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Paying or Reimbursing People That Aren’t On Your Payroll In The Most Efficient Way

By
Andrew Mcaffrey
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"Since April 2010 UK VAT many Value Added Tax registered businesses have been submitting their VAT returns, and any tax due electronically, online. From April 1 2012, all registered businesses will be required to submit and pay any tax due, online. After this date paper VAT returns will no longer be valid. VAT, or Value added Tax, is a tax on the purchase price of goods and services. The tax is paid to the government by registered businesses and is the sale price of the goods or services, minus the cots of materials and other taxable inputs. In most cases this tax is paid quarterly per annum. Here,a calculator is connected via a USB connection to represent the electronic data and funds payment."

If you’re a business owner, the chances are high that you are familiar with payment systems and the struggle of paying someone who isn’t on your payroll. Where your payroll system may work perfectly well with your contracted employees, it can become a bit more tricky when working with volunteers, speakers or short-term employees. In this article, we’re going to discuss how your business can pay people who aren’t in your payroll system, in an efficient way.

Understanding payroll systems

Before we dive deeper into the ways of paying people who aren’t on your regular payroll let’s first look at what a payroll system is in itself. Whatever system you may use, it all comes down to the same thing: paying your regular employees who are contracted to work for your business every week, month or any preferred timescale. When employing someone, it’s crucial to keep track of their working hours, as well as taxes, bank account information and other private information such as their full names and birth dates. In other words: private information that needs to be secured. This is why it’s important to invest in a payroll system that offers security for your business and your employees.

However, when it comes to hiring people on a short term basis, whether that’s for an event, a project that is only running for a month or people on a volunteer basis, paying them is always a nightmare. It is not effective to add them to your regular payroll system but simply transferring the money into their bank account is another no go. When it comes to paying people that aren’t necessarily on your payroll, vHelp comes in handy.

vHelp is a platform that makes reimbursing volunteers, research participants, temporary staff or anyone not on your payroll super easy and accessible. Even if it’s just a one-off payment!

Payments to volunteers or temporary workers


So how does a platform such a vHelp make it easy to send payments to one-off volunteers or other temporary workers? It’s actually very simple. The creators of vHelp have created a platform and app that allows organisations to register and safely store their bank account details. They get volunteers, research participants or temporary staff to send them  an expense claim through the website or app. As a business owner, you will receive these payment requests in a clear overview that gives you the ability to either accept or deny the request. For the approved claims, the money will be taken out of the organisation and passed to the user securely.  The result? Quick payments, lots of time saving and a successful collaboration from beginning to end.

The Difference Between Reimbursements and Payments

When it comes to paying or reimbursing volunteers, it’s important to understand the difference. Freelancers/contractors and volunteers/service users can require different forms of payment. Whereas some may be provided with a contract, in which is defined how much they will get paid and what they will deliver for your business, it can be less clear for other temporary or ad hoc resources. In some cases, a freelancer or contractor might send you an invoice after the work has been completed which needs to be paid within the next 30 calendar days. However, especially when it comes to volunteers, research participants or speakers at events, it may be the case that they only have to be reimbursed for their expenses. Think of travel expenses, work meals or staying at a hotel for the night before an event. These types of payments are extremely difficult to process when the people in question aren’t on your payroll system. Luckily, vHelp makes it possible to quickly pay or reimburse these people without fuss.

What are the best DIY power tool brands available?

By
Andrew Mcaffrey
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If you are starting a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, thinking about renovating your property or embarking on a self-build project or house extension then you will need a few tools. But what are the best tools for DIY projects?

There are a multitude of power tool brands on the market, each claiming to be the best DIY power tool brand. Many have fantastic qualities but just like your favourite brand of teabags, if you ask any DIY fan, everyone will have their favourite power tool manufacturer.

There are many factors to consider such as price, power, durability, how often you will use the tool, and even reputation, with some brands faring better than others on tool comparison websites.

Brands such as Makita, Hilti, Hitachi, Ridgid, DeWalt, and Stihl have been operational for many years and have built a good reputation amongst amateur DIY fans and professional tradespeople. They all manufacture a wide range of cord and cordless products that are not only ergonomically designed for ease and comfort – with soft-grip handles, for example – but also have a long battery life, are light weight and powerful.

If you have spent many hours on Google searching for DIY tool hire, essential DIY tool hire and the best DIY power tools then you will have noticed that there is a myriad of power tool brands to choose from, including Bosch, Milwaukee, and Ryobi.

If you plan on using a particular tool often then it is worth considering whether you should buy that item. For high priced tools or for tools that you will not use regularly then DIY tool hire is perfect for you. Tool hire and equipment rental is a cost-effective way to ensure that you have quality power tools at your disposal that are well-maintained, serviced, and reliable.

Any serious DIY fan or “weekend DIY warrior” will have access to a robust drill, circular saw, a good spanner, a variety of screwdrivers, a hammer, a nail gun, and an orbital sander. For example, an orbital sander does not create a distinct pattern as it spins. It means the tool can be used without having to think about grain direction too much. If you’re renovating your home and sanding down old furniture, floors, doors, or walls, it’s an efficient piece of kit to have at your disposal.

Makita and Hilti have a large range of drills, diamond drills, and hammer drills available that will create holes in stone and masonry, or pierce wood, plastic, and steel. Stihl offers a popular range of cut off saws that feature an anti-vibration system, meaning it’s more comfortable to cut through bricks, stone, and concrete. DeWalt manufactures mitre saws, as well as other items, that enable the user to cut mitres and bevels in wood, plastic, and aluminium; great if accurate angles are required. Likewise, Hitachi has an extensive range of DIY power tools, including lightweight hammer drills that are great for hammer drilling, rotary drilling, light chiselling, and chasing out plaster and brickwork. And Ridgid is the manufacturer of choice amongst plumbers. The Ridgid pipe saw and pipe cutter are popular items of equipment that give the operator a professional finish.

Each brand will have its own unique features, maximising efficiency when in use. Likewise, all tools will have been manufactured to high standards and will have undergone rigorous testing, giving the operator peace of mind, providing the tool is being handled correctly and used for the purposes it is designed for.

Safety is of paramount importance and even if you are an experienced tradesperson, each new tool that you use will come with a set of instructions that must be adhered to. Responsible and respected power tool manufacturers recognise how important it is to produce quality products that can be operated safely if the right guidance is followed. Responsible DIY tool hire and equipment rental specialists will offer guidance and advice. If you are unsure of how to operate a piece of equipment or a power tool, ask your friendly DIY tool hire provider to show you. If you ask, they will even train you in how best to use the power tool that you wish to hire. This is great if you are new to DIY and home renovation. Tool hire providers are knowledgeable and allow you to get the best from the tool you need to use. They know the best tools for DIY projects so that you can finish your DIY projects on time and without any hassle.

Tips for choosing among the best bookmakers and not falling for scams

By
Claire James
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The online sports betting sector has undergone different changes, all in order to be a modern service like the one we now enjoy. The greater speed of the network, the welcome bonuses and promotions, as well as the possibility of being able to bet from wherever we are through mobile devices, have ended up revolutionizing the sector in recent years.

What happens is that when the offer of operators is so great, it is not always easy to choose the bookmaker that may interest us the most. For this reason, platforms such as Review BettingSites24 have appeared that function as comparators of the best bookmakers based on their characteristics and services.

Important factors for choosing a bookmaker

When you want to select a good bookmaker, the first thing we have to know is what we prefer, if a good bookmaker that focuses especially on football or that accommodates more minority sports.

Everything will depend on what you like the most. For a complete rating, our reviews look at all these factors fairly and with the aim of being helpful to the user.

We must think that many bookmakers have a very complete service, with good customer service, extended hours and even live broadcasts of the matches. Always verify that the operator is licensed.

Bonuses

The best regulated bookmakers offer one or more welcome bonuses. They are aimed at new users who register on the platform. With them you can get various kinds of benefits, from duplicate reloads, to refund lost bets.

A good number of users are looking for betting bonuses, with which they can start playing without spending real money. In the same way, reimbursement bonuses are also very interesting, since losses ranging from 30 or 50% to even 100% can be reimbursed.

Bonus bookmakers also regularly have a series of promotions for their members. Of course, do not forget that each offer is linked to specific wagering requirements that must be met to unlock the balance. Sometimes, the volume of bets necessary for this is very high, therefore, difficult to achieve. Generally, a rollover larger than X8 is not profitable for users.

Fees

The best bookmakers are also recognized for the level of their odds. The lower the quota values, the lower the profits that users get. This factor is often overlooked by users looking solely at the welcome bonus, so they may be playing at a disappointing bookmaker elsewhere.

Really, in the quotas you have to think in the long term. If you want to use a bookmaker for months or years, you have to take a good look at the odds even before looking at the welcome bonus.

If you want to take advantage of the welcome bonus and then leave the betting site, it may be an option, but as we say, the odds can make the difference when it comes to achieving potential winnings.

Mobile app

The users of the bookmakers are not always in front of their desktop computer. For this reason, many bookmakers have applications for mobile devices that can be downloaded for free. A quick way to access the operator and it works really well.

These betting applications allow you to bet quickly and are very successful, although there are also operators who choose to optimize their web platform for mobile devices, where the interface is adapted and they have a series of special functions.

Most of the best bookmakers have the same desktop functionalities on the PC as on the mobile, including aspects such as the constant updating of odds or the direct streaming of events.

Payment methods

The first thing to do before registering with a bookmaker is to check the methods accepted by the operator in question. The best bookmakers generally give the ability to make deposits or withdrawals with Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Paysafecard, Neteller, Skrill or bank transfer. In many of them, especially in the most important regulated sportsbooks, the fees regarding deposits and withdrawals are non-existent.

We must consider that welcome bonuses usually provide the user with a series of specific payment methods to activate the offer, which in most cases will include credit cards, PayPal, bank transfer or other methods.

Other lesser-known gambling houses tend to apply some additional costs to transactions, which usually causes many users to prefer to register with other operators that provide more facilities.

Customer service

The best regulated bookmakers have state-of-the-art customer service that not only has email, they also have a live chat service and a phone number. In many operators, there is also a section dedicated especially to the most frequent questions of users, with really useful answers.

At present, live chat is considered essential to choose a bookmaker and the fact that it does not have it is already a negative point for operators. Users want answers in the shortest possible time for the resolution of their problems. Good customer service should be active every day, including holidays.

The best products for care home hygiene

By
Claire James
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Maintaining high cleanliness levels in nursing homes is critical for proper infection prevention and control, residents’ overall health, and their right to a clean and dignified living environment.

Working to keep nursing homes clean, on the other hand, can be a difficult task. Not only are care homes large, with many hygiene risks in every room, but the number of products available to maintain care home hygiene can also be perplexing, leaving caregivers unsure which to use.

That’s where this guide comes in. This article, written by the experts at the healthcare marketplace Wippet, discusses the best products for maintaining good hygiene in the care home.

Conti Wipes 

Conti wipes are among the best products to maintain proper resident hygiene. Conti is a brand of wet and dry patient wipes used in the healthcare industry that has been in use by the NHS for over 35 years.

Conti dry wipes can be used for various patient cleansing tasks, such as daily washing and incontinence care. Each Conti wet and dry wipe has a distinct strength and softness rating, allowing users to select appropriate clothing for the task and patient skin type. They can also be used for general surface cleaning, especially near the resident’s bed.

Conti dry wipes

The Conti collection contains a wide range of dry wipes, including flushable, incontinence care, and gentle for sensitive skin, in various sizes ranging from small to extra large.

The cost-efficient Conti dry wipes range is a perfect alternative for patient care. It has numerous uses in the healthcare sector for general-purpose cleaning, ranging from the low-cost Conti Lite to the effective absorbency of the Conti Washcloth.

Conti dry wipes can be used alone or with a separate skin cleaning foam or body wash to create a versatile patient cleansing solution.

Conti wet wipes

Conti also has a smaller selection of flushable wet wipes in various sizes ranging from small to medium. These wet wipes are made with a dermatologically tested, pH balanced, lanolin and alcohol-free formulation designed to deliver rapid and long-lasting moisturisation.

Resident cleansing dry wipes

Recent studies based on NHS data show that approximately 630 million dry wipes are used each year, with wipes chosen based on clinical factors such as durability and performance.

Dry wipes are polyethene wipes that serve as a versatile tool for maintaining a sanitary, healthy environment because they are not pre-saturated with cleaning solutions. Furthermore, because they contain no chemicals, some users with sensitive skin prefer using dry wipes.

The dry wipes can be used dry to absorb fluids on surfaces, clean hard surfaces and mop up spills, or wet to thoroughly wash a patient or surface with soap and water or a cleansing solution. In this sense, they can be used in place of a J-cloth or flannel.

Dry wipes with cleansing solutions are often used in nursing homes to bathe people in bed or clean those who become soiled due to incontinence. Cross-infection between patients and surfaces is more readily avoided because they are designed for single-use in conditions with a high risk of bacterial contamination.

Wippet has a large selection of dry wipes, including flushable wipes, incontinence wipes, and soft wipes for sensitive skin. Many are available in sizes ranging from small to extra-large.

Resident cleansing wet wipes

Wet wipes have the same cleansing and moisturising properties as dry wipes, but they are better suited for sensitive skin and can be used on all body regions, including the face. In addition, they are larger and softer than dry wipes, making them excellent for cleaning patients and residents who are unable to move or are bedridden.

Wet wipes are widely used with soap and water when cleaning, especially when running water is unavailable. They offer a moisturising formula that deodorises skin while also battling bacteria to aid in infection control, making them suitable for all ages.

In nursing facilities, wet wipes are used similarly to dry wipes for bathing and to care for incontinence patients. If the individual you’re caring for has sensitive skin, though, unscented wipes should be used.

Recent research revealed a correlation between traditional soap and water handwashing and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HCAIs) in catheter management, as well as replacing washbasins with one-time use bathing items, such as pre-packaged wet wipes, lowered infection rates by more than 59%.

Appropriately coloured bins & waste sacks

To maintain exceptional hygienic standards, care homes follow strict waste management rules. As the law requires, waste must be divided into the correct category for disposal and placed in the appropriate colour bag with an identifying label. The care home’s waste management team should establish which category each waste item belongs to.

Each waste disposal category has its colour bin bag that must be used for disposing of the related type of rubbish. So Wippet carries all of the required waste sack colours and a variety of other things such as pedal bin liners, swing bin liners, and waste bins.

Our durable foot-operated bin, for example, is made of easy-to-clean and hygienic polypropylene, making it suitable for practically any care home environment. In addition, the 45-litre bin is available in six different colours, making it excellent for adhering to regulatory colour-coding regulations.

Another option is our bundle of 200 strong duty rubbish sacks, which are great for disposing of larger things or waste that could tear a thinner bin bag. Each sack is 160 gauge thick to bear the pressure of more unusually shaped goods and comes with a tie handle for convenient packaging.

Where can I purchase the best products for care home hygiene?

The above items are some of the best products carers can buy right now to help them maintain and clean, hygienic and dignified care home.

All of the items are available to purchase from Wippet, the UK’s healthcare marketplace. We stock many of the top care brands alongside each other, so you can choose the product that gives you the best deal.

Check Out this New Storage Facility in Brighton!

By
Andrew Mcaffrey
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Packed and taped cardboard boxes stacked inside a room of a home, moving house, UK

Moving someplace else but don’t know where to store your items? Don’t fret! 

Henfield Storage now offers storage units in Brighton!

Henfield Storage is suitable for first-timers and for those who have been using storage units for a while. Read on to learn more about Henfield.

About Henfield

Henfield Storage came from a family-owned company named Henfield Hire Ltd. The family business has been up and running for almost 40 years, and it competes with other well-known companies by promoting quality services at a cheaper price. 

As more and more people became interested in self-storage, Henfield Storage has been branded as one of the cheapest self-storage facilities in the United Kingdom. According to the Times Newspaper, Henfield’s Staple Corner branch produces the cheapest storage quote among other storage facilities.

But why is Henfield cheaper, anyway? Henfield has three reasons behind this: First, its stores are not located on high streets, so they keep their overheads low. Second, Henfield works on a local level as they don’t have a head office. Lastly, the team members help move your items in the van to lessen your removal or van hire costs.

Services

Self-Storage

Henfield Storage is a household name in the self storage industry. You can rent various sizes of a self-storage unit depending on your needs. If you are a student going to university, personal storage is ideal, especially if you need access to your items quite often. Furniture storage is another option if you have larger items, such as furniture and moving houses. Lastly, if you are a businessman who wants to have access to your paper records at any time, get a quote on business storage. 

Click+Store

Another well-known service Henfield is proud of is its Click+Store services. This service is ideal for people who are always on the go and don’t have any time to go back and forth to storage facilities. 

In choosing Click+Store, team members of Henfield will collect your items from your home. They will help you load them in a secure container, and you will have the key to these containers. Then, voila! You can sit back, relax, and let the team handle your items. All paperwork is done online and in advance, so there wouldn’t be any problem on the day of pickup.

If you need access to your items in the middle of your stay, you can contact the staff two days before your desired day of visit to the unit. Your items will be made available to you at your nearest store for £25.

Free Collection Service

What makes Henfield Storage accessible to everyone is its free collection services. Free collection service is available on both self-storage and Click+Store services. Team members will go to your address in their uniform (so that you’ll know and it’s legit) to pick up your goods to bring them to the store. They don’t charge you by the hour – everything is completely free!

Henfield Storage services are safe, secure, and insured. Henfield makes sure that each storage unit is in top condition, and its friendly customer service representatives are always there to help you out when certain concerns come across.

Locations

Henfield Storage has branched out to different locations across the United Kingdom. Henfield’s customers benefit from low-cost storage services in Brighton and Sussex, North and West London, South and Southwest London, Central London, and Surrey. 

All of these locations provide the best self-storage and Click+Stre services in town that surely no one will regret! 

Give Us a Call!

If you want to know more about Henfield Storage or you want to get a quote, you can contact us by emailing our head office at info@henfieldstorage.co.uk or using the form on our website. You can also call us at 020-3163-6432. We’re looking forward to doing storage services with you soon!

Speed Up Conveyancing: Things You Can Do In 2022

By
Andrew Mcaffrey
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Speed Up Conveyancing Using These Simple Steps

If you are buying a property, selling your home or simply remortgaging then you need a fast exchange of contracts and a timely completion. In the UK, the offer accepted by the Vendor property for sale, only becomes binding once contracts have been exchanged. At this point in time all parties must complete.

The Ten Steps will help you reach Your Exchange of Contracts. So speed up conveyancing taking onboard the following :-

  1. When you place your property for sale on the market you will need to instruct a Conveyancing Solicitor or Conveyancer. You can do just that by using the Homebuyer Conveyancing Comparison service. No personal details are require to compare the Mortgage Lender approved Conveyancing quotes. Filter your conveyancing results by cheapest price, location and by Mortgage lender. Then when ready take a quote away and schedule a call back to discuss your quote
  • When you instruct a Homebuyer Solicitor you will be sent a Client Care Pack. Within that pack you must complete and sign specific documents. They can be scanned or posted back to your chosen Solicitor firm. Return your documents promptly so that the conveyance can begin
  • The Homebuyer Conveyancing panel uses a comprehensive Onesearch Direct search pack which is specifically designed to get you moving. It includes Chancel and also a search pledge. This pledge allows you to instruct your Solicitor to order searches on day 1 of the conveyance. Normally you would order these after the Survey. Some Local authorities are suffering search delays and you must do everything possible to get your local search ordered in good time
  • The search pledge saves you time and money should your transaction fail through no fault of your own. When you find your replacement property another set of property searches are suppled for Free up to a value of £300
  • When you are at offer acceptance stage do pause for thought, try and establish the other parties current situation. Do they want to move fast, have they sorted out their next mortgage? In some cases the seller doesn’t start house hunting for a new home or investment until their property has an acceptable offer
  • The Vendors Estate Agent may hold back the Buyers Solicitors details until a Survey has been carried out on the Vendors property. This tactic can delay the exchange of contracts and in some cases derail the conveyancing process
  • When you are buying property do all that you can to Speed Up Conveyancing by instructing a Survey within 7 days of the offer being accepted by the Vendor. Ideally the Surveyor should visit and report back within 7 days
  • Monitor conveyancing progress by understanding the key conveyancing milestones. These milestones will provide a purpose to call the Solicitor
  • Call your Solicitor to get updates or agree an email, but do establish from the outset the best time to call. Solicitors complete many more properties on a Friday and as such we would ask that you call yours Monday – Thursday unless of course its moving day
  1. Speed up conveyancing by being proactive and returning inquiries. Try and return information next day. Your speed will directly impact your conveyance

Moving house, buying an additional property can be stressful. Understand your cost of conveyancing by using the Homebuyer Conveyancing service.

Lender approved Conveyancers that have available capacity. Enjoy cheaper conveyancing results from Conveyancers / Solicitors that are based in low cost of living areas. Lower overheads means they can charge lower legal fees to other Solicitors

If you have a Conveyancing question then do call the Homebuyer Conveyancing Helpline on 0345 463 7664

Drive Traffic To Your Profile With Fast TikTok Views

By
Andrew Mcaffrey
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Every day, enormous videos are posted on TikTok. A sensible number of views are essential to get yourself trending. Particularly in the case of business videos uploaded on TikTok, a larger reach is required to get brand recognition. Many people just continue scrolling when they come across a video with fewer views. It’s significant to buy TikTok views to attract a wider audience.

People are not getting over TikTok since it arrived, this high traffic is the reason you’re struggling to get recognized. Many creative content creators are finding it hard to get noticed and acknowledged. Now is the time to gain instant popularity with instant famous.

Do The Right Investment

TikTok views are a type of engagement that will boost traffic to your profile. In other words, it is the number of times your content is being viewed by other TikTok users. The more other people come across your video, the greater is the probability that your content will appear on the explore page. So, it is clear that fast TikTok views have a great influence on how the algorithm will consider your content.

TikTok views from Instant famous will amplify your brand followers, elevate brand engagement through exclusive contented videos.

The greater the number of views, the more you induce the audience to listen to your brand posts. TikTok videos with more views also give the audience an urge to have a glimpse of your business profile. Without any delay, grab our service and enjoy your popularity!

Why Choose Instant Famous?

We have many competitors but what stands us out is a set of unique characteristics. Instant famous provides reliable TikTok services that are highly securable. Buying TikTok views won’t bring any change in your account behavior.

Order placement, purchasing process, and post-delivery are all free of risk. Therefore, don’t hesitate to buy TikTok views from us and enjoy your popularity.

We offer lifetime guaranteed, high-quality services for your TikTok account that won’t run you out of budget. You won’t have to give your profile password for buying TikTok views from us.

The most wanted benefit of getting fast TikTok views from us is the cost reduction and high security without compromising the quality of the service. Above all, we provide safe and secure all human followers on every social media platform that makes your profile safely famous.

Get on Trending With Fast TikTok Views

Instant famous will lift you to shine on TikTok with your exclusive content. Boost traffic to your TikTok profile with our authentic profile visits. As soon as the order placement completes, it only takes 24 hours to get the service. Get the key to driving traffic to your TikTok profile effortlessly.

Another great thing about our social media shop is that it is super easy to use. Pick any of our packages that is the most appropriate for you. The next is to enter the email and payment method and confirm the purchase.

It’s not easy to become a TikTok star, but it does pay off. Starting from scratch and getting famous on your own is not easy. With our help, on the other hand, you can gain popularity overnight! We will provide you with all organic TikTok views from authentic profiles that will drive traffic to your profile.

Instant famous is here for you to accompany you on your journey to fame and popularity. Get all human, safe, and secure TikTok views. In case you have any queries, we are just a text away. Feel free to hit us up to resolve your confusion.

Steel and Construction Materials in High Demand

By
Andrew Mcaffrey
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The construction industry in the UK has been in the vanguard of economic recovery as the country continues to open up after a year of lockdowns and other restrictions. Post-lockdown, the construction industry is operating at an escalating speed, with a record seven-year high activity levels. With this rapid increase in the activity levels, the demand for steel and construction materials is also at an all-time high.

The supply of a number of essential minerals used as raw materials for steel and construction materials has been stressed by this rising demand. Due to the mismatch between demand and supply, most minerals are now experiencing double-digit inflation. The UK government ordered the Construction Leadership Council to keep an eye on the issue earlier this year, prompting the formation of the Products Availability task force to tackle this issue. It has added more and more things to its list of products facing a severe shortage in the months since it was launched.

Timber

Timber has been in high demand ever since the lockdown restrictions have been lifted. However, the demand is in no way matched by the supply of timber. There is a massive shortage in the demand for timber. Timber remains one of the “worst affected product sectors” for the construction industry, according to a CLC construction product availability update released last month.

The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) claimed that the stock levels for timber were declining in its May market statement, owing to the influx of demand from overseas. This increased demand has prevented UK-based purchasers from replenishing their stock since the Covid outbreak. According to the Timber Trade Federation, demand for timber has soared at an all-time high in the UK and worldwide as housebuilders scrambled to make up for the lost time during the post-pandemic lockdowns and other restrictions that were inflicted. The growing emphasis on a net-zero building has boosted demand since lumber has significant carbon-storage potential; thus, additional focus is being placed on timber, according to the report.

Furthermore, Brexit-related issues further limit timber stockpiling in the UK since 80% of softwood used in construction originates from Europe.

Cement

The demand for cement has also been rising since restrictions were lifted after the lockdown, and the construction industry resumed its operations. Similar to timber, cement’s increasing demand was also met by a shortage. In April, cement was added to the CLC’s list of products in insufficient supply.

However, according to Nigel Jackson, chief executive of the Mineral Products Association (MPA), cement supply has improved to an extent. Bulk cement deliveries, which account for more than 80% of the UK market, are mostly back to normal.

Bagged cement shortages, which accounted for about 18% of all cement sales in the UK in February, have persisted, owing in part to an upsurge in demand as the sector began to reopen following the covid-19 lockdown.

Steel

Another material that has been facing a severely high demand is steel. Steel demand is outstripping its supply throughout the world, not just in the UK. The British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association (BEAMA), a UK industrial trade association, confirmed earlier this month that a severe fall in steel production in early 2020 caused a worldwide shortage. Albeit output began to increase in mid-2020, to tackle this shortage. The “availability of steel remains difficult,” according to the group, and is expected to last for months before the steel supply levels start increasing. 

Due to “exceptional demand,” British Steel halted receiving structural steel section orders this week, and a director of a steel specialist told Constructions News that he is concerned that the decision may lead to “panic purchasing,” worsening the situation.

Conclusion

The owners at Western Industrial Business Interiors, along with other companies, are aware of the increasing demand for steel and construction materials and the impact it has had on their business operations. Post-lockdown, this increasing demand and lack of sufficient supply have led to excessive inflation in the prices, with suppliers taking advantage of the situation. The post-Brexit vote has further worsened the situation. Local production of the in-demand materials can also be viewed as a solution to meet the high-level demand. For instance, the future of cement is comparatively more optimistic since it is produced locally in the UK instead of relying solely on imports.

However, with the lockdown restrictions being eased and activity returning to normal, we can expect demand and supply levels to return to their previous levels and the imbalance between demand and supply to get minimized gradually.

Sergey Karshkov: Marketing Trends for 2022

By
Claire James
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Founded by advertising industry expert Sergey Karshkov, 9 Pandas consistently outperforms its competitors in terms of leveraging the latest marketing tech and formulating dynamic and engaging advertising strategies.

9 Pandas strives to keep ahead of the curve, enabling the brands it represents to create and maintain a competitive edge. This article will explore marketing trends that are likely to become prominent in 2022 and beyond.

The Death of the Cookie

Earlier this year, Google announced that from 2022, it would no longer be supporting third-party cookies in Chrome. This dealt a significant blow to many online advertisers; Chrome is the most popular web browser worldwide, claiming almost 70% of the market.

For some advertisers, the cookie’s demise will call for some drastic changes. Web tracking is essential to many businesses and advertisers today. Nevertheless, with privacy concerns coming to the fore more and more following the implementation of GDPR, digital advertisers will have no other option but to switch tactics.

The Rise of Zero-Party Data

Zero-party data is gaining increasing traction. Essentially, it is data provided directly by the consumer to a brand. This can be achieved in several different ways; for example, by encouraging consumers to complete a survey, or through consumer/brand online interaction.

With cookies off the table, brands will have to shift their focus from buying data to persuading consumers to volunteer it, convincing them that sharing their preferences will improve their online experience.

Growing Interest in Online Events

COVID-19 triggered a surge in reliance on digital technology, with web users taking their interactions online. Instead of staging real world product launches, brands found ingenious ways to create excitement about their new products through virtual launches, and meetings and seminars switched from the real world to digital venues.

Experts predict that this trend is unlikely to abate as we move through 2022. In fact, insiders suggest that brands will increasingly participate in online events, leveraging the significant benefits they offer, such as the ability to gather data directly –  eliminating the need for brands to rely on third-parties for information and enabling them to build engagement and rapport with their audience.

Transitioning from ‘Hard Sell’ to Educating

In the internet age, brand image is everything. To build a strong brand, companies must prioritise customer care – not only providing a quality product or service, but striving to organically raise brand awareness.

Today, companies must communicate with clients, leads and the world at large promptly and efficiently to earn consumer trust. Instead of shouting “buy from me now!”, brands need to offer web content that educates and offers value, whether it’s weekly podcasts or video tutorials. Today, successful companies must show consumers why they need them, rather than just telling them.

With marketing experts estimating that the average American is exposed to somewhere between 4,000 and 10,000 ads every day, how on earth can businesses get their ad to stand out?

The answer no longer lies in hard-selling tactics.

He/she who shouted the loudest may have made the sale in the past, but today consumers are more discerning. When brands start cajoling consumers to make a purchase, this typically puts them into defensive mode, causing them to switch off.

Rather than pushing products or services, effective marketers show consumers how they can help. Arguably, no company exemplifies this ethos better than Apple, which educates consumers on the value Apple products can add to their lives and uses its stores to offer consumers a space to learn about and try out Apple products.

Accessibility Will Become a Priority

With increasing emphasis on the customer experience, more and more firms are prioritising accessibility. In fact, between July 2020 and July 2021, the number of job advertisements featuring ‘accessibility’ in the title grew by 78%.

Forrester – a company specialising in business strategy – predicts that vendors will ratchet up their investments in 2022, honing their focus to increase accessibility significantly.

Personalisation

With more and more channels for customers to experience marketing content, from podcasts and Facebook ads to videos, brands have a variety of different options in terms of communicating with customers and engaging them in their message.

Since the launch of Clubhouse and similar platforms, podcasting has soared in popularity. Not everyone will listen to a company’s podcast, but those who do are likely to have specific interests that will align with the marketer’s objective, making them more likely to convert.

Similarly, individuals who read a blog post on a particular topic will be more inclined to purchase a related product. Personalisation is a powerful tool in terms of targeting and converting views into sales.

9 Fantastic Small Music Venues in London

By
Andrew Mcaffrey
-

London is home to some of the world’s most famous music venues, ranging from enormous arenas to small grassroots venues. If you love music and you’re heading to London, you’d be a fool not to catch a show at one of these incredible venues. No matter what your preference in music is, London has it all, with the likes of Foo Fighters, Queen, Stormzy, and many more hitting the stage. Not only does London bear witness to the greats, but it also attracts a multitude of breakout artists all looking to hit big. To find out where the hottest small music venues are right now, continue reading.

Camden Underworld

If you’ve ever been to Camden, with its rich cultural variety, colorful scenes, and eclectic choice of music venues, you’ll understand why we start here. Although not much is known about Camden Underworld’s history, it has cemented itself as one of the most important venues in the alternative music scene.

The intimate venue has seen many alternative legends including Avenged Sevenfold, Sum 41, and The Offspring. Further, the venue bursts to life for the Camden Rocks festival, which sees a complete takeover of Camden’s music venues. When bands aren’t taking to the stage, the venue hosts a range of club nights including a frivolous ‘80s night. If you’re heading down to a show, you should get down early and enjoy a refreshing pint of Staropramen in the upstairs pub, The World’s End – not to be mistaken with Edgar Wright’s The World’s End.

If you’re an artist or band, and you’re feeling inspired after your Camden experience, you can take a twenty-minute walk to find the best London rehearsal rooms. The space offers free professional equipment hire with every booking alongside 24/7 access. No matter what your sound, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to practice in some of the great rehearsal studios in London. 

The Lexington

Located in Islington, on the famous Pentonville Road, The Lexington is a fantastic pub and music venue that specializes in craft beer from the US and quality bourbon. The music venue is situated upstairs and pulls a mixed crowd of hipsters, bloggers, scenesters, and basic people with no assignment. The stage hosts a great range of indie artists including Sleigh Bells, Iceage, and The Pastels. Granted, the music isn’t for everyone, but the venue is fantastic and you can hear your friends talk.

Bush Hall

Bush Hall is no Empire, but it’s still an essential grassroots venue to the Shephard’s Bush music scene. Sat between Nandos and a stream of 24/7 markets, this charming venue is distinctly grand. Whatever your music taste, Bush Hall has seen it all, with the likes of The Killers, R.E.M., and the Sugababes hitting the stage. Originally, Bush Hall was built as a dance hall, way back in 1904, and is the only surviving hall a set of three. The venue returned to its roots in 2001, with its glory completely restored.

Cafe Oto

If quirky is your vibe, then Cafe Oto is the answer. They are the home of creative arts and music that sits outside the realms of the mainstream. During the day, they operate as a cafe that serves coffee, snacks, books, CDs, records, and other items you’d expect to find. The venue is easily accessible by tube, bus, and bike. The venue takes a minimalist approach, with no stage space and white walls to allow artists the freedom to express themselves. If you want a little teaser, you should check out the French legend Ghedalia Tazartes.

The Tabernacle

Located in Notting Hill, The Tabernacle is a unique venue with gothic splashes and Victorian dashes that features tiered seating. Back in the day, the likes of The Clash and Pink Floyd graced the stage. Fast forward to the modern age and we see artists including Adele and Lily Allen bellowing sounds across the grand hall. Alongside the classics, the venue aims to support Latin musicians, London-based African artists, as well as Caribbean sounds.

Plan B

Plan B is a quirky venue that opened back in 2009 following a major refurbishment. Step inside and you’ll see neon lighting and a warehouse-style interior. What’s more exciting is the installation of a Funktion 1 sound system, which brings crystal clear and super loud music alive. Once you’ve finished enjoying live music in this Brixton venue, you can party on into the early hours, thanks to their 24-hour license.

The Vortex

If you think jazz music is for old people only, you obviously haven’t been to The Vortex in Dalston. The building looks like some sort of futuristic greenhouse, and they bring live shows to every night of the week. The venue is typically chill, with the downstairs being full of varying influences and the upstairs stripping it back and keeping it lowbrow. The venue has put on some fantastic shows, including performances from the likes of Polar Bear.

Union Chapel

As the name suggests, this converted chapel is the perfect place for music worshipers to get their fill of live shows. Built into a Grade II listed building that dates back to 1877, this venue has become a hallmark in intimate concerts. Step inside and you’ll be met with a gorgeous gothic interior, with grand stone walls that contribute to the acoustics of the building. The venue has hosted the late Amy Winehouse, Coldplay, and Florence and the Machine.

Electric Ballroom

We end our London venue tour down the road from the Camden Underworld, bringing us full circle. This venue is small and lends itself perfectly to intimate shows. The venue has been part of the community for the best part of 80 years and has seen everything from quirky singer-songwriters like Bry to The Horrors.

If you love music, you will never be at a loose end in London. They have everything from vibrant warehouses to tiny underground stages. This list is only the tip of the iceberg – there are plenty more venues out there for you to explore.

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