Handsome Articles

If you own or lease business property or rental accommodation with shared areas you will know that you have to carry out a fire risk assessment and put in place the correct provisions in case of a fire.  You will also know that you need to have access to competent advice in this area.  The problem is all too often finding the right company to do the work for you.  Word of mouth is always good but this is not one of the subjects that you generally chat about.

Based on how well the company are doing and the contracts they have recently attracted we think that we may have the solution for you with MacDonald Martin.  They have recently announced that Newcastle and North Tynside Primary Care Trust have contracted them to provide over 60 fire risk assessments on their buildings.  This doubles the number with the Trust from a year ago and cements the good working relationship that they have between them.  Additionally, they have been contracted to provide all the Fire Warden Training and fire alarm training for the Trust.

The Trust Fire Safety Office, Paul Dorkin, said “We are extremely happy with the services that MacDonald Martin provide for us.  They are extremely professional and give me invaluable advice to ensure that we stay compliant with current Fire Safety legislation.  I would not hesitate in recommending them to anyone.”
This award has come shortly after MacDonald Martin was awarded a 3 year contract from one of the country’s leading leisure industry companies.  This contract includes the provision of Fire Risk assessments, fire warden training and fire alarm and extinguisher maintenance for 114 sites.  These contracts are part of a planned expansion and, in these difficult times, the company is actively recruiting.

Not only does MacDonald Martin provide the services that these clients need but they also do lots of other safety courses such as abrasive wheel training.  They can carry out your disability access audit to make sure any disabled employees can get out of your buildings safely if there is a fire and they are specialists in emergency lighting systems, after all there is no point having all the fire security doors and drills if your employees cannot see how to exit the building.

To get a broader picture of everything this highly professional company can do for you take a look at their site http://www.macdonald-martin.co.uk and then make a no obligation appointment for them to come and talk to you about how they can help you make your buildings safer.

The idea of extending your home with a conservatory may well be very appealing, on the other hand the idea of building it yourself may be less appealing, but read on.  The reason many people have chosen not to construct their own conservatory is the sheer hard work that is traditionally involved.  First of all you need to dig out the footings, then pour concrete into them, then build dwarf walls, and hope you set the angles perfectly, then and only then can you install the glass walls and roof that go to actually make the conservatory.  All that work and all the mess in your garden, on your drive and in the house means that most people who have a conservatory built get it built for them.

We have discovered an amazing system that completely does away with much of the hard work and mess that was previously involved in putting up a self build conservatory.  Top Glass UK Ltd has a revolutionary system and supply steel based conservatories.  These need no footings as they are set on small pads rather than in the traditional manner, this reduces costs, labour and time.  One of the great advantages of this system, at the building stage, is that it is in no way influenced by the weather.  It doesn’t matter if it is freezing, snowing, pouring or in the middle of a heatwave the steel frame can be installed and the conservatory up and in use in an incredibly short time.

This new system can be used for conservatories or for free standing garden rooms, so if you have been longing for an office at home but did not have the space installing an office in the garden has suddenly become much more affordable.  On the other hand you could just build a beautiful summer room in your garden, but don’t be surprised to find yourself using it all year round. 

Of course this makes DIY conservatories so much easier to build for the average DIY enthusiast and people who use it find it really is time saving and easy.  However, if you have no desire to build your own conservatory, Top Glass UK has fantastic fitters who can have your new room up in a trice.  With fabulous designs and sensible prices, not to mention speed of delivery and installation you will find that this company is the right one for your project, but don’t forget you do not have to wait until the weather is warm to get your Top Glass conservatory.

For more information visit http://www.topglassukltd.co.uk or call them on 01706 873580

In today’s business world it can pay dividends to have all the right knowledge about any company with which you are considering dealing.   Not to have all the necessary information at your finger tips can lead to making ill-informed decisions, which can cost your company money and potentially threaten its ongoing security.

This is why more and more corporate bodies are turning to private detective services to check out the credibility of other companies and their top level personnel.  It may be that you need to know about the financial stability of a company or even about the background of its directors before you place your business or you may require a far more comprehensive understanding, either way using a company that specializes in this type of work is essential.

The idea of using a private investigator may seem too cloak and dagger for you but you should really view them as private investigators in order to understand exactly how you can benefit from their services.  Having all the business intelligence you can acquire about a company you wish to do business with, or indeed a competitor can be invaluable.

Obviously you will need a firm of private detectives which specialises in corporate investigations.  They will not only know how to deal with matters of great sensitivity but also how to present the findings of their investigations.  Getting the intelligence presented in a manner that is of the best possible use to you, in order for you to evaluate their findings, and use them to make the correct business decisions to protect your own interests, is essential.

As there is no formal qualification or licensing in the UK for private investigators, so it can be hard to find the right company to carry out any business intelligence investigations you need.  However, one firm that fits the bill and has years of experience is Crown Intelligence.  Based in London they undertake work throughout the world.  Their staff generally have security service back grounds and are likely to be former high ranking police officers or former military.  They also have teams of computer forensic specialists.

With a wealth of experience and highly specialized staff we think that Crown Intelligence is a good place to start any investigation.  You can read more about them on http://www.private-investigators.uk.com/ and should you have need of their services then just contact them to make an initial appointment to discuss your requirements in complete confidence.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has regulated that all portable electrical appliances that are used within a workplace or on shop premises need to be certified as safe to use.  The certification is done through electrical PAT testing and must be carried out by someone who is authorised.  Whilst this may seem like yet another irritating regulation imposed on business owners the fact is that 25% of all accidents occurring in the workplace are actually caused by electrical faults and as employers we have a duty to make sure that our employees are kept safe.

During the winter months it is more likely that portable electrical heaters may need to be used to keep the workplace at an acceptable temperature.  So it makes sense to be sure that any that may be used have up to date appliance testing and are certified as safe to be used in the workplace.  Of course you could leave it to chance that the weather will not get too cold or that your heating systems will function efficiently all winter but this is one of those areas where it pays to be safe rather than sorry.  Closing the premises and sending your staff home because you cannot keep your buildings warm is always going to be, by far, the more expensive option.

Of course you need to have all your portable electrical appliances certified so you will need to find a suitable PAT testing company to carry out the work for you.  There are many companies offering PAT testing services and you will need to find the right one for you.  Naturally, they will need to have fully qualified staff who are experienced in PAT testing.  Ideally you want to find a company that will come out to your premises to carry out the testing on site rather than have to take all your portable electrical appliances to their premises.  And of course you are going to have to look for a company that, while offering a great service, is competitively priced.

We would suggest that you contact Pat-Pro, they are one of the longest established PAT testing companies in the UK with staff all over the country, so they will have someone well qualified and highly competent that lives near you.  You can contact them initially on http://www.pat-pro.co.uk/ to get a quote, just make a list of the portable electrical appliances that you need testing.  They will also contact you each time an appliance needs to be retested so you don’t have to worry about it.

When you own a business or are involved with running a business then you know that there are a thousand and one things that have to be thought about and dealt with every day before you can even start to get on with your real job of making a profit.  Keeping your employees or staff safe is generally pretty high on the list; we have to comply with all kinds of regulations from the Health and Safety Executive and so forth.

After keeping the people safe you also need to keep your buildings safe, so the right fire systems will have been installed and you will have security locks and security alarms, in fact you are likely to either have your own security personnel or a firm that regularly checks your premises when it is closed for the night or at the weekend.

One of the easiest ways to keep your buildings secured from unwanted people, during the day and at night, is to install automatic barriers or bollards.  These can be opened by your staff with the right code to let them into the premises but it keeps everyone else out, unless you choose to let them in.  If you think about it there is little point breaking in to business premises to steal stock unless you can get it away from the building, difficult if you can’t get the transport in.  Every simple step to take to deter thieves means that they are more likely to find someone easier to rob.

Alternatively, you might consider security gates, again these can be operated by keypad, or like automatic barriers they can be operated remotely either by your receptionist or by a security officer.  Again this means that only those who are invited onto your premises can get into your premises.  This doesn’t just keep your buildings and possessions safer it also keeps anyone who is working in your buildings safer.

If you are considering making the entry to your business more secure we think you should talk to Midland Gate Automation, a reputable company for electric gates and more.  They have years of experience in supplying and fitting the right kind of secured entry at business premises throughout the country.  Their expertise combined with sensible prices and prompt installations could be just what you need.  For all their services just have a look at www.midlandgateautomation.co.uk and then give them a call and get a quote and once the installation is complete don’t forget to tell your insurance company, you may find your premiums drop.

With the New Year fast approaching many of us will be looking at our job prospects for the coming twelve months and considering a move to advance our careers.  Equally it is a time of year when employers are also looking at their staffing levels and considering their options too.  If you are in the optical industry then you will, of course, be looking at optometry jobs and we think we may be able to point you in the right direction.

Jones Optical is a well established optical recruitment agency that specialises in recruiting solely for the optical industry.  They look to find the right candidate to fill your optometrist vacancies.  By only introducing, the right candidates for the job they are ensuring the future of both the employer and the employee and the chances of a strong and mutually beneficial working relationship are increased.  They feel, as do all of us, that it is pointless just putting anyone into any job to simply fill the gap. 

From the point of view of a job candidate, because the company only covers optical retail, clinical, manufacturing and all the optical support areas then they are the agency most likely to have the right kind of vacancies. As they specialise it gives them chance to build a solid working relationship with the companies that they recruit for, this means that they have an understanding of how each company functions, what kind of people work there.  Thus, when they suggest an optometrist job for you to consider, they feel that you can not only do the job but you will fit in and be happy in your new position.  This recruitment agency understands that you don’t want to keep moving jobs when you are looking to advance your career; you simply want to find the right job.

Of course as a specialist recruitment agency Jones Optical has vacancies for both professionally qualified people and for non-qualified people who have experience in the field of Optometry.  Not only do they have a good choice of optometry vacancies but they will contact companies that you are interested in working for on your behalf and present you in the best possible light.  Their services, for both candidates and employers are highly professional and also very discreet.

If you are looking for a new job within the field then we would advise that you make them your first contact point in your search.  You can get more information and contact them on http://www.jonesoptical.co.uk/

Christmas and New Year are known as the party season and many of us will be out shopping for the perfect party outfit, but if you wear glasses you may be surprised to know that you can buy a new pair of glasses for less than the cost of a party dress at www.glasses4eyes.co.uk, so why not treat yourself to a whole new party look.

All you need is your current prescription, which ideally should be from an eye test within the last two years.  If you have lost your prescription just pop into your opticians and they will be happy to write out a new one for you.  Then log onto this brilliant site that we have found for you glasses4eyes.co.uk where you will find a huge range of prescription glasses, glasses lenses, glasses frames,from budget through to designer and all at unbelievable prices.

Naturally they can make lenses to all prescriptions including bi-focal, vari-focals or if you like a tint or need priscription sunglasses for those winter holidays abroad they can do that too.  In fact they offer everything that your optician offers but for a lot less money.  Once you have chosen you can buy on line, by fax or by phone using a cedit or debit card and your glasses will be delivered by registered post within days;

One of the things we really like about the site is the virtual mirror, here you pick a face shape like your own and try the glasses on it.  This is a brilliant way of seeing whether a pair of glasses is going  to suit you.  In fact it is better than trying them on in the opticians where the lenses are made of plain glass and for those of us with poor vision you really cannot see yourself.  I bet that there are more people than just me who struggle with this problem.

However, Glasses 4 Eyes, also invites you to have as many pairs as you like sent to your home, without lenses for you to try out.  You then make your choice and send the glasses back and you will be credited for the cost less the package and posting.  So get in the party mood with new glasses to complete the look.
See http://www.glasses4eyes.co.uk for more information.

When you need to hire a van or do a car rental then finding the right car and van hire company can be a nightmare.  In many cases you get a quote, think that it is fine, try to book and then find that there are deposits to be added on and that if someone should scratch the paint on your hire car that it will cost you a fortune in excess charges.

If you are trying to hire a van then it can be even more fraught.  Of course many companies will hire vans but the majority of individuals that want a van hire are moving and often they are moving to a different location.  In this scenario you do not want to have to load the van, do the drive, unload the van and then drive all the way back to where you picked the van up.  What you want is to hire the van to get you where you are going and then leave it at a convenient depot, but you try finding van hire one way, not an easy job.

We have found a brilliant car and van hire company at www.yellohire.com  they have loads of different locations round the UK and are sure to have one near you.  One of the things we really like is that they do not charge a deposit on the van or car you hire, so you don’t have that expense to consider.  After all even if the amount is just blocked on your credit card it is, to all extents and purposes, gone until the block is lifted.  Plus they don’t even charge an excess should something happen to damage the hire vehicle when it is in your charge.  They even do one way hire on both cars and vans which will make a lot of people very happy.

With a good selection of car rentals and van hire they are more than likely to have just the vehicle that you need.  Their prices are excellent and they will always try to beat a like for like quote, if they possibly can.  The vehicles are all in good condition and not very old so you can travel in comfort and naturally they all come with roadside assistance in the unlikely event of a breakdown.  So if you need to hire a car or van Yellohire is definitely the place to go.

For those of us in the know Stemik Living, specialist importers of high quality contemporary Italian furniture have always been a cornucopia of luxury solutions in fitted kitchen and fitted bedroom furniture.  With a truly stunning range of choices Stemik Living has been the answer to many a designer homes prayers.

Now they have gone one further and have won the sole rights to import the fabulous modern bathrooms of Artesi.  For those of us who want our homes to be green as well as gorgeous it is great to know that the wood used in all the Artesi fitted bathroom furniture is 100% recycled.  However, you would have to be told that as to look at it you would never believe that any of it was recycled.

Artesi bathroom furniture comes in both matt and gloss lacquered finishes, this is a robust finish for cabinetry that is exposed to variations in temperature and humidity; it guarantees both a fantastic look that will last for years.  They also offer a range in open pore painted wood that is more suitable for those of us who are looking for elegance and something a little more traditional.  As well as their fitted bathroom furniture Artesi also offer a complementary range of moulded glass sinks or coloured composite sinks to suit your bathroom perfectly.

The whole range can now be seen on Stemik’s site at www.stemik-living.co.uk and you can get a quote direct or have a design done specifically for your room.  Stemik Living are happy to supply and deliver any of the cabinets direct to site for you, or your builder to install; or if you prefer one of their experienced fitters can do the installation for you. 

Of course, if you are looking for a fabulous contemporary bedroom for yourselves or for your children then you are also in the right place on Stemik’s site.  We are all looking to make our homes beautiful and we have become far more discerning in the last ten years, where once we would have settled for the ordinary we are now looking for ranges that make our homes stand out and really reflect our personality and style.  That is why companies like Stemik Living that reflect contemporary European tastes have gone from strength to strength, they recognize our desire for style  and luxury combined with comfort and practicality.  Take a look at their site they have something a little special just for you.

We all know that the VAT rate will be going back up again on 31st December 2009, although we may not be sure exactly what rate it will be.  So now is the time to get any jobs around the house done that we may have been putting off.  Winter is the time of year when we realize which of our radiators is not doing the job that they should be.  Although it is annoying that we only find this out when we are cold and need the heat, it is only when we start using our central heating every day again after not needing it in the warmer months that we begin to realize that in some rooms we are just not getting the heat we remember from last year.

Changing a radiator isn’t a huge job but before you rush out to get the same thing again stop for a moment and think about whether you really want a white radiator that says nothing about who you are.  Designer radiators have been becoming increasingly popular over the last fifteen years or so.  The idea of buying a modern radiator may not have been something that you have thought about but if you are changing then consider what it could mean.

Not only do designer radiators look fabulous, the choice is huge so you are bound to find the perfect radiator, but because they are made from the best thermo-efficient materials, they pack out the best heat for the least cost in fuel.  Modern radiators come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and there is a vast choice of colours.  You may want a chrome radiator if you are going for a really up to date look but think about anthracite, brushed steel or even black for a room where you would choose a chrome radiator.

Do you want a vertical radiator to take up less wall space but still give out the same heat as your old horizontal radiator, thus giving you more freedom to rearrange your furniture?.  Or, if you have a large open plan living space have you thought about a radiator that is designed as a room divider?  Whatever your needs you should look at www.designer-warmth-radiators.co.uk where you will find a huge selection at brilliant prices and they will deliver to your door free of charge.