Monthly Archives: March 2022

Charity & CSR, News

Wellbeing Platform Teams with Worcestershire County Council to Fundraise for Platinum Jubilee

Worcestershire County Council have announced their partnership with tech for good platform, WellGiving.

County Council employees have taken on a 5-month fitness challenge to improve staff wellbeing while raising money for an initiative in honour of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year.

Working in collaboration with Worcestershire Community Foundation, a charitable fundraising hub working across the entire county, the Council team of 28 participants have so far walked, jogged and ran a total of 1200 miles to raise funds for UK-wide tree-planting project, The Queen’s Green Canopy.

After mid-year reviews identified a need to collectively invest in the health and wellbeing of their entire team, Worcestershire County Council’s Economic Growth and Investment team enlisted the help of WellGiving to assist them with getting active and reconnecting their team through fundraising and fitness.

Sue Crow, Economic Growth and Investment Manager, commented: “We all agreed that in the wake of hybrid and remote working, there was a growing need for us to get moving more, and reconnect with each other as a team.

“WellGiving kindly offered its platform as a way for us to do both these things, while also making a positive impact on our community, and providing us with the motivation to reach both our fitness and fundraising goals.

“The platform has been instrumental in keeping the momentum of the challenge going, allowing us to share updates and pictures of our progress with each other and keep on top of our fundraising goals.

“In just 3 months into the challenge, we’ve already clocked 24,000 minutes of exercise across 547 activities, and are on track to achieve a combined total of 3900 miles in time for the Jubilee celebrations this June. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and grateful for the support WellGiving has offered us every step of the way!”

 Founder of WellGiving, Paul Rhodes, added: “We are delighted that WellGiving has helped Worcestershire County Council raise those important conversations about the health and wellbeing of its staff, and it has been a pleasure to support them during their fitness challenge.

“In creating WellGiving, we wanted to help teams meaningfully reconnect with each other while using charitable fundraising as a powerful motivator to help them meet their fitness goals, so it’s very rewarding to see the progress the Worcestershire County Council team have made, and I have every confidence they will continue to exceed their goals in the coming months.”

The challenge will run until Friday 3rd June, with all funds raised going towards The Queen’s Green Canopy project. The team plan to have a tree-planting day to celebrate their progress, creating a living legacy for future generations to enjoy in honour of the historic reign of The Queen.

The WellGiving platform, officially launched in January 2022 following a successful beta phase, is on track to raise in excess of £1 million for charities across the UK, while continuing to help organisations improve the health and wellbeing of remote and hybrid workers.

Construction, News

Hazlemere on course for record year after £100,000 showroom investments

An £100,000 investment in its two showrooms and the latest 3D design studio has seen a High Wycombe-based home improvement specialist secure a record year.

Hazlemere, which offers a wide variety of conservatories, orangeries, tiled roof extensions, double glazed windows and doors, has enjoyed a 37% increase in orders with sales on the retail side of the business now reaching £7.5m.

Part of the Conservatory Outlet network, the company has tapped into the change in purchasing habits brought on by the pandemic by introducing the latest flush casement windows to its range, as well as an extensive selection of new doors.

The firm is now setting its sights on further growth and is currently recruiting for eleven new jobs, including a production manager, sales administrator, living space sales consultant, conservatory surveyor and several window and door fitters.

“Nobody really knew what was going to happen during Covid-19, but we quickly realised that people, who were spending an increasing amount of time at home, were keen to tackle those delayed jobs or make improvements with their disposable income,” explained Rachel Braham-Hill, Managing Director of Hazlemere.

“The decision was quickly made to try to maximise this opportunity and we spent a lot of time and money upgrading our showrooms in Wellington Road in High Wycombe and at Welwyn Garden City.”

She went on to add: “There was also investment in new presentation software so we could showcase new designs and our involvement in the Conservatory Outlet network meant we had huge support with our digital marketing activity.

“All of this saw us accelerate retail sales from £5.5m in 2020 to £7.5m this financial year, with our commercial division also performing very well working with its local authority and education contacts.”

Hazlemere has come a long way since it was formed in 1985 by father and son team George and Stuart Braham.

The duo started from a small unit in Wooburn Green where they originally manufactured aluminium windows, adding UPVC to its range in 1992 and moving to its current HQ and showroom in High Wycombe.

They took the decision to join the Conservatory Outlet Network in 2011 and this accelerated the company’s growth, with current MD Rachel joining at the same time after completing her degree in event management.

Daughter of Stuart, she became Managing Director at just 28-years-old in 2018 and has navigated the business through the pandemic and to its current record year.

“There’s definitely a female touch at Hazlemere, with Jenna Ledward joining me on the senior management team as Head of Production, Purchasing and Goods In,” added Rachel.

“Our sector traditionally has been very male dominated, but this is slowly changing, and we feel we are helping to show females that you can have a fantastic career in our industry.

“I think it also helps to make Hazlemere a little bit different to our rivals. There’s an additional warmth and attention to detail that instantly puts the customer at ease and many of our clients come back to us time and time again.”

Developing the next generation of talent is extremely important for the company, with the latest round of apprentices now fully installed in production and installation.

This complements ‘Launch Pad’, an internal training programme that has been designed to help develop the careers of existing team members, so they meet their own individual aspirations.”

Rachel went on to add: “We’ve got some exceptional people in the business and, sadly, we’ve just had to say goodbye to one of the best, with Mark Austin stepping back from his day-to-day involvement as Director to enjoy retirement.

“He quite literally did everything at Hazlemere, working across all aspects of the business, including in the marketing team, retail sales and then into our commercial arm, generating significant revenue for us in the process. He will be deeply missed, but we hope he enjoys more days on his allotment, the golf course and spending time with his four grandchildren.”

Greg Kane, Chief Executive of Conservatory Outlet, concluded: “The team at Hazlemere has really utilised the collective strength of the network and our digital marketing expertise and this, alongside its own strengths, has helped it achieve significant growth.

“I’m delighted to see that Rachel is continuing the tradition of her father and grandfather and creating one of the best home improvement specialists in Buckinghamshire.”

Construction News, News

Stacking Up the Problems: The Biggest Concerns Facing Construction Engineers

The events of the past two years or so have put most people to the test in many ways. The pandemic has taken its toll on both our mental well-being and our finances and still continues to provide its fair share of challenges.

It is safe to say that businesses and sectors alike have suffered. From economic difficulties to logistic hurdles, it has certainly not been an easy ride. Some industries have managed to level up and stay afloat, including online gaming and education technology. However, the majority have struggled to adapt and continue business as usual. The field of construction engineering is one of them, penalised both by a significant shortage in the workforce and setbacks within the supply chain. How has the field coped with the wide range of obstacles it had to face?

Here, we explore some of the most common issues that the construction sector has had to deal with over the past 24 months. Moreover, we highlight steps that have been – or could be – taken to solve ongoing concerns.

 

Challenges for the construction engineering sector

There is no hiding that recent happenings have had an impact on the construction industry. The engineering sector – on the whole – has not been spared either.

On one side, the sector has had to adapt to the pressing necessities of these unprecedented times. Ventilators and other vital machines or tools have been developed at a very fast rate. This suggests that, at least, many of its fields have never been out of work.

On the other hand, disruptions to supply chains have caused more than a few headaches. With a substantial decrease in export and import levels, many engineering-related businesses have had to swiftly change suppliers and find quick, alternative solutions.

What’s more, the events of the past couple of years have aggravated pre-existing concerns. Low predictability, low productivity levels, a scarce labour pool, and financial fragility were barriers that existed well before the pandemic’s arrival. In this respect, the ongoing global situation has not done the industry any favours.

As for the construction sector, delays with supply deliveries have posed a real threat to businesses’ activities. From shortages of raw materials to rising costs of essential components such as steel, tiles, and cabinetry, there are many factors that have affected the industry.

Supply chain disruptions, though, have not been the sole issue. Temporary suspensions of operations have also been a frequent worry. With workers having to self-isolate, or construction sites limiting the number of labourers for safety reasons, work has often been put on hold until further notice. Inactivity at construction sites, of course, have slowed down projects.

Not only that, but it has also had a negative impact on construction companies’ finances and profits. In fact, in April 2020 alone, 45% of business in the construction field saw their usual turnover halved. This was due to almost half of staff being furloughed during that period.

Viable solutions

Despite the numerous negative effects on the sector, the construction engineering industry is finding – or can find – viable ways to stem the ongoing issues. What are they? Here, we detail a few:

  • Digitisation – Digitisation can offer a substantial helping hand. Technology reduces face-to-face contact and unnecessary travel, minimising risks and safeguarding workers while keeping operations rolling. Pre-commissioning software, for instance, replaces avoidable in-person meetings, stores required documents and information and ensures that teams are up to speed with all the latest developments. It is fair to say that it works wonders on productivity, helping engineers and workmen overcome existing hurdles.
  • Drone inspections – Furthermore, drone inspections are becoming more common. In the construction industry specifically, drones can efficiently replace visual inspections, and can truly conceal an array of benefits. First, they prevent large gatherings at building sites. Secondly, they can put a stop to risky or dangerous practices for site inspectors, including climbing to assess construction progress. What’s more, drones can actively help to reduce expenses. From removing the need to assemble one-off scaffolding for in-person inspections to limiting insurance costs, it is a valid, money-saving process.
  • Local sourcing – As mentioned, disruptions and delays in the supply chain have caused problems for many over the past couple of years. Contributing to an array of logistical hurdles, one of the best ways for construction firms to tackle the problem is to source their local materials. Not only can this aid smaller local businesses, but it can also give construction sites the chance to diversify their suppliers and avoid unexpected inconveniences.

 

The construction engineering industry, like many other sectors, has faced a long period of difficulties. From reduced workforce to supply chain issues, the challenges have been numerous. However, with the help of a few, helpful strategies, it can gradually restore its efficiency and productivity.

News

“Are We Ready for A New World Order?” – Avonhurst Senior Advisor to Speak at The World Government Summit

  • “A new world order is forming, not by design but by default,” says Dr Pippa Malmgren

https://www.avonhurst.com/

LONDON – Avonhurst Senior Advisor Dr Pippa Malmgren will join a panel of international experts at the prestigious World Government Summit in Dubai this week to address the topic of ‘Are We Ready for a New World Order?’

Held annually in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, The World Government Summit brings together thought leaders, global experts and decision makers from around the globe to share and contribute to the development of tools, policies, and models that are essential in shaping future governments. This year’s Summit runs from 29-30 March.

“The financial system is broken – the solutions require new rules” – Dr Pippa Malmgren

Dr Malmgren will be speaking on the panel alongside H.E. Dr Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, (Diplomatic Advisor to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan), Frederick Kempe (Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Council) and Dr George Friedman (Founder and Chairman, Geopolitical Futures).

Dr Pippa Malmgren, Avonhurst Senior Advisor, comments: “A new world order is forming, not by design but by default. Pressures in markets and geopolitics are combining to create a new landscape for individual citizens and corporate citizens alike.

“The old world order was analogue. The new world order will be digital. That means contracts, money, and governance will all be digital too.

“The financial system in the industrialized world was already broken when the recent wars broke out – trade wars, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the war on the Covid virus. The solutions require a new set of rules”.

Jonathan Bloom, Avonhurst CEO, adds: “As the new world order forms, Avonhurst continues to provide its sophisticated capital client base with the solutions offered by its partners and associates, as well as by its Senior Advisors, like Dr Pippa Malmgren. We continue to actively advise clients in navigating the challenging macro trends, the evolving political environment and the complex issues around sanctions through our Advisory Services business. This is exactly why we formed Avonhurst, to provide a holistic approach to analysing risk and opportunities for our clients.”

News, Telecoms

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) announces the selection of three Innovation Nodes as part of its National Timing Centre (NTC) programme

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL), today announces the selection of three innovation nodes in partnership with the University of Strathclyde, University of Surrey, and Cranfield University. These innovation nodes are being developed in partnership between NPL and the host organisations and will enable the application of timing and frequency across any sector.

These locations, chosen based on industry sector engagement potential, location, and suitability of facilities and connectivity, are being announced concurrently with £4.7m of grant funding being made available through the National Timing Centre programme together with Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The competition is for feasibility and demonstrator projects that contribute to resilient time, frequency and synchronisation and its dissemination and application. Successful applicants will be able to access traceable signals from these innovation nodes as part of their project to enable the development of new products and services.

NPL is the home of UK time and from here accurate timing, traceable to UTC(NPL), is supplied to key locations. The National Timing Centre (NTC) programme is paving the way for trusted and assured time and frequency across the UK, by developing the first nationally distributed time infrastructure, which will aid the acceleration of new technologies such as time-critical 5G and 6G applications, factories of the future and connected autonomous vehicles. The announcement today brings this one step closer.

The three innovation nodes, will each provide a combination of traceable timing signals and laboratory space for industry R&D, testing and validation of products and applications. The aim is to support business-led innovation, stimulate the UK supply chain and UK capability in this domain.

Dr Leon Lobo, Head of the National Timing Centre (NTC) Programme, said: “The NTC innovation nodes are a significant step toward understanding the requirements for access to resilient, GNSS-independent and traceable time and frequency, for our current and future use cases. We are pleased to be partnering with the host organisations for these nodes, supporting the research and industry ecosystems in place develop the supply chain for new products and services, toward an enduring and sustainable capability.”

Professor Iain Gray, Director of Aerospace at Cranfield University said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the NPL to set up this innovation node. The project will enable further integration of the world-class research and development capabilities at Cranfield’s global research airport with our unrivalled links to business and industry, creating innovative products and applications for aviation and autonomy.”

Regius Professor Rahim Tafazolli, Director of ICS, 5G/6G Innovation Centre at the University of Surrey said: “We are excited about the timing innovation node at the University of Surrey’s 5G/6G Innovation Centre. Thanks to our strategic partner NPL, this timing capability complements our unique 5G testbed facility and will enable us and our industry partners to carry out advance experimental research and innovation on 5G and 6G time critical applications and use cases.”

Professor Erling Riis, Physics Department at the University of Strathclyde said: “As one of NPL’s strategic partners, the University of Strathclyde is delighted to host a new NTC innovation node. The University of Strathclyde works on atomic and quantum-based timing in the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. The new NTC Innovation node, located within the Glasgow City Innovation District, will complement our world-leading research and make precision timing more easily accessible to industry and form an important new asset for Scotland, the UK and beyond.”

News, Security

Logicalis awarded multiple Microsoft Security Advanced Specialisations

London, [28th March 2022] – Logicalis, an international IT solutions and managed service provider, announced it has been awarded the Identity and Access Management (IAM), Threat Protection, Information Protection and Governance, and Cloud Security advanced specialisations on Microsoft Azure from Microsoft.

The attainment of advanced specialisations in security, validates Logicalis’ knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise in the area. Together the advanced specialisations substantiate Logicalis capabilities in implementing comprehensive security solutions across customers’ Azure hybrid, and multi-cloud environments and technical capabilities to evaluate and deliver Microsoft Identity workloads with Azure Active Directory. It also shows capability to protect against threats by deploying Microsoft Threat Protection, Microsoft Information Protection workloads, Microsoft Cloud App Security or Azure Sentinel workloads.

“Microsoft Azure advanced specialisations validate Logicalis’ capability as a Microsoft partner to deliver best-in-class specialised services in a complex solution area with Azure,” commented Mick McNeil, VP of Business Development at Logicalis. “The advanced specialisations in security demonstrate our commitment to providing the highest-possible service to our customers and helps them to digitally transform with confidence that Logicalis is able to help them transform.”

Rodney Clark, Corporate Vice President, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief at Microsoft added, “The security advanced specialization highlights the partners who can be viewed as most capable when it comes securing businesses on Microsoft Azure. Logicalis clearly demonstrated that they have both the skills and the experience to achieve these advanced specialisations.”

Additionally, Logicalis recently joined the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), an ecosystem of independent software vendors and managed security service providers that have integrated their security solutions to better defend against a world of increasing threats.

Careers, Cybersecurity, News

Why a career in cyber is more exhilarating than you might think

Written by Anthony Webb, VP International, A10 Networks 

Back in 2019, I wrote an article about the talent shortfall in technology and cybersecurity and unfortunately since the pandemic and because of Brexit that gap, particularly here in the UK, has only widened. As of 2021, the global talent shortage already amounts to 40 million skilled workers worldwide. By 2030, the global talent shortage is predicted to reach 85.2 million workers.

This means that companies worldwide risk losing $8.4 trillion in revenue because of the lack of skilled talent. This gap is keenly felt in security and again there is currently a shortage of 350,000+ cybersecurity specialists in Europe alone.

I firmly believe that today’s culture of security will only be as strong as tomorrow’s talent. And as the talent gap continues, companies need to get creative about how and where they find the next cyber expert.

 

No recognised career path

While the cybersecurity industry is a fantastic and dynamic place to work, unfortunately there is no recognised career path. Therefore, vendors need to do more to attract young talent into the sector. This industry has very low unemployment, and as mentioned above, many countries have a deficit of employees. It is a very fast-moving and exciting industry, but sometimes I feel like a lone crusader when I talk about the benefits of this industry to younger people. It’s true that many are not aware the industry exists as a career option.

I think this is because there are no specific university degrees in cybersecurity, so it is not viewed as a natural career choice to pursue. However, I did see that the NCSC has just started to offer degree apprenticeships in cyber, but it is the only certified degree apprenticeship in England and Wales Bursary and Degree Apprenticeship – NCSC.GOV.UK.

The NCSC CyberFirst programme is designed to help young people explore their passion for tech by introducing them to cybersecurity. CyberFirst covers a broad range of activities and offers a bursary to financially support undergraduates through university in a subject of their choice, in addition to a cybersecurity degree apprenticeship scheme.

This is fantastic, but the industry needs to do more, such as partnering with local schools and funding more science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programmes. We need to create more internship and apprenticeship opportunities for early talent – like the NCSC programme – and in addition vendors should look at launching robust upskilling or retraining initiatives internally.

 

Passionate problem solvers

In terms of the key attributes this profession requires, anyone looking towards a career in cybersecurity needs to be able to thrive in an environment that is dynamic and fast moving. This is a sector that is critical to the UK economy and to the daily lives of people up and down the country.

Therefore, you need to be calm under pressure, lateral thinkers, versatile and a bit of a problem solver. It’s the same as any industry; police officers have chosen that career path through a desire to protect the public. Cybersecurity professionals are passionate about protecting the infrastructure of nations and enterprises. You will have an important job to do, but an exhilarating one too. Because without even thinking about it, people, businesses and institutions all over the UK are relying on the team that defends our digital world.

In terms of other skills, cybersecurity professionals need to be able to simplify complex issues and communicate in layman’s terms. This means that anyone in the organisation – from the board to the receptionist – can understand how to protect the business.

 

High stakes, high rewards

Today, we live in a world where our phones are rarely out of our hands and our laptops make every task easy. Since the pandemic we’ve gone online for just about everything and this means we are exposing more data than ever. This reliance on technology makes it so important to protect it and this is an industry where the stakes are high, especially if a customer is breached, we’ve all read the unfortunate headlines that this creates. Having said that, anyone working in the industry will know the rewards are also high. Cybersecurity professionals have the opportunity to not only solve problems but use technology for good.

The pandemic has shone a light on the escalating threat landscape in all professions, and the implications if a credit card is compromised, or if someone clicks on a phishing link. Hackers can earn more money than ever, so the cybersecurity industry needs to respond with innovative people interested in growing their career and who can think like a cybercriminal. It’s a game of cat and mouse; the more hackers we face, the smarter security professionals we need.

 

Start early

There are many routes to explore so where should someone interested in a career in cyber start?

I would recommend that any young person gets as much varied experience as possible. In today’s work environment, the days of working for one company for your entire career are over. Likewise, the cybersecurity industry needs to do a better job at educating and informing those about to enter the workforce about careers in cybersecurity.

Resources like the NCSC provide more information about cyber apprenticeships, and hopefully in the near term we will start to see other similar initiatives. Additionally, I’m a real advocate for experiencing as much as you can; if you get offered an assignment abroad, grasp it with both hands. You’ll become more rounded in learning how different cultures deal with data protection and cybersecurity trends.

My advice is to learn as much as you can. It may sound clichéd, but it is a profession that requires you to be constantly studying and improving yourself. Begin with trying to spark an interest in the industry through online learning, reading books, and even reading the security-related news. From here, you will start to see if the whole idea behind cybersecurity is something you are interested in and want to pursue as a career.

And remember, always be humble and above all be passionate about what you do. Technology will always find a way to solve a cybersecurity problem.

Construction

Designing The Future: Different Types of Architects

Introduction

Architects are professionals who are licensed to design and oversee the aesthetics of building structures. Most of us are aware that they are design experts but are unaware that there are actually many different types of specialisms within the diverse architect sector. 

Understanding the types of specialisms needed to complete a specific construction project is essential to determine whether the architect has the right skills to consult on the build effectively.

When it comes to identifying the different types of architects, licensed professionals are categorised based on the kinds of structures they most frequently design. Knowing which type of architect you need will be determined by the structure’s design and construction period. Here are six examples of different kinds of architects specialising in various sectors.

 

Commercial Architects

The field of commercial architecture is perhaps one of the most popular areas of study for new budding architects. They find it exhilarating to think that their high-rise building design will have a defining impact on a city’s skyline or be the next iconic tourist hot spot that millions will photograph.

A commercial architect specialises in designing building projects which include office towers, hotels, retail shops, hospitals, museums, public buildings, government centres, and other non-residential properties. These architects are specialists in designing structures that need to be functional and practical for numerous people whilst also being memorable or even inspirational.

The job of a commercial architect goes beyond having fantastic design skills – they need to have a comprehensive understanding of all up to date commercial building codes, safety regulations and the financials involved in the construction. Many will be backed by a business loan, so each cost element will need to be carefully itemised by the architect for sign off.

 

Residential Architects

In this time of cookie-cutter homes, many people consider residential architecture as a basic task. These vast housing developments tend to be designed and built with practicality and affordability in mind. However, some homeowners crave the unique and clever designs an architect can provide.

More and more people choose to stay put in their homes and make home improvements instead of moving. As a result, residential architects typically work with private clients and property developers to help create stylish and functional homes.    

Residential architects must be familiar with local building regulations and neighbourhood restrictions while adapting the design to these limitations. They also need to be creative at turning the client’s dream property into a reality while keeping it functional and within budget.

 

Industrial Architects

If functionality is the topmost priority, you will need an industrial architect. They have the knowledge and skill to create industrial buildings like factories, warehouses, storage buildings, distribution facilities, processing plants, power plants, transport hubs and terminals, plus much more.

Industrial architects are able to translate and integrate all the different aspects into a functional building design. They consider the processes, machinery, equipment, and other requirements when planning the build. The primary goal of an industrial architect is to be able to deliver a space that can help streamline the company’s operations while providing an ergonomic space for its users.

 

Sustainable and Green Design Architects

Both domestic and commercial buildings remain considerable contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. However, as more people are becoming environmentally aware, they are seeking ways to reduce the impact of their buildings, leading to a rise in demand for sustainable and green design architects.

Sustainable architects have the expertise to create environmental-friendly and energy-efficient buildings. They are highly knowledgeable in the most sustainable products and green building methods available on the market. In addition, these architects are skilled in applying innovative construction features and are creative in figuring out ways to integrate these innovations into both functional and visually appealing structures.

They must work closely with the construction industry supply chain to guarantee that the skilled and unskilled labour resources are local. They also ensure that all materials and components used are locally produced wherever possible. Using an architect that specialises in sustainability means they are more likely to present designs that work well within the natural environment and in a non-obtrusive way.

 

Conservation Architects

Unsurprisingly, the UK is home to some of the world’s most remarkable buildings. Like all other buildings, these historic structures need maintenance as they become worn down over time. Conservation architects are specialists in building conservation and in the restoration of protected and historic properties. They regularly work with listed buildings – such as castles, palaces, museums, ecclesiastical structures, and residential properties that hold historical interest.

Architects specialising in conservation will have an in-depth understanding of period properties which helps them effectively preserve the beauty and original craftsmanship of the historic buildings. They will also make sure the building encompasses the functionalities of contemporary living – such as central heating, modern plumbing and improved lighting. Conservation architects will also be well-informed of all the legislation and regulations involved when renovating or extending listed buildings.

 

Landscape Architects

Moving away from the indoors, landscape architects predominantly specialise in designing and developing outdoor spaces – such as public and private gardens, parks, lawns, orchards, squares, and building walkways. They also often get involved in other projects like resorts, golf courses and other recreational areas.

Landscape architects are also experts in horticulture as they are the people who help decide what types of plants, flowers, trees and other greenery will be used and where. They will base their decisions on factors like climate, property location, and what types of greenery will thrive in the desired environment.

There is now a massive demand for plantlife indoors too, which means landscape architects are now creating attractive internal green spaces. This has opened up a whole other area for their designs.

 

Closing Thoughts

Each area of specialisation will require the architects to have the relevant training, interests and career experience. Most architecture firms will only focus on one or two disciplines, so it is really important that the firm chosen for the project has the appropriate skill set.

News

Freshwave brings mobile private networks to Verdant Leisure parks in a first for Scotland

  • Guests and owners at Verdant Leisure’s Erigmore and Thurston Manor parks can enjoy superior broadband connectivity, with Pease Bay and additional parks benefitting soon
  • The 4G mobile private network uses Vodafone’s spectrum, which it previously agreed to share with Freshwave, in a first for a Scottish holiday park operator

Verdant Leisure guests and owners staying at Erigmore or Thurston Manor Leisure parks can now enjoy improved wireless connectivity on a 4G mobile private network. Leading UK network service provider Freshwave, working with telecoms reseller Online Systems, have designed, built and now manage the 4G mobile private network using outdoor small cell technology.

In a first for a Scottish holiday park, the private network is sharing Vodafone’s 4G spectrum. Vodafone agreed to share some of its spectrum with Freshwave in 2019 to help offer high-speed broadband in areas without 4G connectivity, as well as to promote efficient use of its spectrum. Freshwave was the first business in the UK to acquire a Local Access Licence through Ofcom’s “Enabling wireless innovation through local licensing” framework.

Bev Dixon, Chief Operating Officer at Verdant Leisure, says: “With our parks busier than ever due to the staycation boom, it’s great to be welcoming so many owners and guests. We’re pleased to be able to offer those staying at Erigmore and Thurston Manor Leisure Parks this exciting new broadband connectivity and we’ve received great feedback on it from holidaymakers already. People have been streaming, gaming, and working remotely, with no hitches to their connectivity. We’re looking forward to introducing it to our other parks in the future, with installation currently underway at our Pease Bay Leisure Park.”

Outdoor small cell technology brings broadband data speeds to each lodge in the park via a network of small cells and a mini antenna on each lodge. A SIM-based router inside then distributes the signal via Wi-Fi. The network uses Vodafone’s 2600MHz spectrum in areas where the operator does not yet use it for public services.

Greg Morton, Managing Director at Online Systems, says: “With staycations in Scotland more popular than ever, I’m pleased that we were able to work with Freshwave on this innovative approach which will give those staying at the parks great connectivity. Using small cells rather than outdoor Wi-Fi meant installing less infrastructure, so it’s less disruptive to the resort while also overcoming issues challenging environments can pose for Wi-Fi. And with very little underground cabling needed with a network like this, you don’t run the same risks of encountering unmapped utilities during installation. Not only do the park’s guests and owners enjoy improved connectivity, but it also benefits the corporate services on site, such as maintenance and housekeeping.”

Simon Frumkin, Freshwave’s CEO, says: “Staying connected is more important than ever before and people holidaying outside city centres need to keep in touch too, especially when there’s probably never been more of us taking a staycation! We’re proud to pioneer the use of shared mobile spectrum to deploy private networks, another new way of helping our customers connect their customers.”

Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer at Vodafone, comments: “We’re committed to rolling out high-speed mobile to rural communities, and sharing spectrum with Freshwave complements our efforts. We’ll continue to endorse novel approaches that help bridge the digital divide and connect more people and businesses.”

There are around 800 lodges and caravans at Thurston Manor, 190 at Erigmore, and 360 at Pease Bay, which between them welcome thousands of owners and guests.

Property

Looking For A New Home This Summer? Here’s What You Need To Keep In Mind

There comes a time when we all start thinking about looking for somewhere new. Sometimes it is the result of a new job taking us to a brand-new city and a fresh start. Sometimes we move because our family has outgrown our current home and we need to find somewhere with more room for new arrivals and growing children. And sometimes we just need a change of scenery.

Whatever your reason for finding a new place to live, we know that it can be a long and difficult process. There are very few things as draining and demoralising as a difficult move, which is why it is so important that we take as many steps as possible to ensure that things go smoothly. Here are some of the most important things that you need to keep in mind if you are moving home this summer.

 

Stay Up To Date With The Latest Market News

If you are thinking of selling up and moving home this summer, then you will not be oblivious to the state of the property market. We have seen a staggering rise in inflation over the last two years. Even though things have started to get back to normal in a lot of ways, experts are still saying that we should not expect to see a course correction in terms of property prices any time soon.

You should seriously consider that the kind of property that you have had in mind may not be in your price range right now. It may be worth waiting until the market does start to get back to normal, or you may want to consider casting a wider net in your search.

 

Finding The Right Property Finance Advisor Is Crucial

No one wants to be sitting in their wonderful new home worrying about whether they really got the best mortgage they could. With the cost of living on the rise, we all need to make sure that we are making the best decisions when it comes to our finances. A good property finance advisor can be the difference between financial security in the years to come and worrying whether you are going to be able to make your payments at the end of the month. There is no overstating quite how important it is to find advisors who are going to be able to get you the best mortgage deal that is tailored to you and your needs. Advias puts the client first and they will be with you every step of the way, offering you a detailed consultation, a personalised proposal, and their brokers will handle the actual application process for you.

 

Don’t Be Rushed

Anyone who has bought a new home before will know that a big part of the process is holding your nerve and sticking to your guns. With the market as tough as it is right now, there are going to be even more pressure from the sellers for you to complete the purchase. However, what you need to remember is that, until the contract is signed, you have absolutely no obligation to them. Do not allow yourself to be rushed by the seller or by their agents. Take your time to be sure that the property that you are looking at suits your needs. Find a surveyor that you trust to go over the property with a fine-tooth comb.

There are always going to be fixes and upgrades that you need to make when you move into a new home, but there is a big difference between putting a new oven in that you have chosen and having to deal with a lot of structural damage that was nowhere to be found on the listing. It is also important to make sure that your partner is involved with the process if you are moving with your family. Try to attend viewings together if you can, and make sure that you are on the same page when it comes to must-haves.

 

Where Do You Want, Or Need, To Be?

For many of us, a city centre location has been either the desired or the required location for our homes. However, we have seen a massive flood of people heading out of the big cities in the last two years as people started to prioritise having more room and a garden instead of being within walking distance of the nearest tube station. Now, we are starting to see people head back to cities like London we start returning to the office.

Before you start your property search, it is important to have a long think about where exactly you want or need to be. If you are still working remotely, do you really need to be so close to the office? Or are you not ready to give up the metropolitan life and all the pleasures that the city has to offer?