Articles by Tiffany Hurd

The writer of this article currently manages his own blog and is managing to do well by mixing online marketing and traditional marketing practices into one.

UK Market for Timber Panel Buildings Is Growing

The UK has seen an estimated growth of 26% in the market for timber-frame construction systems, also known as modular panelised building systems, from 2014 to 2017.

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Competing with concrete, steel and other forms of engineered wood panels such as CLT and SIPS, it is estimated that the market in timber-frame construction systems will grow by 4% from 2018 until 2020.

Why the Demand?

This increase in demand is due to a number of factors. The growth up to 2016 had been driven by a slight recovery in the construction industry across the UK, particularly in the residential sector. Improved performances across other sectors such as leisure, offices, entertainment and education also pushed the market forward. More recently, however, the construction market hasn’t been publishing such positive news.

Other factors moving the market forward include a desire for more sustainable construction materials. There are also increased carbon reduction and energy-efficiency targets that have to met which favour construction done off-site. Modular buildings that are made of wood tend to create less waste and have better thermal insulation properties.

Timber-frame construction systems make up the largest division of the panelised market with approximately 70% of the total share. This is mainly due to its extensive use in Scotland’s construction and house building industry, where the timber frame construction company http://www.qtfhomes.co.uk is among many building modular panelised homes.

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The industry is also benefiting greatly from the fast development of engineered timber, which has seen a huge number of high-performance timber products released into the market in recent years. These include timber products that feature glue lamination and timber cross-laminated panels.

Main Uses

The main use for modular building made from timber panels comes in residential housing, schools, apartment blocks, healthcare, hotels and student accommodation. Residential use counts for around 70% of the total market share.

According to AMA Research director Keith Taylor, the market will continue to grow up to 2022 due to a number of factors. The first is the growing utilisation of Building Information Modelling, and the second is a rise in the number of public sector procurement frameworks.

He added that off-site construction techniques were becoming increasingly popular because of the chronic shortage of housing in the UK and a lack of traditional construction skills within the industry.

How to boost your local SEO

Want to boost your local SEO but don’t know how to reach the coveted top spot? You could spend hours adjusting every tiny aspect of your site and still not succeed, so what should you do?

The first thing to do is realise that despite best efforts, nobody really knows with real certainty who will reach the coveted top spots for a given search query, probably not even Google.

There are lots of things you can do to increase your chances but often the results are down to factors completely out of your control. One of the main ranking factors is the user’s location and previous search history.

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Working with the unknown therefore means you must dedicate an appropriate amount of time on it or you could be wasting precious time on something unattainable. Here are some things you can actively do to help your chances of gaining ranking preference in your area:

1.    Develop a good reputation through reviews

Create a reputation through platforms and websites that are relevant to your business. Customers are switched on these days and will seek reviews before using a service or buying a product. Whatever the main platform is for your industry, you need to be on there. To do this, you must be proactive in encouraging your customers to leave a review about their positive experiences. This could be a sign by the door, getting staff to remind customers or email marketing.  

2. Use Social Media

Social media is a cheap and easy way to engage with customers and is almost expected in this current digital age. It’s a useful way to gain new customers from more exposure, make connections and increase your followers. This can be achieved either through paid campaigns or organically. Events, discounts, promotions and information can instantly be shown on customer’s feeds without them having to search for it.  For help with growing your profile online, speak to a Cardiff Website Designer at https://ambercouch.co.uk/

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3. Community Connections

These days it’s all too easy for businesses to get tunnel vision when it comes to the internet. Although people do spend a lot of time online, they don’t yet spend their whole lives on it! Connecting with people in a face-to-face format is always beneficial for business. Get involved in community events and be seen. Word of mouth recommendations are still the most effective form of marketing.

Why not sponsor a local event or sports team for example? This will also boost your engagement levels on social media and you’ll have quality content to share.

 

4. Local Content

Focus your website content on your local community. When thinking about the ‘About Us’ page, be sure to include why your local neighbourhood is integral to your business and any local stories about the origins of your business. Do you use local suppliers or produce? If you have a blog on your site, this can be the perfect place to include greater detail. This content can also be shared on social media.

 

 

 

 

The Best Italian Food Bloggers to Follow

In the past, recipes would be handed down from one generation to the next. Handwritten in notebooks or on sheets of paper, family recipe collections were beloved items to be carefully guarded and often learned by heart. This is a tradition that still happens in that great foodie nation, Italy. The family cook (mostly the mother) still hands down old family recipes to daughters and sons to carry on the great tradition.

You might think that the internet would kill this tradition, but thankfully not. Many current Italian food bloggers are inspired by the legacy given to them and use the internet as a forum for sharing this love of good food with other like-minded foodies.

Here are some top Italian food blogs not to miss:

Briciole

This is a well-rounded blog with recipes, cooking method breakdowns, instructional videos and wonderful photographs. Written by an Italian living in America, this blog offers a great insight into Italian culture, cuisine and the language. If you feel like a night off from cooking though, why not try a Restaurant Dublin like http://www.toscanarestaurant.ie/

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Italian Food Forever

Written by an ex-pat American living in Italy, you’ll discover a ton of recipes, beautiful photography and a highly useful ‘kitchen tips’ section. The kitchen tips cover information like metric conversions, recipe substitutions for items unavailable where you live and a glossary of Italian word meanings to help you along the way.

Over a Tuscan Stove

There is plenty to entertain here, with contributions from a big star in the Italian foodie world – the butcher Dario Cecchini. There’s also plenty of recipes from other regions, including a penchant for Sicilian street food and the author’s life is as interesting as the food!

Emiko Davies

Tuscan cooking is the main focus of this blog as Emiko lived there for a long time. However, she does feature other regional cuisine and her recipes are highly accurate and almost foolproof. She includes a highly useful index of recipes, to make searching for something a doddle.

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Benedetta – Fatto in Casa de Benedetta

For no nonsense, simple to follow recipes using only a few ingredients, Benedetta is amazing. Her videos are easy to watch and follow and her blog includes a translated into English list of ingredients for every recipe she covers. It’s incredible how, using only a few ingredients, she can create a culinary masterpiece that she always enjoys sampling at the end of her videos! Some of the baking ideas are so easy to follow that they’re great for getting children into the kitchen and helping out. One of her delicious sweet treats called Nutellotti only requires some Nutella, some flour and one egg!

 

When you find a true Hollywood beauty

The term ‘fashion icon’ is used often in today’s society to describe someone who is influential through the clothes and other fashion items that they wear. Celebrities including actors and singers tend to be the people who naturally slot into the ‘fashion icon’ category. One such actress was Elizabeth Taylor. Right from the start of her emergence as an actress her natural beauty paved the way for her to become a renowned style icon with many of her looks being copied by women around the world, some of them are still being recreated today.

Here are some two of her most iconic looks from one of her films. Many of these can still be achieved today and with the emergence again of sewing as a home hobby you can select your preferred dressmaking fabrics and copy the designs or even buy a pattern that will help you create a similar look. Of course, you don’t have to go to the lengths of purchasing expensive dressmaking fabrics to achieve the same outcome as the designers did for Elizabeth Taylor.

‘Cat on Hot Tin Roof’

This film is an adaptation of a Tennessee Williams play known by the same name.

  • The white Grecian dress worn by Taylor in this film caused a ripple effect in the late 1950s. The dress was designed by Helen Rose who was the MGM costumer during the film. The dress was created to fit Taylor’s body like a glove. Following on from the film women across the world started to recreate the look and Elizabeth said herself after the film that she had asked for a number of the dresses to be made for her in many different colours.

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  • In the film Elizabeth Taylor manages to make even a slip look stylish and sophisticated in an almost completely effortless way. During one of the most iconic scenes of the film her character Maggie is seen lounging on the bed in a pure white slip and white heels. Maggie is starved of physical affection from her husband and she spends much of the film desperately trying to seduce him and sadly is unsuccessful in her attempts. Her husband Brick is played by the equally attractive actor Paul Newman.

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In the film Elizabeth manages to make the colour white look sophisticated and chic as well as sensual and sultry. Cat on Hot Tin roof really managed to cement her status as a fashion icon.

A beautiful place filled full of exciting places

Bath is a city that has a long and reputable history and each year thousands of tourists visit some of the most popular attractions in the surrounding area including the Roman Baths. If you are one of the lucky people who used a Estate Agents Bath like https://www.pritchards-bath.co.uk/ to find you an incredible property you will have some of these places available to you all year round.

Here are some of the places you might want to consider visiting:

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  • Roman Baths – any trip to Bath must include a visit to these ancient baths along with the Temple of Sulis Minerva. They were built by the Romans around the city’s three large natural springs and became a place of relaxation and rejuvenation. Many archaeological digs have taken place on the site and some incredible artefacts and mosaics have been uncovered. The waters at the site originate from 10,000 feet below the baths and are at a consistent temperature of 46.5 degrees centigrade. If you are intrigued and tempted by the prospects of the waters then you can sign up for a spa experience on the Baths own website.
  • The Royal Crescent – although not an attraction in the traditional sense it is definitely worth taking a walk along the crescent and experiencing the Georgian architecture. If you want to see a model of the city of Bath and find out more about how the architecture of the city has been influenced by the classic designs of the Georgian period then a visit to the Building of Bath Collection Museum should be on your to do list.

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  • Bath Abbey – a Gothic style building on a site that has been in use as a place of Christian worship since 757 AD. The building that stands today has roots back to 1499 when it was founded by the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
  • Fashion Museum – if you are interested in fashion and clothing then the Fashion Museum will have items that you will enjoy spending the day looking at. There are around 150 fully dressed mannequins with over 30,000 individual items that date from around the latter part of the 16th Century through to the present day.

There are many more places in and around the town that you may want to consider visiting and Bath is set in some of beautiful landscapes that are also worth exploring.

What do you think of when you think of Bath?

Let’s start off be saying I’m not talking about actually having a Bath I am talking about the city. It’s a good starting point though because the city of Bath is indeed named after a famous one. We’re going to look at what most people would associated with the town when they are asked about it. One thing they probably don’t think about is what the residents have to put up with in this old Spa town. For example have you considered what they need to do if they require a Bath TV aerial installation as the picturesque city needs these things just as much as the next. Not that you’d notice as you walk the famous Bath Skyline, a trail owned and maintained by the National Trust around the city. Bath TV aerial installation companies take into consideration the aesthetic nature of the building and any building regulations. So, if you go to Bath what can you expect to see?

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The most famous thing about the city is the reason it exists in the first place, its celebrated Spa. Bath can date its origins right back to the Roman occupation of Britain where it became one of the most celebrated towns in Roman Britain. It was probably around as a settlement before then during the Iron Age as anywhere where there was water, and water reputed to be magical at that, was always going to be a popular site. The Romans soon realised this and basically changed it to their Goddess Sulis or the locals decided that they actually preferred her to the original one. Whatever the story behind it the Baths are still there although you can’t take a dip anymore. You can take advantage of the very modern spa that has been built around it though giving commanding views of the city from the roof. There is also the chance to have tea in the Bath Pump rooms. This really is a very traditional thing to do where you will be served cucumber sandwiches (or whatever you fancy) cakes and tea. It definitely comes on a stand.

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A wander around the city of Bath is a very rewarding experience. There is lots of street theatre and performers to enjoy plus the gorgeous Georgian architecture mixes in with the Edwardian and Victorian too. The immensely picturesque Palladian bridge being one as it frames the Avon’s cascading weir. There is the beautiful Bath Theatre Royal which is a site in itself. Inside it has stalls and the rising balconies up to the Gods. It has some spectacular productions and although the theatre is old the shows certainly are not.

It’s a great place where the traditional merges with the modern in a seamless blend. There really is something for everyone in the City and a visit is always worthwhile, we’ve only just scratched the surface.

The wonderful world of Skips.

That might seem like a strange title as it’s surely not possible for there to be a wonderful world where skips are concerned. Having said that it might be that it’s more of a wonderful world because of skips. Where would we be without them. There they sit these waste warriors. There is something quite special about them. Almost majestic in their quality and their capacity. If you need one, then and are searching Skip Hire Swansea a quick trip http://pendragoncarmarthenshire.co.uk/ will help you. Now, allow me to continue to wax lyrical about the magical quality a skip brings.

I’m being serious. Where do you think the word skip comes from? I shall tell you, its name is rooted in the midst of our language dating back to its old Norse origins. It is derived from the word ‘skeppa’ meaning basket. It’s certainly true to say that after a visit from the Vikings the locals would certainly need a large ‘skeppa’ to tidy up after the utter mess and devastation. So, when you make that call to a firm for one you are saying a word that echoes back through the eons of time.


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When I see a skip, I think of the possibilities it is going to bring. What will it be filled with? Will it be garden waste and if that’s the case what are the people planning to do with the garden afterwards? Is there some Capability Brown inspired design going in there or maybe a formal garden one with topiaries? What new worlds borne out of children’s play will be created in that garden now all the old rubbish is gone, and the space has been reclaimed. Perhaps the empty waste vessels are ready to receive the building detritus of a project that will give a family more space for a playroom or nursery for a forthcoming child. Maybe it’s a place for an elderly relative to come and live and feel part of the family again.

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My point is that without the humble skip none of this going to happen or at the very least there is going to be a huge pile of rubbish outside the house for weeks as you run it down and slowly ferry it out to the recycling centre. Without that trapezoid shaped receptacle any projects are going to be needed to be rethought very carefully. The exquisite excitement as the level fill line is dangerously flirted with as well. Do you dare exceed the line? Will the skip hire company notice and charge you more? One hirer decided that this was simply not a set of rules that applied to them and made the monumental decision to stick and entire caravan in one. It has to be seen to be believed. The Vikings would have applauded.

Five ways to maximise a great weekend away

Weekends away can feel too short; however, some simple rules can ensure that you come home from a weekend break feeling like you have been away for longer. Whether you go abroad or somewhere in the UK, here is how to make the most of your weekend away.

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According to the Daily Mail, the places that people choose for their weekend break abroad depend on where in the UK they are from. Weekend breaks don’t have to mean abroad, however, as there are plenty of places in the UK where you can maximise your time away.

Find your motivation

As weekends are short and time is precious, it is important to think about why you want to visit a particular place. You may be able to visit again in the future, but it is important to think about the places you want to see and the things you want to do on this trip.

Organise your trip

Once you have worked this out, you need to plan your time while you are there. You need to think about what you will do there, how you will get there, and where you will stay. You may opt for a hotel; alternatively, accommodation such as Birmingham Serviced Apartments can offer a different type of experience.

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Engage with your destination

As you are only visiting for a short time, it is important to engage with the place. You won’t be able to eat in lots of restaurants or visit everything a city has to offer, so make the most of it by finding hidden gems and taking lots of walks.

Making the most of the time

Weekend breaks generally mean arriving at5 your Birmingham serviced apartments of other accommodation on Friday evening and leaving on Sunday, so make the most of the time you have. This means using the whole of Saturday to have a really good explore. Depending on your departure time on the Sunday, you should also be able to make the most of this day.

Think about the trip

When you get home, think about the trip and make a mental note of lessons for next time and things you might do differently. This can help you with future trips to the same place and provide ideas for trips to other destinations.

What does the typical working day of an HGV driver involve?

Have you ever wondered what the job of an HGV driver involves? You have probably passed many of these vehicles on your motorway and long-distance journeys. The impression may be of anti-social working hours and continuous driving, but there is much more to the job than just being behind the wheel.

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If you are interested in this career path, take a look at the official government website for more details of career structure and pay. Go to https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/large-goods-vehicle-driver. You may start off as an LGV driver before moving to HGVs. There is the capacity to earn up to £35,000 a year, but you must be prepared to work hard and spend much of your working time away from your home and family. This lifestyle, however, does suit many independently-minded people with few commitments.

A day in the life of….

Safety checks are paramount and always take priority, however busy the day. These will include checking tyres, fuel, oil and fluids and ensuring that there is no physical damage to the vehicle.

Loading the vehicle with goods – anything from food to fuel to agricultural goods; this activity can take place throughout the day.

Driving long distances mainly along motorways is obviously the mainstay of the job. There may be times when drivers have to call out the break-down service, which causes delays of uncertain periods. Drivers will typically make the most of this time to have an extra well-earned rest or catch up with some reading or browsing in the shops at motorway service stations. These locations are now incredibly flexible and varied in what they have to offer the seasoned driver.

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Making the most of the journey by listening to music and the radio is a key factor in making the job more enjoyable.

Stopping for a rest and essential refreshments is also key to ensuring well-being and efficiency.

HGV insurance must be kept up to date. Check out some policy examples at HGV insurance. Prices can be competitive, so it is important to shop around.

Other key facts

HGV drivers may work for up to 15 hours a day, although EU law states that a day should be no longer than nine hours. Breaks must take place every 4½ hours and must last at least 45 minutes.

Delivering parcels across the centuries

We rely heavily on our vehicles for transporting not only ourselves but also any items and products that we may need whether that is food shopping or the delivery of an items that you have ordered on the internet or in my case the much-loved trip to Ikea that always results in my not having enough space in my car for the journey home. This is where I now utilise Same Day Courier Services to help with any of my personal or business delivery needs.

But did you know that Same Day Courier Services, of a fashion, have been running in one form or another for many years as people have been moving items from one place to another for thousands of years. The Egyptians for example had to move the stones and materials needed for their pyramids over large distances.

Animals –  We have often used animals as a part of our workforce. Whether this is to help us pull carts and other heavy items, to power our machinery or simply to carry an individual in order for them to carry out their job. Here are a few of the animals we have used in the past and some that we continue to utilise today.

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  • Carrier pigeons were used to deliver important documents such as post items and before the introduction of motor vehicles packages and parcels were always delivered by man or animal.
  • Camels – these animals have been used around the world to carry individuals across a variety if landscapes and in Australia they were once used to carry post items and packages along the distances that were seen as too long for a person to carry them. Once the railroads were built and began being utilised in 1929 camels were no longer used.
  • Dogs – dogsleds have in the past and currently are used as a way to carry people across snowy and icy terrain. In Alaska from 1890-1963 these dogsleds were used to carry post and packages as well as the individual delivering them. A 10-dog sled could carry a combined weight of around 700 lbs.

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  • Horses – we are all aware of the working nature of horses and they have long been used to pull carts and carriages whether these contain people or delivery items. The Pony Express was a sophisticated network of horse riding postal workers who would deliver items from the east to the west of North America