Economy Business Magazine - 074 by Prime Start Media

30th October 2023

ISSUE 074

www.primestartmedia.co.uk

PROUD SPONSORS OF ASH GIBSON BJJ - READ HIS STORY FROM PAGE 6

SUPPORTING BUSINESSES IN THE UK

al n o i y t Na rtunit po Week p O he of t

Tendring District Council are recruiting... Are they looking for you? For more information, please visit page 20...

Featuring in this week’s edition of EBM...

FITNESS & WELLBEING CAMPAIGN Page 4

NATIONAL OPPORTUNITY OF THE WEEK Page 20

LOCAL GOVERNMENT RECRUITMENT

HOUSING & PROPERTY RECRUITMENT

Page 22

Page 34

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NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES Page 44

PRODUCTS & SERVICES Page 50

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Fitness & Wellbeing Campaign Working In Harmony

Finding the right shoes for your chosen exercise... This time of year, more people like to get back into shape through their faviourite exercise, be it running, cycling, or going to the gymnasium. But one thing a lot of people do not take into consideration or ask themselves is, ‘Am I wearing the correct type of shoe for the exercise that I am doing? In essence, you need the right shoes for the right type of exercise that you're doing. Whether this is running, cycling, CrossFit or just simply going to the gym, you need to take into consideration what you are wearing.

Purpose The purpose is of course important if your main type of exercise is running then definitely get a running shoe. If it's CrossFit, then look for shoes suitable for CrossFit and if you are a powerlifter or simply a bodybuilder then having a flat shoe will suit your purposes the most. If you are cycling, then you might require either cleats or laceless shoes to prevent injury. Consider your foot type

Running shoes, for example, have a high drop, meaning that the heel is higher than the toe. This is OK for running shoes because it helps knees from getting injured however as you can imagine if you are doing squats this will be as suitable. Squats require you to have a neutral flat motion. In that case, you need a flatter shoe. Anyhow, listed below is some advice you may wish to consider:

Do you have a narrow foot? Or maybe a wide foot or do you have a higher instep? These are all key considerations when looking for the right type of workout shoe. If you go window shopping at most shoe stores, they will typically evaluate your foot and then provide you with some options. You can take this home as homework and then look for suitable shoes online that you can find at discounted prices.

Durability

Price

If you are using your shoes to go to the gym and doing various exercises such as squats, deadlifts and drills and going to the gym more than three days a week then you are going to quickly start wearing out the soles and the bottom of the shoes. Therefore, look for shoes that have been rated as having good durability, usually for gym shoes having a pair of leather shoes are good as long as they are flat, and you do not need them for any exercises that require bending of the shoe.

Price is always going to be a determining factor for a lot of people however do your own research especially on the shoes that cost a lot less than the big brand ones. One thing you should never do is skip out on quality for price because the shoe will likely not be durable enough to last through the year.

A DI E M RS T R SO A T ON S P E S M I D P R ROU P

Ash Gibson

5 x National Champion 3 x British Champion

International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation 3rd Place No-Gi European Championships Rome, Italy 26th - 29th of October 2023

MY JOURNEY SO FAR IN BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU... Hello, my name is Ash Gibson and firstly I would like to thank the team at Prime Start Media Ltd for sponsoring me.

Championships) at my new belt (blue belt) after only being that grade for two months.

I first stepped into a BJJ Academy when I was nineteen years of age. I wanted to start training in BJJ because I was looking to fight in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and coming from an early background in competitive striking sports, I was looking to add new skills to my repertoire.

At the time I was having the issue of feeling like I was outgrowing the current environment I was in and was seeking further development and was starting to travel outside my home town to train with the better guys in the county and beyond, travelling to all the big cities close by and setting my sights further and further afield with the goal of being a world champion.

I remember being extremely nervous whilst walking up to the entrance and my first reaction was to turn back as I was unsure and uncomfortable stepping into the unknown. I told myself not to be so stupid and I stepped through the doors into the unknown. I trained for a week or so but found that because I felt more at home fighting upright with strikes, I initially stopped BJJ training for a month however I returned for a second time and decided to stick with it and everything seemed to click into place and I fell in love with it! My journey had truly begun. I was training seven days a week whilst working two full time jobs just so I could afford to train and just throw myself into the deep end with BJJ as much as possible! Consequently, I soon stopped the MMA and striking after not enjoying it as much as I was BJJ. My focus was BJJ and nothing else. I started seeking out good training partners and training with the better guys within the BJJ Academy and was fortunate to meet and train with a world champion in BJJ called Luke Costello from Exeter. Consistent training led me to lots of competitive success in competitions and eventually I won the British Open (British

I then found Luke Chamberlain, a coach who was a brown belt at the time and a very good competitor in the UK. We had crossed paths once in training and he had left a big impression on me, but we didn’t cross paths again for a while until I was competing against one of his students in a submission only competition in Bristol and I managed to get the win. However, whist I was competing in the match I do remember Luke Chamberlain coaching his student.Strangely, it felt like I was learning whilst he was coaching against me! I then went on my way doing my own thing and a year later, I trained with the same guy who I had since become close friends with. It was the first time we had trained since that competition, so I was pretty sure it was going to be one way traffic again. Boy, how wrong was I! He wiped the floor with me! This then led to a professional training relationship with Luke, it was the best I had felt for some time. I started making the daily commute to Bristol as much as I could whilst I was still travelling other parts of the UK for training and competing. After several months of training, I competed in Bristol against a very good MMA Fighter and I asked Luke if he would coach me. Without being his student, he was happy to corner me and took the time to coach me like one of his own. Eventually, I officially moved to his team and with his coaching, this has helped me win multiple National Titles. This has led to me stepping on the International stage around Europe and in the USA. What first began as a few steps training has now led me to the path of achieving the goals that I set out a long time ago of being a Black Belt World Champion.

8 | Economy Business Magazine

Ash Gibson BJJ WINNER OF PRO SPORT GRAPPLING EVENTS IN BRISTOL (NOGI ABSOLUTE DIVISION) 10/09/2023

5 x National Champion 3 x British Champion

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It’s all in our name, Zest! Tangy, exciting to all senses and just all round fun. We run fun and energetic classes which could motivate even the most lack lustre individual. Friendly team members and personal trainers make this a great place to train with one to one support whenever you need it. Our Instructors and staff are very clued up on diets and are always happy to give advice to help maintain or achieve your desired goal. Stuck on which exercises to do for specific muscles? Just ask us, we will have you beach ready before that sunny holiday, the only ingredient needed is determination. We also have started our own little zest community! Now you can get more out of your visit than just a workout with a hairdressers, beautician, physiotherapist and chiropractor all on site you wont need to travel too far for these wonderful services. We are not just a gym but a place to make new friends and become part of our little family. Our aim is to achieve an atmosphere of community and to get to know all of you. Current Classes: • • • • • • •

12 | Economy Business Magazine

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National Opportunity of the Week

We are recruiting for a:

Principal Surveyor (Property and Projects) Salary: £38,296 - £45,495 per annum (Market Forces Supplement will apply, if applicable) Hours: 37 hours per week (part time would also be considered) Closing date: Sunday, 5th November 2023 - 17:15 As Principal Surveyor, you will be responsible for the management of the Council’s property portfolio and development and construction projects on a day to day basis ensuring that all agreed targets are met including budgetary targets and that statutory regulations and Council policies and procedures are followed. Key areas of responsibility include: • • • • • •

Leasehold Management. Land Acquisition and Disposal. Estates Management. Housing Development. Energy efficiency or emission reduction projects. To provide advice and guidance on all aspects of property management, development and construction.

To apply for this position please submit your CV and Supporting Statement to recruitment@tendringdc.gov.uk Please do not include your photo, date of birth, or your personal characteristics in your CV. When applying, within your supporting statement, please demonstrate your suitability against the competency criteria, which is detailed in the Job Description and Person Specification on our website. If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email Jennie Wilkinson on jwilkinson@tendringdc.gov.uk or call 01255 686 935. Please note that your CV and supporting statement will be shared with the Recruitment Panel. We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any point and interviews will be undertaken periodically.

For more information, please visit: www.tendringdc.gov.uk/content/view-current-job-vacancies

Local Government Recruitment Campaign

We are recruiting for a

Procurement Lead Permanent Position | Full Time | Salary: £38,296-£40,478 / Grade J | Job reference: VAC000061/2023 Location: Civic Centre | Closing Date: 26/10/2023

About you Experienced in all Procurement activities, with good knowledge of public sector procurement regulations, you will have excellent time management skills and attention to detail. Building relationships with stakeholders is key and therefore we will be looking for someone with excellent communication skills, an outgoing, friendly attitude and a drive for continuous improvement. For the right applicant, a funded progression training route would be considered to enable the candidate to achieve the required level of qualification for the role.

Alternatively, if you would like to find out more about the post, the team or working with us at the Council please contact Chanelle Busby, Service Lead - Commercial & Procurement, by calling 01392 265262 or via email at chanelle.busby@exeter.gov.uk We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if enough applications are received.

Our commitment At Exeter City Council we are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve.

About the role This is a full time permanent post offering predominantly home based flexible working with travel to Exeter once per fortnight. (Option to be entirely based in the Civic Centre in Exeter is also available if that is the candidate’s preference). It is a diverse role in a small supportive team and you will be expected to manage your work independently to effectively support your directorates and the stakeholders within them.

To support this commitment we will strive to implement reasonable adjustments to support any members of our communities who face barriers in the recruitment process, irrespective of the reason.

About the team

If you would like further information on this please contact our HR Team at hr.admin@exeter.gov.uk

We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Procurement Team at Exeter City Council is a small team with a big reach. This means that no two days are the same and we are constantly be faced with new challenges to solve and solutions to find. We are a supportive group with designated admin support and working closely and collaboratively with each other and our stakeholders is paramount to our success.

What next? If we sound like the right fit for you and you feel like the right fit for us we would welcome your application. Please apply via the link on our website. For more information, please visit: https://jobs.exeter.gov.uk/

We are recruiting for an

Electoral Services Manager

Salary: £35,411 - £40,478 per annum (pay award pending), PLUS Market Supplement Payment of up to £8,000 Closing Date: Friday 27th October 2023 at 12 noon | Interviews anticipated to take place – w/c Monday 13th November 2023

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced, highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our busy Electoral Services Team. Gosport’s Electoral Services Team is a forward thinking team, who delivered the first round of Voter ID Pilots back in 2018, is a key member of the Elections Act Expert Panel, and is part of the private beta trial for VACs and OAVA. If you want to be at the forefront of helping shape and implement legislation and make the most of IT and software to deliver front facing and back office processes in elections and electoral registration, Gosport Borough Council is the right fit for you! This is a full time, permanent role based at the Town Hall in Gosport. You will work in a small team 37 hours a week, normally Monday to Friday. What is involved? As the Electoral Services Manager, you will have extensive experience in supporting the management and delivery of elections in our Borough including local, regional and national elections, referenda and polls in accordance with statutory legislation. The next scheduled elections are the Borough and Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire election scheduled for May 2024. You will also support the Head of Electoral Services in planning, organisation and delivery of day to day operation of Electoral Services in relation to the annual electoral registration canvass; implementing new processes required by forthcoming legislation from the Elections Act; the publication of the electoral register and the maintenance of the electoral register throughout the year ensuring that all statutory requirements are met whilst keeping the strategy to make the register as accurate and complete as possible under Review. What we can offer As an employer we provide an attractive employment package that includes generous annual leave, membership of the local government pension scheme, health and wellbeing support, flexible working hours and staff benefits. We will also give you the chance to develop your skills and expertise with a range of training and development opportunities. Gosport Borough Council has a genuine commitment to equality of opportunity for our staff and customers – we aim to employ a representative workforce that reflects the communities we serve. For an informal discussion about this post, please contact – Graeme Jesty, Tel: 023 9254 5580 For more information and to apply, please visit:

www.gosport.gov.uk/article/2577/Electoral-Services-Manager

We are recruiting for a

Head of Elections and Democratic Services Grade SM3 - £50,610 to £51,629 (Pay Award pending) per annum, plus a share of Election Fees of £2,750 per annum | 37 Hours | Full time Amber Valley Borough Council has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated individual to join the Council as its new Head of Elections and Democratic Services. The successful candidate will also be appointed as a Deputy Returning Officer and the Deputy Electoral Registration Officer. You will have experience of working in electoral registration and the administration of elections and will have a detailed knowledge of the Elections Act 2022 and its implementation. The role will include liaising with and providing advice to the Returning Officer, Councillors and political parties in relation to the arrangements for and administration of all elections and electoral registration. You will also be responsible for ensuring the Register of Electors is updated, and all aspects of the management of elections and referenda. The postholder will also be responsible for the management of a small team of Democratic Services Officers, who ensure the smooth functioning of the Council’s political meetings and committees. The successful candidate should have some experience of staff management; as well as experience of budgetary control and the use of electoral registration and election management systems for example, Democracy Counts and Elector 8. You will need good IT and administration skills and be able to communicate effectively with a range of people. You must also be able to work to deadlines and able to adapt to implement new regulations or systems. During election periods you will be required to work additional hours, outside normal office hours. For an informal chat about the post please call Simon Gladwin on (01773) 841415. In addition, we can offer: • • •

Flexible Working Hours. Hybrid working. Pension Scheme.

• • •

Free on-site parking. Personal and professional development opportunities. Opportunities to make a difference.

The closing date for this vacancy is Sunday 12th November 2023 at Midnight (any applications received after the closing date will not be accepted). Amber Valley Borough Council is committed to providing equality of opportunity and challenging discrimination of any kind across its’ communities and workforce. Furthermore, the Council recognises the important of its workforce and seeks to employ one that reflects the population of Amber Valley. We are committed to delivering a fair recruitment process, developing our employees and embedding a culture where colleagues and the public are treated with dignity and respect. Finally, we identify and value diversity as it enables us to deliver services that are accessible to everyone. Our equality, diversity and inclusion policy can be found on our equality and diversity page. We warmly encourage job applications from disabled candidates who have identified that they meet the essential criteria for the post, and veterans and serving members of the forces preparing to move in to civilian life, we recognise the valuable contribution that you could make to the Council. Please inform us if the online application process is not suitable for you or if you need any assistance with accessing information in the jobs and careers section of this website, by contacting HR on 01773 841669 or 01773 841663. For the Job Description and Person Specification, please visit our website: https://www.ambervalley.gov.uk/council/jobs-and-careers/

Finance Recruitment

Financial Services Manager Salary: Up to £58,836 (+ pending pay award) 37 hrs per week | Closing Date: Sunday 5th November 2023 at 23:59 We are looking for an ambitious professional to manage our Financial Services Team covering accountancy, finance business partnering, creditor payments, income and payroll functions. You will play a key role in managing the Council’s financial performance including the preparation of revenue and capital budgets, the effective management and control of corporate financial systems and the completion of the annual accounts. You will be a CCAB qualified accountant or equivalent with previous experience of financial management, preferably but not necessarily within Local Government, and possess excellent leadership and interpersonal skills. You must be able to collate and analyse information, problem solve and make informed decisions. You will have experience of producing the annual accounts including liaising with external auditors as well as excellent knowledge of current legislation and professional codes of practice covering all areas of Local Authority finance and accounting. The Borough of Gedling comprises the towns of Arnold and Carlton and surrounding Parishes, bordering Sherwood Forest to the north, the river Trent to the south east and the City of Nottingham to the southwest. The Borough has a lot to offer residents and visitors from heritage to modern community facilities. The Council offices are situated in an award-winning park located in Arnold, a suburb of the City of Nottingham. Gedling Borough Council embraces flexible ways of working to ensure that we can attract the best talent and get the most from our employees so, as we transition to new ways of working, hybrid/homeworking options are available subject to the business needs of the role. We offer excellent working conditions including a generous holiday entitlement, a comprehensive pension scheme with a generous employer contribution and access to an Employee Assistance Programme providing advice on a range of issues, including financial and legal matters, and offering discounts on purchases from numerous retail outlets. We also offer employees reduced gym membership at Gedling’s Leisure Centres. A casual user car allowance attaches to the post giving access to free onsite parking. For an informal discussion about this role and the opportunities that it offers, please contact Tina Adams (Head of Finance Services and ICT) on 0115 901 3682. Interviews will be held week commencing Monday 20th November 2023.

For more information or to apply, please visit: https://www.gedling.gov.uk/council/jobs/

THE BENEFITS OF AN ACCOUNTANT There are so many costs running a business, is it worth the fees of hiring an accountant? When it comes to managing your finances, whether you are an individual or a business owner, having an accountant can be extremely valuable. An accountant is a financial expert who can provide you with a wide range of services, including tax preparation, financial planning, bookkeeping, and more. Here are some of the key benefits of having an accountant: Save time and reduce stress Managing your finances can be time-consuming and stressful, especially if you are not familiar with accounting practices. By hiring an accountant, you can free up your time to focus on other important tasks while also reducing the stress associated with managing your finances. Ensure compliance with tax laws Tax laws can be complex and constantly changing. An accountant can help ensure that you are compliant with all applicable tax laws and regulations, and can help you maximize your deductions and credits. Improve financial planning An accountant can provide valuable insights and advice on financial planning, helping you to make informed decisions about your investments, retirement planning, and other financial matters.

28 | Economy Business Magazine

Accurate record-keeping Bookkeeping is a critical aspect of financial management. An accountant can help ensure that your financial records are accurate and up-to-date, which is essential for making informed decisions about your finances. Increase profitability An accountant can help you identify areas where you can reduce expenses and increase profits. By analyzing your financial data, an accountant can provide insights into ways to improve your bottom line. Assist with business growth As your business grows, your financial needs will become more complex. An accountant can help you navigate these complexities and provide guidance on issues such as financing, mergers and acquisitions, and expansion planning. In Conclusion Hiring an accountant can provide numerous benefits for both individuals and businesses. From ensuring compliance with tax laws to improving financial planning and increasing profitability, an accountant can be a valuable asset in managing your finances. In conclusion, hiring an accountant can provide numerous benefits for both individuals and businesses. From ensuring compliance with tax laws to improving financial planning and increasing profitability, an accountant can be a valuable asset in managing your finances.

WE ARE RECRUITING!

GROUP ACCOUNTANT GRADE H - £39,493 to £43,516 per year ( pay award pending) Plus £5000 welcome payment* | Full Time 37 hours per week | Ilkeston Town Hall | Closing Date: 5th November 2023 Are you looking for a new challenge in Finance or Accountancy? This is a fantastic and rare opportunity within a small and friendly Accountancy Team. We are looking for someone with experience in capital accounting and fixed assets, supporting service directorates by providing professional accountancy advice, VAT accounting and managing the insurance arrangements for the Council. Why Choose Erewash Borough Council? As we usher in a new era with our newly appointed Directors, change and transformation are in the air. Erewash Borough Council offers an exciting and promising future for those who want to make a real impact in the Public Sector. Attractive Welcome Payment of £5000 We offer a generous welcome payment to help you get started on your journey with us. The welcome payment of £5000 is attached to this post, payable in your first salary. This additional incentive demonstrates our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent like you. Key Responsibilities This is an interesting and varied role, and the main responsibilities include: • • • • •

Supervise and reviewing all capital monitoring information. Providing financial advice across the Council. Preparing capital and revenue budget estimates. Submission of the Council’s monthly VAT returns. Act as lead on Council insurance policies.

For an informal discussion about this exciting opportunity please contact Judy Fay, Chief Accountant on 0115 907 1054. *Terms and conditions apply to the welcome payment. For further information on the welcome payment please contact Jo Watts, HR Manager on 0115 907 1038.

Benefits of Working for Us In addition to a competitive salary, you will also have access to: • • • • • •

Generous annual leave package – 29 days annual leave (rising to 33 days after 5 years’ continuous service) plus 8 Bank Holidays a year. Free workplace car parking within the Borough. Opportunities for training, learning and continuous professional development. Family friendly flexible and hybrid/home working policies available. Option to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Subsidised leisure membership with the Fit for Work scheme. For more information or how to apply, please visit our website: https://www.erewash.gov.uk/jobs-section/jobs.html

Legal Opportunities of the Week

Shropshire Council is a unitary authority which serves the rural county of Shropshire. One of the most important things about working here is the knowledge that you are working to help others and the real sense of achievement and purpose that brings. The people of Shropshire are rightly proud of their County’s assets, its natural beauty, its history, its diverse economy, its vibrant culture. Our vision is - Shropshire living the best life We are recruiting for a:

LEGAL TEAM LEADER – ECONOMY AND PROJECTS SALARY: £50,615-£54,632 | PERMANENT | FULL TIME | LOCATION – HYBRID – SIGNIFICANT HOMEWORKING A really exciting opportunity has arisen within Legal and Democratic Services to work right at the heart of the Council’s most important projects and initiatives. This is a permanent role as a lawyer dealing mainly with commercial/procurement and contracts work and leading the Economy and Project Legal Team which advises on a wide range of contracts and property matters. Legal Services performs a vital function at the centre of the local authority providing corporate advice to the Council, advice to members and officers, and ensures the probity and legality of Council’s decisions or actions. We aim to be enabling and supportive, professional and objective, but also constructively challenging where necessary. The successful applicant will need to be a confident communicator with the ability to solve problems in a pragmatic and timely way. You must also be able to work both independently and as part of a professional team, with excellent client care skills and be able to manage conflicting priorities to deadlines. This role is expected to have an ‘occasional’ office working status, with the expectation of a physical presence on site in Shropshire for a small number of days each month. Legal Services performs a vital function at the heart of the Local Authority providing corporate advice to the Council, advice to members and officers, and ensures the probity and legality of Council’s decisions or actions. We aim to be enabling and supportive, professional and objective, but also constructively challenging where necessary. We would love to get to know you more so please give us a call if you would like to discuss this role or our Team. For an informal discussion you can contact Miranda Garrard, Head of Legal and Democratic Services on: 01743 252751 or miranda.garrard@shropshire.gov.uk Closing Date: 30/10/2023 Interviews: To be confirmed

For more information or to apply, please visit: www.careers.shropshire.gov.uk

We are recruiting for a:

Principal Solicitor Litigation and Property Permanent | £44,539 to £52,179 per annum | 37.5 hours per week Closing date: Sunday 12th November 2023 | Interview date: To be confirmed

The Council is seeking to recruit a Principal Solicitor/CILEX/ Barrister (or person qualified to at least that level) to join our busy but small, friendly, and supportive Legal Services Team.

the successful candidate starting at Grade 15, with key planned milestones to reach the required grade 17, expected within three to four years (terms and conditions will apply).

You will be required to undertake litigation and alternative dispute resolution processes, including the issuing of proceedings and defending the Council in all areas of complex and high risk contentious matters and appear as an Advocate for the Council.

Please note, the Job Description and Employee Profile for this post are under review.

The successful candidate will have sound working knowledge and experience of at least two of the following matters: housing, regulatory matters, information governance, planning.

Our policies support our employees by enabling a positive work/life balance including flexible working where possible. In addition to this, the Council offers many excellent employee benefits which include, pension scheme, generous annual leave entitlement, health and wellbeing initiatives, employee assistance programme and development opportunities.

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Julie Galvin - Legal Services Manager on 01279 446045.

You will be required to provide support and assistance when required to junior and less experienced members of the Legal Team. Using your knowledge and initiative you will work with the Team and Legal Services Manager to improve and widen in house Legal Service delivery to the Council.

Harlow Council is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. People with disabilities will be offered an interview where they meet the Essential Criteria on the Employee Profile.

The ability to manage your own caseload with minimum supervision, prioritise work to meet deadlines and be selfsufficient in IT use is required. Ideally, you will have experience in Local Authority working and be familiar with the Lexcel Practice Management System and with a time-recording case Management System. We recognise and are committed to individuals’ development. Therefore, this role may be offered as a development plan depending on experience, provided the essential qualification requirements are met. The development plan will be tailored to

To apply, please email your completed application form to: recruitment@harlow.gov.uk You will need to send your application form as an email attachment, rather than providing a link to a cloud-hosted document like Google Drive or OneDrive. You can also collect and submit application forms in person at the Civic Centre. Please note Harlow Council does not accept CVs.

For more information, please visit: www.harlow.gov.uk/jobs/principal-solicitor-litigation-and-property

We are recruiting for a

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LAWYER (LEGAL EXECUTIVE) MATERNITY COVER 37 HOURS PER WEEK | FIXED TERM: 12 MONTHS | GRADE 6 £32,020 - £36,298 PER ANNUM CLOSING DATE: 7th NOVEMBER 2023

There has never been a better time to join the multi-award winning Legal Services Team at the City of Wolverhampton Council. We are a progressive organisation and passionate about making our city a better place for all who live, work and travel here. The city has seen rapid development with major projects like the Interchange, The Halls, i54, Way Youth Zone, City Learning Quarter, the rollout of full fibre connectivity and more exciting developments are planned for the gateways into the City. Wolverhampton benefits from being in a prime location; with excellent transport links to Birmingham, Shropshire and neighbouring Black Country towns making the City of Wolverhampton Council an employer of choice for people across the West Midlands. The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Legal Service is looking to recruit an experienced and qualified property lawyer to work full time in its Commercial Property Team. Ideally, you will have strong experience in property. You will be motivated, enthusiastic and willing to provide an excellent standard of legal advice and support to the Council. Experience in Local Government is desirable, but not essential. You will be required to provide support to lawyers and act as a point of contact on a variety of cases, to include: • • • •

Taking instructions relating to Right to Buys, Shared Ownerships, Leases, Licences, Deferred Payments and Traffic Regulation Orders. Undertaking research. Supporting lawyers with ancillary areas of work including compulsory purchaser orders, highways, school conversions, planning and commercial property transactions. Drafting reports on title in response to consultations of land disposals and acquisitions.

For this role you will ideally: • • • •

Be qualified to Level 3 CILEX or have an equivalent legal qualification. Have a track record of experience in property matters. Have an awareness of the other areas of work covered by the Commercial Property team is desirable. You must also be a team player with willingness to provide support to other lawyers in Legal Services.

In return, we can offer you an excellent benefits package including a competitive salary with pay progression through multiple increments, Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave entitlement flexible and hybrid working, workplace parking at a number of sites in the city, leisure concessions and more. So if you are a skilled professional looking for challenging and rewarding work in a demanding but supportive environment - this is the opportunity you have been waiting for. For further information or if you would like an informal chat about the post, you can contact Jessica Adeniran on 01902 554948 or Tracey Christie on 01902 554925.

For more information or how to apply, please visit our Work For Us page on our website: www.wolverhampton.gov.uk

Housing & Property Recruitment

We are recruiting for a:

For more information, please visit: www.tendringdc.gov.uk/content/view-current-job-vacancies

Senior Building Inspector Salary: £48,088 - £51,804 p.a. | Car Allowance: £2,745 p.a.

Working from our office in Hailsham, East Sussex, as well as from home and across the Partnership Districts. Our Building Control Team at Wealden pride themselves on having a positive effect on a project build, adding value wherever possible and due to our continued success across East Sussex, we are looking to expand our brilliant team with an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Building Inspector. The partnership covers a large part of East Sussex including areas of outstanding natural beauty in Wealden, the historic 1066 areas of Hastings and Battle, the tall Georgian seafronts and commercial centres of Eastbourne and Hastings, and Bexhill-on Sea in Rother, the home of British Motor racing. As such we can offer you experience in projects across all domestic and non-domestic purpose groups. We like to develop excellent working relationships with our clients and one such is with a local District General Hospital where specialist fire strategy is required due to the lack of mobility of many patients during their care, treatment or surgery. This requires containment of a fire whilst patients are moved through a series of fire compartments to ensure their safety, all the time receiving medical care. Our work is centred around ensuring those fire compartments are fit for purpose. We are also currently looking at a large extension to this hospital. The partnership and Wealden DC is committed to investing in staff. We offer excellent training and development opportunities through to registration as Class 2 or 3 Building Inspector through the CABE or LABC route, and will work with you on portfolios, CPD, development plans and technical reports to achieve this. Posts up to Senior Surveyor are career structured offering increases in grade when milestones are achieved, such as registration to a higher class of Building Inspector. Most days you will be managing your own time and workload however teamwork and good communication are essential especially as we operate in a mixture of working environments including our office in Hailsham, home and mobile. The ethos of the partnership is early inspection of plans, good communication, proactive inspection of work in progress, and the development of rewarding professional relationships that are essential to effective area management and teamwork. We offer many enhanced staff benefits such as career average pension scheme, flexible working, generous annual leave and flexitime, comprehensive health and wellbeing services and continuous professional development opportunities. If you would like to have an informal chat about the role, please contact David Harrison on 01892 602005. Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities and all applications will be treated on merit. To apply online please visit our website https://www.wealden.gov.uk/job-vacancies/ Post number: H2002 | Closing date: 19th November 2023

WE A RECR RE UITIN G!

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION OFFICER UKRAINE LEAD 1872 VACANCY REF: 40333 Housing Options & Social Inclusion | Salary: £28,371.00 TO £32,020.00 | Temporary Fixed Term Contract/Full Time Until March 2025 | Closing Date: Sunday 12th November 2023 | Interview Date: To Be Confirmed The Temporary Accommodation Team are looking for a dynamic individual who thrives in a fast-paced reactive role, has customer service at the heart of what they do and a ‘can do’ attitude! You will be required to work as part of the Temporary Accommodation Team to provide day to day housing management of the Council’s temporary accommodation for homeless households, with a primary focus on households from Ukraine. You will also be required to provide low level support to ensure residents are tenancy ready to access move on / independent living opportunities. The Temporary Accommodation Team are based in offices just outside the vibrant city centre of Winchester. You will need to meet the travel requirements of the role as you will visit residents in our units of temporary accommodation across the District, as well as conducting Health & Safety visits at our schemes. If you are experienced in working in the housing sector with vulnerable households and like to work in an environment where no two days are the same - then this could be the job for you! We are looking for someone who is passionate about providing excellent customer service, can work flexibly due the reactive nature of the role, whilst remaining calm under pressure. You will need to be an excellent problem solver and a reliable team member to deliver excellent outcomes to those individuals in the Council’s temporary accommodation.

In return, we offer: an excellent package of benefits including: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Employer paid health cash plan. Car Benefit salary sacrifice schemes. 26 days annual leave per year rising to 33 days dependent on length of service. Flexible working arrangements. 13 days additional flexi leave per year (subject to operational requirements). Option to buy up to 5 days additional annual leave. Free parking at any Winchester Park and Ride (during work hours). Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. Discounted membership at the two leisure centres in the District. Confidential Employee Advice and Support Programme. Employee retail and shopping discounts. Season Ticket loans. Excellent working environment. Support for continuous professional development.

A DBS check is required for this role, and you must be able to meet the travel requirements of the post. For an informal chat about the role, please contact Karen Thorburn, Service Lead- Strategic Housing on 01962 848 076 or kthorburn@winchester.gov.uk

To apply for this role, please visit: https://www.winchester.gov.uk/about/jobs Or send your CV and a covering letter to hrrecruitment@winchester.gov.uk

HALFWAY TO YOUR DREAM HOME? Getting a foot on the property ladder used to be the first step towards a dream home, but how many make it up the rungs? Not many, as a recent data shows, first time buyers are outpacing those looking to move on for the first time. The last few years have seen, a lot of help given to first time buyers such as the help to buy scheme and cuts in stamp duty. However, second home movers have been left on their own. As a result, while the market has seen a rise in first time buyers, most people are not getting to move on up the ladder and get themselves towards that much coveted ‘forever home’. Why The Change? There are many reasons for the change and not just the pandemic. One reason could be the fact that many property owners see the property they live in merely as a giant piggy bank or stepping stone that will lead to better things. Second time buyers are also having a harder time of it than used to be the case. They will have stretched themselves further to get onto that first rung and find it much more difficult to build savings for the next one.

Meanwhile, incomes have been stagnating for some time. This was always a problem, but the arrival of the pandemic has thrown it into stark relief. Workers up and down the country have been thrown onto the furlough schemes and with businesses struggling to make ends meet, the chances of them seeing a pay rise this year seem pretty small. The inevitable conclusion for many homeowners is that they will have to learn to love the home they have rather than strive for their dream home, at least for the time being. As such, people are planning to stay in their current properties for longer. This means they will have to be making the best of their existing homes rather than looking further afield. All of which could be good news for interior designers who could see people looking at other options to improve their home. Extensions and conversions are on the rise as people look to maximise the space they have or find ways to improve the resale value of their homes. In a world of economic uncertainty, the first step on the housing ladder could be as far as some people ever get.

The time was that they could simply wait for house prices to rise and build up some equity, but with prices rising quickly higher up the ladder, they are finding themselves outpaced.

Getting onto the property ladder is a big step... 38 | Economy Business Magazine

We Are Recruiting!

MANAGING DIRECTOR Salary: £90,000 per annum | Full Time, Permanent | Closing Date: 31st October 2023 We are looking for a dynamic passionate Managing Director to provide inspirational leadership through a challenging time for the organisation. About Us Parasol Homes provides housing for adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health problems, giving them choice and control over how they live their lives. We achieve this through the provision of supported accommodation and community support. Our ethos is rooted in high quality homes and services that enable adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and mental health problems to have choice and live independent lives while feeling safe and supported. Our mission is to be a leading housing organisation, delivering homes and services across the UK that enable people to live independently. Parasol Homes currently operates a total of 987 homes across 28 Local Authorities. About The Job There is much to do as the organisation is reviewing its key governance and assurance systems following service expansion and engagement with the Regulator of Social Housing. The role is responsible for, but is not limited to: Strategic Leadership – building a great team of the right people with the right skills, attitude, and sector relevant knowledge to provide outstanding services and delivering outstanding leadership and accountability for our services ensuring the team have a clear sense of direction, an understand of their own and other roles and responsibilities and are accountable for the service they provide. Operations – overall responsibility for the whole property and tenant life cycle, from on-boarding, day to day management, development and offboarding to a high and consistent standard, ensuring the application of processes and systems that ensure a highly quality, robust, and consistent service is delivered to our tenant customers, and other key stakeholders including Local Authorities and our partner care providers.

Financial Planning and Management – ensuring good financial and commercial management, maintaining local market knowledge and an understanding of national trends to develop a growth strategy and identify development opportunities. Stakeholder Management – building strong and positive working relationships with internal and external teams to include the RSH, FCA, etc. and oversee the delivery of an efficient and effective service to the Board, ensuring a high quality, commercially sound business that delivers the Return on Investment. What We Are Looking For Candidates will need to offer prior experience in a similar role, with a leadership style that pays attention to compliance while taking people with you to support the vision. Housing related regulation, compliance and safeguarding in this environment is key, so we expect candidates to be able to offer good insight and experience across these fields. You will also need to share a commitment to service quality that is impactful and be a team player. Key Terms and Conditions The appointment will be on a full-time permanent basis and will be subject to a six month probationary period. Appropriate training and support will be provided as part of a thorough induction process and the role is remunerated at £90,000 per annum. All interviews will be held in person at Parasol Homes, Victoria House, 49 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1HP in the week commencing 6th November 2023. To apply for the position, please provide a CV and a cover letter that explains your motivation for this role by the closing date of 31st October 2023. A candidate pack containing a role profile and person specification is available upon request. You will also be required to complete a declaration form.

Risk Management – continually improve, learn and innovate the quality of our people records, systems and programs, ensuring business compliance with relevant legislation and relevant Regulated Housing legislation and regulations.

To request a candidate pack, or if you wish to have an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Recruitment:

Customer Engagement – building and maintaining positive working relationships with customers and advocate for the organisation.

Email: recruitment@parasolhomes.co.uk Telephone: 020 347 50588

For more information or to apply for this position, please visit our website:

www.parasolhomes.co.uk/jobs/

HOUSING ADVISER £35,105 per annum + PRP + Benefits | Sutton SM1 | Closing Date: 31/12/2023 Encompass delivers a wide range of services including adult social care and homelessness support. For this job role, you will have demonstrable housing experience, be able to manage a caseload and be ready to join a great working environment where people matter. For all successful appointments, we pay an introductory award of up to £3,500 (subject to terms & conditions) which goes some way to support with a job change.

In this job role you will:

We are looking for someone who has:

•

• • •

• • • • •

Provide advice and guidance to service users who have a homeless need. Prepare support plans and achieve meaningful progression. Identify individual needs and refer to suitable provision. Manage a caseload of c35 service users. Manage competing demands. Work across other teams at Encompass e.g. floating support.

What we offer: • • • • • •

An introductory award of up to £3,500 (subject to terms & conditions). Performance Related Pay (PRP) - up to 10% of salary. 6.5% employers’ pension contribution. Flexible working from the office in Sutton and home. 23 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays. Regular wellbeing activities.

• •

At least 3 years experience in a similar job role. In-depth knowledge of housing options and legislation. Experience of providing support, advice and guidance in a complex environment. A high level of competence. The desire to progress within Encompass as it expands.

See what our employees have to say about working at Encompass LATC!

All post holders must have the right to work in the UK, may be subject to a Disclosure Barring Service check and other relevant employment clearances. A copy of our policy on recruitment of Ex-Offenders is available on request. Interviews: These may be held in person.

Find out more information on our website: www.encompass-latc.co.uk/careers

HOUSING AND PROPERTY - YOUR DREAM HOME? The average price of a property bought by a first-time buyer in London has increased by more than 50% over the last five years according to The Financial Times and almost all millennials expect to be renting until they’re far into their 40s. With a housing crisis upon us, many people are turning their backs on the traditional housing market and looking for alternative housing and more unique ways to live. Below are several genuine housing options which people are currently buying into. Naked Homes A Naked Home does what it says on the tin. The houses are built with the absolute minimum when it comes to interiors and buyers can add all their own finishing touches. They need bathrooms, kitchens and even walls putting in place sometimes, but it’s worth it when you see the considerable drop in price that they are selling for. Shipping Container Living Shipping crate homes may not sound like the most glamorous idea, but they are fast becoming a modern and fascinating urban way of living. Many shipping container housing projects look more like works of art than people’s homes and they are a particularly popular option in the Netherlands, where hundreds of containers have been set up as houses to combat the housing shortage. Vertical Building While building higher and higher may not seem a real possibility, architects are finding clever ways to build up and create taller buildings. This removes the stress of finding ground space for the properties needed and skyscrapers of epic proportions could be the future of housing if we want to make the most of the space available. Extensions on top of buildings are already becoming popular and it could be as solution builders choose to investigate further.

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Pocket Homes The idea of living in a hotel room-sized flat may not appeal to traditionalists, but research has found young professionals may be more than happy to squeeze their lives into these so-called pocket homes. The idea of architect Patrik Shumacher, Pocket Homes are minute in size but can help people get onto the housing ladder for just 60% of their take-home pay, a significant drop from the 80% usually spent on housing in the country’s biggest cities. £1 Houses A number of local councils, including Stoke and Liverpool, have been selling old properties for just £1. Applicants need to be able to prove they can turn the derelict property into a viable home and they must also commit to staying in the property for a number of years, as well as proving their income. This is the perfect solution for making the most of old housing stock which is lying abandoned. Yurts Going totally off-grid and embracing the outdoor life, yurts are traditional Mongolian tents used by the nomadic people of the country. They incorporate an intricate wooden structure and a strong covering, traditionally animal skins. But yurts can also be constructed from metals and plexiglass, making them a perfectly viable housing structure. Living in a yurt is often something people do as a community effort, but if you have land and want to erect your own for your family, there’s nothing stopping you. People are desperate to get on the housing ladder and move into their first home, but it isn’t always as straightforward as it should be. With housing prices skyrocketing, it is more than understandable why people are trying out these slightly quirky alternatives.

National Environmental Opportunities

We are recruiting for a

Waste and Recycling Officer Salary: Grade 6 - £28,900 to £32,020 per year | 37 Hours | Full time Environment | Job reference: AVBC000000166 | Closing Date: 29/10/2023 The Waste and Recycling Unit is looking for an enthusiastic individual with a thorough understanding of Local Authority waste and recycling services. The Waste and Recycling Officer will help ensure that key performance indicators are met for the Council’s Waste Collection Service by monitoring the external waste service provider. This Waste and Recycling Officer role suits a person who can demonstrate competence at supervising contractors and investigating complaints to a satisfactory outcome. The Waste and Recycling Officer must be able to work on their own initiative in a fast paced and dynamic environment. The work of the Waste Team fluctuates with demand but is always busy and so a flexible approach to work is required along with an ability to deal with dissatisfied customers and difficult live situations. In addition to the above candidates will: • • •

Possess a working knowledge of Data Management Security including GDPR. Be an effective communicator, both written and orally. Possess a current full driving licence.

This post reports directly to the Waste and Recycling Manager and helps support them in developing a sustainable waste service. For an informal discussion about this post, please email Theresa Barnes at theresa.barnes@ambervalley.gov.uk In addition, we can offer: • • • • • •

Flexible Working. Hybrid Working. Pension Scheme. Free on-site parking. Excellent personal and professional development opportunities. Opportunities to make a difference.

The closing date for this vacancy is Sunday 29th October 2023 at Midnight (any applications received after the closing date will not be accepted). CV’s are not accepted Amber Valley Borough Council is committed to providing equality of opportunity and challenging discrimination of any kind across its’ communities and workforce. Furthermore, the council recognises the important of its workforce and seeks to employ one that reflects the population of Amber Valley. We are committed to delivering a fair recruitment process, developing our employees and embedding a culture where colleagues and the public are treated with dignity and respect. Finally, we identify and value diversity as it enables us to deliver services that are accessible to everyone. Our equality, diversity and inclusion policy can be found on our equality and diversity page. We warmly encourage job applications from disabled candidates who have identified that they meet the essential criteria for the post, and veterans and serving members of the forces preparing to move into civilian life, we recognise the valuable contribution that you could make to the council. Please inform us if the online application process is not suitable for you or if you need any assistance with accessing information in the jobs and careers section of this website, by contacting HR on 01773 841669 or 01773 841663.

For the Job Description and Person Specification, please visit our website: https://www.ambervalley.gov.uk/council/jobs-and-careers/

Expressions of interest to deliver elements of a new Technical Support Service for Net Zero Carbon Demonstrator Churches. The Church of England has an ambitious target to become net zero carbon by 2030. As part of achieving this aim, the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division are creating a ‘Demonstrators’ project which will create exemplars around the Country. These Demonstrator churches will be of different ages and types, and will all be implementing works to cut their carbon significantly, potentially getting all the way to net zero carbon. The Demonstrator projects will inspire and inform others to follow suit. One part of the Net Zero Carbon Church Demonstrator Project is to offer the churches a package of technical support. This support will be in two forms: 1. A grant for the church to pay for their own local professionals (architects, heating consultants, planning consultants, etc). 2. A National technical support service.

Expressions of Interest are being sought from organisations which can offer Technical Support Services in: • Building Services • Fabric Alterations & Retrofit • Procurement & Planning For more information, please visit our website. The application form and further details are available on our website.

The service will offer the c.100 churches in the Demonstrator project access to additional expert technical input, where they need plans reviewed, a second opinion on their design, or more specialist help with specific issues.

Our unique features:

As each church in the project will have been nominated by the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) for its Diocese, the service would also be accessible by the church’s DAC. The DAC may need access to specialist input, in order to support the church effectively and to consider the details of the faculty application.

•

Initially, we are contracting for 2 years, with the potential both to extend and also to expand to other churches.

All people / firms quoting must have a good understanding of our specific and unique features;

• • •

The Church of England’s Cathedral and Church Building Division [CCB] intend to procure a number of contracts with a variety of specialists and firms, who can, between them cover the variety of fabric, building services, procurement, and planning needs of our church Demonstrators.

•

At this stage, we are seeking expressions of interest. Please complete the form on our website by 5pm on the 8th September 2023.

•

• •

A wide variety of ages and types of buildings, from medieval stone chapels, through large Victorian churches, to 20th century churches and modern church halls. Many listed buildings, including Grade I churches of national significance. Many made from historic, local materials, needing appropriate approaches such as breathable renders. The importance of ventilation and stable conditions to preserve historic fabric and interiors. A wide variety of usage patterns, from being heated all week to 2 hours per month. In the main, run by entirely by volunteers. The need for secular planning permission for external alterations and ecclesiastical planning permission (faculty) under our exemption from Listed Building Consent. Last but not least, the absolutely central role of the church building and church hall in delivering the mission of the church; offering a warm welcome both for church services and for a wide range of community activities, varying from church to church.

We Are Recruiting! LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT £30,151 to £32,020 | 37 Hours Per Week | Casual Car User | Safety Critical | Vacancy Ref: 2209 An opportunity has arisen for a committed and enthusiastic person to join our award winning Parks and Open Spaces section, within Environmental Services. The Parks Service in Hyndburn has 10 green flag awards, which is the highest number for a Council in Lancashire. Over the last 20 years the Council has invested £11 million in its parks and open spaces to make them fantastic places to visit. With more investment planned, you will work on and deliver small and medium sized projects to develop and refurbish parks, open spaces and cemetery service facilities throughout the Borough. You will have a background in landscape design or environmental development with at least one year’s relevant work experience and will be qualified to degree level or equivalent. If successful, you will become a valued member of our parks and open spaces service and, as such, will need to work both on your own initiative and within a team. A current driving licence is essential for this post holder. If you feel you are up to the challenge of joining our Parks Team then please contact Human Resources for an application pack or download an application pack from the Hyndburn Borough Council website. We would love to hear from you. For an informal chat about the position then please contact Craig Haraben, Head of Environmental Services on 01254 356200. For more information and to apply for this position, or to request an application form please email recruit@hyndburnbc.gov.uk To view the Job Description & Person Specification for our Landscape Architect vacancy, please visit our website: https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/job/landscapearchitect/ This role will close once filled so do not delay in submitting your application!

The UK’s leading conference for environmental communicators returns this Autumn. Communicate is the UK’s leading annual conference for environmental communicators running since 2004, bringing together a diverse group of delegates each year to develop their skills, share best practice and debate latest issues in science communication, nature conservation and engaging people with the natural world. Communicate: Together for Nature is taking place 14th, 15th & 16th November. The annual conference for environmental communicators is set to be its biggest yet with 40 sessions taking place online, hybrid and live in Bristol, Manchester, and London. As we continue to champion nature’s recovery against a background of challenges for our audiences and our organisations, we have worked with our partners to pull together a programme packed full of opportunities, inspiration, and practical help, alongside facilitated and open networking sessions.

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Together for Nature – we are inviting an inspiring range of voices from across the environmental communication and media sectors, alongside diverse industries. We will be diving into the biggest changes, opportunities and pressures on our audiences, our key communication channels, and our own sector. How can we amplify our work and partnerships even further to support our audiences to work together for nature? Together for Nature? – we will also be inviting speakers and delegates to debate, discuss and challenge us to look deeper at our impact, our projects, and our partnerships. Are we constantly delivering instead of making a difference? How do we measure what matters? How do create authentic opportunities for unheard voices to join and lead the debate, and how can we work more effectively together for nature? Find out more online at www.bnhc.org.uk/communicate2023 or via #communicate2023.

Products & Services

National Construction Campaign

4 | Economy Business Magazine

WHAT IS SCREEDING? The question is often asked, ‘just what is screeding?’

Bonded Screed

In short, screeding is a thin, top layer of material such as sand or cement, which is poured on top of structural concrete or insulation. This material is then levelled and smoothed, so it is the same height as the forms, or guides, that surround it. Imagine a person measuring a cup of flour, then using a knife to smooth the top. The flour is compacted and has a smooth top layer. This is screeding in its most basic form.

This needs to be laid on a shot-blasted / scabbled concrete base, and be bonded using an adhesive such as PVA, SBR, epoxy resin or good old-fashioned cement.

The most common use of screeding is in gardening and landscaping. The contractor pours concrete into the forms or guides and allows it to fill to a certain height. To ensure the concrete will be level when it dries, screeding must be done now. To do this properly, a tool such as a long piece of aluminium or timber, which is larger than the guides, is slowly moved over the guides. This tool is also moved in a back-andforth motion while screeding to level and smooth the concrete, which ensures a perfectly level floor. There are also industrial tools available, which are ideal for use over larger areas. Screeding can be left bare to achieve a contemporary urban style to the building and its environment. There are four main types of floor screeding designs: • • • •

Bonded screed Unbonded screed Floating screed Underfloor heating screed

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Unbonded Screed These are not bonded directly to the concrete base, but are intentionally debonded with the use of a DPM (damp-proof membrane). Floating Screed Floating screed is used on top of rigid insulation boards. It is recommended that the thickness of a floating screed should be between 65 and 90 mm. Underfloor Heating Screed A traditional sand and cement screed is an ideal choice of screed for underfloor heating. Under floor heating manufacturers and suppliers generally recommend a minimum screed depth of 60 mm to use with their systems. The delivery, mixing, and pumping of screed is usually from a single vehicle which pours the screed directly from the mixing pan to the floor at a range of up to 60 metres. For smaller applications, the screed can be hand laid.

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HOW A LOFT CONVERSION CAN TURN A PROPERTY INTO A DREAM HOME The need for an extra living space has become the prime priority for many homeowners. For several good reasons, a loft conversion is the predominant choice to gain extra usability space in your home. This not only reduces the expenses and hassle of moving to a new home, but also increases the resale value of your home or property significantly. Loft extensions are one of the easiest ways to get some additional space without the hassle of relocating. Before you invest on a suitable design, you should carry out several investigations regarding its benefits. A bespoke conversion unlocks the potential of your loft and converts it into a functional space. You can choose to utilise the created space as an extra bedroom, a living room, an entertainment room, a home gym, a home office and much more. Another obvious benefit is that you can gain high returns on your investment. A number of housing market researches reveal that a standard loft conversion boosts your property or house value by more than 15% - 20%. You can also make extra revenue by renting the room out to a tenant. The stressful procedures associated with planning permission are also not essential for a viable conversion technique. Homeowners can make certain types of minor modifications or changes to a house

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without necessitating to apply for planning permission. These are regarded as permitted development rights and most of the popular loft conversion alternatives are classed as permitted development. Fortunately, there are many options when considering a loft conversion. A Dormer method is considered as the most popular and cheapest option which extends the existing roof to create more space. On the other hand, a roof window conversion needs minimal alteration of the roof and so the installation procedure is exceptionally easy. Other common alternatives include Cottage or Pitched Dormer, Mansard, Hip to Gable, Roof Lift, Hip to Gable Rear Dormer, Velux and Hip End loft conversions. A loft conversion is a significant home improvement alternative. It is essential that the homeowner finds a trusted company to handle the project. A good established company will always help to gain any additional insights regarding the loft conversion possibilities. They will be able to come up with impressive designs that embrace your entire requirements and budget. A professional company specialising in loft conversions as well as home extensions can help to make the most of the vacant space in your home and accordingly assist you to transform your house into a dream home!

Holidays in the UK 45

STAYCATION OR VACATION? WHY WE SHOULD CHOOSE BRITISH HOLIDAYS When we think about holidays, our sight tends to reach far and wide. Summer vacations are for relaxing poolside in the blistering Mediterranean sun. In winter we like to whizz down the slopes of a pristine snowy mountain. In between these, city breaks are taken strolling through Europe, whilst far-flung destinations remain at the top of our wanderlists. The UK is teeming with the same thrilling sights and experiences we seek out in other countries. It’s rich in history, architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and, believe it or not, some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Carbis Bay in Cornwall, West Wittering in Sussex, and Tyne and Wear’s Whitley Bay are just a handful of the 195 Blue Flag certified seashores in the UK (an internationally recognised gold standard award for beaches). There are surfing breaks, shingle beaches, piers and river mouths, all begging to be explored. History is displayed through ruins, monuments, mysterious standing stones and castles around every corner of the UK. You may have heard of Stonehenge, but what of Scotland’s Nether Largie Standing Stones? Have you visited these prehistoric exhibitions, or merely skimmed over photos of them online CASTLES IN WALES Did you know that Wales has the most castles per square mile than any other country in the UK? Or Scotland’s highest waterfall, Eas an t Strutha Ghil, flows at 290 metres? With so much on our doorstep, it’s almost dishonourable that we overlook our home country as a place to explore and marvel at. So, how do you go about travelling the UK?

HOW TO TRAVEL THE UK With the rise of staycations over the past few years, building campervans from scratch has become popular (a mere glance at TikTok reveals a stream of campervan conversions). For some, owning a campervan is a lifestyle choice, with individuals choosing to live full-time on the road, but for the rest of us they make the perfect road-tripping vehicle. Companies such as Quirky Campers offer quality handmade campers for budding and experienced travellers to hire. Take your pick, from family-friendly vans to cosy couple vehicles, most campers come equipped with kitchen, shower and toilet facilities. Once you have your mobile accommodation, how do you plan your route? There are numerous camping spots (both regulated and wild) around the country. Get yourself prepared with an app like Park4Night, where fellow campers mark and rate spots where you can park your van safely overnight, sometimes for a fee, often for free. WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Prefer life on the wild side? The classic tent is a cheaper and freeing option. There are more camping opportunities (think about parking a van on a cliffside, vs pitching a little tent), and with a lighter load, you can travel with just your car - or even public transport. Make sure you brush up on your camping laws in the UK before you start. It’s worth noting that there is a difference between Scotland, which benefits from a “right-to-roam” rule, and the rest of the UK, where laws can be a bit stricter.

Once you’re set up in a spot, it’s worth hiring a bike (or buying a fold-up set of wheels) so that you can easily explore your new area, leaving your camper or tent for the day. And don’t forget your camera to document your travels - for some, road-tripping around the UK is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

66 | Economy Business Magazine

28 | Economy Business Magazine

Equestrian Safety

Dead? Or Dead Slow?

The importance of passing horses safely on the roads… Did you know that the public rights of way network in England and Wales continues to shrink, resulting in more and more horse riders having to ride on busy roads in order to travel between bridleways? With an increasing number of vehicles across the UK, and the speed at which they travel, roads are becoming more challenging - especially for vulnerable road users such as horse riders. In 2021, 2,943 incidents were reported to The British Horse Society (BHS). Compared to 2020, this is an increase of over 2,000 cases. Looking at these figures, it is clear that a change in attitude towards horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and other vulnerable road users is more important than ever. As the largest equestrian charity in the UK, the BHS is urging more drivers to empathise with horse riders and encourage them to adhere to its Dead Slow campaign. Dead Slow was launched to help better educate drivers on how to safely pass horses on the roads. The Society is informing, involving and guiding drivers to follow these four important actions: If I see a horse on the road, then I will… 1. 2. 3. 4.

Slow down to a maximum of 10mph Be patient – I won’t sound my horn or rev my engine Pass the horse wide and slow, (if safe to do so) at least two metres distance Drive slowly away

As a driver, it is worth understanding that horses are flight animals, which means that they may react when they see something they are unsure of. That’s why it is essential to give a horse plenty of space and drive slowly to allow the horse time and room to act. The BHS has worked closely with the Department for Transport (DfT) to incorporate these Dead Slow behavioural messages in the latest Highway Code changes. This is a significant step for equine road safety and will help protect vulnerable road users, making the roads safer for everyone. The BHS also reminds riders that there are actions they can take too, in order to help them remain safe when out riding on the roads. It is important to acknowledge drivers who pass safely and to always wear hi-viz and reflective equipment on both you and your horse, regardless of the time of day, season or weather. The Society recommends a minimum of a tabard or jacket for a rider, and leg bands for the horse. In addition, the BHS encourages all road users to report any horse related incidents to the charity, at horseincidents.org.uk or through its app Horse i. The more the real picture is recorded, the more the BHS can do to protect the rights of horse riders on Britain’s roads. Equestrians are vulnerable road users, sitting in the same Highway Code Hierarchy Group as cyclists and motorcyclists, and with understanding and consideration on all sides, there’s room for everyone to use the roads in harmony and safety. If you’d like to learn more about The British Horse Society’s road safety campaign, visit: www.bhs.org.uk/deadslow 71

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