The UK’s housing sector has witnessed a boom in 2021 as behavioural changes in home buying led to a ‘race for space’ amidst the pandemic. The latest data by building society Nationwide revealed that UK house price annual growth rate surged to 10.4 per cent in December this year, the fastest pace in about 15 years. At the same time, the average UK house prices in December touched record highs, at £254,822.
The pandemic related lockdowns and restrictions led to a marked shift in homebuying behaviour, while the historic low-interest rates and stamp duty cuts have been the major growth factor for the housing boom.
However, the scenario may not remain the same in the years to come. As per the latest forecast, the sector is expected to witness a slowdown going into 2022 after the stamp duty cuts ended in September and the central bank went for a rate hike despite Omicron fear.
What could happen in 2022?
The growth scenario may witness a change to the downside, but the sector is expected to continue seeing high demand amid historic levels of low stock going into 2022.
The demand for rural properties and open spaces is sticky, with buyers opting for the house with a completion date as late as May 2020. Thus, indicating this is going to remain persistent well into the new year.
High hopes from the industry
Given that demand is sticky, especially in the sub 2 million brackets, housebuilders are expected to focus more on new developments in this range.
Additionally, there had been a rise in demand for inner-city homes due to the increase in and flexibility of remote working. This trend indicates it could be a geo-economic shift rather than a previously expected post-pandemic related behavioural change.
Obstacles and the need for government support
The lack of building materials due to ongoing supply chain-related disruptions and challenges is a major factor impeding the supply of stock in the housing sector.
If the government comes forward and offers grants and schemes to help businesses in the sector when they are required to place advance stock orders for materials, it could be a big help for the industry.
Streamlining construction applications is another major area where the government can chip in since it is one of the major impediments that has caused significant delays. Apart from that government’s focus on social housing is another area that can support the sector.
Lack of staff shortages has been another major factor for the industry. One way to help address this challenge is by offering skill training, providing access to non-UK based workers, which can also help address wage inflation challenges and more.
Another area that can help in addressing staff shortages is continuing the hiring of more apprentices.
Overall, while there is some uncertainty as to how well the sector can perform in 2022, the government, industry and other stakeholders can work collectively to help the housing sector sustain its growth.
As the year draws to a close, make time to evaluate your strategies and determine what worked and what didn’t. Improve your chances for success and start the new year right by planning your marketing strategy for 2022.
Recent events have caused many marketers to rethink how they communicate with existing and potential clients. You might have seen the changes in how people utilize tech and social media, whether it’s meeting virtually, using augmented reality to show people around, or selling items online when businesses can’t personally welcome customers in their brick-and-mortar stores.
Now more than ever, having a well-thought-of digital marketing strategy, especially content marketing, is crucial to keep a business afloat.
Why Is Content Marketing Important?
Content marketing is a critical component of any digital marketing strategy.
According to HubSpot, 70% of marketers actively invest in content marketing. This is because, compared to other digital marketing strategies like pay-per-click (PPC), it gives a better long-term return on investment. It is also a more subtle way of promoting products to potential customers.
Don’t get left behind. Here are five content marketing trends to watch out for in the coming year.
Work On Customer Retention
Content marketing may significantly grow sales, improve search engine rankings, and increase lead conversion. But few discuss content tactics to retain existing clients.
Here are some content-focused strategies to keep clients interested after the sale:
Keep your website up to date to improve customer satisfaction and encourage repeat visits.
Engage your customers by encouraging them to contribute video reviews of their experiences with your product or service.
Include special offers, appealing product features, news about impending changes, or discounts in your email marketing efforts to reengage disengaged customers.
Optimize SEO
Content marketing and SEO require consistency and are directly connected. Fresh, original, and creative content index faster and rank higher than repetitive and low-value materials. SEO-friendly content marketing is required to boost the likelihood of website visitors.
Most users only look at the first page of results in search engines. Sadly, your material won’t be seen until it’s on these first few pages. So, optimizing your content does pay off. Furthermore, your material should help clients who are trying to solve problems. Use relevant keywords in your content and target certain users to help Google detect and rank your website.
If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your SEO and other marketing practices, partnering with an expert is always a good investment. Companies like Caffeine Marketing will help you come up with strategies to increase online exposure, improve customer engagement and branding, and spur financial growth.
Create a Podcast
The pandemic has significantly impacted brand-customer communication. The use of digital media sky-rocketed, as did the variety of formats available. Because a podcast is a terrific method to share information on different topics, you can establish yourself as an industry influencer and use it as a content marketing technique.
Podcast Insights recorded almost 2 million podcasts and over 48 million episodes by 2021. This proves that more companies are seeing its value. As a content marketing approach, it will assist you in sharing insights and getting your products and services noticed in a more subdued way. You may also advertise it and gain followers by using your social media accounts. What text cannot convey, a podcast can.
Invest In Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI technology makes it easier to process and analyze data, which aids in faster decision-making. As technology advances, additional tools for data analysis and marketing content creation will become available. This automation will allow personnel to focus on their core duties, thus improving productivity and efficiency.
Furthermore, customers want timely, almost immediate responses. AI-powered chatbots will be used in content marketing in various communication platforms, aside from the website. This advancement will mimic real-life conversations between customers and companies making information exchange more seamless and engaging.
Use Voice Search
Voice search technology is changing the way we search and when we search online. It has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Alexa-enabled gadgets are a good indication that voice-activated entertainment is in high demand and will continue to grow in 2022. Millions of smart speakers have been sold internationally and many houses have intelligent devices with voice search capabilities.
Voice searches can acquire information from the internet by identifying keywords or sentences with ‘what’, ‘when’, ‘how’, and ‘best.’ This also employs SEO and AI to acquire data from internet users. Aside from developing keyword-rich articles or videos, companies may also optimize voice search results and get their material to the top of search pages by using SEO tactics to improve brand exposure and recognition.
You may optimize your content for voice search in three ways:
Focus on local searches. Most of the time, a voice searcher is seeking something local and use a mobile device to look for nearby stores, restaurants, and activities. Including information about your business and catering to the local market will help search engines recognize it, expose it to voice search users, and possibly improve your SEO.
Use voice-search-friendly long-tail keywords. Voice searches are frequently in the form of a question. Using natural language and specific long-tail keywords or phrases, along with question and answer-based content, help improve ratings on search engines.
Design a mobile-friendly website. Many of the voice searches are completed on smartphones. Thus, ensure that your site displays properly on handheld devices so users can locate information quickly and conveniently.
Conclusion
Needless to say, your business can benefit from a well-planned content marketing campaign. Remember that meeting customer expectation begins with a search. If you can adapt your content and marketing methods to the trends, you will improve your website ranking, brand exposure, which can result in more sales and revenues.
These 2022 trends will help you plan for the upcoming year, so keep an eye on them.
CONSTRUCTION work will begin on an iconic North Wales landmark in the New Year.
Enbarr Foundation director Vicki Roskams and fellow ‘Guardians’ of the John Summers Clock Tower in Deeside are hoping more people join their “revolution” in 2022 and help bring the dilapidated building back to life.
More than £600,000 in grants and financial support was secured over the last 12 months from organisations including Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, the National Lottery, the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), Comic Relief, Architectural Heritage, CADW, Parc Adfer and Flintshire County Council.
And the many kind donors and hundreds of people who volunteer every week will be rewarded with a belated Christmas party on January 15 – subject to Covid-19 restrictions – thanks to IKEA and the National Lottery Community Fund, which have joined forces to support thriving and sustainable projects across the UK.
Reflecting on a year in which significant progress was made on and off site, Vicki said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has got behind us, especially those who are here every week carrying out general maintenance and improvement works, planting trees and helping with the renovations.
“The backing we’ve had, especially from local businesses donating time, machinery and materials – notably Tata Steel, Delta Rock, Ardagh Group, GTM Heavy Machinery, Thomas Roofing and Kimberly-Clark – has been incredible; we could not do it without you, and there are so many more.”
She added: “We’ve made huge strides and there has been a lot of change, so that is very good news when you consider the challenges all industries have faced during the pandemic, and the restrictions placed upon us.
“From January, with the grants and funding received, we can start the construction phase of the development and bring all of this effort to fruition.
“We are so excited to begin this next chapter and hope even more people will join our revolution; to finally see this much-loved place back in use.”
The John Summer Clock Tower building opened in 1907 and was home to the general office of Shotton Steelworks – now Tata Steel – on the banks of the River Dee, before closing in 2009 and falling into serious disrepair after being sold by the company.
With widespread plans to open a community hub, heritage skills and training centre, live events venue and much more, the Guardians are well on their way to realising their vision.
A fun day during the summer raised thousands towards that dream, and Vicki said 2022 will be even more action-packed.
“It is going to be bigger, brighter and even more positive, I’m sure of it,” she said.
“The foundations have been laid and now it’s time to see bigger steps taken towards our end goal.
“To secure the future of this site, and make it a vital asset for Deeside and beyond to enhance the lives of thousands of people through training, support, skills, and unity for generations to come – we will do it!”
For more information or to get involved, follow Guardians of the Clocktower on Facebook or visit the website: www.savetheclocktower.co.uk.
A PIONEERING salon highlighted its support for the hard-hit hair and beauty sector.
Salon Ial at the new-look Coleg Cambria Yale site in Wrexham is offering space to start-up and mobile businesses, as well as job and training opportunities for those wanting to join the industry.
The initiative is open to hairdressers, beauty therapists, complementary therapists, nail technicians and make-up artists.
With Covid-19 having a negative impact on hair and beauty – there was a 21% decrease in full time employment resulting in widespread closures, with turnover falling by more than 40% UK-wide – this will give interested parties a timely new year boost.
Sarah Edwards, Hair and Beauty Commercial Manager at Cambria, said: “We are committed to providing employment opportunities to support the hair and beauty industry.
“There have been so many challenges since the onset of the pandemic that we wanted to do something to try and help, so from the new year we will have low-cost space available here at the salon alongside our team of experienced stylists and therapists.
“It will be a great opportunity, especially for those wanting a place to learn more about the trade and grow their business in a real-time, real-life working environment.
“It’s also a chance to bridge the gap between post-education and employment at a crucial time for many organisations, capitalising on potential with our support.”
Maria Stevens, Cambria’s Director of Commercial Operations, added: “At Ial the focus is on bringing industry and education together, to train the next generation of workers in different arenas.
“Our enthusiasm for developing and protecting local businesses post-Covid is demonstrated in this new strategy, so we hope to hear from people interested in being a part of it.”
GRAND designs by talented art students hold the keys to a long-standing partnership with one of the country’s top property agents.
Learners on the Foundation Studies in Art and Design course at Grwp Llandrillo Menai have been working alongside Williams Estates to develop a series of images for their Home is Where the Heart Is campaign.
The cohort from the college’s Rhos-on-Sea site created bespoke posters for an innovative light-up window display that will capture the attention of customers and passers-by at their offices in Holywell, Denbigh, Mold, Rhyl, Ruthin, Prestatyn and Rhuddlan.
It comes as Director Jason Williams and the team again were named Best Lettings Agency in Denbighshire at The British Property Awards for 2021/22, adding to the impressive array of industry customer service awards they won this year.
Jason said: “We’ve had an amazing year and it’s been topped off by the brilliant work of the students at Llandrillo.
“We are always keen to try and support the college and the next generation of artists and designers with real-life, real-time projects that will enhance our marketing and profile while giving them vital experience.
“The end result is a fabulous and eye-catching digital poster using different concepts which will definitely turn heads – we love it and thank them for their amazing efforts.”
This is the sixth consecutive year that Williams Estates has given the Art and Design department a creative brief.
“And every year the absolutely blow us away with what they come up with,” said Jason.
“This Christmas is no different, they’ve outdone themselves once again.”
Lecturer Dewi Owen Hughes added: “I fully support such links with industry as I believe realistic creative work projects greatly enhance the experience and future employability of our Art and Design students.
“Our learners gain so much added-value by working on this brief and they can’t wait to see their creative work being printed and used by Williams Estates in a state-of-the-art LED light-pocket window display.”
Reflecting on their latest awards victory, which came just weeks after they won six titles at the ESTAS – including their ninth Gold for Best Sales Agent in Wales – Jason said: “That is testament to our staff, who – despite the challenges of the pandemic – have gone above and beyond to support our customers and provide outstanding service.
“For that to be recognised with success in two such high-profile industry award ceremonies is a major honour for us.”
“Visit www.williamsestates.com and follow @williamsestates for more news and information from Williams Estates.
For more information on Creative Arts courses at Coleg Llandrillo, call 01492 542 338 or visit www.gllm.ac.uk.
For more property news, visit propertynewsdesk.co.uk
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has had a profoundly negative impact upon countless industries. Well-known examples include travel, tourism, hospitality, and physical retail sales. However, other sectors have actually enjoyed a significant amount of prosperity. This is particularly relevant when discussing the online casino industry. Of course, one of the primary reasons involves the fact that social distancing measures forced consumers to turn to the Internet in order to find different sources of entertainment. There are nonetheless a host of other surprising factors to take into account. Why are online casinos predicted to enjoy a meteoric rise in popularity in the near future? Let us look at some interesting observations.
Rapid Advancements in Digital Technology
Online casinos have existed in one form or another since the very dawn of the Internet. Of course, they have also advanced in leaps and bounds over the years. These games are now capable of offering a sense of realism that would have been all but impossible to comprehend in the past. This is due to innovative technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and extremely fast processing speeds.
Therefore, players can enjoy a truly seamless experience and it is now possible to choose from literally thousands of unique games. One glance at this online casino list likewise illustrates that the sheer number of providers is also evolving at a breakneck pace. The bottom line is that users are provided with more variety alongside customised solutions. Whether accessed for fun or to earn a bit of extra money, the entire industry is expected to benefit as a result.
5G Internet and its Relationship with Gaming Regulations
5G Internet is another “game changer” in relation to online casinos. While 4G wireless speeds are indeed fast, they still have some limitations in terms of how much information can be sent and received at any specific time. This is normally in the form of megabytes per second. However, 5G Internet is capable of supporting speeds in the range of gigabytes per second. This should have an impact upon future regulations.
We need to remember that access to high-speed wireless Internet services signifies that nearly anyone can navigate to an online casino within seconds. This level of availability is likely to cause governments to rethink their current regulatory policies. Nations which currently block certain websites (the United States is a perfect example) may begin to ease these restrictions. After all, online casinos represent an excellent way to generate additional income. These funds can then be funnelled directly back into the economy. It therefore makes a great deal of sense for governments to roll back outdated policies in favour of a more lenient stance.
How long will it take to witness the changes outlined above? While no one possesses the proverbial crystal ball, the chances are high that they will take place sooner as opposed to later. Either way, there is no doubt that the online casino sector represents a “winning bet” for anyone who becomes involved.
Following a successful audit of practices and procedures, JMP Solicitors has secured its Lexcel accreditation, achieving a rating of ‘excellent.’
The Grantham-based law firm was found to be fully Lexcel compliant in the major assessment which occurred last year and takes place every three years, alongside this year’s standard annual audit. The results showed that JMP met all Lexcel accreditation requirements, notably exceeding the basic Lexcel standard required.
Lexcel is a nationally recognised legal practice quality mark awarded by the Law Society, which is granted to firms that can demonstrate good practice in structure and strategy, finances, information management, people management, risk management, client care and case management.
The assessor’s comments found the firm – ‘maintained a client focused and service-orientated approach and all employees demonstrated a commitment to providing a high level of service.’
As part of the report produced following assessment, JMP Solicitors has been recognised as having a ‘wealth of experience’ in matters relating to family law, conveyancing, civil litigation and medical and professional negligence claims, as well as a speciality in Japanese Knotweed claims.
The firm has been commended for its ‘culture of compliance’, in ensuring that all Lexcel-compliant policies, plans and procedures are implemented and adhered to in the company’s operations.
The assessor also noted that the company ‘demonstrated that an excellent risk management framework is in place as part of the firm’s overall risk management policy’ and that all staff members who were interviewed showed ‘a continued commitment to providing an excellent level of client care and the practice has effectively embedded a “customer-centric culture” across all departments.’
The report also factored in how the firm has been addressing the current COVID-19 pandemic, and JMP received positive feedback on its risk management of the situation, conducted by the senior team.
JMP Solicitors was assessed against the latest 6.1 version of the Lexcel Standard and will now carry the accreditation until the next annual audit.
Ian Howard, director at JMP Solicitors, said: “We are delighted to have received an excellent scoring in our most recent Lexcel audit, which is testament to our hardworking and tenacious team. We will now proudly hold this accreditation until the next audit, which is an amazing achievement to add to those we already have next to our name.
“Whilst the pandemic was an unprecedented situation that many businesses had little to no preparation for, it is reassuring to know that we have done our very best to handle the situation in the interests of our clients and our team, and this has been recognised by industry standards.
“We have all been working tirelessly to continue delivering services whilst putting our clients at the forefront of our practice, as we have done for the past two decades. Thank you to the team who have demonstrated commitment and flexibility, so that we can continue to provide a personal, high standard of service for our clients.”
As well as its Lexcel accreditation, JMP Solicitors has also been accredited by the Investors in People and has been recognised as a ‘Leading Firm’ by Legal 500.
Bedfont and its sponsored football team, Medway United FC, have teamed up to donate 125 gifts to Medway hospital and 125 gifts to Children’s Cancer Charity, My Shining Star
Medical device manufacturer, Bedfont Scientific Ltd., has joined forces with the local football team it sponsors, Medway United FC, to spread a little Christmas Joy by donating 250 gifts. On Tuesday 14th December, Bedfont and Medway United donated 125 gifts to Medway Hospital for the children who will there over Christmas, and another 125 gifts to the children’s cancer charity ‘My Shining Star’ also based in Medway.
Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont, “Winston Churchill said, ‘We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.’ Medway United and Bedfont are happy to spread some festive cheer at a time of year, which can be so difficult for many.”
Cherly Jones, Fundraising Officer at the Medway Hospital Charity, “We are extremely grateful to Bedfont and Medway United for their incredible donation of presents to our children’s ward at Medway Hospital. Their generosity is very much appreciated, especially at this time of year, and I know our patients will be thrilled to receive them.”
Global pipe manufacturer, Wavin, has created a woodland at its site in Sheffield as part of its ongoing sustainability efforts across the UK. Each one of the 200 trees at the Hazlehead plant and distribution centre is dedicated to a current member of the team and will make a positive contribution to the local environment, boosting biodiversity and helping to improve air quality.
Sustainability is central to Wavin’s business objectives, as it aims to be the industry leader in this field by 2025. Its goal is to reach Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050. The Hazlehead site is used as the manufacturing base for Wavin’s Hepworth Clay, one of the most sustainable clay pipe products on the market.
Chris Mellor-Dolman, Below Ground Marketing Communications Manager at Wavin, said: “This woodland is a great example of how we are bringing our sustainability commitments to life at a local level as well as more broadly across our operations and supply chain. For most businesses, sustainability isa key part of overarching objectives. However, at Wavin, we want to take things a step further. Rather than meeting the minimum requirements, we want to pave the way for the construction industry, and become a leader in sustainable business practices by 2025.”
With an estimated 55 million single-use face masks used daily in the UK*, taking an average of 450 years to decompose**, Meryl Medical is seeing a surge in demand for sustainable alternatives in light of an increasingly familiar sight of discarded disposable masks, causing irreversible harm to the environment.
Meryl Medical will be increasing its 2022 production output by potentially 50% in response to the substantial consumer and industry calls for a sustainable alternative.
New completely recyclable lightweight antibacterial and recyclable fabric face masks for extended wear launched by the firm, with the opportunity for responsible returns.
A choice of two lightweight fabric face masks designed for all-day wear and treated with a permanent antiviral-effect, antibacterial and anti-fungal technology has been launched by Meryl Medical, the hi-tech, pioneering, textile manufacturer that produces environmentally sustainable fabrics. One single-layer for ultimate comfort and one double layer for extra filtration.
Ideal for wearing on production lines and those working in close proximity, the comfortable face covers help to reduce the risk of contagion as they do not release microfibres carrying viruses or microbes.
Kevin Simpson, co-founder of Meryl Medical, said: “With masks set to be here for the long term, and the well-publicised environmental issues associated with disposable masks, businesses and consumers are becoming more conscious and discerning over their choice of mask to wear. With this we are seeing a massive hike in enquiries and are putting the necessary plans in place,
“Our masks are fully recyclable and for larger workplace facilities where our masks are used, provide special ‘bins’ so that the masks can be returned and remade in to new masks.
“This contributes to a company’s environmental strategy overcoming the issue of using disposable masks which contain plastic, are not readily biodegraded and can fragment into smaller plastic particles, namely microplastics which can become widespread in ecosystems.”
Designed to be worn for extended periods, the masks are manufactured with Nylstar Hydrogen technologies which makes the yarn soft touch and gives maximum absorbency, breathability and hydration of the skin. Worn correctly the masks also overcomes the issue of fogging for those who wear glasses.
Three times more durable than disposable masks, Meryl Medical’s hypoallergenic and non-toxic masks can be washed up to 100 times at 70°C without losing effectiveness and as a non-shredding fabric it releases zero microfibre pollution into the water or air.
The masks are also fully recyclable and Meryl Medical offers each customer the opportunity to return used items for remanufacture into new masks. With a usage period of 2 months, this makes the overall cost vs high usage of disposable masks beneficial to any business.
Recently recognised with the “Best PPE Accessory” in the 2021 Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW) awards, the masks have Oeko-Tex® 100 certification, which means they are free from harmful substances, and tested by the Leitat Technological Center.
