Category Archives: Reviews

Manchester is the new buy-to-let leader

Recent studies indicate that Manchester is closing the gap and catching up with London, which is currently the UK’s buy-to-let hotspot. With average rents in London set to fall by between one and two per cent, landlords are struggling to compete with cities such as Manchester.

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Economy

With an economy of over £59bn, Manchester’s economy is growing faster than any other in the UK and is now the largest outside London. With 105,000 businesses, 1.4 million employees, 7 million commuters and 96,200 students, there is a massive building boom and demand for rental properties in and around the city. With Manchester’s continued strength in the rental market, urban regeneration programmes and improvements in the transport infrastructure, investors are moving up north with a view to cashing in on the excellent buy-to-let potential and investment options.

Investment

There are two main reasons investors would be keen to get in on the act in Manchester at the moment. Firstly, they get the monthly rental income, with Manchester’s very large student base making it easy to let properties very quickly. Secondly, the capital growth on the property currently stands at around 8.34 per cent – the highest anywhere in the UK.

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Media

Besides the student base, Manchester has the biggest tech and creative centre outside London: MediaCityUK. This 200-acre development has lured young professionals from the city to live and work in a more affordable area. With over 60,000 people working in the digital and creative industries in Manchester, this sector is predicted to double in size by 2034.

Landlord

From a landlord’s perspective, students represent a lucrative rental opportunity. With rent subsidised by student loans and parents becoming guarantors, students are reliable tenants. Students usually arrange their accommodation well in advance – sometimes as much as six months – so the landlords know they won’t have any void periods. They also have opportunities for cheap landlords insurance, with specialists such as https://brokersdirect.co.uk/?product=landlords-insurance offering discounted insurance on both property and contents.

Why would you want to invest in Manchester? It has a fantastic environment for business and is a world-class city that offers people an exceptional place to live and work. It has a brilliant airport and transport infrastructure, and has attracted an incredible pool of talented people who will become tomorrow’s pioneers and creative geniuses.

How to choose the perfect chandelier

To many, the word chandelier is likely to call to mind visions of large, intricate decorative glass hangings that adorn the ceilings of historic buildings and stately homes. However, even rooms in the most modest abode can look elegant with a special piece of lighting.

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What is the right size for a chandelier?

A good way to judge which size your chandelier should be is to first measure your room in feet. Then, add the length of the room and the width of the room together. Whatever the total is, the diameter of the chandelier should be no larger than the same number in inches. For example, if your room is 11 feet long and 15 feet wide, the total would be 26 feet; your chandelier should not be any wider than 26 inches.

In terms of length, a chandelier is constrained by how tall the ceiling is. A good rule of thumb is to leave a 30-inch gap between the bottom of a chandelier and a dining room table, whereas a ceiling chandelier should leave around 7 feet of clearance from the ground.

Of course, these are just guidelines; variations on size, position and style can have a stunning impact on the way a chandelier can transform a room. Contrasting styles can produce wonderful effects with lighting just as much as it does with furniture and decor. Home decor site (Houzz.com) offers more detailed advice to help you find a chandelier that complements your room’s design perfectly.

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What is the best style?

A simple three-, four- or five-light chandelier in brushed steel can add to a minimalist, modern design, and it would fit well in a small lounge or over a kitchen dining table. The choice of bulbs and lamp shades can transform the overall appearance of the chandelier itself.

If you’re looking for grand, luxury chandeliers, you can find plenty of examples of classic, art deco and modern designs through online outlets such as http://roccoborghese.com.

You should also think about the type of light it will give – bright or dim, focused or scattered – and how it will look both in natural light as an ornamental piece and as a functioning light.

Whatever style you choose, a chandelier will certainly add a stylish finishing touch to your room’s design.

What are the most common types of student accommodation in 2018?

University is often the first serious step young people take into the world of true adult independence, and for many, this involves moving out of the family home. Although some begin their studies by moving into a university-provided hall of residence or managed rental property, a growing percentage of student accommodation is provided by the private market. In this changeable market, keeping up-to-date with current and anticipated trends is vital for those involved in it.

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Key points of the 2017 Student Accommodation Report

Provision

Thirty-thousand new bed spaces have been made available in 2017, which is the highest number ever. The increased demand for private rental property is evident.

Prices

Students who chose to live in a studio paid an average of 45 per cent more per year for the privilege than peers in en-suites.The NUS set a target of 25 per cent of all available bed spaces being pegged at £4,200 per year or less. The final figures show this only applied to 20 per cent of them.

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Clientele

Nearly a quarter of students come from outside the UK, and combined with the growing number of British residents who go to a university far away from home, the demand for student accommodation is buoyant and growing, with more young people looking for space, privacy and independence than ever before. Looking at a typical example, such as student accommodation in Gloucester, it’s easy for would-be house or flat renters to check out companies like http://studentaccommodationgloucester.co.uk/ who deal specifically with their particular market.

Changing tastes?

Nearly half of the contemporary university-provided student housing sector contains standard-sized bed spaces, and just 2 per cent are studios, compared to figures of 12 and 24 per cent in the private arena. Studios and en-suite spaces are the fastest-growing market; the demand for a larger bed space is growing rapidly.

Profits

The private rental market is strong, with a 2.9 per cent growth in rental charges from 2016 to 2017. Nearly 90 per cent of new bed spaces for the upcoming year have been provided by the private sector, so it looks set to enjoy a prolonged boom.

The year ahead

The 2017/18 academic period brings 602,000 specially-built bed spaces, with mostly private market en-suite options priced at an astonishing 8 per cent above average, causing concern.

7 ways to enjoy a relaxing Christmas

Think back to when you were a kid and Christmas was undoubtedly the most magical time of the year. Fast forward 20 years and although there is still a sparkle of magic there, it is dulled ever so slightly by the pressure of living up to the expectations of a perfect Christmas. There are, however, ways to take away the stress and enjoy the festivities. Let’s take a look.

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Don’t Overspend

It’s easy to say, especially when you have kids, but spending more than you have is never a good idea. Try not to be taken in by advertising or what your friends are buying. Spending quality time together is much better than going into debt.

Don’t Take On Too Much

You want everything to be perfect, but sometimes you have to delegate or say no if it’s becoming too much. It’s your Christmas too, so don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself.

Traditions Are Meant to Be Fun

You may feel that some traditions are sentimental, but if it causes an unnecessary amount of stress then it’s probably not worth it. Instead, put your feet up and enjoy the Christmas films that are on the box. If you do need a hand fixing your TV or are looking for TV aerials in Swansea, contact companies such as https://www.onevisionltd.co.uk/tv-aerial-installation-swansea to get you all set for the holidays.

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Be Kind to Yourself

If you’ve been watching what you eat or trying to lose weight, allow yourself a little bit of flexibility over Christmas. Preventing yourself from having treats will leave you feeling frustrated and less likely to enjoy the festivities, so give yourself a break.

Build a Snowman

If it snows, you must build a snowman. It’s a rule.

Keep It Simple

You may buy for distant relatives each year out of obligation, but the chances are they would prefer to save some money just as much as you. Keep presents for close family and friends and let others know that you’re trying to keep it simple.

Give Thoughtful Gifts

It isn’t the number of gifts that matter – it’s the thought that counts. Don’t feel guilty if you give fewer gifts this year: just try to make sure the gifts you do give are meaningful. They will be much more appreciated than cheap things purchased just to make the numbers up.

What is Sweet Itch?

Owning a horse is a very difficult and expensive time. One thing that any horse owner will tell you they require an enormous amount of care, love and attention however the rewards are significant as they incredibly loving and loyal animals. They are many health issues that confront a horse and the horse owner has to be aware of them all. A disturbing condition is Sweet Itch. Whilst this sounds benign it can cause a terrible affliction to the horse and create great discomfort to it. However, there is good news as there are proven treatments that can help prevent Sweet Itch from occurring and ease the symptoms if it is present.

So what is Sweet Itch?

Sweet Itch is a hypersensitivity that is caused by the bite of the Culicoidesmidges. It’s especially common in warmer areas of the world where these tiny fly’s breed easily. It effects all ponies and horses. The midges enjoy biting the horse for there rich blood. However, the salvia of the midges contains a harmful allergen that reacts with the horses’ immune system. This produces a skin reaction in the horse that makes it itchy and inflamed. Wherever the insects feed an allergic reaction develops. These create cuts, or lesions as they are correctly called, around the affected area. These are mainly located around the mane, tail and middle of the horse. It’s not uncommon to find them around the ears and head.

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These lesions are incredibly itchy for the horse. The horse starts to rub the areas against any rough objects it can find like trees or fence posts as the stinging becomes unbearable. These can break the skin of the horse causing bleeding, broken hairs and bald patches. Not only that but the skin can become infected compounding the problem.

Whilst treatments can help make the stinging less the best way to stop Sweet Itch is to prevent it from happening at all. There are various ways that this can be done. Insecticides and repellents that kill or convince midges to move elsewhere are popular but even keeping the horse away from areas where midges gather can also help. There are also the equivalents of a mosquito nets over the stable doors or keeping the horse indoors when the midges are most active. Vaccinations are becoming available but that are not yet 100% effective.

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Changes to the horses’ diet, adding linseed oil, has been suggested but is not proven and there are other alternative natural remedies available too. These use plants such as lavender or geranium and with the Aloe Vera plant helping to reduce the itching. When the symptoms are in place then antihistamines are used to slow the reaction along with steroids. The use of antibiotics is also required should there be an infection. This can mean expensive and frequent visit from the Vet.

The following article gives you some more information on Sweet Itch. https://www.purcheval.com/en/sweet-itch-cause-prevention-and-treatment-advice/

Three Delicious Mocktail Recipes

Mocktails are a tasty, refreshing alternative to cocktails. If you’re all boozed out after Christmas, we have some delicious recipes for you to try in the new year.

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Mocktails have many benefits for your health, waistband and wallet. Why not start off with these three tantalising concoctions?

Lee Westcott’s Non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz

700ml of Aperol
100 ml of water
4g of malic acid
Rhubarb soda
Ice cubes

Add the Aperol to a pan and use a low heat to reduce it to a syrupy consistency; this will remove the alcohol. Leave it to cool, then return it to a clean bottle.

Add the malic acid to the water and stir until it dissolves, then add it to a dripper bottle.

Add 15 ml of reduced Aperol into a glass with ice cubes, then add three drops of malic acid solution. Top with rhubarb soda, stir and enjoy.

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Georgina Fuggle’s Rosewater, Apple and Rhubarb Mocktail

600ml of apple and rhubarb juice
400ml of soda water
3-4 tsp of caster sugar
1 egg white
2 tsp rose water
2 limes – 1 juiced, 1 sliced
Crushed ice cubes
Mint leaves

Paint your rose petals with egg white and sprinkle caster sugar on both sides. Leave to dry overnight on parchment paper.

Combine the apple and rhubarb juice, rose water, lime juice and soda water in a large jug and stir. Add ice to four tumblers, then pour the mocktail over it. Top with the rose petals and sliced lime.

For extra flavour, try adding food flavouring. Companies such as http://www.foodieflavours.com provide natural raspberry food flavouring.

Simon Rogan’s Rosemary, Lemon, Apple and Cranberry Mocktail

10g of lemon verbena
50g of rosemary
100ml of cranberry juice
Raspberries
Ice cubes
100ml of apple juice, Pershore
Apple marigold leaves
Raspberries or raspberry food flavouring
Ice cubes
Orange peels

Preheat a water bath to 50℃. Add the sugar, water, rosemary and lemon verbena to a vac pac bag. Remove the air and place into the water bath for one hour. Pass the mixture through a strainer once cooled.

Pour the lemon, cranberry and apple juice into a shaker and add 20ml of the syrup. Shake and strain the mixture into a glass and garnish with raspberries, apple marigold leaves and orange peel.

Alon Cohen: The Inventor of VoIP

There are some inventions that have existed long enough that we begin to take them for granted. What about the internet? Many may not realise that Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989.

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VoIP

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, has many applications within the home and business environments.

Like the internet, the origins and invention of VoIP are a well-known story to those who work and are intensely interested in this technology.

Alon Cohen

An Israeli-born entrepreneur and businessman, Alon Cohen is credited with the invention of Voice over Internet Protocol technology. In 1989, Cohen helped found a company called VocalTec Inc., and he invented the particular audio transceiver that makes VoIP possible.

Alon Cohen radically changed the telecommunications industry through this invention. Despite his achievements and contributions of this industry, Cohen only has four patents to his name. He currently serves as executive vice-president and chief technology officer of Phone.com.

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In 2005, he was a recipient of the VOIP Visionary Award and was recognised in the Top 100 Most Influential Israelis.

Alon Cohen also attended the United Nations to represent Israel in negotiations to uphold VoIP standards globally.

VocalTec

VocalTec Communications Inc. was hailed as the first pioneer of VoIP and was the first company to offer this technology as an internet phone service. In 1996, VocalTec Communications became an early successful internet IPO.

VocalTec joined MagicJack in 2010, with other industry giants rising to prominence by introducing VOIP technology. Voice communication is key in increasing business accessibility.

Thanks to Cohen’s forward thinking, VOIP-powered business phone systems and long-distance calling are enjoyed by people worldwide and businesses of all sizes.

For a VOIP termination provider, talk to a company such as www.idtexpress.com.

Microsoft’s Skype, a consumer-level VoIP service, was one of the first to make an impact, with Apple’s Face-Time following suit. Face-Time made use of the handheld built-in cameras, emphasising the dramatic impact VoIP has had in the way we now communicate.

Mobile communication may always be defined by data plans and radio towers, and VoIP has replaced outdated and expensive long-distance calling for business and home phone systems. VoIP shows the future of business and home phone services, and it is testament to Alon Cohen’s talent and intelligence that he brought in this invention.

The Elements of Fire

Fire is not just fire. There are, in fact, different types of fire depending on what material is being burned. There are four elements that must be present for a fire to start: heat, oxygen, fuel and a chemical reaction between the other three elements. To extinguish a fire, you need to remove any one of these elements.

Here are the different types of fire:

Class A – These are fires caused by the combustion of ordinary materials such as paper, wood, clothing and plastic.

Class B – These are fires caused by liquids that are flammable including petroleum, gasoline, paint and oil. This category also includes flammable gases like butane and propane. Such fires do not include those involved in cooking oils.

Class C – This class of fire involves electrical fires with electrical equipment such as transformers and motors. Removing the source of electricity turns this class of fire into a different class of fire.

Class D – Combustible metals make up this class of fire, including sodium, potassium, magnesium and aluminium.

Class K – These fires involve the oils and grease present in cooking and include animal and vegetable fats.

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There are different fire extinguishers used for each class of fire and some which can be used on more than one type of fire. Remember an attempt to extinguish a fire should only be made is the fire is contained and small, you are inhaling smoke and you have an open and easily available means of escape.

On discovering a fire, raise the alarm, assist any individuals who might struggle with evacuating the building and only then, think about using an extinguisher if it’s safe to do so. All places of business should have a regularly checked fire procedure, evacuation point and fire risk assessment. Keloscape are fire risk assessors in Gloucester. Visit their website for professional Fire Risk Assessment Gloucester.

Different Types of Extinguishers

Water and Foam – Remember that to extinguish a fire, you only need to remove one of the four elements. Water and foam extinguishers remove the heat element from a fire. They are for Class A fires only. The foam also acts to separate the oxygen element from the other components too.

Dry Chemical – These types of extinguishers eliminate the chemical reaction element from a fire. They are very useful to have as they can be used effectively on Class A, B and C fires. The dry chemical separates the oxygen and the fuel elements on Class A fires.

Wet Chemical – This extinguisher removes heat from the fire and prevents reignition by forming a barrier between the fuel and oxygen elements. They are used primarily for use in commercial cooking for Class K fires but can also be used on Class A kitchen fires.

Carbon Dioxide – These remove the oxygen from a fire and as the contents is very cold, also serves to extinguish the heat element too. They are mainly for use on Class B and C fire types.

Dry Powder – These extinguishers separate the fuel and oxygen and remove the heat source. They are only to be used on Class D metal fires and will not work on any other type of fire.

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History of Christmas Gift Giving

People have been exchanging gifts for a very long time throughout history, but do you ever wonder where and when the tradition began? Most of the traditions that we celebrate today have their roots in the Victorian era, but they did not completely invent the whole idea of Christmas. During the medieval period, Christmas festivities were longer in duration, lasting from Christmas Eve to the 6th January – the traditional 12 days of Christmas. There was much feasting and even gift exchanging between wealthy lords and their serfs.

Many hundreds of years prior to this, Christmas was quite a solemn occasion. For the first 400 years after the death of Jesus, there was no set date for Christmas until Pope Julius I settled the matter and chose the 25th December. Previously the occasion had been celebrated by prayer and reflection in April, May and November.

It is however the Victorian period that epitomises the current notions of Christmas and gift giving. Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge will long be the vision of a perfect Christmas that we all hold onto. It was the custom to give gifts back then, but it would have been one gift, not the piles that we wrap and hand out these days. A Victorian gift would have been a simple doll, a cake or an item of clothing. It is thought that gift giving increased from around 1840 onwards with the introduction of wooden toys, the first commercially produced Christmas card and festive decorations.

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During the 1950s and 60s, gift giving did grow although gifts received would still have been far fewer than is expected today. After the Second World War, there was much austerity, so gifts would have been simple, perhaps homemade. From the sixties onwards, the growth of factories and supermarkets saw a massive proliferation in consumerism and the commercialisation of Christmas.

Christmas can stretch many families financially nowadays so it’s important to find special gifts with meaning to avoid buying something unwanted, useless or even duplicated. Choosing a personalised gift will show how much thought you’ve put it into a special present this year. To create a unique design for your loved one, visit personalised lap trays.

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The history of the 25th December extends further than the birth of Christianity. The shortest day of the year falls on 21st December, known as Winter Solstice has been celebrated since ancient times and it was most likely a gift-giving celebration for our ancient ancestors. The celebrations around this time were called ‘Jul’ which have now become ‘Yule’ and very much associated with Christmas.

How is wastewater treated?

It’s easy not to think about where our wastewater goes; the process that goes into treating it and returning it into circulation is lengthy and complex. First, wastewater will go down the drain from your toilet bowl or sink and into a pipe that connects into a large sewer pipe under the road. Each sewer is joined to a network that links to a local sewage treatment works.

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Unwanted nasties in the water

When the wastewater arrives at the sewage treatment works, it will be screened to remove items that should not have been flushed away. These include problems such as face wipes, cotton buds, nappies and sanitary towels. However, wastewater treatment workers will also find items as diverse as children’s toys, rags and bottles within the mix. Special equipment is also used to remove the grit, which can accrue in large quantities.

The waterwater then goes to primary treatment stage to remove human waste by separating it into large settlement tanks. The sludge is then pumped away to be treated. The remaining water will pass over the tank and move on to secondary treatment. At this stage, any smaller bits of sludge and the water will be treated to remove any bugs that may be living in it.

The use of good bacteria

At bigger treatment works, the water will pass into aeration tanks where air is added to the water. This encourages the growth of good bacteria, which will break down unwanted bacteria by eating them. Processes like this can also be found in some domestic homes to treat water at the source. Find out more about inline static mixers at sites like https://www.statiflo.com/.

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The final treatment stage sees the treated water passing through a settlement tank. Here, the good bacteria will sink, forming more sludge. This will go on for sludge treatment or be recycled into the earlier treatment stage. The resulting water is clean and passes over a wall at the tank’s top.

At this stage, additional treatments may be carried out if the treated water is returning to a sensitive site, such as a river with protected wildlife. To do this, the water filters through a sandbed, which attracts any final remaining particles and removes them. It is then returned to rivers, where the cycle begins once again and our water continues to be used, cleaned and recycled.