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

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

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.

Monday 19 December 2011

It's shabby, it's chic, it's huge! And now it's online

Shabby Chic FurnitureWith 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.
The pieces have been chosen for their inspiration from designs often originating from inherited, antique pieces and from discarded items or findings in flea markets.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Sunday 4 December 2011

npower urges homeowners to prepare for cold temperatures

npower has revealed that it received an 80 per cent increase in call outs to homes with broken boilers last year and as a result, is urging homeowners to properly prepare themselves in preparation for the cold winter months ahead.

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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