Thursday 30 October 2014

The former IYLO Croydon makes all of the wonders of London attainable

It's not exactly a secret that London is a heaving metropolis, and an epicentre for all manner of culture and recreation. What's much more of a mystery, however, is how it can be accessed for the great numbers of those who aren't generally able to afford the city's luxurious skyline living. Is there alternative living accommodation within the boundaries of London that is of a high standard and in a genuinely up-and-coming area, while also being attainable?

Given the capital's ever-spiralling rents, one would imagine the answer to that question to be "no". It seems at times that any area of London that could possibly be gentrified has already been gentrified, and that many who aspire to reside in the capital are effectively locked out. There is, however, a genuine alternative, and in a part of London that is surprisingly familiar. That is, of course, a reference to the simply stunning IYLO Croydon - or as it is now known, ISLAND.

Indeed, the 'IYLO' name doesn't conjure up the most palatable images for some. It was this project, after all, which following its announcement and the beginning of construction in 2007, was to suffer a series of misfortunes that threatened its entire future. Problems began in 2009 with the slide into administration of the project's funding source, HBOS, and while building work did recommence between late 2010 and June 2011, the construction company then entered administration itself.

It seemed that the structure that had looked so remarkable in the initial plans - towering some 20 storeys and sporting an eye-catching elliptical form, comprising two equal halves 'sliding' past one another - would never become as formidable 'in the flesh'. With graffiti long daubed on the hoardings surrounding the site, any form of redemption seemed unlikely - and yet, that was precisely what happened when the then IYLO Croydon was passed into the ownership of Regency Homes Ltd.

By 2013, construction had again restarted, but even better news came in late 2014, when it was confirmed that by late November 2014, building work would at last be complete. Already, the structure's apartments and penthouses are filling up fast with those wanting to make the most of a limited-time-only chance to clamber not just onto the London property ladder, but a potentially very lucrative rung of that ladder.

The truth is that with Croydon set for a series of ambitious regeneration projects throughout the coming years, it is a firmly up-and-coming area, making investment in the penthouses and apartments of the former IYLO Croydon a true must-not-miss opportunity.


Editor’s Note: ISLAND (http://www.islandcroydon.com/) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

5 great reasons to buy or rent at the former IYLO in Croydon

The recent news that the stunning 20-storey ISLAND complex in the heart of Croydon in London will finally be ready for residents to move into by late November 2014 was news that so many locals in this unsung part of England never expected to hear.

That's because, in its previous guise as IYLO, this project at one point seemed doomed to graffiti-sprawled failure. That this hasn't turned out to be the case is to the immense credit of the hardworking men and women behind the scenes of this vital source of high quality but affordable housing in the English capital.

Here are just five reasons for interested parties to enquire now about one of the rapidly diminishing number of apartments and penthouses that remain available as part of the ex-IYLO in Croydon.

1. An astonishing global city

So many people merely dream about living in London, with its such strongly-documented strengths in all aspects of recreation and commerce. Those who put down a deposit for one of the apartments or penthouses of the former IYLO in Croydon actually get to experience it all, first hand.

2. A rejuvenated Croydon

However, no prospective resident of the erstwhile IYLO in Croydon should also underestimate the appeal of the much closer vicinity, a part of London that has had its detractors in the past, but which is truly beginning to flourish with ambitious regeneration efforts and the associated creeping 'gentrification'.

3. An amazing events calendar

Being on the doorstep of possibly the greatest global metropolis of all does have certain other benefits - such as the fact that it's almost impossible to have nothing to do on one's spare weekends or evenings. From film festivals and art fairs to Bonfire Night and New Year firework displays, Croydon and wider London really is where everything goes on.

4. Living quarters of stunning specifications

The wait for construction of the one-time IYLO in Croydon to be completed has been truly worth the wait. It means that lucky residents can take in such remarkable specification features in their penthouse or apartment as underfloor heating, engineered wooden flooring, multimedia network cabling and fully-fitted quality carpets.

5. House prices are going only one way... up

There aren't too many areas of London remaining that haven't yet been gripped with the fever of 'gentrification', sending property values through the roof. Not only is the area immediately surrounding the former IYLO in Croydon perfectly hospitable now, but with regeneration efforts continuing apace, it will only become more and more desirable - meaning that the value of your living space will shoot up here, too.

There could barely be a more convincing set of reasons to get in touch about ISLAND's remaining apartments or penthouses today.


Editor’s Note: ISLAND (http://www.islandcroydon.com/) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Wednesday 22 October 2014

6 ways to be creative with your recruitment ads

You're likely to spend a lot of time and money on your recruitment advertising in Ireland, so what's the point of making your next ad indistinguishable from the competition? The truth is that you need to attract attention - the right kind of attention - and there are many great ways of doing that.

It's not just about the text, but the visual content too. Have a go with the following creative ideas.

1. Give your candidate a challenge

Does your job require a good standard of written communication? If so, why not insert misspellings in your ad and challenge the candidate to find them when replying to you? You could do a similar trick if you require someone good at mathematics, for example.

2. Show them what they could be

Contrast what your target candidate may be now, and what they could be. Show that even an ordinary person like them could be extraordinary if they take your job. A good example of this was a recent NHS advert with the text Change your career. Work as a Healthcare Assistant.

3. Make good use of humour

Who doesn't want a candidate with a good sense of humour? If so, why not appeal to that with your recruitment ad? At worst, it'll probably raise a chuckle in your candidate, and will certainly make your company seem like a fun place to be.

4. Mention the negative stuff

It seems counter-productive, but it's also worked for many companies. Referring to the worst aspects of the job - such as the rushing deadlines and demanding colleagues - will certainly cut down on those less serious applicants.

5. Be honest about the job

More than a few writers of recruitment ads are sick of mutton being dressed as lamb. If you're the same, you might write an ad full of no-nonsense humour and personality, stressing that it's a no-nonsense role - not the position of CEO at a major multinational.

6. Play on their present unhappiness

It's no secret that many people in this world just aren't content with their job. So why not draw attention to that, while suggesting where your role could take them?

Get in touch with Webrecruit Ireland now to get better results from your recruitment advertising in Ireland.

Editor’s Note: Webrecruit Ireland (http://www.webrecruitireland.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

How the right recruitment software can shorten your hiring cycle

It seems obvious that you want to hire the right people, quickly. But how much are you doing to truly make that achievable? So many firms report taking four to eight weeks to recruit someone - maybe even longer.

Thankfully, there are many reasons why the right recruitment software can make all the difference to aligning your hiring ambitions with your actual hiring practices - just check out our own highly rated WR-Fusion package.

Why does it take so long to hire someone?

If you're still dependent on passing around paper covering letters and CVs, is it any surprise that information can be misplaced or the whole hiring process delayed? This simply allows the competition to snap up your target candidates before you've even got to interview them.

Or maybe you aren't getting applications from genuinely suitable candidates? You may be spending huge amounts of time manually posting adverts to job boards, and you might not know the best job boards for your particular industry and vacancy.

You'll also need to get your target talent on-site for an interview with minimum delay, instead of the 'phone tag' between hiring managers and applicants that can often lengthen the process.

Get better results by utilising technology

Compare this to the situation if you invest in the right recruitment software, such as Webrecruit's own WR-Fusion solution. We offer a simple but comprehensive Applicant Tracking System (ATS), allowing you to manage all of your applicants from one place - without any of those printed CVs or cover letters getting in the way.

Nor do you have to worry about picking the right job board with our recruitment software, as it incorporates its very own that can be accessed from your careers site. Indeed, we bring you the complete branded corporate site that best allows you to communicate your employer values.

You can also spread awareness of your vacancies with our software's optional social media modules, only paying for that extra functionality that you actually need. It further helps that we offer a fully mobile-optimised  version of WR-Fusion so that 'on the go' job hunters can not merely search for vacancies with you, but also save and apply for them.

All of these functions help to significantly streamline your hiring cycle and ensure that you get the right person's feet under your office desk in double-quick time. Talk to Webrecruit now about what our recruitment software can do for you.

Editor’s Note: Webrecruit (http://www.webrecruit.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Discover the delights of Cotswold Water Park holidays

Although we are greatly proud of all of the lakeside accommodation that we can offer here at Waterside Breaks, we do have a particular love for the Cotswold Water Park. It is not, as its name may imply, a water fun park, but instead the United Kingdom's largest marl lake system. The 40 square miles that make up the Cotswold Water Park encompass some 147 numbered lakes, created over the last five decades by the extraction of glacial Jurassic limestone gravel.

However, much more important for those who take our Cotswold Water Park holidays is the wealth of exciting things to do in this naturally stunning part of the UK. You might choose to get involved in highly physical activities like angling, shooting or paintballing, or your tastes may tend towards the more sedate charms of this mix of lakes, rural villages and holiday accommodation, such as bird watching or the finest food and drink.

Naturally, with this being a water park, water sports are another major draw, the full range of popular activities in this category including swimming, canoeing/kayaking, wakeboarding, waterskiing and windsurfing. The Cotswold Water Park is found south of Cirencester and north of Swindon, on the borders of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. Such an array of wildlife and leisure activities, coupled to its charming lakes and traditional villages, has long made it one of the UK's best-kept secrets.

Such a wide range of activities - not merely involving the water - also make our Cotswold Water Park holidays ideal for the whole family. The water park can be easily reached from such major conurbations as London, Birmingham and Bristol, and perhaps most importantly of all, also offers a wealth of attractive cottages in which to while away the most enjoyable stay.

Popular locations include the secure gated development of Isis & Windrush Lakes, with its New England style lakeside holiday cottages, as well as Spring Lake, where waterskiing can be enjoyed throughout the day. We can also strongly recommend the honey coloured, traditional Cotswold stone cottages of Mill Village, in addition to the stunningly contemporary holiday homes of the Howells Mere & Clearwater development, with its remarkable sea views.

Peruse our website now to find out the best accommodation when you next consider our memorable and well-priced Cotswold Water Park holidays.

Recent news stories highlight integral role of asbestos testing

Food for thought on the various means by which asbestos can and should be managed has come from several recent news stories concerning the substance's discovery that have prompted public concern.

With its services encompassing asbestos testing/sampling, management surveys, compliance checks, demolition surveys, refurbishment surveys and re-inspections, Trident Surveying is well-placed to ensure that any asbestos you do discover is managed in the most appropriate way.

One site where asbestos was recently found was an allotment site in Morpeth. The matter came to public notice at a meeting of Morpeth Town Council's property and asset management committee, which is in discussions about the possible transfer of the St Mary's Field plots and other allotment sites to the authority.

Although the housing association that owns the affected site has decided that it is sufficient to leave the substance in situ with regular monitoring, council clerk Gillian Turner has confirmed that any plots that it takes on will have all discovered asbestos removed - even if only a small amount of the substance is present.

A spokesman for Isos Housing commented: "Having received a report from a specialist contractor, we are satisfied that the fencing boards containing asbestos around one of the plots at St Mary's Field can remain in place, subject to continued monitoring."

A more controversial story indicating the considerable importance of the most appropriate asbestos testing was the BBC report last month that more than 3,000 students in Wales stayed in bedrooms containing the substance.

Aberystwyth, Cardiff and the University of Wales have all confirmed that asbestos material was present in some of their rooms. They added that due to the low risk that the substance was considered to pose, they did not inform students that it had been found. This sparked widespread condemnation of university officials from other bodies.

The stance was described as "reckless" by the British Lung Foundation, while Beth Button, president of the National Union of Students in Wales, commented: "We strongly encourage institutions to take this issue seriously and put the safety of students first, whilst ensuring they remain completely transparent with students about the standards of their accommodation."

Those are words that we can only agree with here at Trident Surveying. We are of the strong belief that given asbestos' status as a silent killer, with symptoms of such deadly conditions as mesothelioma potentially only emerging many years after exposure, a moral obligation exists to inform those individuals who may have been exposed, even to 'low-risk' asbestos.



Run a more secure business with CCTV accessories from Securi-Flex


Here at Securi-Flex, we stock a range of CCTV accessories designed to make your business more secure. CCTV systems are a great deterrent, but they can also make your staff feel safer and more relaxed at work.

It's commonly known that thieves are less likely to strike in places where a tough security infrastructure is in place, and what's even better is that if someone does commit an illegal act, CCTV gives you the evidence that you need to seek justice.

Securi-Flex has long supplied businesses across the United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe with CCTV products and is one of the country's best-known suppliers of cabling products. We are a leading CCTV accessories supplier.

Talk to us today if you're thinking about adding CCTV accessories to your existing set-up. We can provide you with active and passive Baluns, CCTV power supplies, surge protection products and DVR enclosures. All in all, our accessories can play a vital role in the enhancement and maintenance of your CCTV systems.

Our power supplies can help you to reduce your power consumption without loss of service and mean that you don't need to replace fuses after short-circuiting or over-voltage. This is because they use the very latest PTC fuses.

Our active baluns offer ground loop and interference rejection, while our passive baluns allow video signals to remain efficient even in the same wire bundle and telephone, datacom or low-voltage power circuits. You can expect exceptional protection from surges as well as video signals of fantastic quality.

Whatever you need from a CCTV accessories supplier, we've got it covered here at Securi-Flex. If you're not sure which products of ours best fit your desired application, simply call us and we'll provide the guidance and in-depth advice that you need. We can despatch orders to multiple addresses and deliver your products discreetly if you wish.

Our comprehensive range of cables and accessories is growing all the time and more and more businesses are choosing us over the competition, due to our expertise and willingness to go the extra mile. Allow us to exceed your expectations if you're looking for products that will enable your business to be more efficient, safer and more secure.

Editor’s Note: Securi-Flex (http://www.securiflex.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Get even more from your hot tub with the right accessories

If you've purchased a hot tub or are thinking of doing so, you can enhance it even further with investment in the right accessories. Hot tub accessories come in many forms and you can choose to buy everything at once or make purchases on a one-by-one basis. Here at Sapphire Leisure, we can supply you with a range of accessories for hot tubs including covers, spa hits and filters and covers to make life with your tub run even more smoothly.

Aquafinesse is one of the various highly rated hot tub maintenance products that we sell. It is used to treat the skin of the water that settles against your tubs pipes and inner walls. Bacteria can thrive in these areas but Aquafinesse is able to thwart it and prevent it from multiplying, prohibiting it from creating the unwanted 'bio-film' that it is so strongly associated with. Aquafinesse also works with your spa's Ozonator to kill any bacteria that enters your hot tub from the outside. You can even rely on Aquafinesse to soften water and fight lime scale deposits. This extends the life of your hot tub and keeps heaters and pipes in great condition by removing fur from them.

You only need to add one cup of Aquafinesse to your hot tub each week for it to do its work. It doesn't have a harsh scent, instead offering a hint of soothing lavender. When Aquafinesse is at work, the water feels softer on your skin, lessening the need for moisturising skin products and diminishing problems with dry skin and itching.

Talk to us today if you're looking for exceptional hot tub accessories. The popularity of hot tubs has taken the nation by storm. They are far more affordable than they were in the not-too-distant past, when they were the exclusive preserve of significantly affluent types. Back gardens up and down the land are now having hot tubs installed into them and people are even using them to socialise in. If you treasure your hot tub, it makes sense to get as much use and life out of it as possible by treating it with great products that will make it last for longer.

Editor’s Note: Sapphire Leisure (http://www.sapphireleisure.com/) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Regional demand drives contractor vacancy growth to 16-year high

It should interest clients of any media contractor in London to read that according to a report on the ContractorCalculator website, August saw contractor vacancy growth reach a 16-year high, with openings rising at their fastest rate since May 1998. Greater recruitment in the English regions had much to do with this growth, which suggests that they may be the best place for many contractors to look for their next well-paid contract.

The latest Report on Jobs of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) suggested that clients were increasingly turning to talent outside the English capital due to skills shortages, contributing to more opportunities and higher rates for these contractors.

REC CEO Kevin Green commented: "The jobs market is often criticised for being London-centric but our data shows that rates of growth for both permanent starting salaries and temp pay rates are faster in the South, Midlands and North this month. Recruiters tell us that the driver behind this increase is the competition to attract and retain the skilled people outside London."

However, according to another study, August also saw a steep drop in hiring and contractor availability in the financial centre of London. This was attributed to the "traditional summer slowdown" by the operations director at one major financial services provider, who described the "blip" as "entirely expected and not reflective of the general upward trend in hiring, shown in the annual 18 per cent rise in vacancies. We predict the market will bounce back in September."

Green shared this upbeat attitude to contractor prospects, pointing out that across all regions and sectors - including construction, IT and engineering - more people were being placed into jobs. Indeed, the Report on Jobs' demand league tables placed engineering and construction in second and third place respectively, while the accounting and financial category was ranked seventh, in an apparent reflection of the aforementioned drop in City hiring.

The IT and computing category was in seventh place in July, but slid to eighth place in August, although this was due to stronger performances in other contractor and temp categories rather than lessened demand for IT contractors, which was actually higher than it had been the previous month. Demand growth in the interim management contractor market remained sluggish, however, explaining its continued appearance in last place.

Editor’s Note: SAIL Business Solutions (http://www.sailsolutions.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Hot tub hire can help you to decide whether to purchase one permanently

Hot tubs have generated a great deal of publicity over the last few months, with more and more people investing in them. They offer a range of benefits, with many people using them as places to socialise as well as environments in which to unwind with a partner. The demand for hot tubs is showing no signs of slowing down, with increasing numbers of customers opting for hot tub hire services with a view to making permanent purchase.

Whilst hot tubs were previously only accessible to fairly affluent people, prices have tumbled over recent years, making it much easier for those with a more modest budget to get their hands on one. They are now a mainstream option for those looking to enhance the quality of their domestic life.

Hot tub sales are rocketing and few people need persuading to find out more about them and the various health benefits that they offer. More and more of us can afford to place a hot tub in our back gardens, with owners eagerly counting down the minutes until they can leave work to race back to their tubs. Hot tubs can help us to gain respite from aches and pains in our muscles and pains because of the water pressure that they supply.

Hot tubs have been linked to a better quality of sleep, and are also known to help organs to function more efficiently. Some people spend hours and hours in their tubs. Hot tubs also generally come with a series of settings that allow you to tweak the experience towards your own unique requirements. If you're in desperate need of something to help you unwind in a positive manner, a hot tub may well be for you.

We can offer you advice on which hot tub to choose and how to get the most out of it. Having provided a huge range of customers with hot tubs and Jacuzzis, we're able to cater for the broadest spectrum of needs. Talk to Ruggles Leisure today if you're interested in hot tub hire from an acclaimed supplier - we really do know our stuff when it comes to hot tubs and Jacuzzis.

Editor’s Note: Ruggles Leisure (http://www.rugglesleisure.com/) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Designing the perfect logo for your company

It isn't always easy to design a suitable logo for your company. The ideal design may become apparent straight away, or it may take extensive time and resources to create the perfect one.

One thing's for sure - for those that order letterheads online alongside the wide range of other forms of print marketing, the right logo is essential. It effectively sets the stage for your brand, and is one of the things that your clients and customers will best remember you by.

Here are a few tips to ensure you get your logo right first time out.

Make it timeless

An effective logo should barely need to be changed for decades. Swerve clear of designs that are simply 'trendy' or unlikely to retain their relevance over time. Good examples of 'no no' design features include gradients, drop shadows and overly stylized fonts.

Make it distinctive

It isn't always easy to deviate from the norm, and you may be wary of an overly bold design that differs from what is usual in your industry. Indeed, certain industries may not often use a logo at all on their letterheads - instead just the company name in a stylized font. However, a unique logo can imprint a very powerful 'stamp' on clients' minds.

Make it simple

Just think of the logos of some of the world's most renowned brands: McDonald's, Target, Nike. They're all simple and instantly identifiable with their parent companies. Given how much people are bombarded by images every day, it's often those profound, simple motifs that make the biggest impact and are the easiest to recall.

Make it versatile

There are so many areas where you could place your logo. It'll obviously be on your website, business cards and letterheads, of course, but it could also show up on branded stationery or clothing. If you decide to sponsor a major event any time soon, you will want to make sure that everyone remembers your logo.

...but don't overthink it

With all of the above, it might seem that there's so much to think about when designing a business logo. You don't necessarily need to incite an overpowering emotion with your logo, and if the design is being revised 10 times or more, you might just be overthinking the process a bit.

Order letterheads online at PrintUK.com to make the most of your new or revised company logo.

Clothing of true glamour from the Glamorous brand

I-Candy is one of the most trusted suppliers of Glamorous clothing in the UK. We can offer you some of the most competitive prices on garments from this brand anywhere in the country. The Glamorous label is renowned for its elegance and contemporary style and is able to cater for a wide range of fashion requirements.

The clothes available from Glamorous take inspiration from previous classic and contemporary styles, with the brand offering a catalogue of clothes to suit various moods and occasions. This Manchester label shares our belief that great fashion doesn't need to be expensive. Why not keep in touch with us to avoid missing out on some of the best deals around on Glamorous dresses, jackets, jeans and tops?

The Glamorous Yellow Bird Print dress is just one example of the style and quality that we can offer. This floral garment offers a back zip fastening as well as a contrasting white collar and is made from 95% polyester. Order this stunning, colourful dress before 3pm and you can expect it to be despatched the same day. Postage is free, too.

The distinctive Glamorous Blue Light Washed Ripped Jeans are also available for a great price. These distinctive on-trend jeans feature distressed fronts and offer a cropped fit. They are ideal for wearing alongside both heels and trainers, making them great for wearing during the day and in the evening. These machine-washable jeans are made from 100% cotton and can again be despatched the same day if you order before 3pm, with postage again being free.

If you're thinking of buying a top, take a look at the Glamorous Blue Baroque top. This delightful azure blue garment offers a distinctive and beautiful design, a high round neckline and centre back zip fastening. This is currently one of our most popular garments and is ideal to be worn alongside many of the other Glamorous clothing garments in our range.

Take a look around the site today to select from one of the best Glamorous catalogues around. We take pride in a highly responsive service, competitive pricing and - of course - a choice of brands that is simply unrivalled anywhere else online.

Editor’s Note: I-Candy (http://icandyclothing.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Could a renewable energy installation damage the roof of your property?

It isn't a massive surprise that UK homeowners are being so strongly encouraged to have solar panels installed at their property. The benefits of solar energy panels are well-publicised: sunlight costs nothing, so once a system is installed, it allows the homeowner to save considerably on their energy bills. Thanks to the Government's Feed-In Tariffs, residents can also be paid for the electricity that they generate, even if they use it.

Many others are drawn to renewable energy installations by the opportunity to sell electricity back to the grid, as well as a sense of social responsibility - no harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants are released by solar electricity. However, before having a solar panel system installed, it's also vital to recognise the effect that this could have on your property. Many homeowners fail to properly consider the damage that could be caused to their roof by solar panels.

With most roofs built to withstand at least eight to 10 pounds per square foot of weight above and beyond the weight of the roofing material, which is usually more than sufficient load bearing capacity for solar panels, your property may be ready for a renewable energy installation right now. However, every house is different, with the age and condition of your existing roof potentially having a considerable effect on its suitability for solar panels.

Your roof may need to be replaced at some point in the next five to 10 years, at which point, any solar panel mounts that you have installed over the roofing material will also need to be removed and reinstalled - a costly and inconvenient exercise. It therefore makes sense for many of those considering renewable energy installations to replace their roof first, or even think about a ground mounted system.

This is where H.I.C.H. LTD's renewable energy pre-installation surveys come in so useful. We can provide a comprehensive detailed inspection report with images and descriptions of the fault areas, in addition to a reinstatement breakdown of costs with recommendations. We can identify all of the aspects that could affect your home if you choose to go ahead with a solar panel installation, as you consider the most advantageous spot - whether on the roof or elsewhere on your property.

Get in touch with our consultants at H.I.C.H. LTD now for more information.

We can handle the complete installation of marina fuel systems

When you are looking for the ideal company to carry out the installation of your marina fuel system, there are certain priorities that will take precedence. You will certainly want to find a business that has a strong general reputation, not necessarily just in marina fuel installation, but also in such related areas as fuel tanks, fuel pumps, sub pumps and petrol pipe installations.

It also makes sense to look for a company that has a sound record on Checkatrade and that trains its engineers to the highest standards - but what of its specific marina fuel installation expertise? Here at Forecourt Installation Services, we are able to design, supply, install and maintain all manner of marine fuel systems in accordance with the specific requirements of customers, drawing on a wealth of professional experience gained from a number of large marine projects.

Our exact knowhow in the area of marina fuel installation encompasses everything from above and below ground diesel, petrol storage solutions to fuel pumps, submersible pumps and pay at pump technologies. We are also an authority in the likes of fuel management systems, gauges, fully secondary contained marine flex and HDPE secondary contained petrol pipe. Or perhaps you require a specialist in such areas as leak detection systems, integrity line and tank testing, hose reels or building works?

Whether you require above ground bunded super vault petrol tanks with a four hour fire rating, or instead below ground double skinned fuel tanks incorporating leak detection systems, you'll be pleased by the standard of the work that we do for you and your marina. Not only are we an authority in the installation of various petrol and diesel storage solutions, but there are also various pipework systems that we can provide.

Talk to our engineers today about such marine solutions as FE Petro submersible fuel pumps with leak detection or suction, which can both incorporate secondary contained pipework in HDPE conductive and fully secondary contained marine hose with stainless steel transitions. Or perhaps it's our fuel delivery pump options that you are most interested in, on account of their complete compatibility with fuel management systems and pay at pump technologies?

Simply contact us now to find out more about the depth of our capabilities in marina fuel installation, and to receive a competitive quote.

Northern England 'brings best rental yields'

For any landlord anxious about achieving the best returns from their buy-to-let investment at the same time as minimising the hassle associated with deposits by taking out a no deposit renters insurance policy, new research from BM Solutions will make very interesting reading. The specialist buy-to-let lender's latest quarterly index indicates that UK landlords can enjoy the greatest rental yields from properties in the North of England.

Average rental yields of 6.4 per cent were recorded for the North West, North East and the West Midlands, these three regions only narrowly shading the East Midlands, which saw 6.3 per cent returns, followed by Scotland, with 6.2 per cent. 6 per cent yields were seen in Wales and the South West, dropping to 5.9 per cent in the South East and outer London. The East of England and Yorkshire and Humber delivered 5.7 per cent, leaving central London to prop up the list with 5.5 per cent.

Student property investors The Mistoria Group suggested that much of the revived interest in the UK's northern regions could be attributed to the BBC's relocation to Salford, with no other towns in Britain seeing such fast rises in their property values since the start of 2014 as Salford and Liverpool.

Mish Liyanage, managing director of The Mistoria Group, commented: "The North West offers buy to let landlords a multitude of affordable properties that will give net returns of up to 10 per cent. For example, an investor can buy a HMO student let property close to a university that has been fully refurbished and furnished, and that is already tenanted for the coming year, for less than £150,000. This will give investors annual net returns of 9 per cent."

Liyanage added that with the right choice of property and agent, landlords "can sit back and after years of working for their money, can finally see their money working for them."

His view was backed by a recent buyer of two investment properties through The Mistoria Group, retiree Joy Townley from Calne in Wiltshire. Describing the North West as "a growing market" for landlords, she added that "The numbers just added up and I am enjoying a consistent income stream. I'll be keeping hold of the properties for the long term."

Contact Advanced Rent now about how you can attract the broadest possible range of tenants with a no deposit renters insurance policy from us, allowing you to make the most of the advantageous northern England rental yields.  

Editor’s Note: Advanced Rent (http://www.advancedrent.co.uk) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Saturday 18 October 2014

5 ways recruitment software can make all the difference

All manner of technological changes may have swept through the hiring process in recent years, but that doesn't mean that every company automatically adopts them. There's certainly no shortage of HR managers out there still sifting through paper application forms, or only ever interviewing candidates at their own premises.

Are you one of those who are still to be convinced of the benefits of recruitment software? Allow us to enlighten you on five advantages, based on our own renowned WR-Fusion software.

1. You'll be better known

The most complete recruitment software like WR-Fusion often provides you with your own branded corporate careers site and on-site job board, as well as an easy to use and efficient Applicant Tracking System (ATS). It's a great way to better communicate your company imagery and values.

2. You'll be better organised

You're living in the stone age of recruiting if you still have a desk cluttered with paper cover letters and CVs. Even online applications can create a lot of confusing mess. With a comprehensive Applicant Tracking System (ATS) like our own here at Webrecruit, you'll be able to manage vast amounts of applicant information with just a few clicks.

3. You'll be able to plan for the future

The ability that our ATS gives you to generate detailed reports and build talent pools will also make you so much better prepared when a vacancy next crops up at your firm. No more urgent scrambles to hire whoever happens to be looking for a job at the time - with an established talent pool at your disposal, you could be quickly on the phone to your perfect candidate.

4. You'll be accessible to mobile users

To find the best candidate, you can no longer avoid the 88% of people who use their mobile devices to search for jobs. The least that you'll need to do is make your careers website accessible for those users. Our mobile-optimised version of WR-Fusion makes exactly that possible, so that vacancies can be searched for, saved and applied for by candidates 'on the go'.

5. You'll be fully connected with social media

Don't depend on your colleagues remembering to post your latest vacancy to your company Facebook page. Instead, make sure that your main careers site and social media presence are firmly integrated by investing in the right recruitment software. WR-Fusion allows you to add whatever social networking platforms you need to add.

Convinced yet that recruitment software really will make hiring so much easier and less costly for your firm? Contact Webrecruit now about the highly rated WR-Fusion platform.

Editor’s Note: Webrecruit (http://www.webrecruit.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

How to strike it lucky with your job advert

Not all recruitment advertising in Dublin is equal. While some job adverts draw in lots of candidates, but none that are completely suitable for the role, others may attract a smaller number of candidates who really are ready to jump in and make an impact straight away.

Wouldn't you prefer the latter rather than the former situation with your own recruitment advertising? We reckon so.

Here are some tips on how to write a job advert that allows you to attract gold immediately - while repelling those less suitable candidates.

1. Be as detailed as possible

The more detail there is in your job advert, the less scope there is for interpretation - and misinterpretation. Be vague, and you're more likely to attract candidates who don't quite hit the spot. So instead, be extremely specific - about the role's day-to-day duties, required experience and more.

2. Make the location and salary clear

If you're based in a rural or otherwise isolated location, far away from any public transport, there's not much point in candidates applying that lack their own wheels. Many recruiters are also hesitant to stipulate a salary, given that it will put off candidates - but when you only want to find the most relevant people, isn't that a good thing?

3. Flaunt your company's personality

Does your firm have a distinct personality or voice? If so, show it in your recruitment advertising. Let's face it - there will always be some candidates who 'get' your brand messages and values, and others who don't. You need to make sure that whoever you attract would actually fit in with your company culture.

4. Provide a relevant job title

If there's an exception to the above advice of injecting some personality into your recruitment advertising, it's the job title. This is one area where what you state needs to reflect the reality and seniority of the role. Don't be tempted by the 'quirkier' job titles that will simply come across as a bit naff and unprofessional.

5. Choose the right platform for your advert

Is a general online job board the right place for your advert, or would that simply attract too many of the general labour force? If it's more specialised, in-depth skills that you need, then you may be better served by the more niche boards for your sector.

We reckon the above tips make great starting points for creating a truly effective job advert. Talk to Webrecruit Ireland now about how you can really get the most out of your recruitment advertising in Dublin.

Editor’s Note: Webrecruit Ireland (http://www.webrecruitireland.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.