NOT THINKING ABOUT THE VISITORS NEEDS – Too many web designers are too concerned about how they want their website to look and not what the visitors will appreciate. You need to provide the information that the visitor’s expect, otherwise you will loose them. It is therefore important to research your visitor’s needs and expectations before your Web Design begins.
POOR NAVIGATION – Navigation should be consistent throughout, and is an important part of the visitor experience. The most important pages should be one click away at all times, while ideally no page should be more than three clicks away from any other. Having a navigation bar at the top or side of the website that is the same across all pages is recommended.
LARGE IMAGES – Large images can take a long time to load. Not only that, but they result in the whole webpage loading slowly. This frustrates visitors as they want the page to appear as quickly as possible and get on with it. This also applies to video and other large media files.
NOT HAVING EASY TO READ TEXT – This sounds simple but is something many get wrong; your text needs to be easy to read. It is no good having lots of informal text if your visitors struggle to read it. You need the right contrast in colour between the text and the background. If you wish to have a background image it is important to consider this carefully. Detailed images behind text can cause difficulties for the reader.
TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE TEXT – Either too much or too little text can work against you. If you have too much it can be complex reading, especially if you are going into much more detail than necessary. Visitors may just give up and leave. More of a common mistake is not having enough text. The problem here is two fold. Firstly, it doesn’t give your visitors (and potential customers) enough information on your products or service, and secondly it is bad for SEO purposes.
NOT THINKING ABOUT THE TEXT CONTENT – Too many worry only about the design of a website and making it look good. Depending on the nature of the site, the text can be just as important. It gives visitors the information they are seeking and this is often the real purpose of the site. It is amazing how many websites are grammatically poor.
OVERUSING FLASH – A fancy flash graphic is really what people are visiting your site for. Flash may look good, but seeing it as they reach your site is not going to make visitors stay; it is more likely that they will be turned away. If visitors have to wait for a flash graphic to finish they may leave the site, especially if on a splash page. Splash pages are rarely useful to visitors, and often just the designer looking to show off. This is not what the website is for.
UNDER THINKING OR OVER THINKING SEO – You do not want to design the website purely for SEO purposes. Doing this means it won’t be built for the benefit of your visitors, but for the benefits of the search engines. Text needs to make sense to the visitor not just be written for SEO. It doesn’t matter how high you appear in the search engines, if your visitors never stay on the site and it never gets you any business. However, it doesn’t matter how impressive or useful the site is if people can’t find it, so SEO does need to be considered.
TOO MANY ADVERTS – You may want adverts to generate some extra income, but remember this isn’t the main purpose of the site. For business sites it would be recommended that there are no adverts, but if you do choose to have them make sure they do not take over. If they feel the website has been taken over by adverts, visitors will look to your competitors instead. They will be visiting the site looking for your products, services or information, not to be taken elsewhere via adverts.
LACK OF CONSITANCY – Some web designers do not think about consistency and design each page with an individual feel. Although the content of your site should differ throughout, the look and design should be consistent all the way through.
Andrew Marshall ©
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
China’s economic growth compared to India
China’s economy has grown massively in the last couple of decades. Although India’s economy has also grown in this period, in terns of numbers it cannot be compared to its Asian counterpart. The two countries have the two biggest populations on earth with 1.3 billion and 1.2 billion respectively. China has more than a billion more residence than the third biggest, the USA.
China’s economy grew by 10% on average every year in the 1990’s, and this growth has increased still further since. It currently has the third biggest economy, behind the US and Japan, and is expected to overtake both these in the next few years.
There are several reasons for China’s growth. Its population alone gives it a significant advantage, and is the reason why such rapid growth has been possible. Government stimulation has certainly helped, with large amounts of cash flow put towards infrastructure and transport. There are also many investment opportunities for foreign investors. Another major reason is the cheap labour available for companies coming into the country. This has been utilised by a number of large clothing corporations, with a large proportion of the world’s clothes manufactured in the country. Manufacturing has been the most significant growth area. It means that foreign companies can Manufacture their clothes significantly cheaper by going to China, rather than having them manufactured in their own country. Some companies have been criticised for providing poor working conditions for workers as there aren’t the same strict regulations as elsewhere. Living costs are lower in China, meaning its workers don’t demand the same wages, and therefore lower costs for the businesses.
India has not grown in the way China has but there has been an increase due to the cheap labour it offers. Several call centres have moved to the country in the last ten years. Some companies have received criticism for this for several reasons. One of these is that it has resulted in people elsewhere loosing their jobs in the name of bigger profits. Another reason is that it means that customers are not talking to someone in their own country, meaning they don’t speak to someone who can directly solve their query.
Call centres are the equivalent to clothing companies in China, when it comes to foreign businesses utilising the counties workforce. A major reason why China’s economy has grown more than India’s is the huge technological advances that have taken place. There has been a vast difference between the two countries in this area. India hasn’t had the same government investment either. It is also still relatively rural, with a large amount of urban migration having taken place in China. They are following the model of the west more and more, with large industrial cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. It has also been suggested that the stability of the Chinese government has been important, as the economic situation is not affected by political change. Does this mean that democracy is bad for the economy?
The recent worldwide recession has affected China though. Growth has been so rapid that it was bound to have an impact. However, it has recovered quicker than many other countries; partly due to government intervention and partly due to the fact that their economy had been growing so much.
Andrew Marshall ©
Wholesale Manufacturers China
China’s economy grew by 10% on average every year in the 1990’s, and this growth has increased still further since. It currently has the third biggest economy, behind the US and Japan, and is expected to overtake both these in the next few years.
There are several reasons for China’s growth. Its population alone gives it a significant advantage, and is the reason why such rapid growth has been possible. Government stimulation has certainly helped, with large amounts of cash flow put towards infrastructure and transport. There are also many investment opportunities for foreign investors. Another major reason is the cheap labour available for companies coming into the country. This has been utilised by a number of large clothing corporations, with a large proportion of the world’s clothes manufactured in the country. Manufacturing has been the most significant growth area. It means that foreign companies can Manufacture their clothes significantly cheaper by going to China, rather than having them manufactured in their own country. Some companies have been criticised for providing poor working conditions for workers as there aren’t the same strict regulations as elsewhere. Living costs are lower in China, meaning its workers don’t demand the same wages, and therefore lower costs for the businesses.
India has not grown in the way China has but there has been an increase due to the cheap labour it offers. Several call centres have moved to the country in the last ten years. Some companies have received criticism for this for several reasons. One of these is that it has resulted in people elsewhere loosing their jobs in the name of bigger profits. Another reason is that it means that customers are not talking to someone in their own country, meaning they don’t speak to someone who can directly solve their query.
Call centres are the equivalent to clothing companies in China, when it comes to foreign businesses utilising the counties workforce. A major reason why China’s economy has grown more than India’s is the huge technological advances that have taken place. There has been a vast difference between the two countries in this area. India hasn’t had the same government investment either. It is also still relatively rural, with a large amount of urban migration having taken place in China. They are following the model of the west more and more, with large industrial cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. It has also been suggested that the stability of the Chinese government has been important, as the economic situation is not affected by political change. Does this mean that democracy is bad for the economy?
The recent worldwide recession has affected China though. Growth has been so rapid that it was bound to have an impact. However, it has recovered quicker than many other countries; partly due to government intervention and partly due to the fact that their economy had been growing so much.
Andrew Marshall ©
Wholesale Manufacturers China
How would we cope without Technology?
These days technology plays an integral part in our everyday lives. We use alarm clocks to wake us up in the mornings, heating systems to have a hot shower, transport to get to work, computers at work, watch television in the evening, and use ovens or microwaves for many of our meals. So how would we cope without all this technology?
Communication is a key human need, and technology is often used to communicate. Telephones, mobile phones,VoIP, and emails are used as forms of communications. A recent study in Italy highlighted how much we have come to rely on communication technology. The study deprived 300 people of their mobile phones for a week so see how they would cope. One in six said they experienced a loss of appetite, and 25% said they lost confidence resulting in sexual problems. This seems a little extreme but gives a flavour on how we’ve come to “need” technology.
It is especially young people who use mobile phones extensively. Text messaging has become extremely popular, and one of the most common forms of communicating. People, and especially children, use them as a safety net and concerned parents want their children to own a mobile phone just in case.
Families typically live further apart now than previously. Many have relatives not just across the country, but across the world. Therefore the only way to communicate with them is through technology. You can’t just pop in for a cup of tea.
Business is the area where technology probably has the biggest influence. Communication is again a large part of this, and email has taken over as possibly the most important form of communication in the business world. Without it processes would have to change dramatically. Many businesses are now global which makes this even more important. You can’t just arrange a quick meeting. This has made video conferencing and conference calls more common. Because of the worldwide nature of business, suppliers and customers can be anywhere. Many businesses have also become reliant on the internet. Some operate exclusively online, by selling things via internet and email, and these businesses simply wouldn’t survive without it. There are also sectors, such asWeb Design
, that only exist because of the internet. All businesses are expected to have a website, and no internet would hurt many. Research is also mostly done online.
It is not just business that is reliant on the internet for research; it also used personally and by schools. It has taken over from libraries as the main form of research. People have become used to using the internet to find information instantaneously and therefore would not be happy using alternative methods. As with many things it is more of a convenience than a need, and it would seem difficult without it.
Cars and other transport are a major technology used by many. Most people no longer work locally to where they live, so they can’t just walk down the road to work. Therefore cars are needed, especially for those who live or work in areas without good transport links. The way society has changed, without a shop on every corner, also means it is necessary to drive to many other places. Again the fact that families don’t all live locally means that transport is used to visit them. Without transport people would have to move to be able to work.
We also use technology for pleasure and entertainment, for example televisions and radios. We would therefore have to revert back to playing games and improvising. There is nothing wrong with this, but many would miss what we have now.
With many of today’s technology it is not a matter of not being able to cope without it, just that we would have to change the ways in which we live. We would obviously miss what we have now, but would eventually get used to it. It would, though, no doubt have a massive effect on our everyday lives. The area that would be affected most would be business. Some businesses would no longer be able to survive, while others would have to adjust or become more localised.
Andrew Marshall ©
Business VoIP
Web Design London
Communication is a key human need, and technology is often used to communicate. Telephones, mobile phones,VoIP, and emails are used as forms of communications. A recent study in Italy highlighted how much we have come to rely on communication technology. The study deprived 300 people of their mobile phones for a week so see how they would cope. One in six said they experienced a loss of appetite, and 25% said they lost confidence resulting in sexual problems. This seems a little extreme but gives a flavour on how we’ve come to “need” technology.
It is especially young people who use mobile phones extensively. Text messaging has become extremely popular, and one of the most common forms of communicating. People, and especially children, use them as a safety net and concerned parents want their children to own a mobile phone just in case.
Families typically live further apart now than previously. Many have relatives not just across the country, but across the world. Therefore the only way to communicate with them is through technology. You can’t just pop in for a cup of tea.
Business is the area where technology probably has the biggest influence. Communication is again a large part of this, and email has taken over as possibly the most important form of communication in the business world. Without it processes would have to change dramatically. Many businesses are now global which makes this even more important. You can’t just arrange a quick meeting. This has made video conferencing and conference calls more common. Because of the worldwide nature of business, suppliers and customers can be anywhere. Many businesses have also become reliant on the internet. Some operate exclusively online, by selling things via internet and email, and these businesses simply wouldn’t survive without it. There are also sectors, such asWeb Design
, that only exist because of the internet. All businesses are expected to have a website, and no internet would hurt many. Research is also mostly done online.
It is not just business that is reliant on the internet for research; it also used personally and by schools. It has taken over from libraries as the main form of research. People have become used to using the internet to find information instantaneously and therefore would not be happy using alternative methods. As with many things it is more of a convenience than a need, and it would seem difficult without it.
Cars and other transport are a major technology used by many. Most people no longer work locally to where they live, so they can’t just walk down the road to work. Therefore cars are needed, especially for those who live or work in areas without good transport links. The way society has changed, without a shop on every corner, also means it is necessary to drive to many other places. Again the fact that families don’t all live locally means that transport is used to visit them. Without transport people would have to move to be able to work.
We also use technology for pleasure and entertainment, for example televisions and radios. We would therefore have to revert back to playing games and improvising. There is nothing wrong with this, but many would miss what we have now.
With many of today’s technology it is not a matter of not being able to cope without it, just that we would have to change the ways in which we live. We would obviously miss what we have now, but would eventually get used to it. It would, though, no doubt have a massive effect on our everyday lives. The area that would be affected most would be business. Some businesses would no longer be able to survive, while others would have to adjust or become more localised.
Andrew Marshall ©
Business VoIP
Web Design London
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Different types of Phones
Over the last hundred years or more telephones have become an important part of many people’s daily lives. There are now three main types of phone or phone like devices available; landline telephones, mobile phones and VoIP phones. Each of these has come onto the market at a different moment in time, and they have all developed (and continue to do so) throughout their existence.
The traditional landline telephone has been around in some form since 1876, when Alexander Graham Bell first got a patent for an electrical phone. The technology had been developing previous to this, but 1876 was really the beginning of the telephone.
LANDLINE TELEPHONES
A phone system is connected by insulated wires that connect the entire network. Originally this was in the form over overland cables but over time having the cables underground has become more commonplace. Landline phones have a microphone and speaker like all telephone devises. This speaker allows the user to hear what the person they are communicating with is saying, while the microphone allows the users voice to be transmitted to the other end of the line. In the past it was necessary to call an operator, as the technology was not advanced enough for users to directly call each other. You would phone an operator stating who you would like to talk to, and they would then connect you to that person. Nowadays telephone users just call the number of the person they require.
To call people with traditional telephones a dialling system was used. This coined the term “dialling” a number that is still used to this day. Numbers one to zero (with two to nine in between) were on a dial, and when calling it was necessary to move the dial round from the required number to the end. This was necessary for each digit within a phone number. Each time the dial was turned a signal would be sent down the telephone line. This now works digitally; and it is only necessary to press the required buttons.
MOBILE PHONES
Mobile Phones (also referred to as Cell Phones) are phones that are, as the name suggests, mobile, and do not have to be physically connected to a telephone line. It works by sending radio waves. The progression towards some sort of radio wave technology had been experimented with since the 1940’s. The first device that really resembled a mobile phone wasn’t until 1979 though, in Japan. The technology greatly expanded during the 1980’s. Their mainstream popularity really took off in the mid 1990’s and from the late 90’s to the early 2000’s they had a major impact.
With a mobile phone you can do a lot more than make calls. The first text message was sent in 1992, and the technology available within the small mobile phone device has expanded ever since. Organisers, diaries, calculators and alarms are found on most modern mobiles, and they can even come with cameras, video recorders, the internet, and email capability. Advanced models are like mini computers.
Mobile phones send radio signals to a ‘base camp’. The signal travel from the phone device to base camp, and then from base camp to the phone device of the receiver.
VOIP PHONES
VoIP phones are likely to be the next major step in mainstream phone technology. VoIP is voice communication over the internet. The signal travels over a broadband connection, and is much like email but with voices.
VoIP has a reputation of being poor in quality. It is, though, improving all the time. It is dependant on the quality of the internet connection, which is the reason why the quality varies. The most common form of VoIP is to use a computer with a microphone and speakers. There are now VoIP phones on the market though, that look just like regular telephones. To the user they work in the same way, just with different technology. With some VoIP Providers it is now possible to use it as the main home telephone or as a Business VoIP solution.
Andrew Marshall ©
The traditional landline telephone has been around in some form since 1876, when Alexander Graham Bell first got a patent for an electrical phone. The technology had been developing previous to this, but 1876 was really the beginning of the telephone.
LANDLINE TELEPHONES
A phone system is connected by insulated wires that connect the entire network. Originally this was in the form over overland cables but over time having the cables underground has become more commonplace. Landline phones have a microphone and speaker like all telephone devises. This speaker allows the user to hear what the person they are communicating with is saying, while the microphone allows the users voice to be transmitted to the other end of the line. In the past it was necessary to call an operator, as the technology was not advanced enough for users to directly call each other. You would phone an operator stating who you would like to talk to, and they would then connect you to that person. Nowadays telephone users just call the number of the person they require.
To call people with traditional telephones a dialling system was used. This coined the term “dialling” a number that is still used to this day. Numbers one to zero (with two to nine in between) were on a dial, and when calling it was necessary to move the dial round from the required number to the end. This was necessary for each digit within a phone number. Each time the dial was turned a signal would be sent down the telephone line. This now works digitally; and it is only necessary to press the required buttons.
MOBILE PHONES
Mobile Phones (also referred to as Cell Phones) are phones that are, as the name suggests, mobile, and do not have to be physically connected to a telephone line. It works by sending radio waves. The progression towards some sort of radio wave technology had been experimented with since the 1940’s. The first device that really resembled a mobile phone wasn’t until 1979 though, in Japan. The technology greatly expanded during the 1980’s. Their mainstream popularity really took off in the mid 1990’s and from the late 90’s to the early 2000’s they had a major impact.
With a mobile phone you can do a lot more than make calls. The first text message was sent in 1992, and the technology available within the small mobile phone device has expanded ever since. Organisers, diaries, calculators and alarms are found on most modern mobiles, and they can even come with cameras, video recorders, the internet, and email capability. Advanced models are like mini computers.
Mobile phones send radio signals to a ‘base camp’. The signal travel from the phone device to base camp, and then from base camp to the phone device of the receiver.
VOIP PHONES
VoIP phones are likely to be the next major step in mainstream phone technology. VoIP is voice communication over the internet. The signal travels over a broadband connection, and is much like email but with voices.
VoIP has a reputation of being poor in quality. It is, though, improving all the time. It is dependant on the quality of the internet connection, which is the reason why the quality varies. The most common form of VoIP is to use a computer with a microphone and speakers. There are now VoIP phones on the market though, that look just like regular telephones. To the user they work in the same way, just with different technology. With some VoIP Providers it is now possible to use it as the main home telephone or as a Business VoIP solution.
Andrew Marshall ©
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Why does India have such a low Divorce rate?
Divorce in India is extremely low compared to the United States. In America around half of marriages end in divorce, but in India it is a mere one per cent. It is so low that many have the idea that it is illegal. This is not the case but there are many reasons that could contribute to these contrasting figures.
One important factor could be that divorce is not deemed as socially acceptable in India. It is considered a blemish on your character, meaning it is something a lot of people won’t even contemplate no matter what situation they find themselves in. Some would suggest that family values are more important to Indians than Americans. People tend to live in larger family units, and when you marry someone you are in many respects marrying the whole family. It therefore has more of an impact on the wider family if people get divorced which means they tend to feel more shame.
It has been suggested that arranged marriage could be a positive as it means couples are more likely to stay together. Arranged marriage is still fairly common in India but rarely works the way many in the west think, with a man and woman forced to marry each other. Instead, it usually works by a couple being introduced if their respective parents believe they can build a successful relationship. It is more of a compromise between parents and their children to try to find someone compatible. There is therefore a more scientific approach rather than coming down to pure love. But is this a better way of doing things? Many would disagree, but it could mean people who are right for each other are brought together therefore making a break up less likely. Arranged marriage can mean a match-up of characters, rather than two people who are completely different falling in love and then eventually realising they are not right for each other.
Infidelity is seen as more of a sin in India than the US. As far as statistics tell us, it is much rarer. Infidelity is one of the main causes of the break up of marriages in America. Strong religious views are likely to be at the core of this, as is the general reluctance to get divorced.
The ease that a divorce can be obtained as been blamed for much of the increase in marriage break ups in America. It is easier than ever now, especially with the no-fault divorce law, which means couples can seek a divorce just because they simply don’t want to be married anymore. Family Law is much more complex in India, with a long and arduous legal process to go through.
It has been argued that the facts are distorted, as many Indian couples have been reported as not living together despite being technically married. This would mean the facts are right (they are still married) but don’t give a clear picture. This would also support the idea that divorce is not considered socially acceptable.
The position of women in society could also be a contributing factor. Women in India are generally considered less independent. They have a particular role in society (much like America in the past) and accept this. Is some ways this makes it easier for everyone; men and women have specific roles to play. In America women are more independent and want to have more of a choice in the way they live their lives. This can lead to a couple having conflicting ideas as to how they want to live their lives.
Andrew Marshall ©
Divorce Solicitors London
Family Law London
One important factor could be that divorce is not deemed as socially acceptable in India. It is considered a blemish on your character, meaning it is something a lot of people won’t even contemplate no matter what situation they find themselves in. Some would suggest that family values are more important to Indians than Americans. People tend to live in larger family units, and when you marry someone you are in many respects marrying the whole family. It therefore has more of an impact on the wider family if people get divorced which means they tend to feel more shame.
It has been suggested that arranged marriage could be a positive as it means couples are more likely to stay together. Arranged marriage is still fairly common in India but rarely works the way many in the west think, with a man and woman forced to marry each other. Instead, it usually works by a couple being introduced if their respective parents believe they can build a successful relationship. It is more of a compromise between parents and their children to try to find someone compatible. There is therefore a more scientific approach rather than coming down to pure love. But is this a better way of doing things? Many would disagree, but it could mean people who are right for each other are brought together therefore making a break up less likely. Arranged marriage can mean a match-up of characters, rather than two people who are completely different falling in love and then eventually realising they are not right for each other.
Infidelity is seen as more of a sin in India than the US. As far as statistics tell us, it is much rarer. Infidelity is one of the main causes of the break up of marriages in America. Strong religious views are likely to be at the core of this, as is the general reluctance to get divorced.
The ease that a divorce can be obtained as been blamed for much of the increase in marriage break ups in America. It is easier than ever now, especially with the no-fault divorce law, which means couples can seek a divorce just because they simply don’t want to be married anymore. Family Law is much more complex in India, with a long and arduous legal process to go through.
It has been argued that the facts are distorted, as many Indian couples have been reported as not living together despite being technically married. This would mean the facts are right (they are still married) but don’t give a clear picture. This would also support the idea that divorce is not considered socially acceptable.
The position of women in society could also be a contributing factor. Women in India are generally considered less independent. They have a particular role in society (much like America in the past) and accept this. Is some ways this makes it easier for everyone; men and women have specific roles to play. In America women are more independent and want to have more of a choice in the way they live their lives. This can lead to a couple having conflicting ideas as to how they want to live their lives.
Andrew Marshall ©
Divorce Solicitors London
Family Law London
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Harley Street of……
Harley Street is possibly the world’s most famous area for medical practice. For around 150 years medical practitioners have been setting up practices in Harley Street and the surrounding areas. Around the 1960’s doctors began moving to this area of London, and some set up practices from their homes. This began a trend that transformed the area into the centre of excellence it has become. Once a few doctors began to work in the area it opened the flood gates. The success of these doctors encouraged other to move to the area too, and it almost became necessary for the best private doctors to work in the area, as it became the go-to place for those seeking quality private healthcare. This reputation continues to this day, with around 1,500 medical practitioners in and around Harley Street, across a broad range of different services. These days they include chiropractors, psychiatrists, and cosmetic surgeons.
The London Clinic is the most well known organisation in Harley Street, although most of its services now run nearby on the corner of Devonshire Place and Marylebone Road. The London Clinic is a private healthcare organisation which was established in 1932.
Harley Street’s reputation has meant the term “Harley Street of” has been used to describe other street around the world. So now let’s have a look at the Harley Street’s of the North, Australia, Enniskillen and Ramsgate.
Welbeck Street is in the West End of London, two block west of Harley Street, and also has a reputation for healthcare. A large part of this is due to its closeness to Harley Street. Because of its fame, property price and rent is high in Harley Street, so many practitioners unable to afford this have instead opted to practice close to, but not in, Harley Street. Welbeck Street is the best example of this. It’s most famous medical institution is The London Welbeck Hospital. In the 20th century it was a nationally know maternity hospital, but possibly as a sign of the times it now specialises in cosmetic surgery. The Welbeck Street Hospital and the British Institute of Radiology are two other well know institutions on the street. The Welbeck Street Hospital specialised in diseases of the nervous system, while the British Institute of Radiology is the oldest radiology society in the world, and dates back to the 1800’s.
Rodney Street in Liverpool is commonly known as the “Harley Street of the North”, due to the large number of doctors based there. It originated from the 1780’s and was mostly developed in the 1820’s. During this period it mostly housed the wealthy and former Prime Minister William Ewart was born there. A number of medical Consulting Rooms reside in Rodney Street, and anything from cosmetic surgeons to dentists practice there. It is still seen as an area for medical expertise to this day.
Macquarie Street in Sydney, Australia was once nicknamed “the Harley Street of Sydney”. Like much of the city the name bares that of Lachlan Macquarie, who was the governor of Sydney from 1810 until 1821. He was responsible for much of the early building of the City, including this street. Until around 20 years ago there were a large number of medical practices there, although this has mostly now been taken over by business premises, as the street runs through the City just east of the centre. One famous medical building that does remain though is the Sydney Hospital, which is the oldest hospital in Australia. It has been around since 1788 and at its present site since 1811. It specialises in ophthalmology and hand surgery, but also houses an emergency department.
Two other places that have had areas compared with Harley Street (though on much smaller scales) are Darling Street in Enniskillen in Ireland, and Chapel Place in Ramsgate in England.
Enniskillen is a town of approximately 13,000 people in the province of Ulster. It is a Georgian town with Victorian influences. Within the town lies Darling Street, which was referred to as, “the Harley Street of Enniskillen” in the 1840’s. This comes from the fact that nine of the eleven doctors surgeries in the town where based in this street.
Finally there is “the Harley Street of Ramsgate”, Chapel Place. Ramsgate is in the South-East of England on the peninsular of the Isle of Thanet in Kent. It is a seaside town of around 40,000 people. Chapel Place was a highly sort after area in the late 18th and early 19th century. Royalty and other wealthy people settled in the area around this time. Its Georgian buildings were once home to the surgeries of many doctors and dentists, hence it’s association with Harley Street. This is no longer the case though, and it is now populated by businesses and flats.
Andrew Marshall ©
Consulting Rooms Harley Street
The London Clinic is the most well known organisation in Harley Street, although most of its services now run nearby on the corner of Devonshire Place and Marylebone Road. The London Clinic is a private healthcare organisation which was established in 1932.
Harley Street’s reputation has meant the term “Harley Street of” has been used to describe other street around the world. So now let’s have a look at the Harley Street’s of the North, Australia, Enniskillen and Ramsgate.
Welbeck Street is in the West End of London, two block west of Harley Street, and also has a reputation for healthcare. A large part of this is due to its closeness to Harley Street. Because of its fame, property price and rent is high in Harley Street, so many practitioners unable to afford this have instead opted to practice close to, but not in, Harley Street. Welbeck Street is the best example of this. It’s most famous medical institution is The London Welbeck Hospital. In the 20th century it was a nationally know maternity hospital, but possibly as a sign of the times it now specialises in cosmetic surgery. The Welbeck Street Hospital and the British Institute of Radiology are two other well know institutions on the street. The Welbeck Street Hospital specialised in diseases of the nervous system, while the British Institute of Radiology is the oldest radiology society in the world, and dates back to the 1800’s.
Rodney Street in Liverpool is commonly known as the “Harley Street of the North”, due to the large number of doctors based there. It originated from the 1780’s and was mostly developed in the 1820’s. During this period it mostly housed the wealthy and former Prime Minister William Ewart was born there. A number of medical Consulting Rooms reside in Rodney Street, and anything from cosmetic surgeons to dentists practice there. It is still seen as an area for medical expertise to this day.
Macquarie Street in Sydney, Australia was once nicknamed “the Harley Street of Sydney”. Like much of the city the name bares that of Lachlan Macquarie, who was the governor of Sydney from 1810 until 1821. He was responsible for much of the early building of the City, including this street. Until around 20 years ago there were a large number of medical practices there, although this has mostly now been taken over by business premises, as the street runs through the City just east of the centre. One famous medical building that does remain though is the Sydney Hospital, which is the oldest hospital in Australia. It has been around since 1788 and at its present site since 1811. It specialises in ophthalmology and hand surgery, but also houses an emergency department.
Two other places that have had areas compared with Harley Street (though on much smaller scales) are Darling Street in Enniskillen in Ireland, and Chapel Place in Ramsgate in England.
Enniskillen is a town of approximately 13,000 people in the province of Ulster. It is a Georgian town with Victorian influences. Within the town lies Darling Street, which was referred to as, “the Harley Street of Enniskillen” in the 1840’s. This comes from the fact that nine of the eleven doctors surgeries in the town where based in this street.
Finally there is “the Harley Street of Ramsgate”, Chapel Place. Ramsgate is in the South-East of England on the peninsular of the Isle of Thanet in Kent. It is a seaside town of around 40,000 people. Chapel Place was a highly sort after area in the late 18th and early 19th century. Royalty and other wealthy people settled in the area around this time. Its Georgian buildings were once home to the surgeries of many doctors and dentists, hence it’s association with Harley Street. This is no longer the case though, and it is now populated by businesses and flats.
Andrew Marshall ©
Consulting Rooms Harley Street
Friday, December 11, 2009
Choosing a Colocation Provider
When choosing a Colocation provider there are many things to consider. Your choice will be depends on your specific requirement and the budget you have available.
One of the most important things to investigate is the provider’s track records, as this will give you an idea of the service you could experience. Their reputations are something to look at, and seeking others opinion will help. Online reviews are always worth a look. Although you can’t trust every review at face value it will give you a general overview of others experiences. If you are visiting colocation centre’s during the decision making process you should ask other customers their opinions if possible. They should give you direct and honest answers to any questions, and after all, they should know.
The technical side is very important. You need to make sure the colocation provider you choose has the capacity to host your server. There would be nothing worse than choosing a colocation provider only to realise they don’t meet your requirements. Amongst other thing you need to check bandwidth. Although most data centres have plenty, you need to check this before proceeding.
You should try to establish how much downtime is normal for a particular provider, and whether this is better or worse than others who you are considering. Also look at how long sites tend to be down for and whether they have any contingency plans for potential problems. Many providers have backup plans, which may mean these issues would not have too much of an affect.
The conditions the server will be hosted in should be a consideration. Most data centres control the air and temperature of the relevant areas of their premises so that they are optimised for hosting. The better controlled they are the more suitable the area is likely to be for hosting.
Another area to look at is security, as the security of your server is vital. The premises need to be protected from break-ins. The very nature of a colocation centre means that customers are in and out all the time, and therefore security is even more of an issue. You need to be sure that other customers cannot access your server. Protection from other problems such as fire is also important.
Some colocation centres have support on hand, while other don’t. Depending on your requirement this may be something you need to think about. You won’t want to pay extra for support that is not required, but if you are not confident in hosting you may need to make sure support is included.
A final consideration is price. It may not be the sole reason for choosing a host, but it will certainly come into the decision making process. Some go for the cheap option for obvious reasons, while others choose the more expensive providers because they think the service will be better. Sometime the old adage, “you get what you pay for” is true, but not always. Whether it is cheap or expensive is not the key; the key is value for money and making sure you get the service you need.
Andrew Marshall ©
One of the most important things to investigate is the provider’s track records, as this will give you an idea of the service you could experience. Their reputations are something to look at, and seeking others opinion will help. Online reviews are always worth a look. Although you can’t trust every review at face value it will give you a general overview of others experiences. If you are visiting colocation centre’s during the decision making process you should ask other customers their opinions if possible. They should give you direct and honest answers to any questions, and after all, they should know.
The technical side is very important. You need to make sure the colocation provider you choose has the capacity to host your server. There would be nothing worse than choosing a colocation provider only to realise they don’t meet your requirements. Amongst other thing you need to check bandwidth. Although most data centres have plenty, you need to check this before proceeding.
You should try to establish how much downtime is normal for a particular provider, and whether this is better or worse than others who you are considering. Also look at how long sites tend to be down for and whether they have any contingency plans for potential problems. Many providers have backup plans, which may mean these issues would not have too much of an affect.
The conditions the server will be hosted in should be a consideration. Most data centres control the air and temperature of the relevant areas of their premises so that they are optimised for hosting. The better controlled they are the more suitable the area is likely to be for hosting.
Another area to look at is security, as the security of your server is vital. The premises need to be protected from break-ins. The very nature of a colocation centre means that customers are in and out all the time, and therefore security is even more of an issue. You need to be sure that other customers cannot access your server. Protection from other problems such as fire is also important.
Some colocation centres have support on hand, while other don’t. Depending on your requirement this may be something you need to think about. You won’t want to pay extra for support that is not required, but if you are not confident in hosting you may need to make sure support is included.
A final consideration is price. It may not be the sole reason for choosing a host, but it will certainly come into the decision making process. Some go for the cheap option for obvious reasons, while others choose the more expensive providers because they think the service will be better. Sometime the old adage, “you get what you pay for” is true, but not always. Whether it is cheap or expensive is not the key; the key is value for money and making sure you get the service you need.
Andrew Marshall ©
PAT Testing Labels
PAT testing labels are used during PAT Testing so that appliance users can see when a test has been carried out, and whether or not the appliance passed. The labels are in the form of stickers which are placed on appliances after testing. This is easy for the user to see and they can immediately see the conditions of the appliance they are about to use. This may seem like an old fashioned approach, but it is simple and easy for everyone to understand.
The labels are colour coded making it even easier to see if the equipment has passed. Green labels denote that the appliance has passed, while a red label means it has failed and should not be used. There is also a blue label, which means it has passed but there are issues, and it should be tested regularly.
The pass or fail statement is obviously the most important information on the label. Either PASS or FAILED – DO NOT USE is already printed on the relevant coloured sticker so doesn’t need to be added by the testing engineer. There may be an Appliance ID Number that is attached to the specific equipment and entered onto the label. For green and blue labels the pass date and date when the next test should take place are entered. For blue labels the next test date will be closer to the present time than it will be for green labels. There is space for any additional information, such as more specific details as to the condition of the appliance, and a space for the testing engineer to sign. Red labels have a fail date space.
The above is only an example of the most common PAT testing labels. There is no industry standard but the majority tend to be similar. They come in different designs, possibly including the logo and name of the company who performed the PAT test.
A relatively new addition to some PAT testing labels are bar codes. These mean that the PAT testing history of equipment can be tracked. With these the details of the PAT test can be entered onto a scanner and then the bar code on the label is scanned. This associates the bar code with a record of the appliance. Prior to any future portable appliance testing, the previous label can be scanned to bring up the file, with details of the new test then added to the file. The new bar code will then be scanned so the two tests go onto the same file. Previous records can be viewed at any time by scanning the bar code on the label. This means that over time a complete record of the PAT testing of a particular appliance can be viewed at any time.
When testing appliances a testing engineer will arrive at the testing site with green, blue, and red labels. After each appliance has been tested the relevant colour label will be filled out and then placed onto the appliance. This then allows users to see the details of the PAT test when they come to use it.
Andrew Marshall ©
The labels are colour coded making it even easier to see if the equipment has passed. Green labels denote that the appliance has passed, while a red label means it has failed and should not be used. There is also a blue label, which means it has passed but there are issues, and it should be tested regularly.
The pass or fail statement is obviously the most important information on the label. Either PASS or FAILED – DO NOT USE is already printed on the relevant coloured sticker so doesn’t need to be added by the testing engineer. There may be an Appliance ID Number that is attached to the specific equipment and entered onto the label. For green and blue labels the pass date and date when the next test should take place are entered. For blue labels the next test date will be closer to the present time than it will be for green labels. There is space for any additional information, such as more specific details as to the condition of the appliance, and a space for the testing engineer to sign. Red labels have a fail date space.
The above is only an example of the most common PAT testing labels. There is no industry standard but the majority tend to be similar. They come in different designs, possibly including the logo and name of the company who performed the PAT test.
A relatively new addition to some PAT testing labels are bar codes. These mean that the PAT testing history of equipment can be tracked. With these the details of the PAT test can be entered onto a scanner and then the bar code on the label is scanned. This associates the bar code with a record of the appliance. Prior to any future portable appliance testing, the previous label can be scanned to bring up the file, with details of the new test then added to the file. The new bar code will then be scanned so the two tests go onto the same file. Previous records can be viewed at any time by scanning the bar code on the label. This means that over time a complete record of the PAT testing of a particular appliance can be viewed at any time.
When testing appliances a testing engineer will arrive at the testing site with green, blue, and red labels. After each appliance has been tested the relevant colour label will be filled out and then placed onto the appliance. This then allows users to see the details of the PAT test when they come to use it.
Andrew Marshall ©
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Adoption by Gay Couples
Gay Rights has become a highly debated subject in recent years. The majority of people now agree that gay people and gay couples deserve the same rights as anyone else, but there are still people with strong opposing view. This is especially the case when it comes to adoption.
Gay people have been granted equal rights in many areas, with civil partnerships the biggest victory for gay right campaigners. Civil Partnership were introduced in the UK in 2005 and are a form of gay couples registering their partnership; very much like marriage under a different name. This was a way of legalising a marriage type institution for gay people, but getting around the argument that marriage should be for male-female couples only.
Same-sex adoption is an area that has been pursued heavily, and one that produces much debate. Some think that there should be equal right in all areas and therefore same-sex adoption should be legal, while others are completely against it. This includes many religious groups, especially the Catholic Church. The UK is amongst many nations where same-sex adoption is now legal, and more countries are bringing in similar laws all the time.
Below are some of the points that are being put forward on both sides of the gay-adoption argument.
ARGUMENT FOR
• There are so many children waiting for adoption so it only makes sense to utilise gay couples wishing to adopt.
• One of the main points made against same-sex adoption is that children need male and female role models. However the traditional family is not as common as it once was, and therefore many children do not grow up with both biological parents anyway.
• It is morally right that gay couples should be given the same adoption rights as straight couples.
• There is no reason why gay people cannot be good parents.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST
• It is best for children to grow up with a male and female role model. Even when parents separate, the children see both in the majority of cases.
• Children could be bullied if their parents are gay.
• Children could suffer psychologically by being bought up by a gay couple.
The question has to be asked, what is most important with adoption?
The most important thing is that children are loved and cared for, and therefore does it matter if they are bought up by one male, one female, one of each, or two of either? And is sexuality important in someone’s ability to bring up children? If the answer to these questions is no, then this suggests that adoption should be allowed for gay couples.
Most of the argument against same-sex adoption can be countered.
• Many have claimed it is best children are bought up by both biological parents, but many do not stay together anyway.
• Emotional problems can stem from being bought up by gay parents - many studies that have been carried out looking into the subject though, suggest there are usually no psychological affects.
• Being bought up in a stable family is best for children – but civil partnerships can be just as stable as marriages.
THE LAW
Before the current laws came in one person was able to adopt a child. This meant that an adopted child could potentially live with this person and his or her partner, even if they were in a same-sex relationship. There were also situations where a gay woman would become pregnant through artificial insemination and then the child could live with her and her partner. This gave lesbian couples an advantage over all-male couples. In many ways then, it was possible for gay couples to bring up children.
New laws were implemented in 2006 so that same-sex couples could adopt a child together. There are strict adoption rules, but they are the same for gay and straight couples.
Many adoption agencies have ties with religious groups. Those with catholic connections refused to allow adoption by gay couples. This was ruled as being illegal in June 2009. Many of these organisations claimed they would rather close down than adopt to gay couples. However, most have abided by the rules.
Andrew Marshall ©
Civil Partnership Solicitors
Gay people have been granted equal rights in many areas, with civil partnerships the biggest victory for gay right campaigners. Civil Partnership were introduced in the UK in 2005 and are a form of gay couples registering their partnership; very much like marriage under a different name. This was a way of legalising a marriage type institution for gay people, but getting around the argument that marriage should be for male-female couples only.
Same-sex adoption is an area that has been pursued heavily, and one that produces much debate. Some think that there should be equal right in all areas and therefore same-sex adoption should be legal, while others are completely against it. This includes many religious groups, especially the Catholic Church. The UK is amongst many nations where same-sex adoption is now legal, and more countries are bringing in similar laws all the time.
Below are some of the points that are being put forward on both sides of the gay-adoption argument.
ARGUMENT FOR
• There are so many children waiting for adoption so it only makes sense to utilise gay couples wishing to adopt.
• One of the main points made against same-sex adoption is that children need male and female role models. However the traditional family is not as common as it once was, and therefore many children do not grow up with both biological parents anyway.
• It is morally right that gay couples should be given the same adoption rights as straight couples.
• There is no reason why gay people cannot be good parents.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST
• It is best for children to grow up with a male and female role model. Even when parents separate, the children see both in the majority of cases.
• Children could be bullied if their parents are gay.
• Children could suffer psychologically by being bought up by a gay couple.
The question has to be asked, what is most important with adoption?
The most important thing is that children are loved and cared for, and therefore does it matter if they are bought up by one male, one female, one of each, or two of either? And is sexuality important in someone’s ability to bring up children? If the answer to these questions is no, then this suggests that adoption should be allowed for gay couples.
Most of the argument against same-sex adoption can be countered.
• Many have claimed it is best children are bought up by both biological parents, but many do not stay together anyway.
• Emotional problems can stem from being bought up by gay parents - many studies that have been carried out looking into the subject though, suggest there are usually no psychological affects.
• Being bought up in a stable family is best for children – but civil partnerships can be just as stable as marriages.
THE LAW
Before the current laws came in one person was able to adopt a child. This meant that an adopted child could potentially live with this person and his or her partner, even if they were in a same-sex relationship. There were also situations where a gay woman would become pregnant through artificial insemination and then the child could live with her and her partner. This gave lesbian couples an advantage over all-male couples. In many ways then, it was possible for gay couples to bring up children.
New laws were implemented in 2006 so that same-sex couples could adopt a child together. There are strict adoption rules, but they are the same for gay and straight couples.
Many adoption agencies have ties with religious groups. Those with catholic connections refused to allow adoption by gay couples. This was ruled as being illegal in June 2009. Many of these organisations claimed they would rather close down than adopt to gay couples. However, most have abided by the rules.
Andrew Marshall ©
Civil Partnership Solicitors
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Advantages of Shutters
Shutters are a type of window covering that can be on the interior or exterior of a building. They are most commonly used on residential houses. They can be used instead of or as well as curtains. Shutters frame the window area and often have louvers that can be opened or shut according to how the user see fit. Curtains and blinds have their own benefits but here we take a look at the advantages of shutters in comparison with curtains.
Many would agree that shutters are more aesthetically pleasing than curtains. They are a Mediterranean in style that many like. They give a house an old fashioned, elegant and homely feel. They can also be seen as an investment, as they can add value to the building. They are part of a building and aren’t just removed when the homeowner moves elsewhere.
Shutters can usually be made to specifically fit the customers’ requirements. Making shutters is more or an art, as they are crafted to fit the size, style and decoration of the house they are being made for. They can be designed with or without louvers and painted and designed in any style. Shutters can be painted in any colour. They can also be re-painted when the colour begins to be worn or if you want a change of colour.
Durability is another advantage of shutters. They typically last many years depending on the materials used to construct them. Some shutter makers offer lifetime guarantees as they are so confidant that they will last. Their durability comes from the solid wood materials that are used.
Curtains are much more high maintenance than shutters. When they need to be cleaned, for example, they must usually be taken down and dry cleaned. This isn’t necessary with shutters though; they can merely be wiped down with soap and water, just like cleaning furniture. Due to exposure to the weather conditions, exterior shutters may require cleaning more often than curtains, but it is only a small job.
Due to the design, variables such as the amount of light, air and heat being let through can be varied. This though, is specific to louvered shutters. The louvers can be opened or shut to let in the amount of light you want. They don’t have to be fully open or fully shut, so all possible light, no light, or anything in between can be let in. Using curtains there are two options available when it comes to letting air in – open the window or close it. Louvered shutters offer much more control than this. It means on a fairly warm day that is still not considered hot, you can have the louvers partly open.
Shutters, when closed, offer protection for windows. This is particularly an advantage if you live in an area where natural disasters are a common occurrence.
Andrew Marshall ©
Many would agree that shutters are more aesthetically pleasing than curtains. They are a Mediterranean in style that many like. They give a house an old fashioned, elegant and homely feel. They can also be seen as an investment, as they can add value to the building. They are part of a building and aren’t just removed when the homeowner moves elsewhere.
Shutters can usually be made to specifically fit the customers’ requirements. Making shutters is more or an art, as they are crafted to fit the size, style and decoration of the house they are being made for. They can be designed with or without louvers and painted and designed in any style. Shutters can be painted in any colour. They can also be re-painted when the colour begins to be worn or if you want a change of colour.
Durability is another advantage of shutters. They typically last many years depending on the materials used to construct them. Some shutter makers offer lifetime guarantees as they are so confidant that they will last. Their durability comes from the solid wood materials that are used.
Curtains are much more high maintenance than shutters. When they need to be cleaned, for example, they must usually be taken down and dry cleaned. This isn’t necessary with shutters though; they can merely be wiped down with soap and water, just like cleaning furniture. Due to exposure to the weather conditions, exterior shutters may require cleaning more often than curtains, but it is only a small job.
Due to the design, variables such as the amount of light, air and heat being let through can be varied. This though, is specific to louvered shutters. The louvers can be opened or shut to let in the amount of light you want. They don’t have to be fully open or fully shut, so all possible light, no light, or anything in between can be let in. Using curtains there are two options available when it comes to letting air in – open the window or close it. Louvered shutters offer much more control than this. It means on a fairly warm day that is still not considered hot, you can have the louvers partly open.
Shutters, when closed, offer protection for windows. This is particularly an advantage if you live in an area where natural disasters are a common occurrence.
Andrew Marshall ©
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
What is Commercial Law?
Commercial Law is the name given to any legal issues around the area of business and commerce. Commercial Law is made up of many different areas.
CONTRACTS
Contracts are legally binding agreements, usually in the form of a document. Contrary to popular belief though, verbal agreements are also legally binding. Contract can be agreements with clients or customers, such as what work will be done, how and when. In a retailer, when an item is sold to a customer that automatically becomes a contract of sorts. The customer has certain rights, such as the right to a refund if the item is faulty.
Another area where contract are important, are employment contracts. Employment contracts dictate an employees’ salary, working hours, holiday entitlement and working conditions. The employer then has to abide by these agreements.
TAX
It is important that businesses pay the right amount of tax, or they will be held legally accountable. Solicitors can advice business on the areas where tax can be saved, and which tax breaks they are entitled to. For example charities are often entitled to certain tax reliefs.
EMPLOYMENT LAW
Employment Law regulates the legal rights of workers. Businesses have to make sure employees are paid correctly. This is even more important since the advent of the minimum wage in 2000. Employment Law also protects against discrimination; businesses are not allowed to discriminate in any situation, including during the recruitment stage. This area of commercial law also dictates the legal holiday entitlement and the maximum working hours allowed.
MERGERS & TAKEOVERS
There are a number of legal issues to consider when a business takeover or a merger between two or more businesses takes place.
Commercial Solicitors London are required to make sure everything is as the law dictates. Contracts must be sorted out to state the conditions of the takeover. This can include how the role of employees may change, any agreement as to the direction the company will take, and of course the financial agreements. Agreements as to when payments should be made, and whether it is in instalments or a lump sum are covered here. The company which is being taken over may demand certain conditions of the sale.
HEALTH & SAFETY
This is an area that has become increasingly important in recent years. This area of law covers the health and safety of employees and customers. Areas of operation must have potential dangers clearly marked and steps must be taken to prevent accidents where possible. Companies can be help responsible if accidents occur.
FINANCE
Finally, finance is an area that is relevant across business. Relationships between businesses and banks can be crucial to the financing of businesses so it is an important consideration. Finance overlaps with many other areas of commercial law, such as employment, tax and contracts.
Andrew Marshall ©
Commercial Solicitors London
CONTRACTS
Contracts are legally binding agreements, usually in the form of a document. Contrary to popular belief though, verbal agreements are also legally binding. Contract can be agreements with clients or customers, such as what work will be done, how and when. In a retailer, when an item is sold to a customer that automatically becomes a contract of sorts. The customer has certain rights, such as the right to a refund if the item is faulty.
Another area where contract are important, are employment contracts. Employment contracts dictate an employees’ salary, working hours, holiday entitlement and working conditions. The employer then has to abide by these agreements.
TAX
It is important that businesses pay the right amount of tax, or they will be held legally accountable. Solicitors can advice business on the areas where tax can be saved, and which tax breaks they are entitled to. For example charities are often entitled to certain tax reliefs.
EMPLOYMENT LAW
Employment Law regulates the legal rights of workers. Businesses have to make sure employees are paid correctly. This is even more important since the advent of the minimum wage in 2000. Employment Law also protects against discrimination; businesses are not allowed to discriminate in any situation, including during the recruitment stage. This area of commercial law also dictates the legal holiday entitlement and the maximum working hours allowed.
MERGERS & TAKEOVERS
There are a number of legal issues to consider when a business takeover or a merger between two or more businesses takes place.
Commercial Solicitors London are required to make sure everything is as the law dictates. Contracts must be sorted out to state the conditions of the takeover. This can include how the role of employees may change, any agreement as to the direction the company will take, and of course the financial agreements. Agreements as to when payments should be made, and whether it is in instalments or a lump sum are covered here. The company which is being taken over may demand certain conditions of the sale.
HEALTH & SAFETY
This is an area that has become increasingly important in recent years. This area of law covers the health and safety of employees and customers. Areas of operation must have potential dangers clearly marked and steps must be taken to prevent accidents where possible. Companies can be help responsible if accidents occur.
FINANCE
Finally, finance is an area that is relevant across business. Relationships between businesses and banks can be crucial to the financing of businesses so it is an important consideration. Finance overlaps with many other areas of commercial law, such as employment, tax and contracts.
Andrew Marshall ©
Commercial Solicitors London
Friday, December 4, 2009
Positives and Negatives of the Child Trust Fund
The Child Trust Fund is a government scheme introduced to encourage parents to save on behalf of their children. Depending on which way you look at the scheme it has both positives and negatives.
Those who are pro child trust fund claim that it helps people to save. This can be the case for both parents and children. Knowing that their parents are saving for them and that it works can get children to see the benefit. This can then encourage them to do likewise and continue to into adulthood. Many parents would not save on behalf of their children without the child trust fund. As they receive a CTF voucher and invest it for their newborn child it makes them think about the possibility of saving for their children. This may then encourage them to add the fund.
If the CTF has been added to throughout their childhood, once the fund matures when someone turns 18 they may have a decent sum of money available to them. The Child Trust Fundis only seven years old so it will be another eleven years before the first funds mature. 18 year olds wishing to go to university could be helped significantly. It may help them through their studies and mean they might not have to take on the large amount of debt that many young people do at present. This means money may not have to be the worry that it often is to people now, and they might not have to spend many years paying of the debt they have accrued.
Whatever they choose to do with the money, there is no doubt that if the Child Trust Fund has been embraced by their families and topped up regularly, 18 year olds could start off adulthood with a good start financially. There are several things they could potentially do with the money. It could, for example, help get them on the housing ladder, or it could just mean they have some spare funds it case they need it. It means money may not be such a worry.
Although there are certainly positives, there are ways that the Child Trust Fund can be perceived as a negative.
Many (including two of the three main political parties) claim that the states money could be better spend in other ways. The Liberal Democrats believe the money should be spent in other areas to help children. They think helping under privileged children should be more of a priority and that spending it on education and childcare would have a more significant impact in helping today’s children. £500 million is spent on the fund each year, which is undoubtedly a large amount.
With the current recession the amount spent by the government on this scheme seems even more significant. Many have the opinion that there are more important things to be spending this money on and that the Child Trust Fund should not be a priority. Is it an area where a large amount of state money could be saved?
In reality the scheme doesn’t help everyone. Not all parents are able or wiling to invest in the fund. And without extra investment it won’t be that affective. Some say it only helps children from wealthy backgrounds as their families can afford to top-up regularly. Poorer families have other priorities and less disposable income.
Some argue that 18 year olds are not always best placed to be given a significant (relatively speaking) amount of money. They could blow it all on a car or in the pub? Most would say that this isn’t something their tax should be spent on.
The Child Trust Fund is often debated. There are good points on both sides of the argument. All three main political parties have differing opinions on the scheme so it will be interesting to see what the future holds.
Andrew Marshall ©
Those who are pro child trust fund claim that it helps people to save. This can be the case for both parents and children. Knowing that their parents are saving for them and that it works can get children to see the benefit. This can then encourage them to do likewise and continue to into adulthood. Many parents would not save on behalf of their children without the child trust fund. As they receive a CTF voucher and invest it for their newborn child it makes them think about the possibility of saving for their children. This may then encourage them to add the fund.
If the CTF has been added to throughout their childhood, once the fund matures when someone turns 18 they may have a decent sum of money available to them. The Child Trust Fundis only seven years old so it will be another eleven years before the first funds mature. 18 year olds wishing to go to university could be helped significantly. It may help them through their studies and mean they might not have to take on the large amount of debt that many young people do at present. This means money may not have to be the worry that it often is to people now, and they might not have to spend many years paying of the debt they have accrued.
Whatever they choose to do with the money, there is no doubt that if the Child Trust Fund has been embraced by their families and topped up regularly, 18 year olds could start off adulthood with a good start financially. There are several things they could potentially do with the money. It could, for example, help get them on the housing ladder, or it could just mean they have some spare funds it case they need it. It means money may not be such a worry.
Although there are certainly positives, there are ways that the Child Trust Fund can be perceived as a negative.
Many (including two of the three main political parties) claim that the states money could be better spend in other ways. The Liberal Democrats believe the money should be spent in other areas to help children. They think helping under privileged children should be more of a priority and that spending it on education and childcare would have a more significant impact in helping today’s children. £500 million is spent on the fund each year, which is undoubtedly a large amount.
With the current recession the amount spent by the government on this scheme seems even more significant. Many have the opinion that there are more important things to be spending this money on and that the Child Trust Fund should not be a priority. Is it an area where a large amount of state money could be saved?
In reality the scheme doesn’t help everyone. Not all parents are able or wiling to invest in the fund. And without extra investment it won’t be that affective. Some say it only helps children from wealthy backgrounds as their families can afford to top-up regularly. Poorer families have other priorities and less disposable income.
Some argue that 18 year olds are not always best placed to be given a significant (relatively speaking) amount of money. They could blow it all on a car or in the pub? Most would say that this isn’t something their tax should be spent on.
The Child Trust Fund is often debated. There are good points on both sides of the argument. All three main political parties have differing opinions on the scheme so it will be interesting to see what the future holds.
Andrew Marshall ©
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