Midland Skirting - your source of the finest quality skirting

When you are redecorating your home, there will be many things for you to think about - with one of these things being the right choice of skirting board. Skirting boards have long had an important functional and aesthetic role within the home, and for more than 15 years, those seeking the finest quality skirting haven't hesitated to choose Midland Skirting.

On one level, a skirting board is there to protect your home's walls. It creates a gap between your furniture and the wall, ensuring that neither comes into contact with the other and therefore runs the risk of being scratched or more seriously damaged - a particular concern if your wall consists of beautifully grained wood or features elaborate wallpaper or panelling.

However, there is another key role that the finest quality skirting will always play, and that is of adding character to a room. Attention can be drawn to a details of a wall by a skirting board of a contrasting colour, much the same able to be said for the right architrave, which is the moulded frame around a door or window.

Those seeking the best possible skirting and architrave are certainly well-served by the extensive range of profiles and sizes on offer at Midland Skirting. This well-established company creates and stocks many different thicknesses and depths of classic and contemporary profiles to ensure that whatever look you desire, you can find it with us.

This extends to our offering of a highly regarded bespoke service, whereby a custom profile and special tool can be created just for you, for only a modest set-up charge. Buy skirting from Midland Skirting, and you can choose from widths of between 70mm and 400mm, the final profile coming in three metre lengths of Kronospan MDF.

There are many more fine reasons to buy skirting from Midland Skirting. These range from a high quality manufacturing process and consideration for the environment, to a secure checkout and impeccable standard of customer service. Our customers also benefit from free samples, swift delivery and the ability to beat any written quote.

All of these advantages of our service are further complemented by an exceptionally smooth finish, achieved through the twice-over priming and sanding of your skirting, in readiness for it to be given its final coat of paint. Contact Midland Skirting now about the very finest quality skirting from us.

It's the perfect time of year to don those summer shorts

The Bellfield clothing brand is known for many things, from the effortless style of its creations and the quality of the materials used to an endless succession of intriguing colours and prints. Above all else, people like me and you know Bellfield as a highly reputable design organisation, not least given that it has been around since the 1970s.

But it's the summer, so what item of Bellfield clothing could be more relevant right now, in the searing heat, than a pair of shorts? There's certainly an impressive selection of them available at I-Candy at the moment, such as the Phlox Navy Shorts, which are cotton chino style shorts that combine a zip fly closure with button fastening back and ticket pockets. These machine washable shorts also stand out due to their two side pockets, belt loops and logo tab detail.

Bellfield's Phlox Shorts are also available in Stone, Tan and Coral shades, sporting the same features as the Navy variant and coming with the belt shown in the photos on the I-Candy website. But we also proudly offer the brand's Berdhart Shorts, which are cotton canvas shorts with a button fly closure, two front pockets and two back pockets. These shorts are also distinguished by their Bellfield logo tab at the back pocket, spotted print and turn up hem.

However, while Bellfield clothing is certainly well-represented in the shorts selection at I-Candy, we've also long been major fans of the heritage-inspired, Japanese-tinged, no-nonsense British fashion of Native Youth, and the shorts from this brand in our store do not disappoint. What label other than Native Youth could have produced the NYSHT5 Swim Shorts Blue, for instance, with their distinctive print and brand patch on the front?

These Native Youth swim shorts are also net lined and feature two front pockets along with one rear pocket with a Velcro fastening, as well as an adjustable drawstring to waistband. Or why not pick up a pair of Native Youth NYSHT9 Boat Shorts Navy? Immediately recognisable due to their boat print throughout, these straight fit cotton navy shorts are machine washable and feature side slant pockets, jetted pockets to reverse and belt loops.

Such shorts are yet more reason to shop for your summer shorts at I-Candy - so don't hesitate to get browsing before they're all out of stock.

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.

Choose H.I.C.H. LTD for bespoke property surveys

Those requiring the most professional roof and property consultants in Scotland will be well-served by the services of H.I.C.H. LTD. We can provide the highest standard of bespoke surveys, courtesy of our industry standard multi-disciplined qualification experience in construction, asbestos management and renewable energy installations.

We can assist and minimise your budget costs, irrespective of your project or specification requirements, through our quality detailed reports that we deliver at a competitive cost. Throughout our range of bespoke domestic and commercial surveys, as are so important to the home sale/purchase process, we can provide the most detailed quality reports to an industry standard specification.

You may turn to H.I.C.H. LTD for a property survey, for example, benefitting from a comprehensive detailed inspection report including images and descriptions of any fault areas. Also included in the report is a reinstatement breakdown of costs inclusive of recommendations. This maximises the document's usefulness during the home purchase or building and refurbishment process when the exact requirements and costs of any repairs need to be established.

However, H.I.C.H. LTD is also a renowned name in infrared surveys, with thermal imaging playing a key role in building monitoring through its detection of such issues as water leaks, heat loss and structural problems. With our use of thermal image cameras, such problems as flat roof leaks, damaged or missing insulation and trapped moisture under water proofing can all be detected.

Asbestos surveys are another key service of H.I.C.H. LTD's property consultants in Scotland, encompassing both Type 1 and Type 2 tests. Both management surveys and refurbishment and demolition surveys can be carried out, with the former being the standard survey legally required for all commercial buildings in accordance with The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.

H.I.C.H. LTD is also routinely chosen by those requiring a snagging survey, the comprehensively detailed inspection report that we produce including images and descriptions of any fault areas. Again, a reinstatement breakdown of costs is included, with recommendations to be acted on by your builder or contractor within the first two year period from completion or purchase handover.

Finally, we are also highly regarded for our renewable energy surveys, which - for those homeowners contemplating investment in a residential solar panel system - answers the all-important question of whether solar panels could damage their roof. The detailed inspection report resulting from our survey allows you to know exactly how suitable your present roof is for the installation of such a renewable energy system.

Get in touch with H.I.C.H. LTD today for more information about our extensive services as property consultants in Scotland.

Forecourt Installation Services provides the total package for fuel tanks

The operation that you run might use a lot of fuel. For instance, if you run a quarry or open cast mine, you're going to have a lot of big vehicles burning up fuel every day, and they will need to refuel close to your base of operations.

Obviously, going to a public forecourt is not an option for a huge piece of machinery, and the closer you can have your refuelling depot to the point of use, the lower the costs you'll experience. The lower the costs, the larger the profit margin. Indeed, that's why you should come to us for fuel tank installation.

We've been doing it for more than two decades, and having worked on a number of projects, we can provide tanks suited to any operation. We can provide small tanks or big. What's more, we can work wherever you are in the UK. A site in the extremities of Scotland or the middle of London is no issue for us. If you want the tanks sunk underground, that's possible. Or we can provide the correct, level support for above ground fuel tank installation.

As specialists, we can offer all of the services your project needs. Alarms can be fitted to warn that the bunding has been compromised on a tank, and we can provide very precise measures for fuel pumps. Everything can be controlled from a central point too.

We also do the supporting work, such as looking after the tanks over time, or checking the performance of all of the component parts. We can alter existing systems, in addition to removing tanks. If water or other chemicals somehow get inside your tanks, we can clear it as well. You will find that we offer a lot more than just fuel tank installation.

Of course, fuel is an expensive thing, and we can fit the above ground tank with security doors that roll up when you need to use it. We can also install the tanks to be fit to withstand fires. After all, it only takes some broken glass to lie in a patch of spilt fuel. Then when the sun's rays focus through the glass, a fire can start next to your tank, and if there's a lot on site, you'll need protection to avoid a major incident.

Luc Robitaille to get Staples Center statue tribute

We've covered news about statue commemorations of quite a few sporting legends in recent weeks and months here at Big Statues, and there always seems to be new announcements of custom made bronze statues like those that we make ourselves. Well, the latest man to be immortalized in such a way is none other than National Hockey League (NHL) great Luc Jean-Marie Robitaille.

Robitaille certainly made a momentous impact in his 19-season career in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup in 2001-02 with the Detroit Red Wings, in addition to stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers. However, he will always be most strongly associated with the Los Angeles Kings, for which he is presently President of business operations.

By the time of his retirement after the 2005-06 season, Robitaille was the highest-scoring left winger in NHL history, also holding numerous Kings franchise and playoff records. In 2009, he was also inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. It shouldn't be a big surprise, therefore, that he is to be the seventh Los Angeles sports icon to be given the honor of a statue at Staples Center's Star Plaza.

Robitaille's statue will be unveiled on March 7 prior to a Kings-Pittsburgh game next season, as part of the Kings Legends Night Series - which will also see tributes paid to Barry Melrose and Tony Granato. Melrose, the Kings' head coach from 1992-95, will be honored on February 12 before a Kings-Calgary game, followed by another former Kings player over 380 games, Granato on February 24, ahead of a Kings-Detroit game.

The Kings will also mark these nights by donning vintage jerseys, the only time during the season that they will be worn, with attending fans being given commemorative posters. As for Robitaille, it takes a lot for someone to become only the second hockey player after Wayne Gretzky to be honored with a statue in Star Plaza.

Sure enough, the 48 year old Canadian has remarkable achievements to look back on, such as the more than 40 goals scored in each of his first eight seasons with the Kings, including a career-high 63 in 1992-93. 668 goals and 1,394 points over his career gave him the NHL record for both as a left winger, and he is the holder of the Kings' franchise record for goals - 577 - as well.

As such big fans of custom made bronze statues, we eagerly await the statue's unveiling here at Big Statues, and can only congratulate Robitaille on a career that has proved more than worthy of such an astonishing tribute.

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.

Who is responsible for maintaining and repairing a rental property?

You might have imagined that a landlord is chiefly responsible for the maintenance and repair of their own property. But it's important to make yourself aware of your exact responsibilities, as you don't want to have to sell your rental house due to lack of time and money to carry out essential work.

Although landlords are responsible for maintaining certain standards within their property, who has exact responsibility for what repairs should be outlined in the tenancy agreement - electrical and gas appliances and furniture safety being the exceptions. If it isn't clear from the tenancy agreement or statement of tenancy terms who has responsibility for repairs and the tenancy started on or after 1st April 2007, 'default' terms are imposed by the law.

A landlord's repairing responsibilities, according to those default terms, include the property's structure and exterior, covering such elements as the drains, gutters, external pipes and exterior paintwork. The property's interior is another landlord responsibility - save for matters covered under tenant responsibilities - along with any installations for the supply and use of water, gas, electricity and sanitation.

Also covered in these default terms are any appliances that the landlord has provided under the tenancy for making use of the water, gas or electricity supply, as well as any installations for space heating and water heating, and any fixtures, fittings and furniture that the landlord has provided under the terms of the tenancy. Any common areas or areas required for access will also need to be kept in good condition by the landlord according to these terms, any areas required for access also needing to be adequately lit and safe to use.

Remember that if you need to access the building for repairs, the obligation is on your tenant to permit you to enter. You are not entitled to enter the property with force or without first securing the tenant's permission. However, you must also be allowed by your tenant to enter the property to carry out repairs.

A tenant's responsibilities for repairs should also be laid out in the tenancy agreement. Again, certain 'default' terms apply if responsibility isn't made clear, including taking good general care of the property and making good any damage caused to the property as a result of the tenant's behaviour or negligence.

By ensuring that both parties are fully aware from the start of their repair and maintenance responsibilities, you can minimise the likelihood of having to sell your rental house due to a damaging dispute with your tenant.

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

The one-time IYLO adds much-needed affordable quality to London's housing stock

Given the wealth of economic and recreational opportunity that it affords to its residents, it isn't difficult to see why the global metropolis of London remains such an irresistible draw to incomers from around the world. It is nothing less than one of the most populous cities in Europe and the world, with some 13 million inhabitants, who are attracted to its strengths in the arts, entertainment, commerce, fashion, finance and more.

However, accommodating all of these incomers at an acceptable level of comfort and affordability remains a key challenge for a city with well-noted housing stock shortages. It is a great boon, then, that a development like the former IYLO has arisen to provide new residents of London with not merely affordable living quarters, but all of the luxurious skyline living that they could have possibly dreamed of enjoying in the English capital.

It is often said that the great things in life can be a long time coming, and this has certainly been the case with the erstwhile IYLO. Now rebranded ISLAND, this elegant 20-storey tower has been the subject of several premature obituaries during its several year construction. Worries began in 2009 when the project's funding source, HBOS, slid into administration, causing building work to grind to a halt. This work recommenced in late 2010, only for yet more financial woes - this time for the construction company itself - to cast another cloud over the project's future.

Such an already chequered past only made it all the better news that the site was to be passed into secure ownership at last as 2012 became 2013. Finally, with the wider global economy improving and solid funding laid down, work could begin once more to bring the long-delayed project to completion. The day that some Croydon residents thought would never come will come to pass in late November 2014, when the building will be finished.

Then, it will simply be for the fortunate residents to snap up an ISLAND apartment or penthouse in time to enjoy the fruits of their purchase, including a specification incorporating comprehensive multimedia network cabling, engineered wooden flooring, balcony or terrace spot light fittings and more. From the living/kitchen area to the bathroom and bedroom, every ISLAND penthouse or apartment is quite the sight, and with Help to Buy also available, it is an increasingly scarce example of genuinely affordable luxury in the dazzling international urban epicentre that is London.

Enquire now to find out more about the former IYLO's remaining available apartments and penthouses.

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.