Temporary working 'considered by four in 10', says REC

If there was any need for further confirmation of the very real relevance today of contractor accountants for doctors and others working on a temporary basis, it surely came in a new report released by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).

Entitled Flex appeal: Why freelancers, contractors and agency workers choose to work this way, the report outlined the results of a YouGov survey of 4,234 adults. It showed that more than one in three - 36 per cent - of people in Great Britain had previously worked as a contractor, freelancer or agency worker, and that working this way in the future was being contemplated by 41 per cent.

24 of per cent of those polled had been a temporary agency worker, while one in 10 (10 per cent) had worked as a contractor and one in 10 (11 per cent) had freelanced.

The report also uncovered interesting statistics on career and earning potential, including that 40 per cent of those currently earning £30,000 or more had worked as an agency worker, contractor or freelancer, as well as that agency work was a familiar experience to 22 per cent of people who presently earned more than £50,000. Meanwhile, of those who were currently entrusted with hiring responsibility at work, 36 per cent had been an agency worker themselves.

Kevin Green, REC chief executive commented: "Working as a contractor, freelancer or agency worker is a choice for many people, and flexibility is a key reason they opt for this kind of work. Flexible working especially appeals to young people, parents and people scaling back as they approach retirement."

He added that despite perceptions in some quarters of temporary work as "a second rate or dead-end career choice", those who actually worked this way valued the ability that it gave them to earn more, fit work around their family life or gain certain skills and experience that may not have been obtainable otherwise.

Green therefore called for greater support for, rather than the penalisation of those seeking to improve their work-life balance. He said that this could be achieved through employers treating their temporary personnel more like their wider workforce, with training opportunities as well as better managerial communication.

He concluded: "The government must simplify the tax system to ensure temporary workers are not caught out by complex rules. They should also require banks to be more accommodating of applications for mortgages from these customers so people aren't disadvantaged by working flexibly."

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.

Turn to us for your hot tub replacement covers in Gloucester

Regular customers of Ruggles Leisure know that we go the extra mile - or seven - to help not only those enquiring about what would be their first hot tub purchase, but also veteran users of Jacuzzis and hot tubs. After all, we realise that as delightful as hot tub ownership is, there's also a real need to ensure the appropriate maintenance of your investment, including the replacement of vital parts when necessary.

This is why we offer such a generous selection of hot tub replacement covers in Gloucester. Although the covers of such popular hot tubs as the various Sapphire, Olympic and Jacuzzi models are well-manufactured, they are not invincible, and can feel heavier over time or sustain visible wear and tear. Minor damage may be repairable, but sooner or later, many hot tub owners realise that the complete replacement of their cover is necessary to prevent heat being lost when the tub isn't in use.

Hot tub covers are vital for so many reasons, helping to ensure that your water remains free of harmful debris and contaminants, while also keeping the heat in your hot tub and in the process, keeping your bills down. Covers also play an important safety role, particularly for those with children, guarding against unauthorised entry. When your cover is damaged, therefore, it can be an injury risk in addition to losing you money every time you use the hot tub.

The complete range of hot tub replacement covers in Gloucester that we stock here at Ruggles Leisure includes those for all Sapphire and Olympic models, as well as various hot tubs from the Jacuzzi brand, including the J-200, J-300, J-LX, J-400 series and Skyline Profile. Take a look at our website to find out current prices, as well as our contact details if you need us to help you to determine your own model of hot tub.

Delivery is free locally, and can still be arranged for those who live further afield. We also try to avoid using couriers.  Check your hot tub now - can you see tears or rips, is it sagging in the middle or does it seem heavier than normal? Perhaps the cover has not been sealed well? If any of these concerns sound familiar, contact us now to choose from our many brand new hot tub replacement covers in Gloucester.

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.

Why you won't find a better stockist of flush ceiling light fittings

We really are proud of our ability to offer seemingly any and every type of lighting here at Ryness Lighting & Electrical, from the most conventional bathroom lighting and outdoor lighting to the likes of recessed downlights and ceiling pendant lights. Our in-depth range has made us one of the leading companies in the UK from which to buy lighting online, and it's the same situation with our flush ceiling light fittings.

Flush ceiling light fittings have long been popular among domestic and commercial customers alike, adding a contemporary and classy touch to such settings as restaurants and bathrooms. Examples of such lighting that we have in stock right now include the IRINA Ceiling Lamp Clear 1 x 60W, which is made from clear glass and makes the perfect, cost-effective decorative ceiling light for indoor use.

Or what about the Large Opal Ceiling Sphere? This white/IP20 light is distinguished by its classic design consisting of a 170mm glass globe and silicon gasketed globe shade. Another very similar option for those buying lighting online from us is the Ring Lighting Small Opal Ceiling Sphere. This one features a slighter smaller 155m glass globe, and requires one suitable BC energy saving lamp.

Continue further up our price range, and you'll continue to see impressive flush ceiling light fittings. Few lights look quite as classy as the Aureola 100 Watt Flush Ceiling Fitting, with its highly polished chrome effect trim, glass diffuser and pressed steel base. Another fine decorative light, from the Philips Massive range, is the LORA Low Energy Ceiling Lamp 22W, an IP20 rated light made from aluminium with a grey metallic finish.

Those looking to buy lighting online of the most upmarket nature, meanwhile, will be well-served by the LOUISE Ceiling Lamp LED, which has a minimalistic, clean and elegant appearance and offers the utmost energy efficiency and light output. It's a highly appropriate light for a contemporary and harmonious setting, and sports the latest design innovations while never looking anything less than timeless.

When you want to buy lighting online to fit flush to the ceiling, but don't want to compromise on quality or price, Ryness Lighting & Electrical will cater for your every requirement.

Editor’s Note: Ryness Lighting & Electrical (http://www.ryness.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.

Advantages of having loyalty stamps custom made

More and more businesses are rewarding their customers via loyalty cards. Loyalty cards tend to be used in shops, cafes and clubs and can be an incredible marketing device. Generally, each time a customer makes a purchase, their card is stamped – and once it has been stamped a certain amount of times, they are usually given a reward.

The stamps themselves can be used thousands of times before they need to be replaced or re-inked. Many companies choose to opt for a custom design in order to make an impression with their own logo or branding. We can offer loyalty stamps custom made here at Rubber Stamp King, giving you a choice of stamp types and sizes and allowing you to upload your image via our online artwork uploader. You can also provide us with text or other instructions in the accompanying contact form.

The value of loyalty cards has been demonstrated time and time again. Customers are far more likely to return to you if they have an incentive to do so. You can reward your customers every five, ten or twenty times they make a purchase or at any interval of your choosing – it's up to you to decide. Loyalty cards don't only encourage existing customers to visit you – they can encourage new people to find out more about your services too. If you don't have a great amount to spend on advertising, why not benefit from the word-of-mouth process and offer loyalty cards?

Loyalty cards can encourage customers to make purchases that wouldn't otherwise occur. The more your customers buy from you, the more you are both rewarded. You can even use cards to encourage existing customers to try something new. If you ran a shop but had started to offer hot drinks, for example, the cards could help you to sell them and make people aware that you were now offering this service. Cards can also tell you a great deal about your customers' habits and how to adapt to them.

All that you have to do to purchase a loyalty card stamp from Rubber Stamp King is choose your preferred mode and size, upload your logo or artwork with any other details and follow the instructions through to checkout.

Editor’s Note: Rubber Stamp King (http://www.rubberstampking.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.

Looking for a shoulder bag? The Kipling Defea bag has no equal

The time might have come for you to buy a nice, big, commodious shoulder bag, something that is just as capable of storing all of your sports stuff for that trip to the gym as it is your haul of books for that visit to the university library, or even a change of clothes for a pleasant weekend break. Is the best that you can expect of such a bag something cold, dull and dependable? Definitely not! If there's anything that the Kipling Defea bag shows, for instance, it's that practicality needn't come at the expense of panache.

That panache takes many forms with the Kipling Defea bag, not least the small furry monkey keyring that comes with every single Kipling bag. Why a monkey, we hear you ask? Well, that has much to do with the brand itself being named after Rudyard Kipling, the great author of The Jungle Book. Never underestimate the collectability of these keyrings, which differ across each and every Kipling bag. There's even someone out there with 425 of them...

But of course, there are many other nice touches making the Kipling Defea bag so stylish, not least the high quality crinkle nylon material and wide range of available colours. The latter is typical of Kipling bags as a whole, and in the case of the Defea bag, includes everything from the classic Black and evergreen Expresso Brown to the classy Caffe Latte and deep Mineral Blue. That's without reckoning with some of the odder available patterns, like Monkeymania Sky or Triangle Tr Print, that'll really make you a star of the pavement catwalk.

We've not even yet outlined possibly the best thing about this round shaped handbag: how darned practical it is. How could it be anything less, with such features as a removable and adjustable shoulder strap and zipped main compartment, the latter including not only another zipped pocket, but also a key hanger, three pen pockets, a cell phone pocket and iPod pocket?

There are also two small zipped pouch pockets on the front of the bag, one of them with a diagonally zipped front compartment and the other boasting a front compartment of its own with a flap with Velcro closure. Owners of the Kipling Defea bag can also take advantage of a zipped back pocket and two side pockets with a Velcro closure.

Tempted to place your order? We reckon you should be - and RTherapy is the best online store on which to place it, being an extremely long-established authorised retailer of Kipling handbags.

Editor’s Note: RTherapy (http://www.rtherapyclothing.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.

Looking for Christmas hotel packages? They don't come any better than Regency Park Hotel's

Regency Park Hotel is, of course, an exceptional place to book a stay irrespective of the time of year. With its location between Newbury and Thatcham, it's a tranquil place to come if you are on a business trip or simply wish to explore the area on a recreational basis. The bedrooms are light, airy and contemporary, the Watermark restaurant offers award-winning dining and we're very proud of our Health Club, too.

However, right now - the time when you might prefer to sip on your holiday cocktail or head for the swimming pool - is actually the perfect time to plan your festive period, and Regency Park Hotel has always been difficult to beat when it comes to Christmas hotel packages. From treating your family and friends to the perfect Christmas Lunch, to keeping your company's employees' morale up with a well-timed Christmas Party Night, it's all offered at our Berkshire establishment.

 

You could be paying just £32.50 per person for the ideal Party Night, and there's simply no better place to enjoy a traditional 3-course Christmas dinner, complete with coffee, party novelties and dancing 'til you drop. Our festive lunch options, meanwhile, include not only traditional Christmas Day Lunch, but also Boxing Day Celebrations and Post Christmas Parties.

Indeed, you don't have to stop having fun at Regency Park Hotel just because the festive period is over. That's because we are also highly rated for our New Years Eve Celebrations, which for 2015, once again includes our famous Black & White Ball alongside our Tapas Style Dinner Dance. We even offer seasonal sleepover rates to all of our festive party guests - ideal if you don't fancy booking that taxi home just yet.

More information about our Christmas hotel packages can be requested via our usual contact details. Don't forget that whatever the time of year, the contemporary and well-equipped Regency Park Hotel offers an unrivalled accommodation experience, its spacious and elegant suites being nicely complemented by extensive purpose-built meeting facilities and a generous calendar of other special events.

When it comes to the finest Christmas hotel packages, however, Regency Park Hotel really does have no equal.

Editor’s Note: Regency Park Hotel (http://www.regencyparkhotel.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 app development could make all the difference for your hotel

Of the many industries that have drawn upon app development in Dubai to make the most of the smartphone and tablet revolution, hotels seem to have especially benefitted. Customers' appreciation of the hotel booking and customer service advantages of mobile apps was clear from the results of one survey conducted by MCD in November 2013.

Some 1,000 domestic travelers in the category of business, leisure and family were polled. All of those surveyed were smartphone owners, and all had also stayed in hotels during recent months. There were various reasons why hotel residents made use of mobile apps, according to the data, although the biggest reason was access to maps of the area where they were staying.

Such maps were used by 83% of family travelers, while among business travelers, the favored smartphone features included the ordering-in of room service and amenities, transportation arrangements and bill-paying. Some hotel apps even made it possible for the resident to use their mobile handset as a room key. Of all of the surveyed guests, 68% were fans of their mobile apps showing concierge tips, giving them advice on where they were staying.

A rather less popular reason to use a hotel mobile app was to sync the traveler's smartphone with in-room TV. However, it is thought that future years could see the more widespread syncing of smartphones with such services as Amazon Prime and Netflix, meaning that instead of paying high fees for in-room movies and entertainment, guests will be able to stream their own accounts. However, few hotel apps even yet incorporate this service, which points to an exciting future area of investigation for those establishments seeking services in app development in Dubai.

Hotels still considering the development of their own app will be encouraged by the survey's finding that 74% of travelers considered hotel apps to have improved the overall experience of their stay. 4 in 5 travelers also expressed interest in using their mobile devices to set mobile preferences, ranging from breakfast, newspaper delivery and dietary restrictions to floor preference and allergies - even their preferred type of wine to drink.

The idea that such settings could be saved on their app so that their needs could be catered for by their chosen hotel was also deemed a good one by 87% of guests. It's another indicator of just what potential hotels can extract from the experience and knowhow in app development in Dubai offered by agencies like Prototype, as establishments continue to join the mobile app space and refine existing apps for the benefit of valued customers.

Printing firms still being failed by public sector tenders

Many small to medium sized firms specialising in high quality printing in the UK will be intrigued to read a new report outlining the most frequently received complaints by the government's Mystery Shopper Service, showing that the common problems encountered by SMEs with public sector procurement remain unchanged from three years ago.

Across the December 2012 and February 2014 reports on the service by the Cabinet Office, the main identified trends included problems with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs), the speed of payment and a bias towards larger suppliers on framework agreements.

Although the second 18 months of the service saw a smaller percentage of procurement process issues reported by the government, from 75% of all issues raised to 50%, there was still an increase in the proportion of these related to PQQs, now accounting for half of all process complaints, rather than merely a third.

Of these, the most common was how bidders' financial strength was assessed, amid suggestions of some contracting authorities demanding three years' audited accounts and using levels of turnover as single assessment criterion. Also frequently complained about were PQQs requiring the input of a considerable amount of text and data, even for low-value contracts.

Both reports indicated issues with the prompt payment of contractors and sub-contractors, as well as failure to make payments in accordance with the terms of a contract. The second report suggested some payments were not paid at all.

With regard to frameworks, SMEs in the February 2014 report continued reporting a bias towards larger suppliers, as illustrated by "overly short timescales being set for mini competitions when calling off from framework agreements" and "the acceptance of 'pro bono' [or] uneconomic bids".

These were all problems frequently experienced by firms tendering for public sector contracts to provide high quality printing in the UK, said Kathy Woodward, president of the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF). She added that new trends had emerged that were no less damning than the more familiar issues.

"There is now a situation with government contracts where the holder is required to open house to people who are tendering, giving them access to confidential information of the business.

"Equally some authorities are now contracting third parties to carry out 'ethical audits' of suppliers that sometimes require higher standards than those required by legislation. Yet those same terms and conditions are not then imposed on, for example, overseas sub-contractors."

The Mystery Shopper Service was established in 2011, and allowed for the reporting by suppliers of poor procurement practice in the public sector, more than 600 reported cases having now been received in total.

Make sure you choose the right wedding venue in Harlow

We all have a certain picture in our head of the perfect setting in which to tie the knot, and if you're anything like so many people seeking the perfect wedding venue in Harlow, it'll probably be much like the resplendent Manor of Groves hotel. Ours is the kind of venue that lovebirds tend to fall in love with straight away, its classy Georgian exterior only matched by the sheer elegance of our two distinguished wedding suites.

However, this begs the question: beyond what gets the pulse racing, what do you really want in a wedding venue in Harlow? There are a lot of practical issues that you will need to consider. You will need to ensure the venue's availability, for one thing, and that routinely means booking many months in advance of the intended date. Alternatively, you may adore a given venue so much that you are prepared to delay your ceremony until the next date it is available to book.

You will also somehow need to determine a likely minimum and maximum number of guests, and ensure that these can be accommodated at the venue you have in mind. Our own timeless, characterful and beautiful Colonnade Suite, for example, has space for as many as 120 guests at your wedding breakfast, and 150 for the evening reception.

Consider what kind of atmosphere you want for the reception - will it be intimate or bustling? Be careful in making your estimates - you won't want your nearest and dearest family and friends to be crammed into the venue, but nor is it desirable to book too commodious a wedding venue in Harlow for the intended guest list, as this won't make for a close atmosphere.

Manor of Groves is a wedding venue in Harlow catering for the complete range of practical needs, with various room styles and sizes to choose from, as well as - for those booking the Manor Suite - the services of our own specialty caterer. Our venue is licensed for civil ceremonies and offers guests not only complimentary parking including coach space, but also special bedroom rates.

Our seasoned wedding co-ordinators help to plan your wedding with us, and a dedicated manager will be available on the day. With all of the practicalities tended to, you can simply relax - relatively speaking! - and contemplate a happy day and many future years with your sweetheart.

Editor’s Note: Manor of Groves (http://www.manorofgroves.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.

What the rules say about VAT record keeping

Some of the traders and businesses using the business consultants in London of London Registrars may have been informed during a visit by HMRC that their VAT records were in need of improvement if they were to avoid a fine. Such business owners may have wondered about the legitimacy of such advice, and if so, what steps they would need to take in accordance with the rules.

The last few years have seen HMRC particularly emphasise to businesses the importance of maintaining appropriate records. Since 2011, this awareness drive has been accompanied by a special programme for checking the records of firms. For those organisations with records that fail to pass muster, there is the threat of a fine of up to £3,000, levied under the rules for direct tax (income and corporation tax) self-assessment. However, in relation to VAT, a separate record-keeping penalty of up to £500 can be imposed.

As far as direct taxes are concerned, your organisation's general accounting records will suffice for HMRC. However, VAT brings with it greater record-keeping demands. Not only must you keep your usual records, but you will also be expected to maintain a VAT account, which is broadly a record of how you arrived at the figures for each VAT return.

Copies of VAT invoices issued by your business, original VAT invoices or similar evidence of VAT paid on purchases, export documents relating to overseas trade and credit notes and other documents that alter the value of a supply must also be kept. Although all of these documents are able to be converted and stored in digital format, such as by scanning and saving documents received or by creating PDFs, you must obtain HMRC's permission prior to doing so.

Keeping the records HMRC wants is not the sole requirement for businesses, which must also order them so that any required document can be found in the event of inspection. This makes it insufficient simply to throw receipts into carrier bags. Invoices issued by your company must also show certain information, including your registration number, the rate of VAT charged and the tax point, which is the date on which VAT counts as charged.

The best-informed business consultants in London would also advise their clients of the need to keep VAT records for what is usually six years. This is despite the time limit allowed to HMRC to adjust return forms being four years plus the current return period. Documents relating to land and buildings may even need to be retained for 20 years. Businesses that struggle with the storage of such documents can request that HMRC shortens this period, but must make their application in writing.

By following the aforementioned rules, businesses should avoid problems with HMRC in regard to their record-keeping. However, if for any reason the Revenue does take exception, you can usually expect a warning - with no retrospective effect - to be issued prior to any fine.

Editor’s Note: London Registrars (http://www.london-registrars.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.

What the 21st century has already brought to Croydon

These are certainly exciting times to be living in Croydon. Having long been one of the truly unsung corners of the capital, Croydon is now becoming known as so much more than a transport hub for wider London. Croydon, of course, has long had its strong recreational attractions, from the Whitgift Centre for high quality shopping to the Fairfield Halls arts centre and events venue, but these are now being complemented by developments set to turn it into the big next London destination.

Certainly, the houses in Croydon for sale are taking on a standard of design and construction previously unheard of, the eagerly-awaited ISLAND leading the charge. The apartments and penthouses of this elegant 20-storey tower sport the generous specifications entirely befitting the lofty aspirations of the 21st century Croydon and its residents. They incorporate everything from exceptionally-engineered wooden flooring and widespread multimedia network cabling to balcony or terrace spot light fittings and fully fitted quality carpets.

ISLAND therefore only adds to a stock of houses in Croydon for sale that has been strengthened in recent years by the building of various luxury Docklands-style apartments, many more being on the way. But what else has already made Croydon truly fit for the 21st century? Since the current century opened with the beginning of operations of London Tramlink in May 2000, it's clear that Croydon has set out to become a true modern destination. 2004, for example, saw the opening of another large shopping centre here in the form of the Centrale.

More recent years have seen the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, declare his support for Croydon being granted city status, in addition to announcements of the construction of other iconic towers. On what was described as an "historic night for Croydon" in the Croydon Advertiser, 26th November 2013 saw the approval by Croydon Council of The Croydon Partnership's redevelopment of the town centre, a joint venture by The Westfield Group and Hammerson.

All the while, of course, Croydon has continued to see the flowering of smaller local bars, clubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, schools, fitness centres and cultural venues, providing plenty to enjoy for those occupying any of the many houses in Croydon for sale - both now and for many years into the future.

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.

When you need affordable elegance, check out the Glamorous clothing range

Are you on the lookout for an unpretentious, but nonetheless fun and elegant fashion label? Perhaps one that offers the complete range of stylish dresses, kimonos, sweaters, tops, shorts and skirts? If so, you need look no further than the current selection of Glamorous clothing from I-Candy. Glamorous isn't just about covering all of the obvious bases. That's because this Manchester brand believes in accessibility and affordability, as strongly as it does high fashion and being bang on trend.

The truth is, I-Candy offers all of the Glamorous clothing that you could possibly need to feel both individual and contemporary - perfect for strutting your stuff on your next night out. We routinely bring you big discounts, too, although above all else, it is the clothing itself that is a massive hit with the most confident and style-conscious women. Imagine, for example, donning the Yellow Bird Print Contrast Collar Shift Dress, which combines a contrast white peter pan collar with yellow floral and bird printing.

The Glamorous Pink Bird Print Shift Dress and Candy Pink Baroque Print Shift Dress are similarly assured to make you stand out on the tiles, as is the Parrot Print Vest Top that features a coral parrot print alongside a high round neckline and centre back zip fastening. This inspirational sleeveless top is perfect to have in your wardrobe with the brand's fabulously sexy black wash denim cut off shorts. These shorts go well with everything, in fact, from floral shirts to strappy tops, being high waisted and featuring a frayed hem.

On the subject of all things sexy, Glamorous clothing surely doesn't come much more so than the Mai Tai Floral Kimono, this lightweight and long length green print kimono being a good match to a cami and dark jeans or shorts. We also have plenty of fans among our regular customers of the label's less decorative styles, like the Grey Marl Swing Dress in beautifully soft fabric.

Then, there's the simply incomparable White Embroidered Tassel Dress. This is the perfect dress for right here, right now, in the baking summer, thanks to its white floaty swing style, halter neck, tassel fastening and gorgeous embroidered panelling. You may choose to wear it in flat sandals on an exotic foreign holiday, or instead in wellies at one of our dear old-fashioned British festivals - but either way, wearing it is guaranteed to make you feel darned good.

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.

Turn to Forecourt Installation Services for the complete fuel pump installation expertise

Forecourt Installation Services may have only been established in 2012, but it has already built a strong reputation as an installation and maintenance company. In areas ranging from petrol pump installation and maintenance and fuel pipework installation and maintenance to OFTEC oil tank inspections and AdBlue installations, to name just a few, the firm has become a hugely trusted name.

Fuel pump installation may be just one area of expertise for Forecourt Installation Services, but it is an in-depth one. Whatever you require a commercial, forecourt or submersible fuel pump for, and whether the fuel in question is petrol, diesel, heating oil, bio fuel or AdBlue among the many possibilities, the company is not only able to supply such a system, but can also install and maintain it, drawing upon its more than two decades of experience in this area.

Choose Forecourt Installation Services for the provision of new or refurbished commercial and forecourt fuel pumps to BS 7117 part 1:1991. With the right suction or pressure system, delivery speeds as high as 120 LTS a minute can be assured, while any commercial fuel pump provided by the company can also feature integrated fuel management systems with real time web-based operating systems. Customers are also able to request various weights and measure approved and ATEX rated pumps.

Forecourt Installation Services is also the firm to which to turn for the entire range of commercial pump and tank maintenance requirements, accompanied by 3, 6 or 12 monthly service visits as well as any required replacement parts or accessories. Examples of the latter include fuel management systems, ZVA nozzles, safety breakaway couplings, meters, belts, anti-syphon/pressure regulating valves, pumping units, under pump valves and hoses and hose reels.

Closely related to the company's knowhow in fuel pump installation is its considerable experience in the installation of all manner of specialist pipework. Forecourt Installation Services' engineers are trained to impeccable standards and are therefore well-prepared to install everything from KPS petrol pipe, UPP petrol pipe and environ petrol pipe to stainless steel threaded pipework, galvanised steel threaded pipework and brugg pipe systems.

For fuel pump installation and so many more related services, carried out to the highest standards, make Forecourt Installation Services your choice of contractor.

How to identify and resolve structural problems in older properties

Subsidence and other structural issues can be alarming to discover in a period home or other older property. The problem may deteriorate to the point that you decide to find a quick buyer for your property, but you can avoid this by identifying and repairing issues in good time. Keep an eye out for missing roof tiles, out of control trees and shrubs, leaking rainwater goods and cracked drains, as leaving them unaddressed can lead to structural problems in your property.

To some extent, movement is inevitable in an older building, with formerly popular building materials like lime likely to mean some degree of structural shifting. However, you should still pay close attention to any cracks that arise, given the maintenance issues that can accompany them. Movement may also occur due to poorly considered alterations or a failed structural element.

Seeking advice from a structural engineer specialising in buildings of the same type and age as yours can help you to determine the cause of any problem. Especially serious problems may make it necessary to prop the building temporarily, which should again be done by experts. Rot is the cause of many structural issues in traditional buildings. It is vital to deal with damp problems before they deteriorate, given how they can lead to weakening roof rafters and even the frames of timber-framed structures.

You can address damp through the repair and cleaning of gutters and downpipes, the replacement of missing tiles or slates and simply by keeping a lookout for areas where the penetration of moisture may lead to damage to your building's structural elements. Shrubs and trees can also cause structural problems in traditional properties, their roots potentially sucking moisture from the soil and causing downward movement of the ground supporting a building.

If you do suspect structural problems, you should promptly get in touch with your insurance company, so that they can undertake investigations. You are likely to see heightened insurance premiums and may struggle to find a new insurer in the future. Although various means exist of fixing structural damage, careful repairs to try to retain the structure's integrity are better than rebuilding.

If structural problems have rendered your period house extremely difficult or impossible to sell on the open market, contact Dream House Buyer. Our hassle-free and efficient service is ideal for those wishing to find a quick buyer for their property, whatever its condition.

Dream House Buyer is a family owned property company that considers all types of property, and we buy property with sitting tenants too. We will make an instant cash offer for any property in the UK, regardless of the size, location, condition or value.

We will buy any property that you might consider a problem - including property with sitting tenants, flats with short leases, problem tenants, unmortgageable and structurally damaged property. We also buy ground rents and portfolios. If you think we can help, then please invite us to make you an immediate cash offer for your property.

Contact us on 0800 1577 497 or email us info@dreamhousebuyer.co.uk

Joan of Arc statue in Gloucester 'desecrated'

Here at Big Statues, we believe strongly in showing the utmost respect to military statues, rather than damaging them. It therefore saddened us a great deal to hear of the "desecration" of an iconic war memorial of Joan of Arc in front of the American Legion post in Gloucester.

The statue has been in its present spot for decades, but has now had its sword - previously pointed towards the sky from the horse on which the Maid of Orleans is depicted in a victorious pose - bent back about 90 degrees. It isn't clear exactly when the sculpture was vandalized.

The bronze statue weighs 3,500 pounds and was completed in 1921, the work of summer Annisquam resident and sculptor Anna Vaughn Hyatt Huntington. Sitting upon historic stones, the memorial commemorates the Gloucester men who fought and died alongside French allies in the First World War.

In an article by the Gloucester Times, the grandson of one of the local American Legion post's founders, A. Piatt Andrew, Andrew Grey, observes that the statue's base is made up of eight stones from around France. Reims Cathedral provided four of them, while another originated from the dungeon of a castle that held Joan for her trial.

Mark Nestor, veteran and commander of Lester Wass Post 3 of the American Legion, described the statue of St. Joan as "hallowed ground" and "a symbol of those who sacrifice for freedom." He described the vandalism as "a senseless act against a monument that veterans fought and died for. It's a desecration as far as I'm concerned."

Police have confirmed that people are being interviewed in connection to the damage, and that they are working to determine a more accurate time for when it occurred. The article also suggested that the city's insurance company is expected to pay for the damage.

However, the latest incident isn't even the first to befall the statue, according to Cape Ann Museum curator Martha Oakes, who said that in 1972, a replacement for the sword was made by the renowned Lanesville sculptor Walker Hancock.

Needless to say that here at Big Statues, we hope for the successful repair of the latest damage to the statue of the Maid of Orleans, so that it can take complete pride of place once more among the country's most iconic and admired war and military statues.

Editor’s Note: Big Statues (http://www.bigstatues.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.

Number of tenants with rental arrears 'falls by thousands'

Landlords throughout the UK looking to firm up their financial peace of mind with products like Advanced Rent's own tenant referencing policy will be reassured by new research showing a 35,000, or 35 per cent, drop in the number of tenants with severe rental arrears over the last 12 months. It is complemented by the further good news of a sixth fall in landlords' own mortgage arrears in as many quarters.

LSL Property Services' latest Tenant Arrears Tracker report found that significant rental arrears were now avoided by 98.5 per cent of private sector tenants. Indeed, while there were still some 67,000 households behind on their rental payments by more than two months, this marked a noticeable improvement on the 102,000 recorded in the second quarter of 2013. Between this year's opening quarter and the three months to June, there was a further 0.2 per cent reduction in the number of tenants in severe arrears.

The figures for tenants in serious arrears exceeding two months also looked good when taken as a proportion of all tenants, the 2.2 per cent seen in the second quarter of last year comparing to 1.5 per cent for the equivalent three months in 2014. Overall tenant arrears - those of all durations - are now just 7 per cent as of May 2014, whereas 12 months earlier, they had been 8.2 per cent.

But it isn't just tenants that have benefitted from the more benevolent recent economic climate, with the first quarter of 2014 also seeing a 10.9 per cent fall from the previous three months in the number of buy-to-let mortgages in arrears of more than three months, to 14,700. This amounts to a 17.9 per cent improvement in buy-to-let mortgage arrears over the last 12 months.

Paul Jardine, director and receiver at Templeton LPA, commented: "Landlords and tenants depend closely on one another. But communication is always vital to keep that relationship in effective working order. A good landlord or managing agent will have a working knowledge of their tenants' situation." He added that when tenant arrears did occur, they were usually resolved within a month or two.

Commercial director of LSL Property Services, David Brown said that the landlords worst affected by the credit crunch were now paying down their arrears, and also hailed the combination of favourable interest rates, solid rental yields and the boost provided to total returns by capital appreciation. Overall, the picture is of a rental market that landlords are showing more and more confidence in, as they contemplate investment in associated policies like the tenant referencing of Advanced Rent. 

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.

The important information about LLP incorporation

While there are instances in which one may seek business formation services as limited company incorporation and company limited by guarantee incorporation, there is another legal business entity with limited liability that has emerged fairly recently - a Limited Liability Partnership. Companies House now has nearly 40,000 registered LLPs, and they differ somewhat from the original general or limited partnerships in their lack of directors, shareholders or share capital. 

When seeking business support services like those offered by London Registrars, entrepreneurs are increasingly favouring LLPs, on account of their combination of the benefits of limited liability and some of a traditional partnership's flexibility - they are even taxed as partnerships. The LLP is a vehicle that nicely combines protection and flexibility, with the differences between a traditional partnership and an LLP including that while the former is made up of a minimum of two partners, the latter consists of members, with at least two of these needing to be 'designated members'.

There are extra responsibilities taken on by a designated member in an LLP as opposed to an ordinary member, one being the filing of documents with Companies House as and when needed. LLPs benefit from having their own identity, being able to hold property in their own name and enter contracts. This compares to the un-incorporated body that is a partnership, where the partners hold property and enter into contracts in their own names on the partnership's behalf.

In addition, while a partnership's partners have unlimited personal liability for the partnership's debts, for the members of an LLP, there is no personal liability for debts beyond their own contributions. Companies House filing requirements - like the Accounts and an Annual Return - also have to be complied with by an LLP, whereas a partnership's affairs have greater privacy, the accounts not able to be subjected to public inspection.

Befitting of its reputation as a provider of the most complete business formation services, London Registrars ensures a high degree of efficiency in its own LLP registrations service, generally completing the necessary work in no more than 48 hours. Elements of the service include checking on the chosen name's availability and adherence with Companies House rules, as well as the legally required ID checks of the prospective members to ensure compliance with anti money laundering regulations.

London Registrars' LLP incorporation work also encompasses the preparation of the incorporation document and statement of compliance, in line with Companies Act 2006 standards, as well as the submission of the documents to Companies House and payment of the registration fee. Although London Registrars cannot provide tax advice in relation to LLPs, it can nonetheless advise on the legalities of LLP formation and email the client the Certificate of Incorporation.

Even the LLP/Partnership Agreement can be prepared by London Registrars, either as a standard or bespoke document.

Editor’s Note: London Registrars (http://www.london-registrars.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.

Nerds of the world unite in Original Geek tees

They say that the nerds of this world need to stick together, but in the year 2014, we are firmly into the era of 'geek chic', and Original Geek tees are undoubtedly at the forefront of that latest fashion wave. Original Geek Clothing may have only became a fixture of the fashion world two years ago, but the brand has attracted plenty of admiration in just a short space of time on account of the astonishing attention to detail, great fit, 100% high grade cotton and crisp print quality of its wares.

Quite simply, if there's a cool party going on somewhere, it's also likely that you will see plenty of Original Geek tees around. They're donned by sporting aces, A-list music stars and legends of film and TV on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, showing up at the likes of DC10 and Coachella. Long before Original Geek tees became a familiar sight in UK online stores, it was clear what kind of person wore one: the kind of person who likes to look great and take care of themselves.

So, if you're such a party person running out of great fashions to accompany you on your next bar crawl, what can the present Original Geek T-shirt range at I-Candy offer? Well, you'll certainly struggle to miss the Home Grown T-Shirt Off-White, a crew neck T-shirt with soft roll back sleeves and an unmistakable 'Home Grown' print on the front, as well as a side seam bearing Original Geek branding. It's a comfortable and convenient tee to own too, being machine washable and consisting of 100% cotton material.

Or what about something a little different in the form of the Pop T-Shirt White, with its graphic print to the side and Original Geek red branding to the reverse? It all makes for another very eye-catching crew neck T-shirt. Alternatively, your imagination might be captured by the Rude Dog T-Shirt White, again sporting a graphic print on the front and Original Geek red branding on the reverse, while we're also pleased to offer the Sailor T-Shirt Airforce Blue, which combines raw edge roll back sleeves with a graphic print to the front.

We have another very fine blue T-shirt where that came from, namely the Suited & Booted T-Shirt Scottish Blue. That leaves two charcoal T-shirt designs to consider, the Rose and Nelson, offering very distinctive printed motifs of their own. If there's just one thing that becomes clear from the current I-Candy range of Original Geek tees, it's that they certainly epitomise cool.

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.