Tuesday 28 February 2012
That's Entertainment News: White on! Mountech brings first all white TV wall ...
That's Entertainment News: White on! Mountech brings first all white TV wall ...: The ‘Pure White’ range by Mountech has been developed to give a wider choice when selecting a wall mount to suit the...
Monday 27 February 2012
March is National Bed Month
70% of Brits don’t believe they are getting enough sleep
52% think a bad mattress could be to blame
37% take less than 5 minutes to choose a new mattress
34% of women blame their partners hogging of the duvet for disturbed sleep
March is National Bed Month, a month-long celebration dedicated to the importance of a good night’s rest - so with approaching days getting longer (the clocks go forward by one hour on March 26th) the importance of quality sleep in your life is a hot health topic.
A recent study of 3,000 adults in the UK by home furnishings experts IKEA shows nearly three quarters (72%) take under ten minutes to choose the mattress they are likely to sleep on for the next eight years. In fact a third of those questioned make this crucial decision in less than five minutes. According to the research, that’s the same amount of time people take choosing their lunch each day.
The main reason behind these hasty purchases appears be the great British reserve, which research shows is alive and well as nearly a third (31%) of those surveyed admitted to feeling shy and embarrassed when testing a mattress. A further 26% admitted that they would be too embarrassed to even lie down on a mattress in-store before purchasing it.
Bedroom experts IKEA recommend testing a mattress properly by lying down on it, moving into different positions and simulating sleep for a minimum of 10 minutes. Yet bedroom shy Brits regularly avoid these practices. IKEA found that only 15% of couples would lie down on a mattress to test it together, with an even shyer percentage (9%) believing the best method to test a mattress before buying it was to push down with their hands or to sit on the edge for a few moments.
Sleep expert Jim Horne believes our British reserve could be keeping us up at night. He says, "I’ve always been puzzled why people spend so little time choosing a bed when they are going to spend maybe a third of their daily lives in such close contact with it. During sleep the body relaxes, so it’s important that when choosing a mattress one takes time to physically and mentally loosen up and test it properly."
Pippa Swain, IKEA UK and Ireland bedrooms manager, adds, “Our research shows that the great British reserve is alive and well, with embarrassment and shyness preventing customers from finding the right mattress for their sleeping behaviour. But when you’re going to live with your mattress for such a long time, it’s important to take the time to choose one that you’re comfortable with.”
FACTFILE:
IKEA have launched a new free 'happy to bed' mobile app, that sends you to bed at the perfect time and in the perfect mood for sleep. It monitors sleep patterns and offers hints and tips to make all the difference to getting a good night’s kip. The app can be downloaded free at http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/happy-to-bed/id488685327?mt=8
Use the IKEA online tool to get some tips and ideas of what type of mattress would suit you at http://www.IKEA.co.uk/mattressguide. IKEA offer a ‘try it at home’ service where you can try your mattress out for 90 days at home, and if it’s not right you can bring it back and change it for another one. IKEA mattresses also come with a free 25 year guarantee.
IKEA was established in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad at the age of 17, in Småland, Sweden.
IKEA is the world’s leading home furnishing retailer with a grand total of 280 IKEA stores in 26 countries/territories that are visited by 626 million people every year. IKEA UK has 18 stores and IKEA Ireland has 1 store. The first IKEA store in the UK was opened in Warrington in 1987.
The IKEA Group has 127,000 co-workers in 40 different countries over four continents. 103,500 in Europe, 15,500 in North America and 8,000 in Asia and Australia. There are 9,000 employees currently working at IKEA UK and Ireland organisation.
IKEA has a range of 9,500 different home furnishing products.
Sales for the IKEA Group for the financial year 2010 increased by 1.7 per cent to a total of 23.1 billion euros. Despite the tough economic climate, IKEA UK & Ireland has reported that total sales for the year to 31 August 2010 rose by 1.1% to £1.2 billion.
Last year, IKEA stores welcomed a total of 712 million visitors across the world and IKEA had 42.3 million visitors in the UK stores
Last year, the annual IKEA catalogue was printed in 197 million copies, 61 editions and in 29 languages. In total, the catalogue was read by 400 million people in 41 countries. Ingvar Kamprad penned all the text himself until 1963.
(EDITOR: Don't forget the Swedish cheeses in the Ikea Food Court!)
52% think a bad mattress could be to blame
37% take less than 5 minutes to choose a new mattress
34% of women blame their partners hogging of the duvet for disturbed sleep
March is National Bed Month, a month-long celebration dedicated to the importance of a good night’s rest - so with approaching days getting longer (the clocks go forward by one hour on March 26th) the importance of quality sleep in your life is a hot health topic.
A recent study of 3,000 adults in the UK by home furnishings experts IKEA shows nearly three quarters (72%) take under ten minutes to choose the mattress they are likely to sleep on for the next eight years. In fact a third of those questioned make this crucial decision in less than five minutes. According to the research, that’s the same amount of time people take choosing their lunch each day.
The main reason behind these hasty purchases appears be the great British reserve, which research shows is alive and well as nearly a third (31%) of those surveyed admitted to feeling shy and embarrassed when testing a mattress. A further 26% admitted that they would be too embarrassed to even lie down on a mattress in-store before purchasing it.
Bedroom experts IKEA recommend testing a mattress properly by lying down on it, moving into different positions and simulating sleep for a minimum of 10 minutes. Yet bedroom shy Brits regularly avoid these practices. IKEA found that only 15% of couples would lie down on a mattress to test it together, with an even shyer percentage (9%) believing the best method to test a mattress before buying it was to push down with their hands or to sit on the edge for a few moments.
Sleep expert Jim Horne believes our British reserve could be keeping us up at night. He says, "I’ve always been puzzled why people spend so little time choosing a bed when they are going to spend maybe a third of their daily lives in such close contact with it. During sleep the body relaxes, so it’s important that when choosing a mattress one takes time to physically and mentally loosen up and test it properly."
Pippa Swain, IKEA UK and Ireland bedrooms manager, adds, “Our research shows that the great British reserve is alive and well, with embarrassment and shyness preventing customers from finding the right mattress for their sleeping behaviour. But when you’re going to live with your mattress for such a long time, it’s important to take the time to choose one that you’re comfortable with.”
FACTFILE:
IKEA have launched a new free 'happy to bed' mobile app, that sends you to bed at the perfect time and in the perfect mood for sleep. It monitors sleep patterns and offers hints and tips to make all the difference to getting a good night’s kip. The app can be downloaded free at http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/happy-to-bed/id488685327?mt=8
Use the IKEA online tool to get some tips and ideas of what type of mattress would suit you at http://www.IKEA.co.uk/mattressguide. IKEA offer a ‘try it at home’ service where you can try your mattress out for 90 days at home, and if it’s not right you can bring it back and change it for another one. IKEA mattresses also come with a free 25 year guarantee.
IKEA was established in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad at the age of 17, in Småland, Sweden.
IKEA is the world’s leading home furnishing retailer with a grand total of 280 IKEA stores in 26 countries/territories that are visited by 626 million people every year. IKEA UK has 18 stores and IKEA Ireland has 1 store. The first IKEA store in the UK was opened in Warrington in 1987.
The IKEA Group has 127,000 co-workers in 40 different countries over four continents. 103,500 in Europe, 15,500 in North America and 8,000 in Asia and Australia. There are 9,000 employees currently working at IKEA UK and Ireland organisation.
IKEA has a range of 9,500 different home furnishing products.
Sales for the IKEA Group for the financial year 2010 increased by 1.7 per cent to a total of 23.1 billion euros. Despite the tough economic climate, IKEA UK & Ireland has reported that total sales for the year to 31 August 2010 rose by 1.1% to £1.2 billion.
Last year, IKEA stores welcomed a total of 712 million visitors across the world and IKEA had 42.3 million visitors in the UK stores
Last year, the annual IKEA catalogue was printed in 197 million copies, 61 editions and in 29 languages. In total, the catalogue was read by 400 million people in 41 countries. Ingvar Kamprad penned all the text himself until 1963.
(EDITOR: Don't forget the Swedish cheeses in the Ikea Food Court!)
That's Gardening: EPDM waterproof roofing supplier increases capacit...
That's Gardening: EPDM waterproof roofing supplier increases capacit...: Alan Williams at AAC Waterproof Roofing WATERPROOF roofing specialist AAC has invested £65,000 in a second vulcanising machine t...
Sunday 26 February 2012
Any Home Can Be A Smart Home
These features range from an intruder alarm system integrated with lighting control plus control of heating, air conditioning and appliances, curtains, blinds, audio and video - all working together in an intelligent way.
Once the appropriate wiring is installed, however, householders can choose to start modestly with, say, a basic home security system and add to it in stages to suit their needs and budgets.
As home-owners' comfort standards rise they ask why they shouldn't have the convenient and easily-managed technology in their own homes that they have in their cars. And the answer is - no reason at all.
Here are some of the functions that systems can provide:
Monitor and control security, lighting and heating status from anywhere in the world using a telephone or smart phone app.
Switch on the garden lights automatically based on Time schedules
Create atmosphere with varied lighting scenes
"Magic" a hidden TV from a faux bookcase
Heat up the bath water Hear a reminder on a talking keypad
Open or close the curtains or blinds Have lighting and appliances respond automatically to alarms or security events.
On a computer screen look all around the house
Talk to a visitor at the door before letting them in from a keypad, home phone, or from your mobile when you are out.
An effective security system can be a springboard to providing a wider range of home technology when a multi-function system is installed, transforming the house into an intelligent one.
For example, movements in any of the zones in the house, opening, closing of doors and windows or specific alarms such as Intruder, Fire and Power Failure can be linked to lighting and other sub-systems in the home. The security sensors can do much more within a home automation system. For example, sensors in the home can include Motion, Doors, Windows, Temperature and Light and they act as eyes and ears for the system.
An automated home with integrated security can, for example:
In Holiday Mode, the lights and music switch on at chosen times in the day or night to give the impression that the owners are in when they are out.
When the single control opens or closes the automatic garage doors and gates, the security system is armed or disarmed simultaneously.
Home heating or air conditioning can be switched on or off automatically or adjusted when the security system is armed to Away or Night Mode or by Time Programmes.
Schedules or Time Programmes allow automatic control of security, lighting and other appliances. These can be used to automatically arm the security system and switch off selected lights at night, and, for example, to water the garden.
Automatic adjustment of daylight savings time changes is also a very useful feature for Time programmes as it removes the need to remember to change the time manually.
Motion sensors in certain areas in the home can trigger the alarm in Away mode, but can turn on certain lights in Night mode, and switch them off automatically when motion is not detected for a period of time.
External motion sensors can switch on lights and trigger a recorded warning message.
Lights and Music
The most common component of a home automation system is often lighting, where one of more lights can be controlled by electronic switches, keypads or remote controls. Such lighting systems may be bus-based like KNX (www.knx.org) or C-Bus (by Schneider) where electronic low voltage switches are connected in a bus throughout the house, and the lighting loads are connected directly to relays or actuators rather than through electrical light switches. Bus lighting systems are very reliable and have very extensive functionality.
Lights and appliances can also be connected using the AC outlets and Power Line Technology like X10 and its variants, although this is more suitable for non-essential items like plug-in devices due to problems caused by noise on the power line. Other lighting products communicate by wireless means like Infrared and RF signals. Wireless technologies used in home automation including products complying to the Zigbee and Zwave standards are becoming more widely available.
Sound and entertainment multi-room systems controlled by touchscreens and keypads that also control lighting with mood scenes and underfloor heating are typically installed in higher end homes, though any more modestly sized house can be a candidate for basic automation.
Energy Saving - Cost Saving
A key issue in the sustainability and energy conservation debate is how home energy consumption can be controlled, monitored and importantly, reduced. Home energy use can be simply controlled by a home automation system that monitors heating, lighting, appliances, curtains and blinds and adjusts to individual conditions in the house. Greater home energy efficiency can be achieved with daylight controls, occupancy sensors and more accurate control of the heating system. Home heating or cooling settings can be changed remotely by phone or computer if weather conditions change suddenly.
Assistive Living
Forecasts of the increasingly ageing population flag up another key sector where home automation can play a vital part. There are now more over 60's than under 18's in the UK - a common global trend. Assisted living for the older generation, and for those with disabilities, can be provided via buildings with fully functioning interactive smart facilities. The pressure that this growing older population will put on healthcare is predicted by some experts to indicate that breaking point could be close without drastic action.
However smart home automation can alleviate many of these fears by providing a host of benefits. These include an interactive voice menu that can be controlled from any remote or home telephone. The real time status of lights and appliances can be announced before switching anything on or off. Reminder messages and voice announcements can be played back by talking keypads or phone, for example, to remind the user to take medicine, as a wake-up call, or warn if any motion is detected in the home.
Importantly the system can dial out to carers or family members if there is no activity in the home for a longer than usual period of time. The carer can talk to the person in the house via any of the keypads and an emergency button on the keypad can force a dial-out to a helper. And as smart networks develop online contact between the user and their GP becomes interactive as does diagnosis and treatment.
A key concern for older people is that of security in the home. A door station with a camera allows the person at home to speak with the visitor and see them before opening the door. The door is opened via any phone or keypad in the house and if no-one is home the caller is diverted to the home-owner's mobile.
MadebyHandsofBritain.com Welcomes New Established And Emerging Artists To Its Online Artisan Boutique
Made by Hands of Britain, the online marketplace featuring the finest in British craft and design for home and garden is pleased to welcome a number of notable established and emerging artists and craftspeople to its online artisan boutique and community. Renowned newly-joined artists include: Bronagh Kennedy, Mary Kaun English, Julia Crossland, Ruth McLees and Caroline Watts.
Inspired by a love and appreciation for British craft and design, Gillian Montegrande founded the award-winning website as a means to promote and support the recent resurgence of both contemporary and traditional art and craft. The website brings over 200 of Britain's finest artisans together under one virtual roof, to offer discerning customers a unique gallery of beautifully honed and expertly crafted items for both everyday use and for inspiring gifts.
Among the newly-joined artists are London-based Bronagh Kennedy, who creates limited edition art prints inspired by her career as an urban designer and the built and natural environment; artist and illustrator Julia Crossland who creates coastal inspired paintings and colourful naïve art on canvas and with textiles.
"The move toward gracing our homes with beautiful, well-made items is becoming increasingly evident, as we seek to make more considered and authentic purchases," said Gillian Montegrande, founder of madebyhandsofbritain.com. "We are so pleased to be able to welcome such a wonderful array of talented artists, who offer such beautiful and skilfully crafted works from across the artistic spectrum and disciplines."
Ruth McLees uses resin and acrylic glazes to paint figures onto vintage textile and furnishing fabrics. Her ethereal figures merge into the pattern of their surroundings, making it impossible to determine where one ends and the other begins. In addition to created pieces, the artist offers commissioned portraits painted upon the client's choice of textiles to match their interior décor.
Mary Kaun-English's Ceramics pieces will appeal to sculpture lovers and collectors alike. Her hand built clay vessels and sculptures are crafted and then fired, not in a kiln but in a pit, exposing the porous clay directly to the smoke. As the artist explains, "The resulting art works are artefacts painted by nature herself."
And for those seeking whimsical and pretty artwork for both country style and modern homes alike, Caroline Watts Embroidery, run by a Mother and Daughter team in rural North Yorkshire, produce charming pieces using the finest linen and threads in their embroidered pictures and home accessories.
To see more works by these and other artists and craftspeople visit www.madebyhandsofbritain.com.
FACTFILE:
Made by Hands of Britain, the online boutique that showcases over 200 of Britain's finest artists and craftspeople is the new destination to find a wide selection of truly unique handcrafted design items for home and garden.
Inspirational objects from across the art and craft spectrum can be found on the site ranging from visual arts pieces and sculpture, to jewellery and luxurious textiles and furnishings, couture clothing, interior furniture and accessories, to bird houses, garden structures, tools and ornaments, to delectable handmade cupcakes, chocolates, liqueurs, cheeses and everything in between.
Tailor Made Shabby Chic
Fresh from The Orchard for 2012, a new collection of fully customisable shabby chic furniture; the Brocante collection.
A broad collection of over forty individual products covering; bedroom, kitchen, study and living room. All capturing the timeless, classic look and feel of pre-loved, cherished furniture pieces of old.
Traditionally constructed from solid timbers and skilfully painted, aged and distressed to create a shabby chic look. The design of each piece drawing inspiration from French antique elegance, Shaker simplicity or New England lines.
The practical beauty in the collection is that although each piece is available in standard sizing off the workshop floor, all can be bespoke made to the customers own requirements. Furthermore the entire collection is available in a range of eleven colours from elegant and classic neutrals such as Pale Mint and Olive through to bold statement colours such as Mediterranean Blue or Burnt Orange.
The signature piece in the collection is the High Backed Three Seat Monks Bench, truly embodying pretty, practical, shabby chic style.
The Orchard, www.theorchardhomeandgifts.com vintage inspired homeware, garden and gifts.
A broad collection of over forty individual products covering; bedroom, kitchen, study and living room. All capturing the timeless, classic look and feel of pre-loved, cherished furniture pieces of old.
Traditionally constructed from solid timbers and skilfully painted, aged and distressed to create a shabby chic look. The design of each piece drawing inspiration from French antique elegance, Shaker simplicity or New England lines.
The practical beauty in the collection is that although each piece is available in standard sizing off the workshop floor, all can be bespoke made to the customers own requirements. Furthermore the entire collection is available in a range of eleven colours from elegant and classic neutrals such as Pale Mint and Olive through to bold statement colours such as Mediterranean Blue or Burnt Orange.
The signature piece in the collection is the High Backed Three Seat Monks Bench, truly embodying pretty, practical, shabby chic style.
The Orchard, www.theorchardhomeandgifts.com vintage inspired homeware, garden and gifts.
Sunday 19 February 2012
That's Green: Last Chance to Take Advantage of Higher Feed-In Ta...
That's Green: Last Chance to Take Advantage of Higher Feed-In Ta...: In recent years, solar panels have become a popular choice for homeowners. Not only because they reduce carbon footprint on the planet b...
Wednesday 15 February 2012
Best Local Home Improvement Suppliers Offered by DoubleGlazingLocal.co.uk
Dedicated home improvement website Doubleglazinglocal.co.uk can help the UK's consumers to source the best, trusted suppliers this year thanks to its in-depth, dedicated local search facility.
Doubleglazinglocal.co.uk brings consumers in need of home improvement services together with local suppliers in a trusted, online listing format. The site carries providers of everything from basic windows through to French doors.
Peter Jakubek, Interactive Director at DoubleGlazingLocal.co.uk, says, “Our local search facility is dedicated to helping Brits find the best local home improvement suppliers quickly and easily. Today's smart consumer is very much more aware of the underhand tactics employed by cold-calling companies and suppliers that promise services they cannot deliver."
"Our site only ever offers suppliers that we have approved in line with our standards and guidelines - as such our site users trust us to put them in touch with approved companies who can offer them windows, double glazing prices and more. Local search has allowed us to generate more new leads than ever and we are establishing partnerships with many more home improvement companies as a result.”
Google remains the leading player in the local search sector, but 2012 is set to see the likes of Facebook, Google Plus and Twitter offering similar dedicated services and listings. The emergence of local search as a powerful marketing tool has made local visibility more important than ever to companies.
Peter Jakubek goes on, "2012 looks like being a great year for local search and for ourselves. We have been building more relationships than ever with companies throughout the country to list them on our site - and our users trust us to only offer them honest, approved suppliers able to give them an honest service. Sourcing reliable double glazed windows prices has never been easier.”
The average UK consumer has become more aware of rogue salespeople and cold calling tactics, driving the popularity of third-party recommendation like that offered by DoubleGlazingLocal.co.uk.
About Double Glazing Local: Double Glazing Local connects homeowners with a reputable, reliable home improvement company for their home renovations. Each firm must pass a vigorous set of criteria before it can meet the strict quality guidelines set forth by DGL. Homeowners can trust the expert advice of DGL.
Doubleglazinglocal.co.uk brings consumers in need of home improvement services together with local suppliers in a trusted, online listing format. The site carries providers of everything from basic windows through to French doors.
Peter Jakubek, Interactive Director at DoubleGlazingLocal.co.uk, says, “Our local search facility is dedicated to helping Brits find the best local home improvement suppliers quickly and easily. Today's smart consumer is very much more aware of the underhand tactics employed by cold-calling companies and suppliers that promise services they cannot deliver."
"Our site only ever offers suppliers that we have approved in line with our standards and guidelines - as such our site users trust us to put them in touch with approved companies who can offer them windows, double glazing prices and more. Local search has allowed us to generate more new leads than ever and we are establishing partnerships with many more home improvement companies as a result.”
Google remains the leading player in the local search sector, but 2012 is set to see the likes of Facebook, Google Plus and Twitter offering similar dedicated services and listings. The emergence of local search as a powerful marketing tool has made local visibility more important than ever to companies.
Peter Jakubek goes on, "2012 looks like being a great year for local search and for ourselves. We have been building more relationships than ever with companies throughout the country to list them on our site - and our users trust us to only offer them honest, approved suppliers able to give them an honest service. Sourcing reliable double glazed windows prices has never been easier.”
The average UK consumer has become more aware of rogue salespeople and cold calling tactics, driving the popularity of third-party recommendation like that offered by DoubleGlazingLocal.co.uk.
About Double Glazing Local: Double Glazing Local connects homeowners with a reputable, reliable home improvement company for their home renovations. Each firm must pass a vigorous set of criteria before it can meet the strict quality guidelines set forth by DGL. Homeowners can trust the expert advice of DGL.
Compare the burglaries...
An innovative approach from Tesco Compare, an Infographic is used to represent information graphically. The new one on the site displays interesting statistics:
Did you know the most likely break-in and burglary victims are single-parent families in urban UK areas?
Alongside revealing UK burglary hotspots, the webpage also displays most sought-after items amongst burglars.
Vikki Macleod, Commercial Director of the comparison website, comments: “Infographics are an innovative way to display statistics by making them easier to understand. We aim to use more imaginative techniques to convey information – and this form of graphic is a great way to achieve this.”
In addition to unveiling most commonly-stolen objects, or when and how burglaries happen, the Infographic may give people an insight into some of the variables insurers base their home insurance premiums on. This, for example, may include the home’s location and its level of security.
What is Tesco Compare?
Launched in 2007, Tesco Compare helps people search for deals from leading car and home insurance providers. But there is more to the comparison site 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 customers can also compare quotes and deals by features according to what is important to them, not just on price.
Summing up, Vikki Macleod, said: “We look forward to continually developing the site by introducing new types of web pages to engage and help customers. By presenting them with interesting information, we intend to encourage greater interaction with Tesco Compare.”
Want to see if you could find a deal on your car and home insurance this winter? Visit www.tescocompare.com
Tuesday 14 February 2012
That's Business: Endsleigh Insurance offers advice to landlords to ...
That's Business: Endsleigh Insurance offers advice to landlords to ...: The current cold weather has led to problems for landlords with unoccupied vacant properties. As the thaw sets in Endsleigh Insurance is a...
Sunday 12 February 2012
Extra space required? Chameleon saved the day!
Top Architect Praises Chameleon Flexibility When leading architect Harry Calder was planning the design of a house in Knutsford, he was able to create two rooms in one, thanks to an innovative powered floor system.
Not that he was short of available space, but a room housing a 5m x 12 ft pool was a sizeable area and just perfect for entertaining. There was just one snag – how to cover the pool with a surface sturdy enough to withstand a room full of people.
The Chameleon ® Powered Floor System was the answer. Totally unique, it simply slides out on silent rollers at the touch of a button to seamlessly cover the pool with existing décor and flooring and when not in use, the powered floor simply slides back onto a sub-floor which can be constructed either under the house or the garden.
The south Manchester based architect, whose firm Calder Peel has offices in Altrincham and in London, is full of praise for the flexibility and functionality of the Chameleon powered floor system.
Indeed he has recently been involved in two properties where the Chameleon has been specified by the owners.
He commented: “Chameleon offers the ultimate flexibility to create space in the pool room whether the use be for a dance floor, conference or simply a big party room.
"Good design is key to creating space for a variety of different functions. In effect it future proofs the house," he said.
Harry Calder quoted the example of a large project currently under construction where the pool room can be used as a leisure suite and gym...and swiftly converted once a month into a Boardroom for major presentations seating up to 30 to 40 directors and senior managers.
Large houses such as this of around 12,500 square feet can comfortably accommodate an internal pool room which can be converted through the Chameleon System for not only business meetings but a large dining room seating up to 80 people.
He added: “The customer is buying the Chameleon for reasons of practicality and flexibility. It creates an extra room but offers a number of options that take it beyond simply being a pool cover. "
Manufactured by the Cartwright Group, a company which has more than half a century’s experience in engineering, the powered floor also cuts pool heating costs by up to 60 per cent, reducing a home’s carbon footprint.
And for families with young children, it allows parents to make the pool a completely out-of-bounds zone unless they are around to supervise.
Although originally designed for indoor use, these features make it an attractive option for owners of outdoor pools, with the additional advantage that it prevents debris blowing into the water from the garden.
For further details see website www.chameleonfloor.com
Monday 6 February 2012
That's Business: Tips for home-workers from Endsleigh Insurance
That's Business: Tips for home-workers from Endsleigh Insurance: The current job market is encouraging many people, especially working mums, to try self-employed life for the first time. Endsleigh Insur...
Thursday 2 February 2012
Saniflo helps you maximise the potential of your home
It will soon be time for a spring clean and what better than de-cluttering those large storage cupboards and adding facilities to your home!Saniflo small-bore macerator pumping systems facilitate the addition of extra amenities almost anywhere.
The unobtrusive units are easy, quick and economic to install, enabling homeowners to overcome the limitations of gravity drained plumbing and maximise the potential of their home.
The market leading company has been at the forefront of small-bore technology for over thirty years and with well over 1,000,000 products sold the company is justifiably proud of its track record.
Wherever extra facilities are needed Saniflo has a product precisely designed to fill that need. All that is needed is a water and electric power supply.
Saniflo Ltd 01494 681600
Wednesday 1 February 2012
Pray silence for Vent-Axia, winner of the Quiet Mark 2012 award!
Noisy extractor fans that irritate and keep people in a household awake could be a thing of the past, as Vent-Axia’s new Silent Fan has been awarded the Quiet Mark 2012 by the Noise Abatement Society and features on the new online Quiet Mark Directory (www.quietmark.com) launched today.
Boasting the lowest sound rating on the market operating at just 16dB(A) the Silent Fan is the quietest ever intermittent bathroom and toilet fan – a significant 75% quieter than typical intermittent bathroom fans.
A mark of approval awarded by the Noise Abatement Society, the Quiet Mark is given to world-wide manufacturers of the quietest products on the market and is validated by UK’s Association of Noise Consultants.
The objective of the initiative is to reduce noise and so achieve a healthier stress-free living and working environment. The Quiet Mark 2012 award therefore enables consumers and specifiers to make an informed choice allowing them to easily select quieter products via the newly launched on-line Quiet Mark Directory www.quietmark.com.
“We are delighted that the Vent-Axia Silent Fan has been awarded the Quiet Mark since it will allow households to easily identify a solution to noisy bathroom fans. Today with many of us leading busy lives it is more important than ever before to be able to relax in comfort and to have a good night’s sleep.
"Switching off a noisy extract fan is not the answer since this can result in mould growth and poor indoor air quality which can lead to building damage and health issues. Instead, our new Silent Fan puts an end to the issue of noisy bathroom and toilet extract fans once and for all,” said Lee Nurse, Marketing Director at Vent-Axia.
Providing stylish and silent ventilation without compromising on performance, the Silent Fan overcomes the problem of obtrusive bathroom fans, allowing households to relax in comfort free from noise-related stress. A recent survey commissioned by Vent-Axia showed that over 40% of people said that they or their children have been woken in the night by a noisy bathroom fan.
This noise can lead to households turning off their extract fans. But with condensation remaining a major problem in many homes turning off a bathroom fan can result in damage to the fabric of the properties, mould growth and poor air quality.
Gloria Elliott, CE of the Noise Abatement Society said: “People don’t use their extractor fans because they are generally irritatingly noisy, so the Vent-Axia Silent Fan will come as peaceful relief, deserving its validated Quiet Mark 2012.”
Simple to install and maintain, the Silent Fan is the perfect choice for every home. Designed for wall, ceiling, window and panel mounting it will also fit into existing 100mm ducts, making it ideal for replacement applications.
A single 100mm axial fan capable of two-speed operation the Silent fan performs at 26l/s and so comfortably meets the ventilation requirements of most bathrooms and toilets. Available as a standard model (VASF100) or as an option with an overrun timer (VASF100T) which is adjustable between 5 and 30 minutes the Silent Fan complies fully with Building Regulations Part F and L. Also compatible with low energy lighting, the Silent Fan is a true all rounder!
For further information on all products and services offered by Vent-Axia telephone 0844 856 0590.
Boasting the lowest sound rating on the market operating at just 16dB(A) the Silent Fan is the quietest ever intermittent bathroom and toilet fan – a significant 75% quieter than typical intermittent bathroom fans.
A mark of approval awarded by the Noise Abatement Society, the Quiet Mark is given to world-wide manufacturers of the quietest products on the market and is validated by UK’s Association of Noise Consultants.
The objective of the initiative is to reduce noise and so achieve a healthier stress-free living and working environment. The Quiet Mark 2012 award therefore enables consumers and specifiers to make an informed choice allowing them to easily select quieter products via the newly launched on-line Quiet Mark Directory www.quietmark.com.
“We are delighted that the Vent-Axia Silent Fan has been awarded the Quiet Mark since it will allow households to easily identify a solution to noisy bathroom fans. Today with many of us leading busy lives it is more important than ever before to be able to relax in comfort and to have a good night’s sleep.
"Switching off a noisy extract fan is not the answer since this can result in mould growth and poor indoor air quality which can lead to building damage and health issues. Instead, our new Silent Fan puts an end to the issue of noisy bathroom and toilet extract fans once and for all,” said Lee Nurse, Marketing Director at Vent-Axia.
Providing stylish and silent ventilation without compromising on performance, the Silent Fan overcomes the problem of obtrusive bathroom fans, allowing households to relax in comfort free from noise-related stress. A recent survey commissioned by Vent-Axia showed that over 40% of people said that they or their children have been woken in the night by a noisy bathroom fan.
This noise can lead to households turning off their extract fans. But with condensation remaining a major problem in many homes turning off a bathroom fan can result in damage to the fabric of the properties, mould growth and poor air quality.
Gloria Elliott, CE of the Noise Abatement Society said: “People don’t use their extractor fans because they are generally irritatingly noisy, so the Vent-Axia Silent Fan will come as peaceful relief, deserving its validated Quiet Mark 2012.”
Simple to install and maintain, the Silent Fan is the perfect choice for every home. Designed for wall, ceiling, window and panel mounting it will also fit into existing 100mm ducts, making it ideal for replacement applications.
A single 100mm axial fan capable of two-speed operation the Silent fan performs at 26l/s and so comfortably meets the ventilation requirements of most bathrooms and toilets. Available as a standard model (VASF100) or as an option with an overrun timer (VASF100T) which is adjustable between 5 and 30 minutes the Silent Fan complies fully with Building Regulations Part F and L. Also compatible with low energy lighting, the Silent Fan is a true all rounder!
For further information on all products and services offered by Vent-Axia telephone 0844 856 0590.
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