including directorships of two FTSE 100 companies (ENRC and Thomson Reuters) and long-term chairmanship of Thames Reach - a charity determined to end street homelessness in London by 2012.
The Powerlist highlighted that there are only two FTSE100 companies whose boards include black directors, and Ken is two of them.
Ken Olisa said: "There is too much talk in the UK media about low levels of diversity, glass ceilings and frustrated potential. The Powerlist shows the truth: 100 role models prove that, if you’re qualified and up for it, the UK is a land of opportunity - even in the highest echelons of business life. It is an honour to be part of such an impressive list.”
Virtual Concierge Service Connects Customers with Companies
Getbenson.com launches today, 20 October, 2008
Getbenson.com is the brainchild of former IT specialist J.P. Buggs. The site launches on the 20 October, 2008.
A new online marketplace will take the work out of finding everything from a local babysitter or builder to a luxury holiday villa. Users simply post their requirements with virtual concierge Getbenson, and then sit back and wait for suitable service providers or suppliers to contact them.
The site takes its name - and ethos - from the popular American TV sitcom ‘Benson’, which features a go-getting butler of the same name. Rather than ploughing through business directories or hunting the high street, users can leave it to ‘Benson’ to bring the product or service to them - and don’t even have to pay for the privilege.
Posting a requirement couldn’t be easier: users fill in a straightforward form describing what they need, when they need it by, and how much they’re willing to pay for it. Unlike many online directories, Getbenson makes a virtue of not specialising in one geographical area or type of business – it is open to users across the UK, and categories on the site include everything from cameras and computers to construction and collectibles.
The site will also be a boon to businesses tired of paying through the nose for print advertising and directory listings, or fed up of getting little response from mail drops and cold calling. Getbenson provides businesses and individuals with a searchable database of ‘live’ clients looking for a service or supplier right now.
If a company thinks it can meet a client’s needs, it just pays a small fee for contact details, making Getbenson an affordable and easy way to find suitable customers and grow the business.
J.P. Buggs, owner of Getbenson.com, says: “Getbenson.com will transform the way people look for services or specific items. It has particular potential to open up the market for antiques and memorabilia, by giving sporting souvenir fans, for example, a forum to let others know what they need to complete a collection. And, as a business channel, it offers the advantage of knowing in advance that you are targeting ‘live’ customers looking for exactly the thing you provide.”
Getbenson.com is the brainchild of former IT specialist J.P. Buggs. The site launches on the 20 October, 2008.
Help for Threatened Autism Concern
Autism Concern, a charity providing essential support to those affected by autism, is set to close permanently unless it can raise £150,000 by Christmas. Leading online fundraiser Help.co.uk - which is waiving its administrative fees in support of the struggling Northampton-based charity – is calling on supporters, fundraisers and anyone interested in keeping the charity open, to do all they can in the next ten weeks to deliver the vital financial lifeline.
Autism Concern, which has supported thousands of autistic people and their carers for 17 years and is well known for its drop-in centre and the play schemes it runs for 150 autistic children across Northamptonshire, has become victim to a funding shortfall because of a major drop in grants and donations.
Director Sylvia Tilaks said: “This is the most desperate situation. Providing such a wide range of valuable services to so many local people is very expensive. We are a lean charity with running costs at a bare minimum, but are still struggling to meet demand for services. Our reserves and income are so low that if the money isn’t found, we will have to close for good at Christmas.”
Some better news is that £20,000 in donations has already been raised and the charity’s president, former Saints and England winger Jon Sleightholme, is to lead a sponsored cycle ride in Europe. But with the urgency of the Christmas deadline there’s still a long way to go.
The most common way that supporters can help the charity is to hold income–attracting events, from coffee mornings and schools activities to pub games and sponsored sports. Straightforward donations are of course also more than welcome.
But historically, a major difficulty with fundraising is the actually collection of sponsorships and donations. People are very willing to pledge money but when it comes to collection, there’s frequently a shortfall. This is not because the donors were insincere but because of the difficulties in finding and chasing them after the event.
This is where the involvement of Help.co.uk will pay dividends for Autism Concern. The organisation has set up an online appeals page at https://www.help.co.uk/fundraisers/autism, where fundraisers can post details of events, and sponsors and donors can make payments easily and securely by debit or credit card, without Help.co.uk taking any admin fee for the service.
Help.co.uk director Moe Nawaz said: “I was very troubled to hear of the charity’s plight and wanted to offer our assistance. So we’ve set up a specific Autism Concern donations page where supporters can make secure online donations to the charity, and we’ve waived any associated administrative charges during this difficult period. We encourage anyone who’s sympathetic to the cause to make a donation or set up their own free fundraising [https://www.help.co.uk/start_fundraising.html] pages for their own events.”
He continued: “Even if you don’t know a specific fundraiser or event, you can still donate to Autism Concern, or any other charity of your choice, through the Help.co.uk site. And for fundraisers who want to run events, there’s a useful fundraising hints and tips page.”
Sylvia Tilaks added: "The Help.co.uk page was a real bolt out of the blue and it's really nice to have so many companies who are obviously facing the same kind of economic crisis that we are but they are happy to help."
Northamptonshire is considered a hotspot for autism, with an incidence rate above the national estimate of 1 in 100. It is believed that families move there specifically to take advantage of the educational provision and the charity’s services.
Help.co.uk’s Moe Nawaz concluded: “The loss of Autism Concern to Northamptonshire would have a profound effect on a very large number of families. Our aim is to help ensure it won’t happen.”
Gift Aid will be applicable to the Autism Concern donations through Help.co.uk, subject to the donors being UK tax payers.
Online Shoppers Can Now Offset their Carbon Footprint For Free
Users shopping through a new price comparison website can now offset and track their own carbon footprint in their account online for free
Compare2offset.com is a new price comparison website that offsets your carbon footprint for every purchase you make through the website. Users can browse thousands of products from well-known online retailers and find the retailer with the cheapest price. Users can also use Compare2offset as a gateway to go directly to the online retailers they planned to buy from. Compare2offset will then offset their carbon footprint; this amount is clearly displayed next to each product or retailer. Every purchase made at the retailer is tracked and displayed in their account, with details of the amount of their carbon footprint that has been offset.
Everyday purchases from DVDs, clothes or even chocolate can be purchased through the site. Plus essentials such as insurance, applying for a credit card or buying your broadband package. There are also eco-friendly retailers allowing devoted green enthusiasts to purchase environmentally friendly products and offset their carbon footprint at the same time. Compare2offset is able to offset carbon footprints by using the sales commission they receive from purchases made through their website. This comes at no extra cost to the user; the price at the retailer never changes.
The founder of Compare2offset.com, Steven Bradshaw, commented "The current financial climate may mean many people are cutting back, but luckily this does not mean they can not continue being green. Offsetting your carbon footprint usually comes at a cost, but now you can offset your carbon footprint for free and compare the prices of products to find the cheapest price, saving you even more money."
"There are also many people who are not yet actively reducing their carbon footprint or being more energy efficient. Now there's no reason not to be greener as it comes at no extra cost to users. We hope to attract users who may not yet have thought about the affects of their carbon footprint, or even know what this is. At first they may only be interested in finding the best deals and cheapest prices for whatever they want to buy online at Compare2offset. However, with so much information and an ethos to offset your carbon footprint, hopefully by using the website people will learn about the importance of carbon offsetting too."
Whether you are already actively reducing your carbon footprint or have never thought about it before, now you can offset your carbon footprint everytime you shop online without digging into your own pockets. Bookmark Compare2offset.com today and remember to visit whenever you shop online.