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Keeping you and your premises safe during the Coronavirus pandemic

In these unprecedented times where Coronavirus is rife, more of us are working from home than ever before.  In order to keep everyone safe, thousands of businesses have shut their doors until the government tell us it’s safe to return to our workplaces.  In the meantime, what becomes of our work premises, and what can we do at home to reduce the risks of contracting the virus?

 At Work

You may be really worried about your premises standing empty for a prolonged period of time.  There may be valuable equipment inside that you’re concerned about.  Security is key, and the most sensible measures you can put in place if you haven’t any CCTV at present, is a system that can be accessed remotely.  You can check on your building via a smart phone or PC.  Such systems are relatively inexpensive in comparison to years ago, and you’ll have peace of mind that your business premises are safe.

 More than ever, we as a nation are looking for ways to keep our surroundings not just clean, but sanitary too. Cleaning our surroundings, and our own personal hygiene have never been so important at a time where slowing the spread of the disease is paramount.  Whether you are having a final clean before you close your business’ doors, or are looking for ways to stay safer at home, here are some tips:

 Tidy and declutter

In order to maintain a clean and healthy environment keeping your surrounding clear is essential.  After all, you can’t clean effectively when you have clutter piled up on every available surface.  When trying to manage a sterile setting, less is most definitely more!  Sort your belongings and recycle what you can. Throw or donate what you can’t.  A clearer space will almost certainly elevate your mood too – your surroundings will work for you, and you will work more efficiently.  With less ‘stuff’ on show the build up of dirt and dust really will be kept to a minimum.

 Disinfect regularly

Whether it’s at home or at work, we all have a great deal of tech equipment.  Keyboards and computers, phones and remote controls as well as other electronics need to be kept scrupulously clean as they can be handled regularly by many different people.  Whether you use anti bacterial wipes or a cloth and spray, these items need to be cleaned daily, or more if handled by different people.  It is thought that Coronavirus can survive for up to 72 hours on some hard surfaces, so these need to be cleaned regularly too.  If you’ve not managed to get to the shops in time to buy any of the much-depleted stocks of antibacterial cleaners, diluted bleach is more than effective.

 Wash floors

Carpets can harbour all kinds of bacteria.  Regular vacuuming will help keep them dirt free, but to be certain that you’ve given them a good and deep clean, then you might need to hire an industrial grade carpet cleaning machine.  This will ensure that the fibres of the carpets are all cleansed of ground in dirt and bacteria.  

 If you have hard floors, then once they have been swept or vacuumed you can mop with a good disinfectant, or diluted bleach.  Make sure that you read the instructions, as some chemical cleaners should not be used with hot water – particularly bleach which can give off chlorine fumes. These fumes are dangerous if we breathe them in.

 Keep bathrooms clean

We should all be washing our hands more often that we’re used to which means that our sinks are becoming high traffic areas.  Each person should be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of sinks and taps after each use.  The same applies to toilets prior to handwashing.  A good squirt of bleach under the rim of the toilet will ensure the pan is sanitised, and antibacterial wipes are ideal for the toilet seat as they can be disposed of immediately.  Bathroom floors are notorious for harbouring germs and bacteria, as the splash back from a toilet flushing can reach anything up to 6 feet!  Regular mopping should take care of this, paying particular attention to the area immediately surrounding the toilet!

 Eat at your table

It’s good practice to have a routine when it comes to mealtimes.  Wash your hands thoroughly (bar soap is just as effective as handwash – the pH levels mean that bacteria cannot survive on it) before and after each meal and get into the habit of eating at the table.  Any dropped or spilled food and drink can be cleaned up in one area instead of having a trail around your property.

 Empty and sanitise your bins

It may seem a bit of a bind having to empty bins daily, but it will help to keep your environment sanitary. Left over food thrown into bins can harbour germs which will multiply at alarming rates if left.  When you’ve emptied your bin, clean around the lid, and spray with antibacterial cleaner or disinfectant.

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How to Prepare for a Fire Emergency at Work

Nobody expects an emergency at work, least of all a fire to break out, but these types of emergencies strike businesses across the country on a daily basis. If the worst should happen while you’re in the building, would you know the procedures to evacuate at a moment’s notice?  You need to make sure you and your team are ready, just in case disaster strikes close by.

Here are some actionable tips to help.

Have an action plan ready

Outlining your responsibilities and those of your employees during a fire or other emergency can be compiled in an ‘emergency action plan’.  

It should also include escape route diagrams which highlight primary and secondary escape exits, the fire assembly point, and accessible routes for those with disabilities.  

Decide whether any employees should be instructed to use fire extinguishers, or if the premises should be evacuated immediately. Depending on the size of your business you will need to tailor your action plan to meet the specific conditions of your building.

Fire prevention

Making sure your team are all aware of what to do in an emergency is essential, but there are steps you can take to ensure the chances of a fire breaking out are reduced as much as humanly possible.

Make sure general maintenance is ongoing. Kitchens and canteens can be hotspots for flammable grease build up, so appliances need regular checks to make sure they’re clean and safe.

Store any paper products or other flammable items away from heat sources.

Dispose of rubbish daily so it doesn’t cause a hazard.

Keep all exits, corridors and stairs clear in case of evacuation.

Use ventilation when cleaning products and/or chemicals are in use near to heat sources.

Don’t allow smoking on your premises.

Emergency training

Your team should all be familiar with your emergency action plan, but you can provide additional training if there are specific responsibilities for individual people.

Fire extinguishers. If you need any or all of your personnel to be able to use a fire extinguisher to douse flames before evacuation, training can be given.  Your extinguisher supplier should give you full and comprehensive instruction upon delivery.

Fire drills. Conducting regular routine fire drills will give your team chance to practice any roles and responsibilities they would be expected to carry out during an evacuation.  The more regular the practice, the more likely a real life evacuation will run smoothly.

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Insuring Your Business and the Mistakes to Avoid

Starting a business can be a daunting prospect; it could be one of the most challenging not to mention scary times in your life.  It may be a lifelong dream to be your own boss and go it alone, but the reality is that for some, who risk to their own personal financial assets in order to set up a company, those risks may not pay off.

There are some ways to avoid probable financial loss; the most common is to secure your business against unforeseen circumstances. Failure to do so could ruin the chances of your business’ success both now and in the future.

Most business owners make themselves familiar with company insurance, and the type of policies needed in order to be covered fully and comprehensively. There are still some common errors made when they purchase, some of which could cost them dearly.  Here are our top mistakes to avoid when arranging your business insurance.

Purchasing unnecessary policies

Some insurers will happily sell you a policy that you don’t need.  A genuine broker will advise you about what is necessary, regardless of the size of your business.  Research trusted insurers who will recommend the best possible product for your company.

Understanding the Terms and Conditions

Small print is boring! Let’s face it, how many of us actually read it?  We take for granted that it’s just ‘jargon’ and we think we’ve understood all that has been explained in the initial sales pitch.  The reality is there could be clauses within the policy that you aren’t aware of, or don’t agree with.  Read through all the Ts and Cs, as boring as it is, just to make sure you’re aware as the policyholder of what your need to comply with.

Reviewing or updating your policy

As the business grows, it’s sensible to regularly review your insurance, as your needs could change. An annual review with your broker or agent can see new assets added and the policy adjusted accordingly.  Don’t forget to let the broker know of any key changes, for example if you move premises.  Disclose the exact value of your assets so that there’s no shortfall in the event of a claim – if your policy doesn’t contain the correct information your claim could be void. 

Interruption policies

Losses to the business caused by accident, fire or theft can cause all manner of financial implications. Don’t make things worse by forgetting about the interruptions to the working of the business in the event of any of the above.  Be sure to purchase an interruption policy to cover the income lost if the business needs to be closed for any length of time. 

Pricing

Keeping overheads as low as possible is at the forefront of every business owner’s mind. Cheap insurance may seem very attractive, but be sure to research the efficiency of the company you’re dealing with.  Check out their security rating and the effectiveness of their claims service.  Testimonials and reviews will give you a clearer idea of how other customers have fared.

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Mop or Not?

Our humble mop. Did you ever wonder about its invention?  It’s thought that cleaning using a mop of some form or another was undertaken as early as 1496 in England although it was initially spelled ‘mappe’.  But dry, moist or wet our faithful old mops have their limits.  A dry mop can replace a broom, but there is a limit as to how much dirt it can retain, and a moist mop will reduce the transport of heavy water, but will either of these stages of cleaning really get things hygienically clean?

Studies have been carried out since the 1970s about widespread contamination of bacteria and viruses via mop cleaning. Mops stored whilst still wet support bacteria growth at alarming levels that cannot be decontaminated by chemical disinfectants. Washing and drying the mop prior to storage can be effective, as long as disinfectant is present in the washing water. In summary, a mop needs to be washed and dried after every use in order to remain hygienically clean.

Other studies have been carried out in recent years about bacteria levels on floors, and the subsequent transference onto food dropped and left in contact with the floor’s surface.  In 2006 Professor Paul L Dawson concluded that food left on the floor for 60 seconds had 10 times the level of bacteria present on its surface.  A worrying statistic when you consider that salmonella can be present for up to 28 days after initial contamination!

Despite this information, the mop is still used in millions of educational, business, food and medical facilities across the UK. Knowing what we know, why are we still using mops? Shouldn’t we embrace technology, move with the times and invest in the future health and safety of the public?

Scrubber dryers were first invented in the 50s, but they were large, heavy and cumbersome machines where no consideration was given to water or power consumption, or indeed ergonomics. Thankfully technological advances have resulted in an abundance of smaller scrubber dryers in the market place that minimise water and chemical use, whilst they maximise productivity. Most of us have seen the larger of these machines used in supermarket aisles or around hospitals, so it stands to reason that their smaller counterparts could be used in smaller facilities, cutting down on production time whilst ensuring a more thorough and hygienic clean.  After all, the infection risk to the public remains high and the safety of the public must come first.  

The price tag?  Sound expensive?  It doesn’t have to. Many companies will hire out equipment on both short and long term contracts which won’t break the bank.  If you’re running a facility where the risk of infection is high, can you afford not to?

It really could be time to put those bacteria ridden mops out to pasture!

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Five Real Steps to Realising Your Philanthropic Dreams

Giving back feels good, we all know that, but do you ever wish you had more time in your schedule to do good within your community? Whether it’s volunteering at a local animal shelter, spending quality time with the elderly who might need a helping hand or fundraising for local events! There’s always plenty of good causes that need help and support, if only you could find the time? Your dream may soon be a reality, with more and more individuals taking it upon themselves to live an increasingly flexible and rewarding lifestyle. But how? You don’t have to be donating millions of dollars like Oprah to live a more philanthropic life, there are many ways you can give back!

So where to start? It can be a daunting prospect diving into a new challenge, but if you follow the right steps then you can’t go wrong…

1. Decide What’s Most Important

What cause do you feel strongly about? How do you want to enhance your local community? You need to decide why you want to help and who you want to help. You could start by researching and compiling a list of nearby charities that take on volunteers. Perhaps your local food bank needs an extra pair of hands? Or maybe you fancy helping out at a local dog rescue sanctuary? Focus your attention on one charitable organisation to start with otherwise you might feel overwhelmed.

2. How Are You Going To Help?

Once you’ve decided on the organisation you want to support, your next step is to understand how you can best help them. This is where you and your personal experience comes in! Are you good at marketing? A dab hand with decorating? Perhaps you’ve got a qualification in bookkeeping. It helps to map out your skill bases and understand your strengths. Don’t be afraid to share your knowledge base with the organisation you’re reaching out to, you might just save the day!

3. Organise Your Schedule Effectively

Life is busy, and if you’re holding down a full time 9-5 gig then squeezing in extra hours to give back is going to be somewhat of a tough challenge. This is where you might need to re-evaluate your lifestyle. It’s easy to become complacent and rock up to your desk everyday but perhaps this could be the shake-up you need! Explore new options, could you work a day from home? Could you go freelance? Perhaps your boss might be interested in introducing a scheme at work that could give employees a chance to give back. You never know until you ask, but make sure your schedule is organised and you have enough time to fulfil your philanthropic dreams otherwise it could lead to more stress.

4. Make A Lifestyle Change

If you find you’re increasingly frustrated with a lack of freedom and time to pursue your philanthropy, it could be time to evaluate your current lifestyle. Bogged down by your current job? It’s never too late to explore new avenues. There are lots of exciting ways to make money that offer flexibility, for example, have you ever considered joining a referral marketing company? A reputable organisation such as Lifeplus can open the door to new opportunities. Earn money by recommending products you love! There are no sign up fees, and once you have established

yourself, you’re in control of your own schedule giving you incredible freedom to explore your philanthropic endeavours.

5. Encourage Others To Follow Suit

You have all of the tools in hand! Whether it is focusing your attention on what you want, improving your time management or building finding flexible opportunities to pay your bills and build a passive income – you’re able to give back to the community. There is nothing quite like the feeling of helping others, and the next step in your philanthropic journey is to encourage others to do the same! Share your experience and open your friends and family up to the idea of getting involved with a more philanthropic lifestyle.

Remember, you don’t need to have wealth in order to be philanthropic! No one is expecting you to match Bill Gates here, just a little of your time can mean a lot to a small organisation. Sharing your skills is just as valuable as donating money. Look for where your skills are needed most and start your journey today…

Find out more about flexible, home-based opportunities with Lifeplus at https://ww1.lifeplus.com/uk/en/web-page/our-company/your-opportunity

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Antiques make a comeback as home trends change

For the past 30 years, houses in the UK have been relentlessly minimalist, as flat-pack furniture from the likes of IKEA has become hugely popular. But following a revival in the economy, households now have more money to spend and have recognised that solid wood, hand-crafted antique furniture can actually be more affordable than a mass produced piece. Not only that, but they also pose a more environmentally friendly option as illegal logging around the world continues, which has devastating consequences on eco systems and rainforests. We are also in an era where people are more influenced by the ‘buy local’ trend which supports small businesses and communities.

‘Brown’ furniture notoriously went out of style when cleaner, Scandinavian type interiors took over, but we all know that fashions go full circle. Sure enough, auctioneers have now said that this is an amazing time to buy original furniture while prices are still relatively low before demand skyrockets. Bureaus, side tables, chairs and cabinets are already proving to be common choices for their retro look and practicality. The advice from professionals is to invest while the going it good!

With new-build homes become increasingly small, furniture with multiple purposes is inevitably a must, especially if it can provide additional storage. For that reason it is no surprise that traditional antiques are making a comeback. Even if you prefer a modern interior, a couple of statement pieces will fit in remarkably well, and are sure to be a focal point in any room. And with the hipster generation well and truly taking over, the demand for unique and vintage goods has never been so high. These days, it’s fairly easy to pick up functional, well-built furniture that will not only enhance your home, but will also be a great investment.

A good place to start would be an antique shop, fairs, local auction or house clearance sale. If you’re new to buying vintage and collectable items, it’s important to find out whether they are in fact genuine pieces, if they will fit in your home and whether you’re paying the right price. Condition, history, age, authenticity and location are all factors that will affect the final price you pay. Make sure you do your research before rushing into buying something - browse the internet to see what you like and what’s about. And remember, where antiques are concerned, haggling is always an option so you may be able to barter them down on price!

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Best grooming gifts for men

With Christmas approaching at an alarming rate, the panic of what to buy your loved ones begins to set in. And the men tend to be the most difficult to buy for! But there’s no reason why you can’t be organised and sort out some thoughtful presents that he’s actually likely to use. As manscaping and male grooming has never been so popular, you can rest easy knowing that there are now more options than the usual body wash set or toiletries. We’ve listed some of the best grooming gifts on the market that he’s bound to love.

Shaving Subscription

Remove the hassle of running out of razors, and put the fun back into shaving every morning with quality blades and beard grooming products that are delivered to your door every month. By signing up to a shaving subscription, he’ll get a gift that keeps on giving, with a new supply every month. Boxes can consist of razors, shaving creams, skin soothers, balms and moisturisers. Some companies to check out include Birchbox Man, Dollar Shave Club and Bevel.

Beard Oil

Spruce up his facial hair while keeping him looking sleek and well-groomed with some beard oil. With a number of benefits such as revitalising damaged hair, nourishing skin and stimulating thicker hair growth, these oils that are packed full of vitamins and the purest ingredients are an essential tool for any beardsmen. For an organic option, try out Pure Collection or maybe Captain Fawcett and Acqua Di Parma for a wider choice of fragrances.

Hand Cream

With winter soon upon us, the harsh, chilly weather can turn your hands’ into a scaly and chapped mess. Up his grooming game and keep his hands in top nick with some luxurious hand cream that’ll be sure to rid any dry or cracked skin. Not only do these products do a great job of repairing damaged hands, but they are also an affordable gift that won’t smell too flowery for those self-conscious guys out there. Popular choices include Burt’s Bees, Jack Black and Man Lotion.

Face Masks

Once seen as a product only women would use, men have picked up on the many advantages of using cleansing and moisturising products, making face masks the ideal present! Leave his skin looking brighter and fight breakouts with a nutrient rich clay mask that is sure to be a fantastic addition to any skincare routine. Of course, there are a few favourites that have raving reviews so far; Matcha, Kiehl’s or men-u D-Tox.

Whether you’re shopping for someone that still uses supermarket shaving cream and disposable razors, or maybe a guy that is used to a certain level of quality in his grooming products, these gifts are sure to go down a treat!

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Top Tips for Keeping Your Commercial Office Secure

A break in has the potential to cripple any business, no matter the size of the company, if there is sufficient damage it can lead to serious financial implications. While your insurance will always cover the costs of any financial losses there is much more at risk such as personal belongings, important documents, and the potential loss of business and trading time. Having a range of great security measures in place in your office will also help to bring your insurance premium down as well as aid you in the securing of your commercial property. Protect your business from the unfortunate possibility of theft with the right security for you, take a look at the variety of options available to you below.

CCTV Systems

A CCTV camera system can be a great tool in your security arsenal, they act as a great deterrent and help to stop thieves before they commit any crimes. However, should you unfortunately become a victim of a break in you can use the high quality and comprehensive footage after the event to help identify the perpetrator and establish the timeline of events. The positioning of cameras is key, installing them near doorways and entranceways is ideal. Make sure the area is well lit too, there is nothing worse than looking over footage and realising it’s too dark to distinguish anything.

Security Lighting

Another great deterrent, installing security lighting can create a presence and make burglars feel as if they are being watched. Many burglaries take place during the evening or at night time when it is dark because visibility is low which makes it a lot easier for thieves to go completely undetected. If you don’t like the thought of having lights on in or outside your office all the time then think about the possibility of passive infrared lighting. Passive infrared lighting will only turn on when someone comes into a certain perimeter of the light itself. When you’re thinking about installing security lighting keep in mind the possible effects it could have on surrounding CCTV cameras so you don’t affect their effectiveness.

Alarm Systems

A monitored alarm system should be a high priority on your list when it comes to the security of your commercial property or office. Should your alarm unfortunately be triggered at your property then an emergency signal is immediately sent to the alarm receiving centre that is monitoring the alarm system that you have installed in your building. If necessary the alarm receiving centre can then contact the police to attend the scene if they deem the event of the alarm being triggered to be suspicious or a break in. An alarm system may seem as a large cost to a small business but it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your important business assets, this one cost could save you much larger costs down the line.

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What You Need for an Amazing (and Super Organised) Road Trip

Nothing beats a road trip whether it’s spontaneous or well planned. You’re totally in control of everything, your destination, the route you take to get there, where you stop off in between, how long you stay there and what you do while you’re there. The world (or the road) is your oyster when it comes to road tripping. No matter whether you’ve been mapping out your trip for months or you’ve just decided to take off and see where the road takes you, it’s important to have a game plan and be prepared for anything that might just crop up while you’re out on the open road. Essentials are essentials for a reason, you’ll most likely need them even if you think you won’t, you’ll be thankful you have them when you hit a bump in the road.

The Bare Necessities

If you don’t take anything else with you on your adventure make sure you take these. Your vehicle (obviously), car, van, truck, motorcycle or tricked out converted school bus, make sure you take one because you won’t get that far without it.

Car insurance is an absolute must, you just can’t predict what will happen on your trip. Whether you get into an accident or someone unfortunately steals your ride you’ll need your insurance to help you out in this situation. If you’re taking your own vehicle or you’re renting one make sure you’ve got the right insurance that will cover you for everything you might need. The same goes for your driver’s license, ensure that you’re allowed to drive the vehicle in the country that you’re road tripping in.

Maps, Maps, Maps

You never know when you’re going to hit an area of poor reception, especially when you’re venturing through a part of the world you’ve never been to, you just can’t predict whether you’re going to be able to access your GPS or not. Take a traditional (up to date!) paper map with you which covers your whole trip, if you can’t find a map that covers your whole trip buy multiple maps that covers all of the areas of your travels. Taking screenshots of all the directions that your online map is giving you is a great idea and serves as an extra back up too.

Snacks

Hunger can strike at any moment and who knows when you’ll be able to stop for your next meal. If you’re travelling through a pretty remote location or you’re driving through a mountain range and plan to for hours on end you can’t bet that there will be tiny shop let alone a restaurant. Driving through the night can make stopping for food a task too, most places will be closed. Stock up on a range of snacks and foods that’ll keep you going and give you energy when you’re covering all those miles. Dried fruits, vegetables, nuts, crisps and other non-perishable items are best!

Audio

So you’re driving a car that has no aux and no CD player but you have a tape deck and the radio, what are you going to do for music? The radio might not always be an option if you’re in the middle of nowhere or far from any town or city and are out of range from any stations, but you could always stock up on tapes (if you can find any). A Bluetooth speaker is the perfect solution, not only can you play whatever you want you can also play it whenever you want. Bluetooth speakers don’t just come in handy when you have no other music playing ability in your car when you’re driving but it’ll also save your car battery when you’re stationary and parked up too. Lightweight and portable you can take them on hikes, camping, picnics or even your hotel room. Just charge it up at your next destination and you’re ready for hours of playback of your favourite music.

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How Physio Works To Help You Walk Again

When you’ve suffered a devastating injury that leaves you unable to walk, physiotherapy is what you need to get you moving again. The time it takes to recover varies from person to person because treatment is specifically tailored to the individual and based upon the severity of the injury. However, you can rest assured that working with a physiotherapist will give you the best chance at walking again.

The Process

Physiotherapy consists of many different methods that work together to get you back on your feet. Through various means, a registered physiotherapist will retrain your muscles and reintroduce leg movements.

Active Assistive Range of Motion

For those who can’t move their legs on their own, a physiotherapist will move them for you. They’ll start with gentle stretches then gradually increase the range of motion they apply to your legs.

Active Range of Motion

Once you regain some feeling and are able to move your legs even slightly on your own, you will perform active range of motion activities. You’ll do the same exercises that you did with your therapist before except instead of them moving your legs for you, you’ll move them unaided. Active range of motion is especially helpful for those who suffer from arthritis.

Stationary Bicycle

The stationary bicycle exercise improves your cardiovascular endurance. Resistance will be gradually added to build strength and range of motion for your legs and back.

Gait Training

The word gait is used to describe the way we walk. Through gait training exercises a physiotherapist trains your legs to walk again. They will first carry out an analysis, during which they’ll examine how your lower back interacts with your feet and thighs during each walking stage (initial contact, loading, stance etc.). Because you have been recently injured, gait training will help you overcome any abnormalities in your walk that were caused by the accident.

Custom Orthotics

After the gait analysis and training, custom orthotics may be prescribed. These are inserted you’re your shoes to redistribute your weight evenly and help you walk without pain.

Isometrics

This involves contracting the muscles without moving the joints. If you’ve had surgery and your leg is in plaster, isometrics will strengthen the affected area without damaging the joint.

Therapeutic Massage

Through soft tissue mobilization, your muscles will relax, reducing swelling and scar tissue. Therapeutic massage also helps to stimulate blood flow and relieve pain.

 TENS

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation uses low voltages to override the sensation of pain. Used in intervals, TENS can reduce your dependence on painkillers, so that you can eventually walk without pain.

Anti-Gravity Treadmill

This specially designed treadmill allows you to walk or run as if you were never injured. You place your lower body and legs in an inflated chamber that reduces the effects of gravity so you feel like you are walking on air.

Mental Health Counselling

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may need counselling to help you overcome the trauma. Learning to walk again is more than just training exercises and massage, it also involves overcoming the fear associated with the accident.

You may not receive all of the treatments mentioned here. Your physiotherapist will evaluate your progress after each treatment to determine what the next steps should be. Your recovery plan will be entirely individual.

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BUYING A USED CAR? DON’T GET TAKEN FOR A RIDE!

Buying a used car can be a daunting experience, especially for a woman. Despite the battle for equality, which has been largely successful, we still experience occasional bouts of sexism when out shopping for a car.

Assumptions are often made that we don’t really know what we’re talking about and are easy to walk over. So we need to do our homework in advance and know exactly what we want so that the only thing taken for a ride is our lovely new car!

With so many places selling cars it can be overwhelming, but if you allow yourself the time and take it ‘step by step’ you can make things a lot easier.

Where to buy?

The first thing you need to decide is whether to buy from a dealer or a private seller. Whilst the lower price of the private sale might look attractive, if things go wrong with the car afterwards you will have no legal comeback at all. Whereas, professional used car dealers, like Purser and Luxford, offer you security in case something unforeseen goes wrong with your new car after your purchase. Another reassuring factor is that the majority of used car dealers will have thoroughly checked and prepared the car for sale and charge you a fair price based on its condition.

Unless there is a specific car you want, buying privately can be a waste of time.  I’ve spent days looking for a specific car in the past, where if I’d contacted a Certified Used Car Dealer they’d probably have had most cars and car types in stock. If you tell the salesperson what you’re looking for, chances are they’ll be able to help you find it.

Doing your homework

It’s very important to know exactly what you need from your new car before you go looking.  Perhaps you have a large family, so you need a lot of space? If it’s your first car you’ll need to consider tax and the ever rising cost of insurance.  If you know exactly what you need, you won’t get side-tracked by any sales patter that might be used to sell you a car that isn’t right for you.  Do you want an automatic or a manual?  How many doors and seats do you want? Would you rather have a petrol or diesel engine and which engine size?  Location might be the next thing to consider. Do you want the local dealership or are you prepared to travel for the right deal and car? If you find a car that you like online, be sure to phone the dealer in advance to check that it’s still available or you might have a wasted journey.

If you use a professional used car dealership they may offer a pick you up from the nearest train station. In most cases, with some advance planning, you should be able to drive away the same day. Another issue is the dealership’s opening hours.  Make sure you pick a car dealership that fits your busy schedule.

Check the car is as good as it looks

An HPI check on the vehicle, which can be done online, will confirm that all is above board. Most reputable dealers will have already done this, so ask to see a copy of it before committing to anything. Have a good check round the car, inside and out, to make sure it is as described. Try out the radio and any on board technology. Take a lengthy test drive and ensure you feel comfortable in it. Take a friend along for moral support. Never be afraid to take your time and ask as many questions about the car as you like, even ones you think might sound a bit silly. It is better to be thorough and ask too many questions than getting the car home and realising that you should have asked something at the time.

Finally, you’ll get a feel for the dealership and the people who work there when you visit.  Do you feel comfortable there?  Do you feel you can trust them? Do you feel special and valued? You want to know that you are buying a car from a business you can trust in case you need to contact them about the car afterwards.  You want to know that they’ll take any concerns seriously and do all they can to resolve the issue for you.

I hope my car buying advice will help you buy the right used car in future and enjoy the car shopping experience.

[lilacjames]

4 Ways IoT Changed My Life

What is IoT?

IoT stands for Internet of Things and it refers to the billions of physical devices all over the world that are now able to connect to the internet and connect and share with each other. The technology is quite remarkable. It is literally capable of revolutionizing the way we live our daily lives.  Here’s 5 ways that IoT has changed my life.

My smart home

This is the most obvious and significant change. Nearly every device in my home is connected. I live the kind of futuristic life that was once only dreamed about it sci-fi movies. I’m one step away from Star Trek’s food replicator.

My alarm clock is synced to weather and traffic apps, which alter the time I need to get up in order to be on time for work. My heating system is set up so that there’s always hot water for my shower and I can control it from my phone when I’m outside of the house. My lights come on just before I get home and switch off just after I leave – I never have to touch a light switch. My coffee machine chugs into gear just in time for me to grab my fresh cup just before I walk out the door. I no longer pay a pet sitter to come in while I’m at work, because my smart doggy door let’s my boy in and out of the garden when he wants and my smart watch enables me to communicate with him throughout the day. I have cameras in the house so I can see what he’s up to on my phone whenever I want.

No more waste

Because my heating, lighting and air conditioning are connected to a smart grid, I don’t use even a smidgen above what I absolutely need. I’ve drastically cut down on waste, meaning I’m saving the environment and a lot of money all at the same time.

My lighting system reacts to my location, so there are no more well lit unattended rooms. There’s also the option of using the dim settings which can save a considerable amount of energy. My heating and air conditioning react to me, instead of my ill advised inputs.

Next I want to tackle food waste, with a bin that syncs to my fridge and monitors exactly what it is I don’t get through in a week.

Getting around

Get this. This is my absolute favourite. My hall door beeps as I’m leaving to let me know I don’t have my keys! You have no idea how often I locked myself out of my house before I had this feature.

After I leave my house, keys in hand I hit a button on my phone and my car automatically unlocks, saving valuable minutes every day. My car monitor tells me exactly where I’m going and can alert me to any traffic, accidents, bad weather and such like. I can even start work from the road thanks to the multitude of apps I command with my voice alone.

Upped my game

I love all things sport. I never went pro because I could never pick a game. So I play them all, in a semi ok fashion.

My bike lock now opens when it senses I am near and I have monitors that can measure my distance, speed, health and help me cycle faster. My tennis racket has a sensor that monitors my stroke, power, reliance, effectiveness . . . and more often . . . my mistakes. I have waterproof wrist wearables for swimming.

I’m struggling to remember a time before IoT and quite frankly I’m not sure I want to!  

[lilacjames]

Is Your Car Sale Ready?

Since the birth of online auction sites, together with other online car sales services, selling your car has never been easier. The most difficult part, is making sure you get the most money possible for it.  Whether you’re selling privately or ‘trading in’ you need to make sure your car fetches a fair price, and the easiest way to achieve this is by following a few simple steps.

 Ensure your car is sale ready

There are sure to be horror stories galore on the minds of private buyers – dirty, smelly and uncared for vehicles are plentiful – don’t let your car be one of them! Clean it thoroughly inside and out before you take any photos or let any would-be buyers see it – giving the impression that you cannot keep your car clean may also give the false impression that you can’t maintain it either!

 Make sure you take care of any little repairs that need doing. Cracked headlights and broken mirrors could be a deal breaker! Chipped windscreens could also see off potential buyers, but are simple to repair, with most being taken care of under your fully comprehensive insurance. A large chip could be an MOT fail – a red flag to a buyer if ever there was one!

 Repairing chipped paintwork may only be cosmetic, but it could be the sale clincher! Paintwork maintenance is relatively inexpensive these days and some companies even have mobile repair units that will visit you at home, to save you the hassle of booking your car into a garage and having to take a day off work for the pleasure!

 Be document ready

Have all the paperwork necessary ready for that sale! The V5c and MOT certificate are a must. Showing you have looked after your car by providing a full service history will also help, but is not a legal requirement. If you haven’t kept a service record, then so long as you had your servicing done by a reputable company, then they can provide proof of this for you.

 Be price ready

Work out a fair asking price. Unfortunately for you, you are unlikely to get anywhere near the price you paid. Car values depreciate quickly, so if you’re not sure what yours is worth, then look up similar makes and models online to get an idea. If you are selling privately, don’t price too low, as most buyers will expect to haggle a little! Keep in mind your bottom line and give yourself - excuse the pun - room to manoeuvre.

 Be advertisement ready

Now you have a price in mind, you can start thinking about where and how you advertise its sale. By far the easiest way to reach the largest audience is by taking out an advert on an online auction site or car selling site.  This will allow you to upload a thorough description of your vehicle, along with several photos to entice more buyers.

 You could also use the tried and tested method of putting a ‘For Sale’ sign in your car windows.  Sometimes a price and contact details are all that are needed to catch the eye of that all-important buyer.  This method probably won’t see you sell very quickly, and will need you to park in the most prominent position possible, which could well be away from your house.

 Just be ready!

Unfortunately there are still people out there ready to scam you if you’ll let them. Never let anyone test drive your car without you in it, and make sure they have proof of identity and a valid driving licence and insurance before you let them get behind the wheel. If they then decide to buy, make sure the cash has hit your bank account before you hand over the keys.

Once you’ve sold it’s vitally important that you notify the DVLA of the change of ownership. This can be done online saving you the hassle of having to post the document to Swansea.

[lilacjames]

Top 5 Things to do in Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire is a beautiful county, rich in culture and with stunning countryside. It is a lively, modern place with many different points of interest and attractions. We’ve tried to pick just five of our favourite past times in this fantastic location so that you can enjoy an entertaining, varied, informative and relaxing time regardless of the weather and whoever is with you.

Bletchley Park

Bletchley Park has more historical significance than most places in England. It is the home of British codebreaking and played a massive role in bringing about an end to World War Two.

There is so much history to take in around the site, but there’s also a modern twist as Google’s Cultural Institute partners on a digital exhibit featuring material from the Bletchley Park archives. There are images of the Bombe machines that helped crack the Enigma cipher as well as Colossus, the world’s very first programmable electronic computer, which was used to crack the German High Command ciphers.

There is a phenomenal cafe on site called Hut 4, which used to be a WW2 Naval Intelligence Codebreaking Hut. They serve freshly cooked meals made from locally sourced ingredients.

Children under 12 go free and the park is open every day except for four days over Christmas.

Stowe House

People have been flocking to visit this National Trust property for more than 300 years. With its winding paths, beautiful gardens and lakeside vistas it really is a haven of peace and relaxation. There are also plenty of fun activities to keep the children entertained, while the adults enjoy the blissful scenery. See the ‘What’s On’ page on their website for special events taking place at the time you intend to visit.

There is delicious fresh food available at the on site cafe.

Children under 16 go free with a paying adult and the site is buggy and wheelchair friendly.

E.J. Churchill Shooting Ground

This award winning shooting ground is set amongst 40 acres of stunning woodland on the well known West Wycombe Estate. Whether you are a novice or an experience game and clay shooter, the home of shooting offers a fun filled and therapeutic day for the entire family. There is a dedicated team of highly experienced instructors on hand to offer instruction throughout the year. There’s also a wonderful team of event organisers on site who arrange a whole host of fantastic events throughout the year and can also give you guidance should you like to hold your event at the site.

There are different lesson options available to suit every ability level and budget. Membership to the club is available which comes with considerable discounts available as one of its many benefits.

Bekonscot Model Village and Railway

This model village has been running since 1929 making it the world’s oldest attraction of its kind. The finely detailed model buildings within 1.5 acres of garden mean Bekonscot really is a world of its own.

People of all ages find enchantment whilst wondering at the miniature marvels displayed. The incredible attention to detail is an amazing sight to behold up close. A particular favourite is the model railway track with working trains that take various routes around all through the day. There’s also a larger Light Railway available to board for a trip around the model village, crossing the gardens and going around a pond on its way.

The model village is open 7 days a week. Children under 2 go free and all profits go to charity.

Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

This award-winning museum is in Great Missenden, where the inspiring author lived for 36 years. The attraction is largely aimed at children under 12 but is also popular with adults, because everyone loves Roald Dahl! There is so much to do here - reading, writing, making, playing and learning. The entire family will enjoy the lively and interactive workshops on offer.

Food is taken care of at Cafe Twit where scrumdiddlyumptious sandwitches and swishwifflers are available to fuel you all up for your fun filled day of learning.

The Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday. Children under 5 go free.

  g a����ڸ

[lilacjames]

Motivating Members of Staff with Rewards and Perks

Staff perks and benefits are a great way of keeping employees happy and motivated. Glassdoor found that over a third of employees admit perks and benefits are amongst their top consideration before accepting a new role. The perks offered don’t have to be expensive, but if used correctly they can reinforce a company’s brand and values as well as lead to happy and productive staff.  I have had several jobs that I really enjoyed, the pay was average but what really made me stay loyal to the company for several years was having a generous staff discount, reward schemes, staff competitions and frequent parties and team building events. I left this job and started a new, higher-paid position in a company that didn’t even offer company sick pay, needless to say, staff morale was low and the staff turnover was very high.  

Not too long-ago things like generous holiday allowance, a pension packet, and casual Fridays were considered perks of the job. Now, these are considered standard and employers are starting to think outside the box more when it comes to staff perks. Here are some of the different perks companies provide for their employees:

BrewDog offers employees ‘paid puppy leave’, a week of paid holiday to help their dogs settle in.

ASOS offer a generous 40% online discount for their staff

JustEat gives employees free food and drink every Friday and they can dance along to music played by the resident DJ.

Smarkets believe in a ‘self-management structure’, meaning you come in when you want and decide what you work on. They also employ a team of full-time chefs to cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily for staff at their London HQ.

TransferWise has a built-in office sauna for all employees to use

At Nando's, you'll get a free meal worth £10 or less during every shift, plus free use of the bottomless drinks machines, too. When you're not working, you'll get up to 40% off for you and up to six friends.  

Although it is not viable for every company to provide extravagant perks for its employees, it goes to show that companies are becoming more and more creative when it comes to rewarding employees for their hard work and creating a motivating environment. Most companies don’t have the budget to provide a chef to cook meals for every staff member but there are plenty of other ways you can make sure your employees feel valued for their work. Things like puppy leave and self-management are great ways to show you value and trust your employees without needing a large budget.  

Some other ideas (that don’t require a huge budget) include:

Activity days - whether you have an annual staff outing to a local activity park or let staff vote for a new venue each year, organising an activity day gives staff something to look forward to each year and is also a great way to tie in some team building as well.  

Flexible working – giving employees a chance to manage their own time and work at times convenient to them, shows that you, as an employer, trust staff to do their work and manage their own time. It also creates a healthy work-life balance. But it can also benefit the employer as well as it flexible working arrangements can help to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and enhance employee engagement and loyalty.

Office Parties – celebrating special occasions in the office is a great way for staff bonding and gives people something to look forward to. Maybe consider celebrating staff members birthdays and different occasions- such as when targets are met or different holidays.  

Staff Feedback – consulting staff on what perks they would like is a great way to ensure that employees feel like the perks are meaningful for them. I am sure we have all been presented with something we are told is a perk but has no real benefit to us. I once worked for a company who offered me 50% off swimming lessons for my children, which would have been very generous ...if I actually had children! So, asking staff what perks they would like is probably a good start if you are stuck for ideas or what to do something new and different.

Employers who offer employee benefits will experience positive employee morale and retain employees better than organisations that do not. Companies don’t have to spend large amounts of money when offering perks, but little things that show that employers value their employees will raise morale and motivation and ultimately it will help boost productivity.

[lilacjames]

Living a Healthy Life with Dementia

Dementia can affect all aspects of a person’s life. Suffers can begin to become withdrawn, lonely and worried. Dementia can often cause sufferers to stop doing the activities they once enjoyed, as well as isolate themselves from their family and friends. But if relationships and interests can be maintained, it can really help to reduce the effects of severe cognitive impairment, which then leads to a better quality of life. There are many things that people can do to improve their quality of life when living with dementia and make it possible to enjoy your day-to-day activities. As the disease progresses sufferers can get frustrated or confused, but there are steps that can be taken which will help them feel calm and safe and allow them to take control of their daily lives.

Living a healthy lifestyle is important for everyone, including those with dementia. A healthy diet and regular exercise has even been shown to reduce the risk of actually developing dementia. It is important for those with dementia to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and keep blood pressure at a good level in order to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Mental health is important as well, good mental health can be maintained by reducing external stressors, socialising with friends and family as well as engaging in enjoyable and meaningful activities.  

Maintaining an active social life is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. Keeping in contact with friends and family is important for those with dementia as it helps keep them active and stimulated. Also having a network of support can help raise spirits and stay positive. Some people find it helpful to join a support group for people with dementia and their families, in order to share experiences and gain insight. Some local community centres also have coffee or activity mornings for the elderly and those who suffer with dementia. Having a regular socialisation to look forward to can work wonders for mental wellbeing.

Keeping active and occupied is important for those who suffer with dementia. Not only is doing exercise important but it’s also crucial to keep up engaging hobbies and interests. Having a hobby can keep you alert and stimulated, and also can be something to look forward to. Some family members begin to rule out certain activities out of fear or worry for an ill family member. It is important not to rule out fun, stimulating activities and do them as regularly as possible. If you are worried about doing an activity maybe consider how to adapt it to be more safe and suitable.

Keeping some independence is important for self-esteem and morale. Some people with long term conditions may require some support with daily self-care but this help can be beneficial in many ways. Those who have support live longer, experience less pain, have better mental health, have an improved overall quality of life and it actually helps maintain some independence for longer. There are other ways for those with dementia to keep their independence. An array of gadgets (such as automatic pill dispensers, digital planners and GPS trackers) are available and can be great for remaining independent but having an extra bit of assistance when needed. Local charities may also offer cleaning, gardening and laundry services to give a bit of help to those who need it too.

Even though living with dementia, or supporting a family member with dementia, can be difficult and upsetting at times, dementia patients can live a full and healthy life. Small, simple things like just having a network of family and friends around can work wonders. Taking part in regular activities, staying healthy and having a hobby can be helpful too. Although living with dementia is not always easy, there are simple steps that can be taken to promote the healthiest lifestyle possible.

[lilacjames]

Health and Safety: Is Your Office a Positive Working Environment?

It is important that employers (and employees!) are aware of health and safety procedures to make sure that the work environment is safe. Employers have ultimate responsibility to make sure employees are healthy and safe while they are on the job, as employers could risk being fined if they fail to comply with Health and Safety legislation. However, it is important for employees to know about health and safety and help promote it in their job. Below is a quick guide so employees know what they are entitled to and employers can ensure they are providing a safe workspace for their employees.

Most accidents can be avoided!

In 2016, many of the workplace injuries reported could have been easily avoided. Slip, trips and falls were the most common reported workplace accident, followed by injury from lifting or moving a heavy object. Some of these could have been avoided by using the correct signage such as signs alerting employees that the floors are wet or highlighting trip hazards such as steps or uneven floors. Making sure staff are fully trained to manually lift and move objects is key to reducing accidents, lifting things incorrectly can easily result in injury. Make sure all staff have an induction that goes through how to safely lift and move objects.

 Fire!

Having a clear evacuation procedure in place is key to keeping your office safe. Ensure all employees are aware of all possible fire exits, meeting points and what to do when an alarm sounds. Regularly test alarms and refresh employees of what to do in case of a drill. Having a few fully trained fire warden is a good way of making sure there is always someone in the building who knows what to do in an emergency, maybe teach them first aid and how to use a fire extinguisher.

You should also ensure that staff are aware on how to reduce the risk of fire. Making sure dangerous chemicals are stored in a safe lockable cabinet away from combustible material and that electronics are frequently checked for faults will help to reduce the risk of office fires. Have a strict smoking policy in place, which states employees should have cigarette breaks at least 10 meters away from the building and cigarette ends are disposed of properly. This can reduce the risk of fire and it also makes for a more comfortable working environment for non-smoking employees.

 A Healthy Work Environment

There is a lot of focus on accidents and fires where health and safety is concerned but another important factor, which should not be overlooked, is employee well-being. It is important to provide a safe, comfortable workspace and ensure that employees are healthy and avoid stress-related illness and injury. The office should be at a comfortable temperature, cleaned to a professional standard so it is hygienic and germ-free and facilities should be clean and accessible for all staff. Hiring a cleaner is a good way to make sure the office is clean, but providing cleaning products and encouraging employees pitch in is a good way of keeping the office clean and tidy in between deep cleans. Air-conditioning should also be maintained and kept clean to avoid germs and bacteria being spread and to make sure it is working properly and regulating the office temperature.

Making sure employees are comfortable at work is important for health and safety. Staff should be encouraged to take screen breaks and should have an area away from their desks to go to for lunch or a break if they want to.  Ensure that employees have comfortable chairs, suitable IT equipment and know how to set up an ergonomic workstation. As well as this, specialist equipment and software should be made available to employees who need.

 The bottom line: Office health and safety should be a primary concern for an employer or a manager. Make sure that your policies are known by all staff and that your procedures are effective (and actually followed) to promote a safe working environment for employees.