Monday 26 December 2011
That's Christmas: Don't Yell for Yodel!
That's Christmas: Don't Yell for Yodel!: Don't yell for Yodel! That's the message that many customers are sending to mail order firms like Amazon, Littlewoods, Early Learning Centre...
Saturday 24 December 2011
That's Christmas: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
That's Christmas: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the team behind the That's Team of online magazines! We hope that you are able to get and to giv...
Friday 23 December 2011
Robbie Williams tops the list of celebrity helpers
Robbie Williams has topped a list of celebrities that people would most like to help out in an emergency situation this winter. David Beckham follows closely with X Factor judge and Take That front man Gary Barlow taking third position in the poll.
Adrian Chiles, Eamonn Holmes and former Daily Mirror Editor and CNN star Piers Morgan came bottom of the poll, while loose lady Carol Vorderman, househunter Kirstie Allsopp and Apprentice star Lord Alan Sugar fared better in the survey.
The results of the survey carried out by Duck Tape have been released ahead of the bad weather that’s forecast to hit the country.
Bad weather will cause 61 ‘emergency situations’ this winter, it was revealed yesterday and people will miss work for at least one day as they stay at home to contend with repairs to the house or car.
Over 38 per cent of respondents say they hate the winter weather and a surprising 35 per cent of people say they make no preparations whatsoever to prepare their car or house for winter.
The study of 3,000 Brits shows many people will have problems with their cars over the coming months as they struggle to open car doors, find it hard defrosting windscreens and bump car wing mirrors.
While a fifth of people have had to claim on their insurance in past winters to cope with problems with the house or car.
Worryingly, the average person will break down at least once this winter, have two near-misses with other cars on the road, and bump their motor into another vehicle, wall or post once.
A spokesman for Duck Tape, which conducted the research said: “This survey shows that winter can be hazardous for British people, and it is tempting to batten down the hatches altogether.
“Driving in freezing conditions can be really scary and motorists need to make sure they are well prepared for all journeys.
“But the weather doesn’t just affect the car, as homes can suffer too with broken fences, guttering, boilers and windows.”
Other problems motorists face include having to abandon the car altogether forgetting the de-icer and breaking a windscreen wiper.
The survey shows unfortunate Brits will suffer from up to three different illnesses – ranging from coughs and colds to flu and sickness.
When it comes to the house, the average homeowner will have to contend with one lot of boiler problems, one garden fence blowing down and two instances of leaks to roofs or windows.
The Duck Tape spokesman continues: “As the bad weather hits the country in the next few days, statistics show we’re likely to encounter some unwelcome emergency situations.
Duck Tape’s first-aid kit on a roll is great for helping out in literally 1000’s of emergency situations making it an essential item to stick in your glove box or kitchen drawer to deal with any urgent temporary repairs or fixes around the house or garden, or while you’re out on the road.”
Two thirds of people polled reckon the unpredictability of British weather is why they tend to suffer more mishaps during the winter, and 54 per cent say it is harder to manage a fast paced lifestyle when it’s so hard getting from A to B.
For more information call 01442 275311 or visit http://www.duckbrand.co.uk
Adrian Chiles, Eamonn Holmes and former Daily Mirror Editor and CNN star Piers Morgan came bottom of the poll, while loose lady Carol Vorderman, househunter Kirstie Allsopp and Apprentice star Lord Alan Sugar fared better in the survey.
The results of the survey carried out by Duck Tape have been released ahead of the bad weather that’s forecast to hit the country.
Bad weather will cause 61 ‘emergency situations’ this winter, it was revealed yesterday and people will miss work for at least one day as they stay at home to contend with repairs to the house or car.
Over 38 per cent of respondents say they hate the winter weather and a surprising 35 per cent of people say they make no preparations whatsoever to prepare their car or house for winter.
The study of 3,000 Brits shows many people will have problems with their cars over the coming months as they struggle to open car doors, find it hard defrosting windscreens and bump car wing mirrors.
While a fifth of people have had to claim on their insurance in past winters to cope with problems with the house or car.
Worryingly, the average person will break down at least once this winter, have two near-misses with other cars on the road, and bump their motor into another vehicle, wall or post once.
A spokesman for Duck Tape, which conducted the research said: “This survey shows that winter can be hazardous for British people, and it is tempting to batten down the hatches altogether.
“Driving in freezing conditions can be really scary and motorists need to make sure they are well prepared for all journeys.
“But the weather doesn’t just affect the car, as homes can suffer too with broken fences, guttering, boilers and windows.”
Other problems motorists face include having to abandon the car altogether forgetting the de-icer and breaking a windscreen wiper.
The survey shows unfortunate Brits will suffer from up to three different illnesses – ranging from coughs and colds to flu and sickness.
When it comes to the house, the average homeowner will have to contend with one lot of boiler problems, one garden fence blowing down and two instances of leaks to roofs or windows.
The Duck Tape spokesman continues: “As the bad weather hits the country in the next few days, statistics show we’re likely to encounter some unwelcome emergency situations.
Duck Tape’s first-aid kit on a roll is great for helping out in literally 1000’s of emergency situations making it an essential item to stick in your glove box or kitchen drawer to deal with any urgent temporary repairs or fixes around the house or garden, or while you’re out on the road.”
Two thirds of people polled reckon the unpredictability of British weather is why they tend to suffer more mishaps during the winter, and 54 per cent say it is harder to manage a fast paced lifestyle when it’s so hard getting from A to B.
For more information call 01442 275311 or visit http://www.duckbrand.co.uk
That's Christmas: No rest for the thrifty – Shoppers to return to th...
That's Christmas: No rest for the thrifty – Shoppers to return to th...: Although much of the country will have a day off from work on Christmas Day, there will be no recess when it comes to shopping online. It is...
Hotter Shoes reveals new collection of waterproof walking boots
Hotter Shoes has released its latest collection of waterproof walking boots and shoes, which are the perfect solution to help people stick to their New Year's plans.
With the turn of the year comes the resolution to reinvent, readjust and rejuvenate, and top of the list for many is to get fit and healthy. However, with the British weather at its worst, waterproof walking boots are a definite 'must have' to help people keep their resolve. What's more, Hotter has introduced extra wide-fitting ladies walking boots for the first time this season, offering additional lightweight, functional styles.
"It's a full time job hiding secret comfort features in our footwear - making our shoes look stylish and pleasing to the eye but saving maximum impact for when you put them on your feet," commented Product Design Director Paul Sayers. "So when we decided we needed to take one step further and create a weatherproof comfort collection we decided that GORE-TEX Product Technology was the perfect fit."
Hotter’s weatherproof collection of comfortable walking shoes and walking boots are perfect for walking, strolling, wandering up hill and down dale keeping your feet comfortable in warm (or cool) dry comfort, protected from the elements and at the right temperature. Each pair incorporates the ultra-thin GORE-TEX membrane which is sandwiched between the outer shoe leather and the inner lining so it can’t be seen.
"That's the beauty of GORE-TEX Product technology and Hotter comfort - you don't have to think about it to enjoy it because your feet are cosseted in comfort," added Paul. "The porous structure of the GORE-TEX membrane holds the secret to its success. Each pore in the membrane is about 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water so water can't get in. But that's not the end of the story because these same pores just happen to be 700 times bigger than a water vapour molecule so sweat and moisture from your feet can easily escape, keeping your feet dry and at a comfortable temperature - simple and effective."
Every material in Hotter's weatherproof collection, including linings, uppers, insoles and stitching is quality tested and approved to guarantee its waterproof promise. Even laces undergo stringent wicking tests to make sure that they do not carry water into the footwear and special 'bellows' tongues are designed into every pair to prevent water seeping into the shoe through eyelets. Shoe construction is fully approved by the team and a random sample is carried out both on site by Hotter and by the GORE-TEX Footwear testing centre in Germany.
Hotter's weatherproof collection of ladies shoes comes in size 3 to 9 with some half sizes and extra wide options in shoe Mist and boot Terra; the men's collection includes three shoes and two men's walking boots in sizes 6 to 12, with some half sizes.
About Hotter Comfort Concept:
The company, which was established in 1959, now has one of the most successful production facilities anywhere in the world. The 'Comfort Concept' in every pair of women's shoes includes features such as smooth internal seams; removable insoles; soft leather uppers and soft padding. The 1.3 million pairs of comfortable shoes that will be designed and made in Hotter's UK factory this year have shock absorbing soles which contain millions of air bubbles that make the shoes incredibly light and give a feeling of walking on air.
Hotter Shoes makes a range of women's shoes and men's shoes, including extra wide shoes, which are designed to look stylish but secretly hide a raft of comfort features including padding at heels; roomy toe boxes and removable insoles. The company also manufactures work shoes and extra wide shoes, as well as several other ranges.
www.hottershoes.com
With the turn of the year comes the resolution to reinvent, readjust and rejuvenate, and top of the list for many is to get fit and healthy. However, with the British weather at its worst, waterproof walking boots are a definite 'must have' to help people keep their resolve. What's more, Hotter has introduced extra wide-fitting ladies walking boots for the first time this season, offering additional lightweight, functional styles.
"It's a full time job hiding secret comfort features in our footwear - making our shoes look stylish and pleasing to the eye but saving maximum impact for when you put them on your feet," commented Product Design Director Paul Sayers. "So when we decided we needed to take one step further and create a weatherproof comfort collection we decided that GORE-TEX Product Technology was the perfect fit."
Hotter’s weatherproof collection of comfortable walking shoes and walking boots are perfect for walking, strolling, wandering up hill and down dale keeping your feet comfortable in warm (or cool) dry comfort, protected from the elements and at the right temperature. Each pair incorporates the ultra-thin GORE-TEX membrane which is sandwiched between the outer shoe leather and the inner lining so it can’t be seen.
"That's the beauty of GORE-TEX Product technology and Hotter comfort - you don't have to think about it to enjoy it because your feet are cosseted in comfort," added Paul. "The porous structure of the GORE-TEX membrane holds the secret to its success. Each pore in the membrane is about 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water so water can't get in. But that's not the end of the story because these same pores just happen to be 700 times bigger than a water vapour molecule so sweat and moisture from your feet can easily escape, keeping your feet dry and at a comfortable temperature - simple and effective."
Every material in Hotter's weatherproof collection, including linings, uppers, insoles and stitching is quality tested and approved to guarantee its waterproof promise. Even laces undergo stringent wicking tests to make sure that they do not carry water into the footwear and special 'bellows' tongues are designed into every pair to prevent water seeping into the shoe through eyelets. Shoe construction is fully approved by the team and a random sample is carried out both on site by Hotter and by the GORE-TEX Footwear testing centre in Germany.
Hotter's weatherproof collection of ladies shoes comes in size 3 to 9 with some half sizes and extra wide options in shoe Mist and boot Terra; the men's collection includes three shoes and two men's walking boots in sizes 6 to 12, with some half sizes.
About Hotter Comfort Concept:
The company, which was established in 1959, now has one of the most successful production facilities anywhere in the world. The 'Comfort Concept' in every pair of women's shoes includes features such as smooth internal seams; removable insoles; soft leather uppers and soft padding. The 1.3 million pairs of comfortable shoes that will be designed and made in Hotter's UK factory this year have shock absorbing soles which contain millions of air bubbles that make the shoes incredibly light and give a feeling of walking on air.
Hotter Shoes makes a range of women's shoes and men's shoes, including extra wide shoes, which are designed to look stylish but secretly hide a raft of comfort features including padding at heels; roomy toe boxes and removable insoles. The company also manufactures work shoes and extra wide shoes, as well as several other ranges.
www.hottershoes.com
Christmas Clean Up: 90% Cut Corners when Cleaning their Home
s year
• 9 out of 10 of us will only be cleaning the rooms our guests will see
• Weather related grime and cooking spills top the list of annoying Christmas messes
• Vacuuming is the preferred cleaning task for men and women (53.8%)but women are left to manage the majority of the clean-up operation
With our homes set to play host to a revolving door of family members and guests this Christmas, there’s much to be said for the state they will be left in after the big day. However new research commissioned by BISSELL® Experts in Home Cleaning™ reveals that two thirds (66%) of Brits admit to being more concerned about cleaning the house before guests arrive rather than after they have gone.
A study involving 2,005 Brits highlighted our eagerness to impress our friends and visitors, so much so we are prepared to cut corners. A staggering 9 in 10 (89.7%) of us admit that we will only clean the visible areas such as kitchens (30.7%) and living rooms (31%). Meanwhile bedrooms are sure to be neglected, with 22.8% admitting these are the messiest areas of their home.
BISSELL® the World’s No.1 brand in carpet washing and vacuum cleaning appliances* today also reveals the top stains and messes that will be driving us crackers this Christmas. Weather related messes such as snow and outdoor dirt have over a third of us reeling (40.3%) at the prospect of dirty floors, a high probability considering this year’s snow predictions! Meanwhile the inevitable cooking spills fall in second place, at 21%. Lower down on our Christmas clean-up crimes are the decorative messes that come with Christmas such as decorations (8.9%) wrapping paper (12%) and pine needles (9%).
One important question left to be answered, however, is who exactly will be rolling their sleeves up to get the job done after the Christmas carnage this year? In 60% of UK households it appears that traditional roles continue to live on with women taking on the lion’s share of the cleaning duties compared to men (19%). There are still some households (18%) that share the cleaning duties – so there’s still hope! The cleaning task most favoured by both men and women alike is vacuuming (53.8%) with men in particular (57.6%) claiming this as their top household chore.
Alistair Roberts, European Managing Director at BISSELL®, comments: “With the amount of time we spend in our homes at Christmas, the increased traffic and general comings and goings during the festive period, our homes take quite a beating. It comes as no surprise that 87% of us only clean the areas of the home that are visible to us however it is the dirt buried deeper beneath the surface that we cannot see and can be harder to reach that is exposing our families to harmful germs and allergens. While messes and mishaps are inevitable over the festive season BISSELL® is at hand to help homes prepare and recover with minimal effort but maximum results.”
A standard vacuum cleaner only reaches approximately half of the dirt in carpets while carpet washing digs to the very bottom of the carpet pile removing deep down dirt. Whether preparing for the Christmas season or cleaning up the aftermath, BISSELL®’s range of carpet washers, steam cleaners, sweepers and vacuums will help to keep your floors dust, stain and germ free this Christmas and beyond. Many of the products in the BISSELL® range are approved by Allergy UK for the reduction and removal of house dust mites, cat, dog and pollen allergens. BISSELL® is the only carpet washing brand to include Scotchgard™ protection in their cleaning solutions, making carpets more resistant to future staining.
To find out more visit http://uk.bissell.com or visit the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/bisse
Thursday 22 December 2011
That's Christmas: Entertaining at Christmas? Here are some tips from...
That's Christmas: Entertaining at Christmas? Here are some tips from...: Colour is going to be everywhere this year – people really need cheering up, so they will be going for a glamorous, opulent look filled with...
Wednesday 21 December 2011
That's Green: Radflek Radiator Reflectors – your way to a warmer...
That's Green: Radflek Radiator Reflectors – your way to a warmer...: With forecasts of a harsh winter and increasing utility bills, we’re all looking for ways to save energy and keep our homes warm. Radflek’s ...
That's Green: Radflek Radiator Reflectors – your way to a warmer...
That's Green: Radflek Radiator Reflectors – your way to a warmer...: With forecasts of a harsh winter and increasing utility bills, we’re all looking for ways to save energy and keep our homes warm. Radflek’s ...
Tuesday 20 December 2011
Brabantia adds style and distinction to the bathroom
Stylish 5 litre Slide bin now available in a choice of brilliant steel or matt steel with Fingerprint Proof finishes
If you want to add both style and distinction to your bathroom, Brabantia is introducing an all-metal bathroom bin to its expanding collection - the neat and compact 5 litre capacity Slide Bin.
This advanced and original design features an unusual yet highly tactile and patented opening mechanism. The lid slides in, upwards and back with a simple one-handed movement to reveal a practical 5 litre storage capacity, and then closes discreetly, silently and automatically.
The Slide Bin can either be positioned on a flat surface or wall-mounted next to a basin or vanity unit, and provides a hygienic and easy-to-use way to dispose of used cotton wool, tissues and cotton buds, as well as larger items such as empty cosmetic containers or shampoo bottles.
Both stylish and highly practical, this new 5 litre Slide Bin is available in a choice of finishes: brilliant steel or matt steel with Brabantia’s proven Fingerprint Proof coating to keep those annoying marks and stains at bay, and the bin looking like new.
It’s also very easy to empty and clean, and comes with a separate removable plastic inner bucket and detachable lid unit. The bin takes sized-to-fit Brabantia bin liners (code B) that include a tie tape to prevent spillage when full and being removed, and ensures no unsightly over hang when in place.
Solidly made from corrosion resistant materials to withstand the damp and humid conditions found in a bathroom or shower room, the new Slide Bin is a neat, simple yet durable waste storage solution.
45 litre Slide Bin now available in brilliant steel finish
Meanwhile, the company’s 45 litre Slide Bin for the kitchen is also now available in a brilliant steel look, as well as matt steel with Fingerprint Proof coating.
Both sizes are protected by a 10-year guarantee. The 5 litre bathroom Slide Bin costs from around £42, and the 45 litre capacity kitchen Slide Bin in Brilliant steel £144.
Brabantia products are available from leading retailers, including high street department stores, superstores, quality independent housewares and kitchen product specialists. For stockist details, please contact the Brabantia sales department on 0845 602 4877 or visit Brabantia’s website www.brabantia.com.
If you want to add both style and distinction to your bathroom, Brabantia is introducing an all-metal bathroom bin to its expanding collection - the neat and compact 5 litre capacity Slide Bin.
This advanced and original design features an unusual yet highly tactile and patented opening mechanism. The lid slides in, upwards and back with a simple one-handed movement to reveal a practical 5 litre storage capacity, and then closes discreetly, silently and automatically.
The Slide Bin can either be positioned on a flat surface or wall-mounted next to a basin or vanity unit, and provides a hygienic and easy-to-use way to dispose of used cotton wool, tissues and cotton buds, as well as larger items such as empty cosmetic containers or shampoo bottles.
Both stylish and highly practical, this new 5 litre Slide Bin is available in a choice of finishes: brilliant steel or matt steel with Brabantia’s proven Fingerprint Proof coating to keep those annoying marks and stains at bay, and the bin looking like new.
It’s also very easy to empty and clean, and comes with a separate removable plastic inner bucket and detachable lid unit. The bin takes sized-to-fit Brabantia bin liners (code B) that include a tie tape to prevent spillage when full and being removed, and ensures no unsightly over hang when in place.
Solidly made from corrosion resistant materials to withstand the damp and humid conditions found in a bathroom or shower room, the new Slide Bin is a neat, simple yet durable waste storage solution.
45 litre Slide Bin now available in brilliant steel finish
Meanwhile, the company’s 45 litre Slide Bin for the kitchen is also now available in a brilliant steel look, as well as matt steel with Fingerprint Proof coating.
Both sizes are protected by a 10-year guarantee. The 5 litre bathroom Slide Bin costs from around £42, and the 45 litre capacity kitchen Slide Bin in Brilliant steel £144.
Brabantia products are available from leading retailers, including high street department stores, superstores, quality independent housewares and kitchen product specialists. For stockist details, please contact the Brabantia sales department on 0845 602 4877 or visit Brabantia’s website www.brabantia.com.
Monday 19 December 2011
It's shabby, it's chic, it's huge! And now it's online
With a selection of handpicked best of Shabby chic furniture coupled with original and unique Swedish designs. Bass Interiors on line launches a massive on line furniture shop.With customers looking after their pennies, but looking for something different, unique shabby chic furniture styles at affordable prices through our huge shop on line shop with massive choice is easy. Over 2,000 products in the one place most in stock and ready to go (no waiting months or weeks for delivery).
"We have stuck mostly to Shabby Chic and French & Scandinavian style furniture, but have to admit that we have found space for a few of their favourite contemporary furniture pieces too," says Managing Director Janine Carhart
With more and more people watching what they spend bassinteriors.com offers a way of affording the right style at the right price right now!
Bass interiors can offer these great prices, because it keeps its costs and overheads down. No shops no glossy brochures, just high customer service and a user-friendly web site.
Sunday 18 December 2011
100mph winds? No problem! Woodburning Stoves continues trading!
Recent 100mph winds damaged the UK’s online stove distributor. Despite this, Woodburning-Stoves, but despite this, it continues to make impressions on the online market this winter with their great prices and products; www.woodburning-stoves.co.uk has recently undergone an overhaul as the taxonomy/navigation was completely redone to optimise navigation for the user.
In fact, there has been no damage to the structure; only the webcam strapped to the top of the roof was damaged in the strong gusts throughout the week. The webcam pointing south west usually shows Bredon Hill, but during the incredible winds, all it displayed was pitch black as the webcam hung on for dear life by a few cables. The strong will of the webcam (tough outer casing) meant that no repairs were required and it was easy enough to reposition and bolt on to the roof to once again display the stunning view of the Bredon Hills (during daylight hours at least).
Woodburning-Stoves are one of the most pronounced online sellers of woodburning stoves and multifuel stoves, with a wide variety of both contemporary and traditional models for customers to choose from; there is something for everyone. The website has recently undergone an overhaul as the taxonomy/navigation was completely redone to optimise navigation for the user.
Scott Morris, E-Commerce Manager at Woodburning-Stoves comments on the website refinements: “It took a great deal of time and patience to come up with a navigation system which would address the way 99.9% of people search for woodburners, whether it’s by brand, output, look or colour, they will be able to do that through our unique taxonomy. It was laid out with usability as the sole focus and it may not look like the fanciest thing out there, but it’s fast, it’s usable and above all else, it’s simple.
Enough of all this, back to the central story, the webcam! For those who are really interested and compelled by this webcam, the view it provides can be found on Google Maps and when operational, it really is a beautiful sight. However, with more harsh weather anticipated, who knows how long this dear webcam has left, it could be months, perhaps weeks, maybe even only days; regardless, it will always be remembered as the one who braved the storms.
James Cook, a Web Admin at Woodburning-Stoves.co.uk takes us through some of the webcam perils: “Well, the winds were harsh, brutal enough to dislodge our sturdy cam. We needed some brave soul to venture on to that roof, adhering to all health and safety codes, obviously, and fix that webcam! Eventually the hero emerged, after being bribed with copious amounts of fudge and biscuits, he climbed up the ladder and plopped it back on with a few screws, nuts and bolts and the task was completed. The webcam resumed service the following day and has totalled over 2,000 views, against all odds, the webcam has prevailed.”
Woodburning-Stoves has been part of the Plumbworld Network since launching in 2010. This year it continues to make its mark on the online stove market. Plumbworld was an early pioneer of online trading, started by James and Anita Hickman in 1999 and was sold to the Grafton Group PLC in December 2006, Plumbworld now employ more than 50 people in their purpose built warehouse and offices and boast an astonishing 50 websites selling everything from draper tools and bathroom vanity units to convector radiators and barbecues. The business has a turnover in excess of £18 million and is growing at more than 20% year on year.
In fact, there has been no damage to the structure; only the webcam strapped to the top of the roof was damaged in the strong gusts throughout the week. The webcam pointing south west usually shows Bredon Hill, but during the incredible winds, all it displayed was pitch black as the webcam hung on for dear life by a few cables. The strong will of the webcam (tough outer casing) meant that no repairs were required and it was easy enough to reposition and bolt on to the roof to once again display the stunning view of the Bredon Hills (during daylight hours at least).
Woodburning-Stoves are one of the most pronounced online sellers of woodburning stoves and multifuel stoves, with a wide variety of both contemporary and traditional models for customers to choose from; there is something for everyone. The website has recently undergone an overhaul as the taxonomy/navigation was completely redone to optimise navigation for the user.
Scott Morris, E-Commerce Manager at Woodburning-Stoves comments on the website refinements: “It took a great deal of time and patience to come up with a navigation system which would address the way 99.9% of people search for woodburners, whether it’s by brand, output, look or colour, they will be able to do that through our unique taxonomy. It was laid out with usability as the sole focus and it may not look like the fanciest thing out there, but it’s fast, it’s usable and above all else, it’s simple.
Enough of all this, back to the central story, the webcam! For those who are really interested and compelled by this webcam, the view it provides can be found on Google Maps and when operational, it really is a beautiful sight. However, with more harsh weather anticipated, who knows how long this dear webcam has left, it could be months, perhaps weeks, maybe even only days; regardless, it will always be remembered as the one who braved the storms.
James Cook, a Web Admin at Woodburning-Stoves.co.uk takes us through some of the webcam perils: “Well, the winds were harsh, brutal enough to dislodge our sturdy cam. We needed some brave soul to venture on to that roof, adhering to all health and safety codes, obviously, and fix that webcam! Eventually the hero emerged, after being bribed with copious amounts of fudge and biscuits, he climbed up the ladder and plopped it back on with a few screws, nuts and bolts and the task was completed. The webcam resumed service the following day and has totalled over 2,000 views, against all odds, the webcam has prevailed.”
Woodburning-Stoves has been part of the Plumbworld Network since launching in 2010. This year it continues to make its mark on the online stove market. Plumbworld was an early pioneer of online trading, started by James and Anita Hickman in 1999 and was sold to the Grafton Group PLC in December 2006, Plumbworld now employ more than 50 people in their purpose built warehouse and offices and boast an astonishing 50 websites selling everything from draper tools and bathroom vanity units to convector radiators and barbecues. The business has a turnover in excess of £18 million and is growing at more than 20% year on year.
Plumbworld Introduce a Fantastic New Range of Washbasins & Toilets
Top E-commerce plumbing site Plumbworld has added a new range of toilets and washbasins to its site, expanding on their already varied original range;/www.plumbworld.co.uk
Ranging from traditional, affordable toilets and washbasins to those with more classically designed features, there is something for everyone in Plumbworld’s latest offerings. Whether it’s a back-to-wall pan or a full pan, cistern and seat pack, Plumbworld are ensuring they have all possible bathroom and toilet requirements met. Likewise, the expert retailer is covering all the bases when it comes to basins by including a variety of neat cloakroom basins, as well as larger classic and modern bathroom offerings featuring full pedestals and a range of tap combinations.
James Pickering, Product Manager commented on the addition of the new products: “There’s always a demand for toilets and washbasins and we’re hoping to fulfil people’s requirements with these new products. We already offered a fantastic range of products but we want to cover all bases and we’re certainly doing that with this new range.
"We have some sleek modern designs and beautiful chrome taps as well as more traditional, elegant designs with some excellent features. Plus, they’re all very affordable so we’re hoping everyone will be able to find what they need.”
Plumbworld have long been committed to providing high quality products and the new range certainly meets the company’s own high standards. However, that’s not to say the latest toilets and basins are going to cost the earth. Many of the most stylish products are very affordable and you could be forgiven for expecting them to cost much, much more.
James Hickman, Managing Director of Plumbworld, shared his thoughts on the range: “We demand quality from all the products we sell and these certainly meet that standard. However, we also require them to be affordable and these new ceramics are a great price for what they are. The great design and appearance of each toilet and washbasin as well as the build quality and cost should make them very popular. We’re expecting them to be big sellers in no time.”
As a major online retailer Plumbworld supplies to both homes and businesses and therefore stocks something for every requirement.
Scott Morris, Marketing Manager, added finally: “With this latest range we’ve endeavoured to be as accurate as possible in the descriptions on the website. We’ve provided detailed technical information alongside good quality photographs of the products to make the customer feel comfortable about buying from us. We think we’ve done a really good job with these toilets and washbasins and I expect them to sell very well.”
Plumbworld was an early pioneer of online trading, started by James and Anita Hickman in 1999 and was sold to the Grafton Group PLC in December 2006. Plumbworld now employs over 50 people in its purpose-built warehouse and offices and boasts an astonishing 50 websites selling everything from Triton showers and bathrooms to barbecues and Franke sinks. The business has a turnover in excess of £18 million and is growing at more than 20% year on year.
Ranging from traditional, affordable toilets and washbasins to those with more classically designed features, there is something for everyone in Plumbworld’s latest offerings. Whether it’s a back-to-wall pan or a full pan, cistern and seat pack, Plumbworld are ensuring they have all possible bathroom and toilet requirements met. Likewise, the expert retailer is covering all the bases when it comes to basins by including a variety of neat cloakroom basins, as well as larger classic and modern bathroom offerings featuring full pedestals and a range of tap combinations.
James Pickering, Product Manager commented on the addition of the new products: “There’s always a demand for toilets and washbasins and we’re hoping to fulfil people’s requirements with these new products. We already offered a fantastic range of products but we want to cover all bases and we’re certainly doing that with this new range.
"We have some sleek modern designs and beautiful chrome taps as well as more traditional, elegant designs with some excellent features. Plus, they’re all very affordable so we’re hoping everyone will be able to find what they need.”
Plumbworld have long been committed to providing high quality products and the new range certainly meets the company’s own high standards. However, that’s not to say the latest toilets and basins are going to cost the earth. Many of the most stylish products are very affordable and you could be forgiven for expecting them to cost much, much more.
James Hickman, Managing Director of Plumbworld, shared his thoughts on the range: “We demand quality from all the products we sell and these certainly meet that standard. However, we also require them to be affordable and these new ceramics are a great price for what they are. The great design and appearance of each toilet and washbasin as well as the build quality and cost should make them very popular. We’re expecting them to be big sellers in no time.”
As a major online retailer Plumbworld supplies to both homes and businesses and therefore stocks something for every requirement.
Scott Morris, Marketing Manager, added finally: “With this latest range we’ve endeavoured to be as accurate as possible in the descriptions on the website. We’ve provided detailed technical information alongside good quality photographs of the products to make the customer feel comfortable about buying from us. We think we’ve done a really good job with these toilets and washbasins and I expect them to sell very well.”
Plumbworld was an early pioneer of online trading, started by James and Anita Hickman in 1999 and was sold to the Grafton Group PLC in December 2006. Plumbworld now employs over 50 people in its purpose-built warehouse and offices and boasts an astonishing 50 websites selling everything from Triton showers and bathrooms to barbecues and Franke sinks. The business has a turnover in excess of £18 million and is growing at more than 20% year on year.
Saturday 17 December 2011
See Hainsworth at the show
Hainsworth, one of Britain’s most prestigious textile mills, will officially launch its new consumer lifestyle brand Scarlet & Argent at Home at Top Drawer 2012 (Earls Court, January 15-17th).
Home at Top Drawer (http://home-london.net/register-now/) is a unique retail buying event showcasing the newest homewares and interior accessories and it will feature stunning collections from the leaders in UK and International design.
Scarlet & Argent – www.scarletandargent.co.uk - is a timeless collection of exquisite woollen blankets, throws and accessories created for the home which celebrate British manufacturing and draw upon traditional processes and heritage designs.
The brand is instilled with a stunning heritage that spans across seven family generations and is synonymous with some of the most iconic moments in British history since 1783.
The company has been a luxury fabric supplier to the world’s royalty for decades, including Queen Elizabeth II. It has exclusively supplied ceremonial woollen cloth to the Ministry of Defence which can be seen on the iconic Royal Guards standing outside Buckingham Palace.
Its cloth covers the famous Woolsack in the House of Lords, features regularly in blockbuster movies such as Harry Potter and was used to make the uniforms worn by Princes William and Harry at the Royal Wedding.
The Scarlet & Argent collection will be launched officially at Home at Top Drawer and is also now available for online sales at www.scarletandargent.co.uk. The range will roll out to major retailers and independent homes and interiors stockists after the show.
There are nine iconic blankets and throws in the launch range which includes Liberty fabric baby blankets, a throw influenced by the colours of the British flag and the Lupton Blanket. William Lupton & Co. Ltd belonged to Kate Middleton’s great-grandmother, Olive Lupton, and became part of Hainsworth in 1958. As a cherished piece of Scarlet & Argent heritage, the Lupton family crest is the inspiration for this blanket.
A team of designers – both in-house and from London – has worked on the launch collection. New lines to extend the brand will be added over the coming months. Once launched in the UK, the brand will be pushed to an overseas market.
Managing Director Tom Hainsworth said: "As an English company since 1783, Scarlet & Argent is a celebration of our Hainsworth heritage, our English roots and our passion for British quality and detail.
"A painstaking amount of research and development has gone into creating our first collection and we cannot wait to launch at Home at Top Drawer. In addition to selling through retailers, we have created a powerful e-commerce site which enables us to sell directly to the consumer for the first time.
"We are extremely proud of our history and everything we have achieved as a company during the past two centuries, but our business strategy going forward is about harnessing the best of our heritage with the best in modern manufacture, technology, sales and marketing.’
Each piece in the Scarlet & Argent collection is created exclusively in our specialist Yorkshire mill, one of the oldest woollen mills in Europe, from the selection of the raw wool to the hand-finished touches.
Tom added: ‘‘We use only the finest natural materials and insist on impeccable finishing – because we know that it is this attention to detail that gives our beautiful woollen blankets, throws and accessories their exceptional quality, their indulgent textures and a special place in people’s homes."
www.scarletandargent.co.uk
The name Scarlet & Argent was inspired by their iconic scarlet cloth, which is worn exclusively by the Queen’s Guards and as the Military’s ceremonial dress. Prince William wore it on his wedding day. As a result, it has become a colour that is synonymous with our founders, Hainsworth. When Scarlet is coupled with Argent, a bright white silver, the colours of the English flag are created.
The Scarlet & Argent Collection
Beautiful in their simplicity, timeless in style and exquisite in their detail, Scarlet & Argent woollen blankets, throws and accessories effortlessly enhance the look of your home to create inviting interiors that exude relaxed elegance and contemporary charm.
Lupton Blanket – William Lupton & Co. Ltd belonged to Kate Middleton’s great-grandmother, Olive Lupton, and became part of Hainsworth in 1958. As a cherished piece of Scarlet & Argent heritage, the Lupton family crest is the inspiration for this exquisite blanket. Price: £450.
Equine Amber Throw – A true statement piece, this beautifully tactile throw is inspired by equestrian heritage style and woven with the iconic Newmarket colour palette of amber, red and navy. Price: £105.
Albion Throw – Inspired by our country’s iconic colours, this beautifully simple tribute to timeless style is created with the exceptional British quality that Scarlet & Argent is so very proud of. Price: £105.
Dale & Moor Throw – Inspired by the Yorkshire countryside’s colour palette, our eco-friendly Dale & Moor Throws are a modern tribute to a traditional wool drying process in which cloth was stretched over wooden tenter frames and pinned in place with hooks. This process is also the historic origin of the saying ‘on tenterhooks’. Price: £75.
Top & Tail Blanket – With its striking contemporary, masculine design and striking block colours, this blanket exudes confidence and sophistication. Created with the finest quality wool it is luxuriously thick and will give your living space rugged warmth and an urban edge. Prices: £250 and £375.
Chamber Blanket – Beautifully fluffy and sumptuously soft, these luxurious lambswool blankets are the epitome of British quality. Characterised by Scarlet & Argent’s attention to detail they add an instant touch of luxury to your bedroom or living space. Prices: £255, £325 and £395.
Liberty Born Blanket – Woven with luxuriously light and ever so soft merino wool, these truly lovable baby blankets are trimmed with Liberty fabric adding an extra special touch for that extra special little person in your life. Prices: £90 and £105.
Vivid Living Blanket – Living up to their name, our Vivid Living blankets effortlessly inject character and charm into a room. Bold and beautifully textured, this vibrant collection of blankets is expertly woven with a contemporary colour palette and a classic cellular design. Price: £145.
Twill & Granite Throw – The name Twill & Granite derives from the two special weaves we use to create these subtly striped throws. Beautifully textured and woven with only the finest merino wool, Twill & Granite throws exude relaxed sophistication. Price: £150.
Luxury Lifestyle Accessories - Scarlet and Argent’s contemporary collection of luxury woollen and hand-printed accessories are the ideal accompaniment to our stunning range of throws and blankets. Price: Cushions £85, Door Stops £30 and Draught Excluders £40
Home at Top Drawer (http://home-london.net/register-now/) is a unique retail buying event showcasing the newest homewares and interior accessories and it will feature stunning collections from the leaders in UK and International design.
Scarlet & Argent – www.scarletandargent.co.uk - is a timeless collection of exquisite woollen blankets, throws and accessories created for the home which celebrate British manufacturing and draw upon traditional processes and heritage designs.
The brand is instilled with a stunning heritage that spans across seven family generations and is synonymous with some of the most iconic moments in British history since 1783.
The company has been a luxury fabric supplier to the world’s royalty for decades, including Queen Elizabeth II. It has exclusively supplied ceremonial woollen cloth to the Ministry of Defence which can be seen on the iconic Royal Guards standing outside Buckingham Palace.
Its cloth covers the famous Woolsack in the House of Lords, features regularly in blockbuster movies such as Harry Potter and was used to make the uniforms worn by Princes William and Harry at the Royal Wedding.
The Scarlet & Argent collection will be launched officially at Home at Top Drawer and is also now available for online sales at www.scarletandargent.co.uk. The range will roll out to major retailers and independent homes and interiors stockists after the show.
There are nine iconic blankets and throws in the launch range which includes Liberty fabric baby blankets, a throw influenced by the colours of the British flag and the Lupton Blanket. William Lupton & Co. Ltd belonged to Kate Middleton’s great-grandmother, Olive Lupton, and became part of Hainsworth in 1958. As a cherished piece of Scarlet & Argent heritage, the Lupton family crest is the inspiration for this blanket.
A team of designers – both in-house and from London – has worked on the launch collection. New lines to extend the brand will be added over the coming months. Once launched in the UK, the brand will be pushed to an overseas market.
Managing Director Tom Hainsworth said: "As an English company since 1783, Scarlet & Argent is a celebration of our Hainsworth heritage, our English roots and our passion for British quality and detail.
"A painstaking amount of research and development has gone into creating our first collection and we cannot wait to launch at Home at Top Drawer. In addition to selling through retailers, we have created a powerful e-commerce site which enables us to sell directly to the consumer for the first time.
"We are extremely proud of our history and everything we have achieved as a company during the past two centuries, but our business strategy going forward is about harnessing the best of our heritage with the best in modern manufacture, technology, sales and marketing.’
Each piece in the Scarlet & Argent collection is created exclusively in our specialist Yorkshire mill, one of the oldest woollen mills in Europe, from the selection of the raw wool to the hand-finished touches.
Tom added: ‘‘We use only the finest natural materials and insist on impeccable finishing – because we know that it is this attention to detail that gives our beautiful woollen blankets, throws and accessories their exceptional quality, their indulgent textures and a special place in people’s homes."
www.scarletandargent.co.uk
The name Scarlet & Argent was inspired by their iconic scarlet cloth, which is worn exclusively by the Queen’s Guards and as the Military’s ceremonial dress. Prince William wore it on his wedding day. As a result, it has become a colour that is synonymous with our founders, Hainsworth. When Scarlet is coupled with Argent, a bright white silver, the colours of the English flag are created.
The Scarlet & Argent Collection
Beautiful in their simplicity, timeless in style and exquisite in their detail, Scarlet & Argent woollen blankets, throws and accessories effortlessly enhance the look of your home to create inviting interiors that exude relaxed elegance and contemporary charm.
Lupton Blanket – William Lupton & Co. Ltd belonged to Kate Middleton’s great-grandmother, Olive Lupton, and became part of Hainsworth in 1958. As a cherished piece of Scarlet & Argent heritage, the Lupton family crest is the inspiration for this exquisite blanket. Price: £450.
Equine Amber Throw – A true statement piece, this beautifully tactile throw is inspired by equestrian heritage style and woven with the iconic Newmarket colour palette of amber, red and navy. Price: £105.
Albion Throw – Inspired by our country’s iconic colours, this beautifully simple tribute to timeless style is created with the exceptional British quality that Scarlet & Argent is so very proud of. Price: £105.
Dale & Moor Throw – Inspired by the Yorkshire countryside’s colour palette, our eco-friendly Dale & Moor Throws are a modern tribute to a traditional wool drying process in which cloth was stretched over wooden tenter frames and pinned in place with hooks. This process is also the historic origin of the saying ‘on tenterhooks’. Price: £75.
Top & Tail Blanket – With its striking contemporary, masculine design and striking block colours, this blanket exudes confidence and sophistication. Created with the finest quality wool it is luxuriously thick and will give your living space rugged warmth and an urban edge. Prices: £250 and £375.
Chamber Blanket – Beautifully fluffy and sumptuously soft, these luxurious lambswool blankets are the epitome of British quality. Characterised by Scarlet & Argent’s attention to detail they add an instant touch of luxury to your bedroom or living space. Prices: £255, £325 and £395.
Liberty Born Blanket – Woven with luxuriously light and ever so soft merino wool, these truly lovable baby blankets are trimmed with Liberty fabric adding an extra special touch for that extra special little person in your life. Prices: £90 and £105.
Vivid Living Blanket – Living up to their name, our Vivid Living blankets effortlessly inject character and charm into a room. Bold and beautifully textured, this vibrant collection of blankets is expertly woven with a contemporary colour palette and a classic cellular design. Price: £145.
Twill & Granite Throw – The name Twill & Granite derives from the two special weaves we use to create these subtly striped throws. Beautifully textured and woven with only the finest merino wool, Twill & Granite throws exude relaxed sophistication. Price: £150.
Luxury Lifestyle Accessories - Scarlet and Argent’s contemporary collection of luxury woollen and hand-printed accessories are the ideal accompaniment to our stunning range of throws and blankets. Price: Cushions £85, Door Stops £30 and Draught Excluders £40
Monday 12 December 2011
That's Gardening: Massive savings on garden sheds: York Timber Produ...
That's Gardening: Massive savings on garden sheds: York Timber Produ...: Now is the time to ensure your garden furniture and tools are put away during the wet winte...
Provident continues to maintain a presence in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes
Provident is continuing to carve out a reputation as one of the world's most responsible financial companies by again being included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes.
The DJSI World tracks the performance of the top 10% of the 2,500 largest companies in the Dow Jones Global Total Stock Market Index that lead the field in terms of sustainability, with the DJSI Europe monitoring the sustainability performance of the top 20% of the 600 largest European companies.
For the seventh successive year, Provident has been selected for inclusion in both the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) and Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Index (DJSI Europe).
The Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes were launched in 1999 as the first global sustainability benchmarks. The Indexes are based on an internationally recognised leading Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) methodology which means that they include only companies that fulfil certain sustainability criteria which is better than the majority of their peers.
Provident's overall score in the 2011 Indexes was 63% (2010: 59%) - 23% points higher than the average overall score of the other companies in the financial services sector - with 'best in class' scores for environmental monitoring and reporting, and scores of over 80% in respect of a range of other CR issues, including anti-crime policy/measures, stakeholder engagement and social reporting.
Rob Lawson, Corporate Responsibility manager at Provident Financial said: "We are delighted to continue to be included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes and remain committed to disclosing information on our corporate responsibility (CR) performance to our stakeholders."
Rob Lawson concluded: "Our continued inclusion in the Indexes is no mean feat, and is testament to the progress we've made over the past seven years in embedding our CR programme throughout our business. It also endorses our approach to CR management and shows that we compare favourably to other global companies."
FACTFILE:
Provident Personal Credit is a market leading financial services company operating in the non standard loans market. It specialises in offering cash loans of small amounts, typically from £50 - £500 over terms from 14 weeks up to 106 weeks. It's short term loans are unsecured and all of the costs are included up front which means that customers will never be charged for a missed or late payment. When assessing loan applications, Provident Personal Credit look at the applicants ability to repay now rather than at their payment history. This means that people could still be accepted for a personal loan even with a bad credit history or if they have missed payments in the past. Repayments are collected by Agents who visit their customers’ homes on a weekly basis. The company has a good reputation with 95% of their customers saying that they are satisfied with their service.
What’s more, it is a great alternative to payday loans with small and manageable weekly repayments.
Provident Personal Credit is a subsidiary of Provident Financial Group. They are licensed by the office of fair trading.
www.providentpersonalcredit.com
The DJSI World tracks the performance of the top 10% of the 2,500 largest companies in the Dow Jones Global Total Stock Market Index that lead the field in terms of sustainability, with the DJSI Europe monitoring the sustainability performance of the top 20% of the 600 largest European companies.
For the seventh successive year, Provident has been selected for inclusion in both the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) and Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Index (DJSI Europe).
The Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes were launched in 1999 as the first global sustainability benchmarks. The Indexes are based on an internationally recognised leading Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) methodology which means that they include only companies that fulfil certain sustainability criteria which is better than the majority of their peers.
Provident's overall score in the 2011 Indexes was 63% (2010: 59%) - 23% points higher than the average overall score of the other companies in the financial services sector - with 'best in class' scores for environmental monitoring and reporting, and scores of over 80% in respect of a range of other CR issues, including anti-crime policy/measures, stakeholder engagement and social reporting.
Rob Lawson, Corporate Responsibility manager at Provident Financial said: "We are delighted to continue to be included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes and remain committed to disclosing information on our corporate responsibility (CR) performance to our stakeholders."
Rob Lawson concluded: "Our continued inclusion in the Indexes is no mean feat, and is testament to the progress we've made over the past seven years in embedding our CR programme throughout our business. It also endorses our approach to CR management and shows that we compare favourably to other global companies."
FACTFILE:
Provident Personal Credit is a market leading financial services company operating in the non standard loans market. It specialises in offering cash loans of small amounts, typically from £50 - £500 over terms from 14 weeks up to 106 weeks. It's short term loans are unsecured and all of the costs are included up front which means that customers will never be charged for a missed or late payment. When assessing loan applications, Provident Personal Credit look at the applicants ability to repay now rather than at their payment history. This means that people could still be accepted for a personal loan even with a bad credit history or if they have missed payments in the past. Repayments are collected by Agents who visit their customers’ homes on a weekly basis. The company has a good reputation with 95% of their customers saying that they are satisfied with their service.
What’s more, it is a great alternative to payday loans with small and manageable weekly repayments.
Provident Personal Credit is a subsidiary of Provident Financial Group. They are licensed by the office of fair trading.
www.providentpersonalcredit.com
Saturday 10 December 2011
That's Parenting: Cool For kids
That's Parenting: Cool For kids: Decorating a child's bedroom can be a challenge, so why not invest in a bed which will keep your little one's room chic and on trend for yea...
Poodles Vs. Dinosaurs?
Whether it's friendly dinosaurs or playful pooches, John Lewis's latest 'little home' capsule collections are brimming with character and colour.
From lighting to bed linen and furniture to floor coverings, the 'little home at John Lewis' ranges make creating fun and inspiring kids spaces 'child's play', while also offering exceptional quality and value.
little home at John Lewis
Dinotastic Duvet Set, £30
Striped Throw, £35
Dinosaur Cushions, £15 each
Patchwork Poodles Duvet Set, £45
Poodle, £15
Bunting, £15
Cushion, £15
For further details: please call 08456 049 049 or visit www.johnlewis.com
From lighting to bed linen and furniture to floor coverings, the 'little home at John Lewis' ranges make creating fun and inspiring kids spaces 'child's play', while also offering exceptional quality and value.
little home at John Lewis
Dinotastic Duvet Set, £30
Striped Throw, £35
Dinosaur Cushions, £15 each
Patchwork Poodles Duvet Set, £45
Poodle, £15
Bunting, £15
Cushion, £15
For further details: please call 08456 049 049 or visit www.johnlewis.com
Sunday 4 December 2011
npower urges homeowners to prepare for cold temperatures
With the Met Office predicting cold snaps, it looks as though winter could finally be on its way and if last year's temperatures are anything to go by, npower has predicted that some householders could soon be experiencing problems with their heating systems in the run-up to the festive season.
Last year, npower, which services and repairs boilers, saw call outs to broken boilers increase by 80 per cent in December alone as a direct result of the fiercely cold weather. With the possibility of this year's temperatures plunging well into minus figures, they are urging homeowners to prepare themselves. .
Chris Thewlis, operations manager for npower, says: "Many homeowners don't give a second thought to their boiler until the cold weather kicks in. Having your boiler serviced beforehand could detect any small problem that might lead to a major disruption to your heating during a particularly chilly period. Dealing with a potential problem before it escalates could save you time and money."
The cold weather in Britain often has homeowners calling in to their energy supplier and asking for a gas boiler service or repair. Though people with newer boilers may have repair costs covered by their warranties, many homeowners with older boilers face steep repair bills when their boiler breaks down. As a result, npower has urged people to service their boilers before the cold weather hits to avoid potentially expensive repair costs.
Chris also urged homeowners to make sure they have the right amount of loft insulation, which can be a key tool in heating a home. Loft insulation can also be a significant energy saver, saving homeowners money on energy bills as well as helping to keep them warm.
The recommended amount of loft insulation is 270mm, but government figures released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change earlier this year suggested that more than half of homes in the UK aren’t insulated properly.
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Monday 28 November 2011
That's Green: As biodegradable nappies gain in popularity, so do...
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Sunday 27 November 2011
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Information resource recommends best debt management iphone apps
With uncertainty in the international financial markets and rising unemployment, more and more people in the UK are at risk of falling into debt. Mobile apps can be a great help in managing finances, especially on a budget. Advice resource http://www.debtinfocentre.com/ rounds up the best, starting with the iPhone.
In the past debt management has been a pen and paper task, moving onto spreadsheets with the use of home computers. Now mobile phone technology has moved along so rapidly that the debt management experts at Debt Info Centre recommend anyone struggling to stick to a budget should investigate the helpful apps and gadgets available.
Debt Info Centre is an independent advice group setup to provide the clearest advice and help for people in debt. Visitors to the website can receive impartial, expert debt advice, read through a wide range of useful resources and even use the “Debt Calculator” to find the best debt solutions in just 3 quick steps.
Now they have turned their eyes to mobile apps, specifically those apps appearing on the latest version of the iPhone, the iPhone 4S, and gadgets in the first of a new series exploring the way that technological innovations can help with debt management in the current financial climate.
The best budget management iPhone apps identified by Debt Info Centre have been praised for being easy to use, featuring clear calculation expenditures and visual representations of incoming funds and outgoing expenditures.
The best debt management apps and gadgets can be found here http://www.debtinfocentre.com/debt-management-apps
About http://www.debtinfocentre.com/
Debt Info Centre is a totally independent advice group set up to supply the clearest advice and help for people struggling with debt.
A spokesman said: "We understand that debt can be confusing and overpowering, especially in the current financial climate, that's why we aim to make debt and budget problems easy to understand.
"Our in-depth resources will inform you about a wide range of common debt problems as well as the various debt solutions available to you through impartial, jargon-free guides. With detailed breakdowns of the processes and consequences of each and every possible option, you can ensure that you are better informed before you look to address your debt problems.
"The website features debt solutions, glossary, and a blog covering credit card, bankruptcy, credit ratings and repayment advice.
"Whatever your circumstances, we provide guidance that helps you choose the best debt solution so you will regain control over your finances and start enjoying life again."
In the past debt management has been a pen and paper task, moving onto spreadsheets with the use of home computers. Now mobile phone technology has moved along so rapidly that the debt management experts at Debt Info Centre recommend anyone struggling to stick to a budget should investigate the helpful apps and gadgets available.
Debt Info Centre is an independent advice group setup to provide the clearest advice and help for people in debt. Visitors to the website can receive impartial, expert debt advice, read through a wide range of useful resources and even use the “Debt Calculator” to find the best debt solutions in just 3 quick steps.
Now they have turned their eyes to mobile apps, specifically those apps appearing on the latest version of the iPhone, the iPhone 4S, and gadgets in the first of a new series exploring the way that technological innovations can help with debt management in the current financial climate.
The best budget management iPhone apps identified by Debt Info Centre have been praised for being easy to use, featuring clear calculation expenditures and visual representations of incoming funds and outgoing expenditures.
The best debt management apps and gadgets can be found here http://www.debtinfocentre.com/debt-management-apps
About http://www.debtinfocentre.com/
Debt Info Centre is a totally independent advice group set up to supply the clearest advice and help for people struggling with debt.
A spokesman said: "We understand that debt can be confusing and overpowering, especially in the current financial climate, that's why we aim to make debt and budget problems easy to understand.
"Our in-depth resources will inform you about a wide range of common debt problems as well as the various debt solutions available to you through impartial, jargon-free guides. With detailed breakdowns of the processes and consequences of each and every possible option, you can ensure that you are better informed before you look to address your debt problems.
"The website features debt solutions, glossary, and a blog covering credit card, bankruptcy, credit ratings and repayment advice.
"Whatever your circumstances, we provide guidance that helps you choose the best debt solution so you will regain control over your finances and start enjoying life again."
That's Christmas: Christmas with Kitchenaid
That's Christmas: Christmas with Kitchenaid: Create some Christmas magic with the KitchenAid® Artisan® Collection including the Artisan® Stand Mixer,Blender, Food Processor, Toaster an...
Friday 25 November 2011
Terry’s Fabrics New Range of Ready Made Curtains Unveiled
Amongst the new range of products on offer customers can find an eclectic range of styles including Harvard ready made curtains, Venezia Eyelet style curtains and Panama-style curtains. To see the extensive range of products on offer customers can visit Terry’s Fabrics today and use the ‘Ready Made Curtains Sale’ tab at the head of each page.
As well as offering a new selection of curtains Terry’s Fabrics has a whole host of other interior design products available for the winter season. Customers can find new design solutions for rugs and lighting and they can also buy bedding and linen from the site. Customers may even find that they can save money on these items as they still have many sale items on offer. They also state a policy that they are happy to match the price of any of their competitors if customers can find their products cheaper elsewhere.
For customers looking for interior design tips and guidance Terry’s Fabrics now have their own blog in which they describe how customers can achieve classic styles of interior design.
To visit Terry’s Fabrics homepage go to www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/
Sunday 20 November 2011
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Monday 14 November 2011
Tesco Compare adds more well-known car and home insurance providers to its portfolio!
For car insurance, Tesco Compare welcomes Bell, elephant.co.uk and Lloyds, together with Halifax and swiftcover, while the home insurance portfolio now includes RAC in its list of providers.
Vikki Macleod, Commercial Director, said: “We’re delighted to have added six new providers which are well-known in the car and home insurance industry. Our new portfolio means we can offer customers more choice when they are comparing quotes.”
Tesco Compare believes the new providers will complement its existing car and home portfolio which already includes big industry names that provide a wide range of insurance options.
Compare by price and features…
As with the existing providers, customers can also compare car and home insurance quotes by features and benefits according to what is important to them, and not just on price.
There is more to Tesco Compare than meets the eye: It can introduce consumers to comparison services for products within Money and Utilities, and a greater range of insurance products. It also provides links to pet and breakdown insurance providers and, more recently, the ability to compare health insurance and telecoms.
Vikki Macleod added: “We look forward to working with the new providers and establishing a successful working relationship with them. By offering new providers to customers we can deliver more choice which, ultimately, we hope can save them money.”
Want to see if you could find a deal on your car and home insurance this autumn? Visit www.tescocompare.com
That's Green: 61% say Energy-Saving is most popular reason for r...
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Sunday 13 November 2011
That's Business: New website aims to Eradicate Delivery Costs
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npower launches insulation scheme to get homes warm this winter
npower has launched a scheme to help homeowners warm up their home and reduce energy wastage. Savvy DIY experts can now buy loft insulation for £1 a roll from npower's partner Build Center, meaning the average three bedroom semi-detached home can be insulated for less than £20. £19, to be exact.
The scheme, open to everyone regardless of whether they are an npower energy customer or not, also offers free delivery to help ease the process. Furthermore, npower has also developed a video to help novices complete the DIY loft insulation job step by step.
The scheme forms part of npower's Government obligations to help homeowners cut the amount of energy that's wasted in the UK each year. The Energy Saving Trust anticipates that homes could save as much as £175 a year on their heating bills and around 720 kilograms of carbon dioxide a year, just by installing the recommended 270mm depth of loft insulation. (EDITOR: And all for an outlay of under 20 quid!)
Bob Jackson, energy efficiency and policy manager for the energy supplier, commented on the scheme: "As an energy company, npower takes its commitment to the environment and to consumers extremely seriously. Rising wholesale fuel costs mean that many people find themselves struggling to pay their utility bills. The £1 a roll offer will help more people to make massive reductions, and savings in their bills and benefits from a warmer home during the long, cold winter months.
"We also know that not everyone is able to install their own loft insulation. That's why we also offer professional loft insulation meaning teveryone can benefit from the heat savings."
For more information and to buy insulation at £1 a roll while stocks last, householders can visit www.npower.com/diyinsulation call 0845 270 8250 or pop in to their local Build Centre.
www.npower.com
Terrys Fabrics Plans for a Cold Winter with Seasonal Interior Design Trends
There have been some beautifully seasonal designs made for this winter as designers look to match soft furnishings and colours to make the home feel warm and cosy. Terrys Fabrics continues to keep its customers informed on the latest trends through its interior design blog giving examples of the best fabrics, cushions and curtains to buy.
Log cabins, the wilderness and warmth are all inspiration for this season’s trends with different textures and colours being mixed to create the perfect environment for winter. Wood, rope, tartan and denim are amongst the favourites for this fashionable trend which aim to make the home a lot cosier during the winter months with forest greens and darks reds setting the mood.
Terrys Fabrics has announced the best ways to create this trend in an entry in its interior design blog. The blog offers customers the chance to experiment with fabrics and colours they may never usually think to mix and create something that looks fresh out of a showroom.
Venezia Ready Made Eyelet Curtains Grape have proven a popular choice as have Panama Ready Made Eyelet Curtains Pampas which are perfect for creating the winter look. There are also a wide variety of cushions and throws which are ideal for creating a look that is bang on trend.
Terrys Fabrics customers looking for more inspiration for their interior design this season should visit the Interior blog where an abundance of advice can be found.
Log cabins, the wilderness and warmth are all inspiration for this season’s trends with different textures and colours being mixed to create the perfect environment for winter. Wood, rope, tartan and denim are amongst the favourites for this fashionable trend which aim to make the home a lot cosier during the winter months with forest greens and darks reds setting the mood.
Terrys Fabrics has announced the best ways to create this trend in an entry in its interior design blog. The blog offers customers the chance to experiment with fabrics and colours they may never usually think to mix and create something that looks fresh out of a showroom.
Venezia Ready Made Eyelet Curtains Grape have proven a popular choice as have Panama Ready Made Eyelet Curtains Pampas which are perfect for creating the winter look. There are also a wide variety of cushions and throws which are ideal for creating a look that is bang on trend.
Terrys Fabrics customers looking for more inspiration for their interior design this season should visit the Interior blog where an abundance of advice can be found.
Thursday 10 November 2011
Off with a bang
A new furniture showroom from online retailer Address72 made an explosive start on Bonfire Night (November 5) as customers flocked to see the latest range of fitted furniture, French furniture and bedroom furniture; and enjoy the furniture sale.
The showroom, on Hockliffe Street in Leighton Buzzard, displays the ranges that are available through the Address72.com website as well as many accessories that are not listed online. It was unveiled by the Mayor of Leighton Buzzard, Gordon Perham, and has already attracted hundreds of customers keen to see if the incredible luxury and glamour they have witnessed at the website is matched by the comfort that can only be confirmed with a ‘hands-on’ (and ‘bums on seats’) approach.
Reassuring customers of the quality and comfort of its furniture is one of the key reasons why Address72 managing director Paul Johnson was determined to complement the website with a showroom.
“Although we are primarily an online furniture retailer we feel it is important that we provide a place for our customers to come and see our products before making a purchase,” he said.
“Our aim is to increase our customers’ confidence in us as an ethical, family business which provides a personal service. We are all very excited about the future of our brand.”
The Address72 showroom displays the latest in fitted furniture and French furniture; as well as bedroom furniture and ranges for other rooms including: dining rooms, living rooms, studies and hallways. It features all the latest products, including: the new Windsor range, hand-crafted from the highest grade solid Mahogany; the Three Acre Oak Range, a modern and classy design sourced from the highest quality oak; and the new Wiemann fitted wardrobes, which feature sliding doors.
In addition, the furniture sale, which is currently available online at Address72.com, has been taken to the showroom too. It includes huge reductions in the cost of Boston range furniture, incorporating drawers, dressing tables, bookcases and bedsteads; as well as more than £100 off selected products in the Santiago range, such as a dining set with a table and six chairs.
Customers interested in any of these products can visit the Address72.com website or head to the new Leighton Buzzard showroom, which is open from 9.30am – 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 10am – 5.30pm on Saturdays.
The showroom, on Hockliffe Street in Leighton Buzzard, displays the ranges that are available through the Address72.com website as well as many accessories that are not listed online. It was unveiled by the Mayor of Leighton Buzzard, Gordon Perham, and has already attracted hundreds of customers keen to see if the incredible luxury and glamour they have witnessed at the website is matched by the comfort that can only be confirmed with a ‘hands-on’ (and ‘bums on seats’) approach.
Reassuring customers of the quality and comfort of its furniture is one of the key reasons why Address72 managing director Paul Johnson was determined to complement the website with a showroom.
“Although we are primarily an online furniture retailer we feel it is important that we provide a place for our customers to come and see our products before making a purchase,” he said.
“Our aim is to increase our customers’ confidence in us as an ethical, family business which provides a personal service. We are all very excited about the future of our brand.”
The Address72 showroom displays the latest in fitted furniture and French furniture; as well as bedroom furniture and ranges for other rooms including: dining rooms, living rooms, studies and hallways. It features all the latest products, including: the new Windsor range, hand-crafted from the highest grade solid Mahogany; the Three Acre Oak Range, a modern and classy design sourced from the highest quality oak; and the new Wiemann fitted wardrobes, which feature sliding doors.
In addition, the furniture sale, which is currently available online at Address72.com, has been taken to the showroom too. It includes huge reductions in the cost of Boston range furniture, incorporating drawers, dressing tables, bookcases and bedsteads; as well as more than £100 off selected products in the Santiago range, such as a dining set with a table and six chairs.
Customers interested in any of these products can visit the Address72.com website or head to the new Leighton Buzzard showroom, which is open from 9.30am – 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 10am – 5.30pm on Saturdays.
Wednesday 9 November 2011
Gear Up For Winter With Flood Awareness Programme
As the colder weather looms, The National Flood School is reminding householders to check out their free online information, designed to help limit damage to their property in the event of a flood or leak.
The National Flood School offers a step-by-step video guide to help people through some simple processes that can be introduced if a flood occurs, to help get clean-up works on the right track and life back to normal as quickly as possible.
The video at http://www.youtube.com/nationalfloodschool is also supported by a free online guide available at http://www.nationalfloodschool.co.uk/downloads/NFS_SOS_Guide...
Chris Netherton, managing director of the Surrey-based National Flood School, said: “Domestic flood incidents always increase in line with a drop in temperature.
“However, last winter was extraordinary and we reported a huge surge in the number of claims to UK properties, brought on by the extreme weather.
“The number of reports of damage caused by burst pipes increased ten-fold compared to the same period the previous year.
“We understand a flood in a home is devastating, and as a result produced this guide to help householders limit the damage where possible.”
Founded in 1988, the National Flood School is recognised across the UK and Europe as a leader in the research, development, testing and education of a wide-range of techniques and systems to enhance the restoration of property damaged by flood.
It shares its expertise to support and train restoration professionals and provides information and professional guidance for many other associated industries, including insurers and loss adjusters.
To support its work, the National Flood School has built and uses The Flood House – located at its headquarters in Farnham, Surrey.
Believed to be the only purpose-built floodable house in Europe, the structure - comprising of eight rooms and 60 common household materials - is regularly flooded with 1500 gallons of water.
http://www.nationalfloodschool.co.uk
ENDS
Monday 7 November 2011
That's Green: After several weeks of testing, That's Green looks...
That's Green: After several weeks of testing, That's Green looks...: Ecocamel has introduced a new graphite trim for its revolutionary JetStorm showerhead, which cuts hot water bills by 40% while saving water,...
That's Christmas: A crafty gift from Dremel
That's Christmas: A crafty gift from Dremel: The Dremel 7700 White Edition is for the creative crafter or hobbyist on your Christmas shopping list. This kit comprises the versatile ...
That's Christmas: A crafty gift from Dremel
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That's Christmas: From Dremel, with Christmas good wishes!
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Saturday 5 November 2011
That's Christmas: For this Christmas, say it with words with Art on ...
That's Christmas: For this Christmas, say it with words with Art on ...: Art on Tiles – the bespoke hand painted tile company – is offering a chance for homeowners to express their individuality with a service...
Vi-Spring’s Wonderful Wool Bed on Parade at The Lord Mayor’s show
Britain's luxury bed-maker, Vi-Spring, is supporting the Campaign for Wool at the 2011 Lord Mayor’s Show on Saturday 12th November. Joining the procession alongside Worshipful Woolmen, Vi-Spring will be parading through London with its new, sumptuously soft, all-wool bed, The Shetland.
The Campaign’s Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales, convened the initiative to rejuvenate the image of real wool in January 2010, after seeing that its natural, sustainable origin and highly technical structure can offer interiors and fashion many superior benefits.
Naturally luxurious, wool is uniquely suited to bed making thanks to a combination of softness, warmth and resilience. Vi-Spring is the only bed maker in the world to use Real Shetland Wool. It’s master-craftsmen hand-fill each and every bed with more British fleece wool than any other bed maker. This is part of Vi-Spring’s support for Campaign for Wool and commitment to using one of Britain’s finest resources to increase demand for wool and preserve this precious industry.
The Procession will be lead by the 684th Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman David Wootton.
The Procession starts at London’s Guildhall at 11.00am on November 12th. It travels down to Mansion House then crosses the City via Bank and St Pauls to deliver the new Lord Mayor to the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand at about 12.40. While the Lord Mayor pledges loyalty in the ancient ceremony, the procession re-forms for the return leg, which sets off down the Embankment at 1pm and finishes back at Mansion House around 2.30.
FACTFILE:
Vi-Spring believes that sleeping on the right bed can be a truly life-changing experience. All Vi-Spring mattresses are handmade to order in the company’s workshops in Devon. It’s an uncompromising approach, but because sleep is such a deeply personal part of life, it’s really the only way to ensure that every bed is not only supremely comfortable, but also fits its owner like a glove.
Founded in 1901, Vi-Spring was the first bed maker to produce an interior sprung mattress using a system of individually pocketed springs that changed the way beds were made.
Vi-Spring has never wavered from its original philosophy of using the best craftsmanship and quality materials to produce the finest beds in the world, and this is why Vi-Spring beds have been the only choice for anyone who demands the best for over one hundred years.
The Campaign’s Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales, convened the initiative to rejuvenate the image of real wool in January 2010, after seeing that its natural, sustainable origin and highly technical structure can offer interiors and fashion many superior benefits.
Naturally luxurious, wool is uniquely suited to bed making thanks to a combination of softness, warmth and resilience. Vi-Spring is the only bed maker in the world to use Real Shetland Wool. It’s master-craftsmen hand-fill each and every bed with more British fleece wool than any other bed maker. This is part of Vi-Spring’s support for Campaign for Wool and commitment to using one of Britain’s finest resources to increase demand for wool and preserve this precious industry.
The Procession will be lead by the 684th Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman David Wootton.
The Procession starts at London’s Guildhall at 11.00am on November 12th. It travels down to Mansion House then crosses the City via Bank and St Pauls to deliver the new Lord Mayor to the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand at about 12.40. While the Lord Mayor pledges loyalty in the ancient ceremony, the procession re-forms for the return leg, which sets off down the Embankment at 1pm and finishes back at Mansion House around 2.30.
FACTFILE:
Vi-Spring believes that sleeping on the right bed can be a truly life-changing experience. All Vi-Spring mattresses are handmade to order in the company’s workshops in Devon. It’s an uncompromising approach, but because sleep is such a deeply personal part of life, it’s really the only way to ensure that every bed is not only supremely comfortable, but also fits its owner like a glove.
Founded in 1901, Vi-Spring was the first bed maker to produce an interior sprung mattress using a system of individually pocketed springs that changed the way beds were made.
Vi-Spring has never wavered from its original philosophy of using the best craftsmanship and quality materials to produce the finest beds in the world, and this is why Vi-Spring beds have been the only choice for anyone who demands the best for over one hundred years.
Wednesday 2 November 2011
That's Christmas: Heartwarming gifts for the whole family this Chris...
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That's Christmas: Chirstmas gadgets need Duracell power
That's Christmas: Chirstmas gadgets need Duracell power: It's all very well buying lots of electronic gadgets for Christmas, but you must ensure that the owners of these new gadgets have all the ...
Sunday 30 October 2011
Standard Life reveals inflation can reduce a retiree's purchasing power by 68%
Standard Life, the savings and investment specialist, has warned that the effects of inflation can seriously damage one's retirement wealth. New data released today shows that a 90-year-old who retired in 1981, when petrol cost 35p a litre, would have seen the purchasing power of a £10,000-a-year level pension income fall to just £3,207 today.
John Lawson, Head of Pensions Policy at Standard Life said: "Inflation can have a huge impact on the purchasing power of your retirement income. As people are living longer, retirement income needs to go that much further, with a 60-year-old man retiring today living on average for another 26 years."
He went on to say: "Our research shows 57% of people do recognise that an income keeping pace with inflation is attractive. But currently, and somewhat inevitably, the majority go for the higher starting income of a level annuity, leaving only 3% choosing an inflation linked annuity. This is perhaps understandable given that annuity rates have reached record lows and level annuities start at a higher rate than their inflation linked alternatives.
"People approaching retirement need to consider their own personal inflation rate may be higher in the future than that of the average person in the UK due to the types of products and services they will consume. After 10 years in retirement, a 60-year-old man who had purchased a RPI linked annuity with a fund of £100,000 could achieve a higher annual income than someone who had purchased a level annuity."
An example provided by the data shows the purchasing power in today's money of a £100,000 pension fund being used by a 60-year-old man retiring in October 2011 to purchase a level or RPI-linked annuity. Various rates of inflation are shown over a 30-year period. If inflation averaged 7% over a ten-year period, the then 70-year old man would begin to receive a higher annual retirement income than if he had purchased a level annuity.
Please note in this example the level annuity receives a higher starting income than the RPI-linked version. At year 10, with inflation at 7%, there is a crossover when the RPI-linked annuity annual income exceeds the level annuity annual income. At year 22, the total payments from the RPI-linked annuity exceed the total payments from the level annuity.
Lawson concluded: "Low inflation has persisted for the last 15 years or so, but there is no guarantee that it will continue. Rising world demand for food and fuel, without a similar increase in supply, has seen prices for the basics rocket. People retiring today need to consider that they will still need to pay for food, fuel and other essentials for a long time into the future and that these basic items are likely to cost a lot more in 10 year’s time than they do today.
"There are many options to consider at retirement which could minimise the impact of inflation on your income, so seeking financial advice is vital."
FACTFILE:
Standard Life is a leading long term savings and investments company headquartered in Edinburgh and operating internationally. Established in 1825, Standard Life provides life assurance, annuities, life insurance, savings products, investment bonds, tax efficiencies, pension products such as a self-invested personal pension, financial education and investment management to around 6 million customers worldwide.
Standard Life has its headquarters in Edinburgh and employs around 9,000 people across the UK, Canada, Ireland, Germany, Austria, India, USA, Hong Kong and mainland China. At the end of June 2011 the Group had total assets under administration of £200bn.
John Lawson, Head of Pensions Policy at Standard Life said: "Inflation can have a huge impact on the purchasing power of your retirement income. As people are living longer, retirement income needs to go that much further, with a 60-year-old man retiring today living on average for another 26 years."
He went on to say: "Our research shows 57% of people do recognise that an income keeping pace with inflation is attractive. But currently, and somewhat inevitably, the majority go for the higher starting income of a level annuity, leaving only 3% choosing an inflation linked annuity. This is perhaps understandable given that annuity rates have reached record lows and level annuities start at a higher rate than their inflation linked alternatives.
"People approaching retirement need to consider their own personal inflation rate may be higher in the future than that of the average person in the UK due to the types of products and services they will consume. After 10 years in retirement, a 60-year-old man who had purchased a RPI linked annuity with a fund of £100,000 could achieve a higher annual income than someone who had purchased a level annuity."
An example provided by the data shows the purchasing power in today's money of a £100,000 pension fund being used by a 60-year-old man retiring in October 2011 to purchase a level or RPI-linked annuity. Various rates of inflation are shown over a 30-year period. If inflation averaged 7% over a ten-year period, the then 70-year old man would begin to receive a higher annual retirement income than if he had purchased a level annuity.
Please note in this example the level annuity receives a higher starting income than the RPI-linked version. At year 10, with inflation at 7%, there is a crossover when the RPI-linked annuity annual income exceeds the level annuity annual income. At year 22, the total payments from the RPI-linked annuity exceed the total payments from the level annuity.
Lawson concluded: "Low inflation has persisted for the last 15 years or so, but there is no guarantee that it will continue. Rising world demand for food and fuel, without a similar increase in supply, has seen prices for the basics rocket. People retiring today need to consider that they will still need to pay for food, fuel and other essentials for a long time into the future and that these basic items are likely to cost a lot more in 10 year’s time than they do today.
"There are many options to consider at retirement which could minimise the impact of inflation on your income, so seeking financial advice is vital."
FACTFILE:
Standard Life is a leading long term savings and investments company headquartered in Edinburgh and operating internationally. Established in 1825, Standard Life provides life assurance, annuities, life insurance, savings products, investment bonds, tax efficiencies, pension products such as a self-invested personal pension, financial education and investment management to around 6 million customers worldwide.
Standard Life has its headquarters in Edinburgh and employs around 9,000 people across the UK, Canada, Ireland, Germany, Austria, India, USA, Hong Kong and mainland China. At the end of June 2011 the Group had total assets under administration of £200bn.
That's Christmas: Create your own Winter Wonderland!
That's Christmas: Create your own Winter Wonderland!: The pre-Christmas build-up can be a magical time for adults alike. And now you can make it even more special for you and your children with ...
That's Christmas: Create your own Winter Wonderland!
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That's Christmas: Don’t be left in the cold this Christmas!- Get rea...
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Thursday 27 October 2011
Furniture Village Launches Single Multimedia Bed
Perfect for the discerning teenager, the stylish Harvard incorporates two round speakers within the headboard and a hidden 24” LCD remote control TV that rises with a simple touch of a button. And when it's not in-use, it can be easily retracted into the foot-end, creating a flush surface and erasing all signs of a TV.
Also offering an integrated MP3 docking station, this multimedia bed really is a one-stop entertainment centre. And in addition to all the tech mod-cons, it has handy 'cubby holes' for storing plenty of CDs and DVDs.
But if the family develops a spot of green envy, there are plenty of other adult multimedia beds in Furniture Village's new TV Bed.
Visit www.furniturevillage.co.uk or one of the 39 stores nationwide to view the collection.
Sunday 23 October 2011
Log fires. For Christmas and beyond
Carefully placed mistletoe and oversized stockings surrounding a roaring fireplace is a quintessential Christmas image. However, given that open fires are notoriously poor heat emitters (typically producing efficiencies of just 10-15%) it is understandable that homeowners prefer to reach for the central heating controls rather than chopping another pile of logs. With this in mind, AGA Stoves, part of the AGA Rangemaster Group, has produced a handy guide to outline the benefits of choosing a wood burning stove and explain why they are not just for the festive season – they can last a lifetime.
The guide provides homeowners with all the information they need to make an informed decision when purchasing a wood burning stove. From running costs to maintenance, manufacturing quality to expected lifespan, the AGA Stoves log burning guide is a must read with winter just around the corner.
AGA Stoves manufactures a wide range of wood burning stoves which are perfect for a variety of homes. Notable models in the range include the Little Wenlock Classic and the Minsterley. The Little Wenlock Classic is a compact stove (H 533mm x W 400mm x D 415mm) which has been designed for smaller homes and standard fireplaces.
By using a combination of high quality engineering and intelligent design, it is exceptionally efficient (over 81%) and is supplied with a supplementary wood grate, providing the option of burning wood or mineral fuels. To not exclude city and town dwellers, AGA Stoves has also developed a smoke exempt version which can be used in smoke control zones – the Little Wenlock Classic SE.
The Minsterley boiler stove is designed to provide plentiful heating and hot water for a family home and is capable of running up to 8 radiators. Thanks to its interchangeable fuel plate, it can also be used with either wood or solid fuel, and has a minimum rated heat output of 3.6kW with a hot water output of 7.5kW. The Minsterely retails at £1,825.
The full guide is available as a downloadable PDF at: www.agaliving.com/media/stoves/AGA_Stoves_Christmas_21.10.11...
Thursday 20 October 2011
3G living with SANIFLO?
A growing trend in the UK, especially amongst younger buyers or those who can’t afford the property they’d like on their own, is to get together with older generations of their family and buy a home together.Likewise high property prices, the cost of childcare and insufficient places in care homes to accommodate an ageing population can make it both emotionally and economically sensible to invite the grandparents to move in.
3G or three generation, living does work well for some families. Whether buying a big home to live in together, or opting for a property with annexe potential. The annexe option is a good choice for those that don’t want to be on top of each other the entire time, as it gives a degree of privacy and space.
So if there is sufficient space to turn a ground floor room or a garage into living space it’s simple using Saniflo units to install ensuite bath/shower, WC facilities and kitchen facilities even where the soil pipe or drain is remote and gravity drainage is a problem.
Using Saniflo products means that independent living can be achieved without breaking the bank or digging up the floor. Whether it’s for a granny flat or for separate accommodation for ‘first-homers’ who haven’t yet saved up the deposit for a starter flat or house, Saniflo have a product that will enable the installation of extra facilities. It all depends on the facilities you want to add; Saniflo make a wide range of products each designed for adding different facilities:
Saniflo: The original macerator pump for an extra WC almost anywhere
Sanitop: A macerator that enables you to install a WC and wash basin – ideal for cloakrooms
Sanislim: A macerator pump specifically designed for use with slimline sanitaryware
Sanipro: A macerator that enables you to install a WC and shower
Sanicompact: A unique cisternless space-saving ceramic WC with a built-in macerator pump
Sanipack: A macerator pump specifically designed for use with built-in bathroom units
Sanishower: A pump for shower and washbasin
Saniplus: Largest of the Saniflo domestic range, a macerator pump that enables you to install a bathroom or en-suite with ease
Sanivite: A domestic pump for discharge of waste water from kitchen and utility rooms
Saniflo…helping you keep your family together.
For further information:
email: sales@saniflo.co.uk
www.saniflo.co.uk
Wednesday 19 October 2011
No boiler cover to save money? Please think again!
The Indian summer is well and truly over and as the British public resign themselves to another long winter season, many households will inevitably be reaching for the thermostat to stave off the cold weather.
Jon Ingram, product director at Energychoices.co.uk commented: "UK consumers everywhere are tightening their belts with many households waiting until the last possible moment before switching on the central heating in order to save money. However, many do not consider what will happen if their boiler breaks down, needing costly repairs or replacing altogether.
"If your boiler fails it can be frighteningly expensive to replace – an extra outlay that consumers can ill afford in the run up to Christmas. Furthermore, if the money to pay for repairs is not immediately available then you can be left without basic amenities like hot water and heat fro your home for some time.
"Boiler cover can offer homeowners the peace of mind that their central heating system will be repaired swiftly without having to fork out a huge amount. So if your boiler is looking a bit long in the tooth, we would urge you to compare boiler insurance deals and get covered.
"Remember - you are not obliged to take out cover from your energy supplier and whilst there are some expensive insurance plans out there, with a little research you needn't pay over the odds."
Energychoices.co.uk's top tips for choosing boiler cover:
1. Do you actually need cover? – If you are only renting, it is your landlord's responsibility to take out boiler insurance and have it repaired if it breaks down. If you own your own home and already have buildings and contents insurance, it is worth checking if your boiler is already covered, or if at least part of the cost is already met in the event of any emergency repairs.
2. Had a boiler fitted recently? – If your boiler is quite new, it may already be covered under warranty. Check the paperwork to see how long you are covered for, otherwise you may end up paying out for boiler cover that you simply don't need.
3. Check the age of your boiler – Most boiler plans exclude models that are over 15 years old, and any models older than 7 years may have to undergo an inspection. Remember to check that your particular brand is covered as some of the older makes are sometimes excluded.
4. 'Boiler only' or 'full heating system' cover? – The cheapest boiler insurance policies only cover the cost of the boiler and controls but if you are willing to shell out a little extra you can ensure cover for your entire heating system, including radiators and pipes.
5. What is considered an emergency? – Some insurance providers don't think that a lack of hot water constitutes an emergency, whilst others will only rush to fix your boiler in the winter months. Make sure you know exactly what your boiler insurance provider considers an emergency so you aren't left waiting around in the cold for them to get around to fixing your boiler.
6. No claims period – Most new plans have a no-claims period to prevent people signing up on the day their boiler breaks down and then making a claim. The majority of no-claims periods last 30 days so bear in mind that you won't be covered during that time.
7. Compare suppliers – It is essential to shop around for a policy using a reliable price comparison site as there is a huge variation in prices and features for boiler insurance. Remember: the cheapest cover may not necessarily be the best value so make sure you read the small print BEFORE you sign up.
FACTFILE:
Energychoices.co.uk was launched in 2005 and offers comprehensive and impartial advice on home energy services.
At Energychoices.co.uk you can research and compare offers on gas and electricity suppliers and learn how to get more from your existing energy supplier.
They also offer advice on a range of boiler, heating, electrical and draining cover options and everything from choosing the right boiler to how to get your boiler serviced.
Whatever your needs, Energychoices.co.uk offers a fair and unbiased view of the market, looking at long term value and price savings on gas and electricity bills above the marketing hype.
Jon Ingram, product director at Energychoices.co.uk commented: "UK consumers everywhere are tightening their belts with many households waiting until the last possible moment before switching on the central heating in order to save money. However, many do not consider what will happen if their boiler breaks down, needing costly repairs or replacing altogether.
"If your boiler fails it can be frighteningly expensive to replace – an extra outlay that consumers can ill afford in the run up to Christmas. Furthermore, if the money to pay for repairs is not immediately available then you can be left without basic amenities like hot water and heat fro your home for some time.
"Boiler cover can offer homeowners the peace of mind that their central heating system will be repaired swiftly without having to fork out a huge amount. So if your boiler is looking a bit long in the tooth, we would urge you to compare boiler insurance deals and get covered.
"Remember - you are not obliged to take out cover from your energy supplier and whilst there are some expensive insurance plans out there, with a little research you needn't pay over the odds."
Energychoices.co.uk's top tips for choosing boiler cover:
1. Do you actually need cover? – If you are only renting, it is your landlord's responsibility to take out boiler insurance and have it repaired if it breaks down. If you own your own home and already have buildings and contents insurance, it is worth checking if your boiler is already covered, or if at least part of the cost is already met in the event of any emergency repairs.
2. Had a boiler fitted recently? – If your boiler is quite new, it may already be covered under warranty. Check the paperwork to see how long you are covered for, otherwise you may end up paying out for boiler cover that you simply don't need.
3. Check the age of your boiler – Most boiler plans exclude models that are over 15 years old, and any models older than 7 years may have to undergo an inspection. Remember to check that your particular brand is covered as some of the older makes are sometimes excluded.
4. 'Boiler only' or 'full heating system' cover? – The cheapest boiler insurance policies only cover the cost of the boiler and controls but if you are willing to shell out a little extra you can ensure cover for your entire heating system, including radiators and pipes.
5. What is considered an emergency? – Some insurance providers don't think that a lack of hot water constitutes an emergency, whilst others will only rush to fix your boiler in the winter months. Make sure you know exactly what your boiler insurance provider considers an emergency so you aren't left waiting around in the cold for them to get around to fixing your boiler.
6. No claims period – Most new plans have a no-claims period to prevent people signing up on the day their boiler breaks down and then making a claim. The majority of no-claims periods last 30 days so bear in mind that you won't be covered during that time.
7. Compare suppliers – It is essential to shop around for a policy using a reliable price comparison site as there is a huge variation in prices and features for boiler insurance. Remember: the cheapest cover may not necessarily be the best value so make sure you read the small print BEFORE you sign up.
FACTFILE:
Energychoices.co.uk was launched in 2005 and offers comprehensive and impartial advice on home energy services.
At Energychoices.co.uk you can research and compare offers on gas and electricity suppliers and learn how to get more from your existing energy supplier.
They also offer advice on a range of boiler, heating, electrical and draining cover options and everything from choosing the right boiler to how to get your boiler serviced.
Whatever your needs, Energychoices.co.uk offers a fair and unbiased view of the market, looking at long term value and price savings on gas and electricity bills above the marketing hype.
Monday 17 October 2011
That's Beauty and Living: Hope & Glory 2012 - the new collection of natural ...
That's Beauty and Living: Hope & Glory 2012 - the new collection of natural ...: Heyland & Whittle , the British Soap and Herbal Merchants, have created a new line of products, apt...
Thursday 13 October 2011
That's Christmas: Say it with Ceramics this Christmas with Gallery T...
That's Christmas: Say it with Ceramics this Christmas with Gallery T...: Personalised Tree decorations, various sizes and shapes, from £15. These hand-painted ceramic Christmas decorations from Gallery Thea can ...
Wednesday 12 October 2011
Paying off credit card debt
Equifax, is providing an insight into the current state of consumer credit card debt.
“We conducted research earlier this year amongst customers of our credit report services”, said Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax. “Of the 2,380 respondents to the survey, 91% said they use credit cards with 30% of those having two and over 20% having three.
“What was particularly interesting was that nearly a quarter (24.6%) had a current outstanding balance of between £1,000 and £5,000 and nearly 30% said they pay off less than 25% of the balance or the minimum payment each month. And when we asked how long they envisaged it would take them to clear their credit card debt, over 1 in 5 said more than a year.
“With nearly two thirds (63.1%) saying they use their credit cards for everyday living expenses, this does seem to suggest that credit card debt plays a fundamental role in day to day family finances.”
The Equifax research looked at credit card usage around the UK. Whilst the regional variances aren’t particularly great they do illustrate the considerable dependency on some form of credit for many UK households.
Regionally consumers in Wales rely the most on their credit cards for fuel payments at 68.2%. Perhaps not surprisingly, Londoners use their credit cards the least across the UK for fuel payments – at 43.4% - probably because they are less reliant on their cars in the City. However, it is Southerners (Londoners and those in the South East) who make the most use of their credit cards for everyday living expenses at 67% and 69% respectively.
“With inflation continuing to rise, it’s not surprising that many families need to resort to using their credit cards for more and more living expenses”, continued Neil Munroe. “But we believe this does highlight just how important it is to keep on top of credit commitments overall.
“However, we recommend people should not use credit cards for long term financing due to the high interest rates that can be incurred. And if a person does decide to take out a credit card with an interest free period, they should make sure the debt taken on during that period is manageable, as it can easily spiral out of control. This is especially true if it has a balance transfer offer too, as the rate of interest could be higher after the free term than the previous credit card,” concludes Munroe.
To easily access your Equifax Credit Report visit www.equifax.co.uk where it is designed to help individuals understand their credit file. It also includes expert tips and advice to help consumers take the right steps to manage their finances and navigate through life’s challenges. If the customer does not cancel before the end of the 30 Day Free Trial, the service will continue at £6.99 per month, giving them unlimited online access to their credit information and weekly alerts on any changes to their credit file. It also includes an online dispute facility to help them correct any errors on their credit file simply and quickly.
“We conducted research earlier this year amongst customers of our credit report services”, said Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax. “Of the 2,380 respondents to the survey, 91% said they use credit cards with 30% of those having two and over 20% having three.
“What was particularly interesting was that nearly a quarter (24.6%) had a current outstanding balance of between £1,000 and £5,000 and nearly 30% said they pay off less than 25% of the balance or the minimum payment each month. And when we asked how long they envisaged it would take them to clear their credit card debt, over 1 in 5 said more than a year.
“With nearly two thirds (63.1%) saying they use their credit cards for everyday living expenses, this does seem to suggest that credit card debt plays a fundamental role in day to day family finances.”
The Equifax research looked at credit card usage around the UK. Whilst the regional variances aren’t particularly great they do illustrate the considerable dependency on some form of credit for many UK households.
Regionally consumers in Wales rely the most on their credit cards for fuel payments at 68.2%. Perhaps not surprisingly, Londoners use their credit cards the least across the UK for fuel payments – at 43.4% - probably because they are less reliant on their cars in the City. However, it is Southerners (Londoners and those in the South East) who make the most use of their credit cards for everyday living expenses at 67% and 69% respectively.
“With inflation continuing to rise, it’s not surprising that many families need to resort to using their credit cards for more and more living expenses”, continued Neil Munroe. “But we believe this does highlight just how important it is to keep on top of credit commitments overall.
“However, we recommend people should not use credit cards for long term financing due to the high interest rates that can be incurred. And if a person does decide to take out a credit card with an interest free period, they should make sure the debt taken on during that period is manageable, as it can easily spiral out of control. This is especially true if it has a balance transfer offer too, as the rate of interest could be higher after the free term than the previous credit card,” concludes Munroe.
To easily access your Equifax Credit Report visit www.equifax.co.uk where it is designed to help individuals understand their credit file. It also includes expert tips and advice to help consumers take the right steps to manage their finances and navigate through life’s challenges. If the customer does not cancel before the end of the 30 Day Free Trial, the service will continue at £6.99 per month, giving them unlimited online access to their credit information and weekly alerts on any changes to their credit file. It also includes an online dispute facility to help them correct any errors on their credit file simply and quickly.
Monday 10 October 2011
Un Dimanche à Paris Wallpaper Brand new from Caroline McGrath
Stylish lifestyle website Caroline McGrath has added the brand new Famille Summerbelle ‘Un Dimanche à Paris’ Wallpaper collection to their range of contemporary wall coverings.
Un Dimanche à Paris Wallpaper is a reflection of French designer Julie Marabelle's Paris. She has a young family and they spend a lot of time either in the park, strolling around shops or finding new restaurants. The design includes some family favourites: the small boating lake of Jardin du Luxembourg, one of the many enchanting carousels dotted around the city, the beautiful buildings of Haussmann and of course, La Tour Eiffel!
Design: Un Dimanche à Paris
Roll Size: 10.05m x 52cm
Colour: Red/Blue or Silver/Yellow
Non-woven paper
Printed in the UK with hand mixed non-toxic water based ink on 100% renewably sourced FSC certified paper.
That's Christmas: Ideal Home Show at Christmas Preview
That's Christmas: Ideal Home Show at Christmas Preview: The Ideal Home Show is launching a festive edition of Britain’s best loved home show. The first ever Ideal Home Show at Christmas will take ...
That's Christmas: Be the first to enjoy an Airwick Chirstmas candle ...
That's Christmas: Be the first to enjoy an Airwick Chirstmas candle ...: There's a funky and totally innovative NEW Air Wick Touch of Luxury colour change candles that will create the perfect Christmas atmosphere!...
Raychem’s FrostGuard stop condensing boiler drainage pipes freezing!
Raychem has introduced FrostGuard, its innovative new energy efficient heating cable kit to stop condensing boilers drainage pipes freezing. Cold temperatures can result in a major increase in frozen condensate drainage pipes and if the pipe is blocked it can stop the condensate flowing away causing the boiler to shut off, just when it’s needed most.
Raychem FrostGuard is easily fixed either in or onto the condensate pipe to prevent it from freezing. In includes smart self-regulating technology which means in very cold conditions, the heater cable produces more heat and in milder freezing conditions, less heat. The system offers freeze protection and energy efficiency whilst the simple Plug ‘n’ Play system requires no specialist electrical knowledge. Simply plug into the electrical socket and fix to the pipe.
FrostGuard is available in a variety of lengths ranging from 2-25m and has a plug and cold lead to eliminate the need for electrical wiring.
For details please contact: Tyco Thermal Controls,
3 Rutherford Road, Stephenson Ind. Est., Washington, Tyne & Wear NE37 3HX
Call (UK) 0800 969013 Fax: 0800 968624 Email: SalesUK@tycothermal.com
Terry’s Fabrics Aim to Offer a Well Rounded Service
As the winter months edge ever closer and the nights begin to draw in homeowners throughout the UK are considering ways to make their home cosier as they prepare to spend a lot more time indoors. The new Autumn/winter range at Terry’s Fabrics is designed particularly for this purpose and as well as stocking some great products they have also prepared some informative blogs to help customers get the most out of their living space this winter.
As well as giving customers the ideas and inspiration for interior design they hope to complete a well rounded service that includes being competitive on price. The site recently decided to give customers the chance to find their products cheaper from other suppliers and if they managed to Terry’s Fabrics stated that they would lower their prices to beat their competitors.
Terry’s Fabrics is also known for putting their social networking presence to full use and in recent months has been encouraging their customers to join them on sites such as Twitter. This has created a great opportunity for the company to dialogue with consumers and see’s them offer guidance and answer questions about interior design.
As well as giving customers the ideas and inspiration for interior design they hope to complete a well rounded service that includes being competitive on price. The site recently decided to give customers the chance to find their products cheaper from other suppliers and if they managed to Terry’s Fabrics stated that they would lower their prices to beat their competitors.
Terry’s Fabrics is also known for putting their social networking presence to full use and in recent months has been encouraging their customers to join them on sites such as Twitter. This has created a great opportunity for the company to dialogue with consumers and see’s them offer guidance and answer questions about interior design.
Customers have also been using the sites to review the products and service that Terrys Fabrics offers which in turn has helped them to become more effective in meeting customers’ needs. Ito learn more about Terry’s Fabrics and the products that are available like Terrys Curtains, fabrics and blinds click here to link to the site.
Sunday 9 October 2011
Black & Decker® Back on TV
Black & Decker®, the world’s largest producer of power tools and accessories is extending its 2011 national TV advertising campaign to support the launch of the new orb-it® Dustbuster.
The original TV campaign aired in May this year announcing the launch of the Autoselect® Steam Mop and has been re-worked to include ten seconds of additional footage to unveil the soon to launch orb-it®. Airing in prime time slots from 17th October, the thirty second ad will run for six weeks demonstrating Black & Decker’s® commitment to driving growth in the expanding small household appliance market.
The theme for the first section of the ad is ‘discover hidden genius on the floor, not hidden bacteria’, and features two young children playing on the floor, accompanied by text descriptors of their future careers once their hidden genius has been nurtured and they have grown up. The ad shows parents that, with the Black & Decker® Autoselect® Steam Mop, they can be safe in the knowledge that their floors are 99.9% bacteria free and their children are safe playing on the floor, simply being kids and developing their talent.
The orb-it® is then introduced with a series of product shots showcasing the 4.8v sphere shaped Dustbuster in open and closed positions and changing between several of the six available colours. The orb-it® is then demonstrated cleaning dust and small spillages from a number of areas around the home, such as the couch, computer keyboard, piano and kitchen worktop. The accompanying voice over explains that this lightweight and compact Dustbuster ‘is ideal for those quick clean ups around the office and home’. The ad also demonstrates to viewers that the side flap easily opens to ensure hassle free emptying.
The closing shot shows the orb-it® in the forefront of a relaxed household scene with the slogan ‘make life easier’. Logos of retailers where the orb-it® is sold are shown across the bottom of the screen, including Argos, amazon, Comet, Currys, Robert Dyas and B&Q.
Black & Decker® Marketing Director David Osborne said: “We’re thrilled to be back on TV and the new ad is a significant investment for Black & Decker®. Our Autoselect® Steam Mop and orb-it® Dustbuster are the latest launches in the household category, offering consumers innovative and quality products that they can trust, a characteristic that Black & Decker® is synonymous with.”
The original TV campaign aired in May this year announcing the launch of the Autoselect® Steam Mop and has been re-worked to include ten seconds of additional footage to unveil the soon to launch orb-it®. Airing in prime time slots from 17th October, the thirty second ad will run for six weeks demonstrating Black & Decker’s® commitment to driving growth in the expanding small household appliance market.
The theme for the first section of the ad is ‘discover hidden genius on the floor, not hidden bacteria’, and features two young children playing on the floor, accompanied by text descriptors of their future careers once their hidden genius has been nurtured and they have grown up. The ad shows parents that, with the Black & Decker® Autoselect® Steam Mop, they can be safe in the knowledge that their floors are 99.9% bacteria free and their children are safe playing on the floor, simply being kids and developing their talent.
The orb-it® is then introduced with a series of product shots showcasing the 4.8v sphere shaped Dustbuster in open and closed positions and changing between several of the six available colours. The orb-it® is then demonstrated cleaning dust and small spillages from a number of areas around the home, such as the couch, computer keyboard, piano and kitchen worktop. The accompanying voice over explains that this lightweight and compact Dustbuster ‘is ideal for those quick clean ups around the office and home’. The ad also demonstrates to viewers that the side flap easily opens to ensure hassle free emptying.
The closing shot shows the orb-it® in the forefront of a relaxed household scene with the slogan ‘make life easier’. Logos of retailers where the orb-it® is sold are shown across the bottom of the screen, including Argos, amazon, Comet, Currys, Robert Dyas and B&Q.
Black & Decker® Marketing Director David Osborne said: “We’re thrilled to be back on TV and the new ad is a significant investment for Black & Decker®. Our Autoselect® Steam Mop and orb-it® Dustbuster are the latest launches in the household category, offering consumers innovative and quality products that they can trust, a characteristic that Black & Decker® is synonymous with.”
Tuesday 4 October 2011
Confused.com reveals that overvaluing possessions could lead to a higher insurance premium
According to research by Confused.com, in 2011, the average amount people are valuing their home contents at is £50,000 with the most expensive value being £5 million. Some of the most unusual items insured in 2011 included an astronaut autograph collection, a hot tub and a signed 1966 world cup final programme.
But Confused.com are warning that although these possessions may mean the world to their owners, getting them valued correctly is essential as people may be paying more for their home insurance than they should be.
With the economy taking a turn for the worst, Confused.com is urging homeowners to be money savvy and remember that home insurers will only pay out the market value of an item, so it is false economy to insure your contents for more than they are worth.
Mark Gabriel, Head of Home Insurance at Confused.com said: "People always ask whether they need home insurance. Home insurance gives peace of mind should the worst happen. Everyone places a different value on their possessions but getting the right amount of cover is important.
"Do your research when valuing your home contents as you want to make sure you are not over-estimating and paying a larger insurance premium than you should be. On the flip side, one of the most common problems is under-insurance for contents because many people do not realise the value of possessions.
"There is so much competition when it comes to home insurance providers on the market today, so use a price comparison website to ensure that you get a great deal and get your worldly possessions insured, no matter how unusual they are."
Npower wins Best in Sector for its call centres in the North East and around the UK
Awarded top spot in the prestigious 'best in sector' class for utilities and the silver medal position in the 'large contact centre' category, overall npower was awarded 21st spot in the league of 50.
Julie Jaglowski, customer services director at npower, said: "This is a really proud moment for everyone who works in our contact centres. It's external recognition of what we already know: that we are dedicated and passionate about helping our customers and making sure that they experience a first class service.
"It's testament to the hard work that everyone puts in. This year we've worked really hard on continuing to improve our service and keeping our focus as we strive for a five-star service. This reward shows that it's paying off.
"Everyone in our team should feel very proud of this award. Whether it's battling through harsh winters or re-training on our new Atlas systems - our teams have remained committed to serving our customers with outstanding commitment. Well done to everyone - it's a great achievement".
The award culminated in three months of mystery shopping carried out by independent researchers, measuring npower against a range of criteria including: knowledge; personalisation; professionalism and timeliness.
The calls reflected all types of enquires at various times of the day - including customer account queries and those wanting to know more about the products and services.
Collecting the award on behalf of npower, Chris Rainsforth, quality manager said: "I was really honoured to collect the award on behalf of everyone who has worked so hard over the last 12 months.
“I shall be bringing the award back very carefully this afternoon - and promise not to leave it on the train."
Kevin McCullough, npower’s chief operating officer, added: "This is superb news - and well deserved. As part of my Undercover Boss filming just a few weeks' ago, I experienced first-hand just how challenging working in a contact centre can be, so I am full of admiration for the great work that the teams have achieved.
"Customer Service remains a priority and this award has given us the recognition of the great customer experience we're striving to achieve. Well done to everyone involved".
(EDITOR: Interesting. This description of an npower call centre as a beacon of excellence is not one recognised by all of their customers. For example, the married journalists who run That's Home and Household.)
That's Food and Drink: In the mood for some baking? Leisure Range Cooker ...
That's Food and Drink: In the mood for some baking? Leisure Range Cooker ...: Range cooker specialist, Leisure, has enlisted the assistance of TV chef Jo Pratt to create a si...
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