The internet has had a big influence of how people do business in the twenty-first century. Most businesses now have a website, but many still do not. Every business should have a website and this article looks at the reasons why.
A Shop Window
A website can act as a business’s shop window to the world. Unlike an actual shop, people can see it wherever they are in the world, not only if they are in the local area. They can see it any day of the week at any time they choose.
People Use the Internet to Find Services
The number of people using the internet to search for products and services is increasing all the time. It is replacing the Yellow Pages. Being listed in the Yellow Pages can still be expensive even though it isn’t as effective as it once was. Having a website is much more cost effective, even if you do have to pay for SEO to improve its visibility in the search engines. Without a website you could be missing out on a large amount of business. If you don’t have a website then whenever someone searches for your services online you are potentially missing out.
Even if you do not take sales directly through your website it can still act as a brochure for your company. You can show the world what you are about and what you can do. A website is a way of presenting your company. You can use it to display examples of the work you have done or who your customers are. It is possible to get so much more information on a website than in a brochure or other forms of marketing. You can update it whenever you want at little cost. Updating a written brochure is a lot more time consuming and expensive with the whole brochure having to be re-done, not just one part of it changed.
Customer Interaction
You can use your website to interact with customers. You can keep them updated of developments where relevant and present them with any latest news. This is something that didn’t used to be possible before the invention of the internet. People can easily and quickly contact you through your website via email or through a contact form. This includes making it easy for customers to give you feedback. You can put any information on your website that may be useful or interesting to customers. For example you can write a history on your company or information about employees, giving the company more of a human face. All this makes it easy for customers and improves the branding of the business. Depending on your website design you can almost do anything with it.
Selling Products
Businesses that sell products can do this through their website. This means being able to expand the geographic area that they can sell to. It may mean not having to have a physical shop, or perhaps fewer shops, therefore saving money.
People Expect a Website
Even if they have come across you somewhere else, potential customers will expect you to have a website. They will look for you online if they want more information. If they can’t find you they may just go somewhere else.
Having a website is a very powerful form of marketing. It can increase sales and the amount of business you do. It widens the scope of your business; instead of just being local it can make you a national, or even international, company. Another advantage is that you can much more easily interact with customers and potential customers.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Why Use a VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and is a secure way of being able to connect to a network, whether it is an internal business network or the internet. There are many reasons for using a VPN and many situations where they can be beneficial.
A VPN works as an extra layer of security when you are surfing the web. It hides your IP address so it can’t be tracked, allowing you to surf the web in private. People who may want to track your online movements for malicious reasons will not be able to do so. It is useful if you don’t want your identity tracked.
Computer security is so important. For one, it prevents people from being able to hack into your computer to install a virus or find sensitive information stored on your computer. The number of people carrying out financial transaction online has increase significantly over recent years. People are entering their bank details online more than even. Whether it is for purchasing something online or banking online, security needs to be maintained at all times. A VPN helps in keeping you secure.
Wireless networks are much more widely used than they ever have been in the past. When someone is on a wireless network there is a stronger possibility of someone intercepting what they are doing. VPN’s have become invaluable as wireless networks have become more popular. Wireless hotspots can be particularly insecure. When you are accessing the internet from a free wireless hotspot, for example in a cafe, an airport or a hotel, then it is easier for others to compromise your security. A VPN can protect against this and prevent others from accessing your personal data or from working out what you are doing.
When using a VPN anything that travels across a network is kept secure through encryption. When you send data using a VPN the following will happen:
• The data is encrypted (scrambled) so a human cannot understand it.
• The data is sent in a data packet with a Header Component (title of the data packet) and Payload (the encrypted data).
• It arrives at its destination.
• It is decrypted into its original form so the recipient can make sense of it.
This means the information you send, whether it is bank details, an email or just a word document, is sent securely.
Firewalls and anti-virus software can protect your computer itself. When online, though, it is not just your own computer you are using. Firewalls and anti-virus software do not protect data that is travelling from one computer to another. So when you submit your credit card details to an internet shopping site or send sensitive information in an email, it is not protected. This is where a VPN comes in. It will ensure that this data is encrypted before it is sent so that it can’t be intercepted and used by someone it is not intended for.
There are a number of reasons why a VPN can be important in ensuring you safety. They are becoming essential in today’s internet driven world.
Andrew Marshall (c)
A VPN works as an extra layer of security when you are surfing the web. It hides your IP address so it can’t be tracked, allowing you to surf the web in private. People who may want to track your online movements for malicious reasons will not be able to do so. It is useful if you don’t want your identity tracked.
Computer security is so important. For one, it prevents people from being able to hack into your computer to install a virus or find sensitive information stored on your computer. The number of people carrying out financial transaction online has increase significantly over recent years. People are entering their bank details online more than even. Whether it is for purchasing something online or banking online, security needs to be maintained at all times. A VPN helps in keeping you secure.
Wireless networks are much more widely used than they ever have been in the past. When someone is on a wireless network there is a stronger possibility of someone intercepting what they are doing. VPN’s have become invaluable as wireless networks have become more popular. Wireless hotspots can be particularly insecure. When you are accessing the internet from a free wireless hotspot, for example in a cafe, an airport or a hotel, then it is easier for others to compromise your security. A VPN can protect against this and prevent others from accessing your personal data or from working out what you are doing.
When using a VPN anything that travels across a network is kept secure through encryption. When you send data using a VPN the following will happen:
• The data is encrypted (scrambled) so a human cannot understand it.
• The data is sent in a data packet with a Header Component (title of the data packet) and Payload (the encrypted data).
• It arrives at its destination.
• It is decrypted into its original form so the recipient can make sense of it.
This means the information you send, whether it is bank details, an email or just a word document, is sent securely.
Firewalls and anti-virus software can protect your computer itself. When online, though, it is not just your own computer you are using. Firewalls and anti-virus software do not protect data that is travelling from one computer to another. So when you submit your credit card details to an internet shopping site or send sensitive information in an email, it is not protected. This is where a VPN comes in. It will ensure that this data is encrypted before it is sent so that it can’t be intercepted and used by someone it is not intended for.
There are a number of reasons why a VPN can be important in ensuring you safety. They are becoming essential in today’s internet driven world.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Things to Think about When Starting a Business
A Business Plan
The first thing you need when starting up a business is a business plan. You should be ambitious but realistic; you need to aim high but also think about what is genuinely possible. You should set yourself specific goals so it is easy to track your progress compared to the business plan. A good business plan is particularly important if you are seeking funding. You need to take into consideration all of your potential costs and growth forecasts over the first three years.
You should also think about what can set you apart from the competition. Do you do something they don’t? Are you cheaper than them? Do you offer a better quality service? There needs to be something about your company that puts you ahead of the competition, otherwise you will struggle to take their business, especially if you are targeting a congested market.
A Business Name
Obviously any business needs a name, and a good name is not always easy to come up with. You might want to make the name eye catching or want it to reflect the type of business you are. A good name can be part of the branding of the company. If people can remember your name they will remember your business.
Money
You are likely to need capital to start a business and you must think about where this is going to come from. How much you are going to need will depend on the business. You may have enough set aside already or it might involve having to borrow.
Premises
You will need premises to work from. Depending on the business this could be an office, a shop, a factory or other premises. You may need to think strongly about location or it might not be so important. If it is a shop or cafe, for example, then location is crucial. You need to be situated somewhere people are likely to walk past. On the other hand you might just need a small office, and working from home could be sufficient if you have no employees.
Rules of your Industry
Many industries have certain laws that businesses need to abide by. There may be specific health and safety rules for example. If you are employing others you need to take employment laws into consideration. Tax and financial laws are crucial. They are not exactly everybody’s idea of fun but it is, unfortunately, something that needs to be thought about. Breaking these laws could mean big problems further down the line and using the services of an accountant may be a wise move.
A Website
Most businesses now have a website. It can be an extremely useful tool for gaining business and every business should have one. It doesn’t need to be anything too complex but should be professionally designed, with the services of a professional web design agency probably necessary. It is also important to have adequate hosting, preferably business hosting that is specifically designed for business websites.
Research and Planning
You don’t want to spend your whole life doing research and never actually doing anything towards your business, but you don’t want to jump straight in without being prepared either. You need to research the industry you are going into. The more you learn the better prepared you will be before going into business. This may include researching the competition to see how you can get an advantage over them.
Marketing
Virtually every business needs to be marketed. The type of marketing will depend on the type of business and could include the following:
• Television advertising
• Free giveaways
• SEO services for your website
• Leaflets through people’s doors
Contingency Plans
Remember that things can go wrong. Try to think about what might go wrong and plan for these eventualities. You don’t want your business to suddenly go under at the first sign of a minor problem so make sure you are in a position to survive these.
Andrew Marshall (c)
The first thing you need when starting up a business is a business plan. You should be ambitious but realistic; you need to aim high but also think about what is genuinely possible. You should set yourself specific goals so it is easy to track your progress compared to the business plan. A good business plan is particularly important if you are seeking funding. You need to take into consideration all of your potential costs and growth forecasts over the first three years.
You should also think about what can set you apart from the competition. Do you do something they don’t? Are you cheaper than them? Do you offer a better quality service? There needs to be something about your company that puts you ahead of the competition, otherwise you will struggle to take their business, especially if you are targeting a congested market.
A Business Name
Obviously any business needs a name, and a good name is not always easy to come up with. You might want to make the name eye catching or want it to reflect the type of business you are. A good name can be part of the branding of the company. If people can remember your name they will remember your business.
Money
You are likely to need capital to start a business and you must think about where this is going to come from. How much you are going to need will depend on the business. You may have enough set aside already or it might involve having to borrow.
Premises
You will need premises to work from. Depending on the business this could be an office, a shop, a factory or other premises. You may need to think strongly about location or it might not be so important. If it is a shop or cafe, for example, then location is crucial. You need to be situated somewhere people are likely to walk past. On the other hand you might just need a small office, and working from home could be sufficient if you have no employees.
Rules of your Industry
Many industries have certain laws that businesses need to abide by. There may be specific health and safety rules for example. If you are employing others you need to take employment laws into consideration. Tax and financial laws are crucial. They are not exactly everybody’s idea of fun but it is, unfortunately, something that needs to be thought about. Breaking these laws could mean big problems further down the line and using the services of an accountant may be a wise move.
A Website
Most businesses now have a website. It can be an extremely useful tool for gaining business and every business should have one. It doesn’t need to be anything too complex but should be professionally designed, with the services of a professional web design agency probably necessary. It is also important to have adequate hosting, preferably business hosting that is specifically designed for business websites.
Research and Planning
You don’t want to spend your whole life doing research and never actually doing anything towards your business, but you don’t want to jump straight in without being prepared either. You need to research the industry you are going into. The more you learn the better prepared you will be before going into business. This may include researching the competition to see how you can get an advantage over them.
Marketing
Virtually every business needs to be marketed. The type of marketing will depend on the type of business and could include the following:
• Television advertising
• Free giveaways
• SEO services for your website
• Leaflets through people’s doors
Contingency Plans
Remember that things can go wrong. Try to think about what might go wrong and plan for these eventualities. You don’t want your business to suddenly go under at the first sign of a minor problem so make sure you are in a position to survive these.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Cost of VoIP
VoIP has a reputation as a cheap alternative to using a regular telephone. The cost of VoIP, though, can vary a great deal depending on the type of service.
Why Is VoIP Sometimes Cheaper?
Unlike regular telephone companies, VoIP is free from government regulation. This means providers have more freedom and some costs can be saved.
The cost of VoIP calls is often free. Customers pay for a service but they may be entitled to make an unlimited number of calls for their money. This, though, does depend on the provider and the package chosen. With some providers VoIP is completely free; customers pay for internet access and must have the appropriate equipment but the actual calls are free. Assuming that customers would have internet access already, there are no associated costs with leasing a telephone line the way it is when using a regular telephone.
Set Up Costs
For some VoIP services there are no real set up costs. Free software can be downloaded from the internet and installed onto a computer. Once this is installed it is ready to go. This is not the case for advanced VoIP services, for example those that are generally used for business VoIP. You may have several phones and they all need to be integrated into one system so they can use features such as call forwarding. An answer phone service may also need to be set up. The set up costs can vary a lot depending on the specific services required.
Payment
With VoIP, customers are paying for a service, not the actual calls. Call charges may be applied, but this is really used as a way of funding the service, with charging for calls the system used to determine how much customers should pay. As the signal travels over the internet the calls may not cost the VoIP provider anything, but it is the other associated costs that need to be paid for.
The Better the Service, the Higher the Price
Just like in any industry, you get what you pay for. The better VoIP services cost more than the basic, poor quality services. If a service is more advanced it costs the provider more, and these need to be passed onto customers.
The Type of VoIP Service Required
If you don’t require an advanced service, there is little point in paying for one. Some people only want to be able to achieve cheap personal calls, without the need for extra services. The call quality may not even be particularly important, as long as the two people on either end can make out what each other are saying. For those who just want a cheap way of calling friends and family, cheap or free software that can be downloaded from the internet may suffice.
Others might need business VoIP. Good call quality is likely to be needed as it would seem unprofessional otherwise. Other feature such as call forwarding and answer phones may also be a necessity. Several phones might be needed – one for each desk perhaps – with them integrated into one system with one number. It may be that more than one number is required or extensions are needed so specific employees can be reached directly. This all costs more, but for many businesses it is worth it and can still be more cost effective than regular telephone services.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Why Is VoIP Sometimes Cheaper?
Unlike regular telephone companies, VoIP is free from government regulation. This means providers have more freedom and some costs can be saved.
The cost of VoIP calls is often free. Customers pay for a service but they may be entitled to make an unlimited number of calls for their money. This, though, does depend on the provider and the package chosen. With some providers VoIP is completely free; customers pay for internet access and must have the appropriate equipment but the actual calls are free. Assuming that customers would have internet access already, there are no associated costs with leasing a telephone line the way it is when using a regular telephone.
Set Up Costs
For some VoIP services there are no real set up costs. Free software can be downloaded from the internet and installed onto a computer. Once this is installed it is ready to go. This is not the case for advanced VoIP services, for example those that are generally used for business VoIP. You may have several phones and they all need to be integrated into one system so they can use features such as call forwarding. An answer phone service may also need to be set up. The set up costs can vary a lot depending on the specific services required.
Payment
With VoIP, customers are paying for a service, not the actual calls. Call charges may be applied, but this is really used as a way of funding the service, with charging for calls the system used to determine how much customers should pay. As the signal travels over the internet the calls may not cost the VoIP provider anything, but it is the other associated costs that need to be paid for.
The Better the Service, the Higher the Price
Just like in any industry, you get what you pay for. The better VoIP services cost more than the basic, poor quality services. If a service is more advanced it costs the provider more, and these need to be passed onto customers.
The Type of VoIP Service Required
If you don’t require an advanced service, there is little point in paying for one. Some people only want to be able to achieve cheap personal calls, without the need for extra services. The call quality may not even be particularly important, as long as the two people on either end can make out what each other are saying. For those who just want a cheap way of calling friends and family, cheap or free software that can be downloaded from the internet may suffice.
Others might need business VoIP. Good call quality is likely to be needed as it would seem unprofessional otherwise. Other feature such as call forwarding and answer phones may also be a necessity. Several phones might be needed – one for each desk perhaps – with them integrated into one system with one number. It may be that more than one number is required or extensions are needed so specific employees can be reached directly. This all costs more, but for many businesses it is worth it and can still be more cost effective than regular telephone services.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Friday, June 17, 2011
A History of Basingstoke
Basingstoke’s Early Years
Basingstoke began as a Saxon village and in 1086 had a population of around 200. It grew into a small town in the Middle Ages and by the 1200’s its population had grown to three times that of a couple of centuries earlier. The town still only consisted of four streets; Market Square, Church Road (which is still there), Mote Street and Lower Broke Lane. By the end of the thirteenth century Basingstoke had been given a charter and its people were self sufficient growing their own food. Three large fields around the town were used for growing food; imaginably called west field, south field and north field. There was a common where anyone was allowed to graze livestock, although people were employed to look after the livestock. The most important industry at this time was the wool industry, with wool woven locally. Other industries included tailors, blacksmiths, bakers and brewers.
A History of Fire
There was tragedy in Basingstoke in 1392 when a fire devastated the town. It caused loss of life and much damage to buildings that were mostly made of wood with thatched roofs. After this the King granted Basingstoke a new charter and made the towns people into a corporation and gave them the right to use common seal making the town entirely independent. Another fire struck in 1601 and yet another in 1656, this one destroying the town hall which was rebuilt the following year.
Civil War
Basingstoke played a part in the civil war between the King and parliament which began in 1642. Basingstoke took the side of parliament but the Marquis of Winchester, who owned Basing House in the town (which still stands), supported the King. The following year parliament soldiers attempted to take Basing House but this attempt proved unsuccessful. They tried and failed again another year later. A further year on in 1645 Cromwell led an army to again try to take Basing House, this time managing to take control. Weapons, food, furniture and jewels were amongst the items taken.
Growth in Population
From the beginning to the end of the 19th century Basingstoke’s population grew by almost 300%. More industries began to grow and a railway opened in 1839. By the middle of the century you could reach London, Southampton and Reading by train. The Haymarket was built as a corn exchange in 1865. After a fire in 1925 it was turned into a Theatre, which is still successful to this day.
The Twentieth Century
The population grew massively in the twentieth century. By 1930 it has grown to around 14,000. During World War 2 children were evacuated to Basingstoke as it was not thought to be in danger. It was, however, bombed and six people died. Post war, council estates began to be built around the town, further expanding the geographical area it covered.
London Overspill
1961 was an important year in the continuing growth of Basingstoke. It was decided that it would become an overspill town of London. A plan for 37,000 people to be moved from London to Basingstoke was drawn up, which included a plan for an increase in population from 16,000 to 75,000. This obviously meant a massive expansion in size. Many more housing estates were built around the edge of the town.
Modern Basingstoke
Basingstoke has now grown into a large town, with a population of around 150,000 people. Much of the previously outdated town centre was rebuilt at the beginning of the twenty-first century. In 2002 the Festival Place Shopping Centre was opened, vastly increasing the number of visitors to Basingstoke. Employment in Basingstoke now consists mostly of shop workers and office workings, but many commute to London for work.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Basingstoke began as a Saxon village and in 1086 had a population of around 200. It grew into a small town in the Middle Ages and by the 1200’s its population had grown to three times that of a couple of centuries earlier. The town still only consisted of four streets; Market Square, Church Road (which is still there), Mote Street and Lower Broke Lane. By the end of the thirteenth century Basingstoke had been given a charter and its people were self sufficient growing their own food. Three large fields around the town were used for growing food; imaginably called west field, south field and north field. There was a common where anyone was allowed to graze livestock, although people were employed to look after the livestock. The most important industry at this time was the wool industry, with wool woven locally. Other industries included tailors, blacksmiths, bakers and brewers.
A History of Fire
There was tragedy in Basingstoke in 1392 when a fire devastated the town. It caused loss of life and much damage to buildings that were mostly made of wood with thatched roofs. After this the King granted Basingstoke a new charter and made the towns people into a corporation and gave them the right to use common seal making the town entirely independent. Another fire struck in 1601 and yet another in 1656, this one destroying the town hall which was rebuilt the following year.
Civil War
Basingstoke played a part in the civil war between the King and parliament which began in 1642. Basingstoke took the side of parliament but the Marquis of Winchester, who owned Basing House in the town (which still stands), supported the King. The following year parliament soldiers attempted to take Basing House but this attempt proved unsuccessful. They tried and failed again another year later. A further year on in 1645 Cromwell led an army to again try to take Basing House, this time managing to take control. Weapons, food, furniture and jewels were amongst the items taken.
Growth in Population
From the beginning to the end of the 19th century Basingstoke’s population grew by almost 300%. More industries began to grow and a railway opened in 1839. By the middle of the century you could reach London, Southampton and Reading by train. The Haymarket was built as a corn exchange in 1865. After a fire in 1925 it was turned into a Theatre, which is still successful to this day.
The Twentieth Century
The population grew massively in the twentieth century. By 1930 it has grown to around 14,000. During World War 2 children were evacuated to Basingstoke as it was not thought to be in danger. It was, however, bombed and six people died. Post war, council estates began to be built around the town, further expanding the geographical area it covered.
London Overspill
1961 was an important year in the continuing growth of Basingstoke. It was decided that it would become an overspill town of London. A plan for 37,000 people to be moved from London to Basingstoke was drawn up, which included a plan for an increase in population from 16,000 to 75,000. This obviously meant a massive expansion in size. Many more housing estates were built around the edge of the town.
Modern Basingstoke
Basingstoke has now grown into a large town, with a population of around 150,000 people. Much of the previously outdated town centre was rebuilt at the beginning of the twenty-first century. In 2002 the Festival Place Shopping Centre was opened, vastly increasing the number of visitors to Basingstoke. Employment in Basingstoke now consists mostly of shop workers and office workings, but many commute to London for work.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Recycling of Paper
Paper is one of the most recyclable materials around. Unlike many materials, paper can be turned back into paper through the process of recycling, meaning it is used more than once for the same purpose. Recycled paper can also be used for other purposes, with cardboard a common example.
There are three types of paper that can be used for recycling; mill broke paper, pre-consumer paper and post-consumer paper. Mill broke paper are paper trimmings that are left over from the manufacture of paper. It is effectively waste from the paper making process, but as it is recycled it is not actually wasted. Pre-consumer paper is paper that made it through the paper making process but was then discarded due to not being considered fit for its intended use. Post-consumer waste is recycled after use, and can come from magazines, newspapers and office paper amongst other things.
The first part of the paper recycling process is paper being separated into different types and grades. Paper contaminated with food, plastic, metal and other materials are removed from the process. Sometimes paper has been sorted into grades prior to getting to the recycling plant, for example by people at home (depending on the recycling processes in a particular area). Other times paper of all types are collected and taken to the plant where they are sorted out.
Any ink must be removed from paper; this process is called Deinking. This is most relevant to post-consumer paper waste, especially newspapers and magazines. It is washed thoroughly with soapy water to make sure ink is fully removed. Other materials, such as glue and staples, are also removed here.
Once the deinking stage is complete a collection of paper (possibly thousands of pieces of paper) are put into a Pulper. This is like a massive bowl. The recyclable paper is chopped into small pieces and turned into fibres. It is mixed with water, which creates a paste like substance, or pulp. Depending on the type of product being made from the recycled paper other materials are then added to the process.
Where paper is being made into paper again large rollers are used next to spread the pulp onto. The pulp is spread thinly onto the rollers so they become large, thin sheets. This is then left to dry. After this it is a finished Paper Product. It can be rolled up and cut, and then sent on to wherever it needs to go next.
Although the number of people recycling has increased less than 50% of paper in the UK is recycled and reused, whether used as paper or other products such as cardboard. There are many advantages to recycling paper. Less energy is needed to reproduce paper from recycled paper than having to produce it initially and it causes less pollution. It also means forests can be better preserved as fewer trees are needed to produce paper from scratch. We use a lot of paper and recycling it can make a big difference.
Andrew Marshall (c)
There are three types of paper that can be used for recycling; mill broke paper, pre-consumer paper and post-consumer paper. Mill broke paper are paper trimmings that are left over from the manufacture of paper. It is effectively waste from the paper making process, but as it is recycled it is not actually wasted. Pre-consumer paper is paper that made it through the paper making process but was then discarded due to not being considered fit for its intended use. Post-consumer waste is recycled after use, and can come from magazines, newspapers and office paper amongst other things.
The first part of the paper recycling process is paper being separated into different types and grades. Paper contaminated with food, plastic, metal and other materials are removed from the process. Sometimes paper has been sorted into grades prior to getting to the recycling plant, for example by people at home (depending on the recycling processes in a particular area). Other times paper of all types are collected and taken to the plant where they are sorted out.
Any ink must be removed from paper; this process is called Deinking. This is most relevant to post-consumer paper waste, especially newspapers and magazines. It is washed thoroughly with soapy water to make sure ink is fully removed. Other materials, such as glue and staples, are also removed here.
Once the deinking stage is complete a collection of paper (possibly thousands of pieces of paper) are put into a Pulper. This is like a massive bowl. The recyclable paper is chopped into small pieces and turned into fibres. It is mixed with water, which creates a paste like substance, or pulp. Depending on the type of product being made from the recycled paper other materials are then added to the process.
Where paper is being made into paper again large rollers are used next to spread the pulp onto. The pulp is spread thinly onto the rollers so they become large, thin sheets. This is then left to dry. After this it is a finished Paper Product. It can be rolled up and cut, and then sent on to wherever it needs to go next.
Although the number of people recycling has increased less than 50% of paper in the UK is recycled and reused, whether used as paper or other products such as cardboard. There are many advantages to recycling paper. Less energy is needed to reproduce paper from recycled paper than having to produce it initially and it causes less pollution. It also means forests can be better preserved as fewer trees are needed to produce paper from scratch. We use a lot of paper and recycling it can make a big difference.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Some of the Advantages of the Internet
The internet has been the most important technological development over the last couple of decades. Twenty years ago it was hardly used at all and was not much more than an idea. Now it is used regularly by billions of people around the world.
There are many advantages of the internet, with some of the main ones below.
Communication
Since the popularisation of the internet, communication has changed. There are now so many different ways that people can communicate with each other using the internet. Email is the most widely used of these. It is effectively a way of sending a letter that arrives at its destination within seconds of being sent. Another advantage of email is that other things can be sent with it as attachments, for example pictures, videos and other documents. Instant messaging is another form of communication over the internet. There are a wide range of programs that can be used to send messages to other people via text, and they can see these immediately and reply if they wish. It means people can have a text conversation over the internet. VoIP is a form of internet communication that has been growing in popularity. This is a voice system where the internet is used rather than a telephone line. This is generally cheaper than using a telephone.
Shopping
Most online retailers now have online shopping facilities so customers can purchase products online. There are many advantages to this. People don’t have to leave home to shop, which not only saves on time but also on fuel and parking costs or public transport costs. It often means being able to purchase things not available in the shops or not available locally. Sometimes items can be cheaper online and it is easier to compare prices between different retailers.
Information & Research
This is something the internet has fundamentally changed. If somebody needs to find some information about anything quickly then they can usually find it online. This may have taken extensive research before but can now be done in a matter of minutes or even seconds.
Television
It is now possible to watch television online, with many channels having online equivalents. This means being able to watch live online or watch on demand, thus allowing people to watch programs they have missed. Sometimes programmes are available online that aren’t shown on television. Much of this also applies to radio.
Internet Banking
The advancement of internet banking means people don’t need to visit the bank in person every time they want to transfer funds to another account or make a credit card payment. This is especially useful for those who work the same hours as bank opening times.
News
With the internet it is easy to find the latest news. Unlike a newspaper which is written once a day, you can find out about news instantaneously. Using the internet also allows people to find out about worldwide news that may not be reported on the news in their own country.
Andrew Marshall (c)
There are many advantages of the internet, with some of the main ones below.
Communication
Since the popularisation of the internet, communication has changed. There are now so many different ways that people can communicate with each other using the internet. Email is the most widely used of these. It is effectively a way of sending a letter that arrives at its destination within seconds of being sent. Another advantage of email is that other things can be sent with it as attachments, for example pictures, videos and other documents. Instant messaging is another form of communication over the internet. There are a wide range of programs that can be used to send messages to other people via text, and they can see these immediately and reply if they wish. It means people can have a text conversation over the internet. VoIP is a form of internet communication that has been growing in popularity. This is a voice system where the internet is used rather than a telephone line. This is generally cheaper than using a telephone.
Shopping
Most online retailers now have online shopping facilities so customers can purchase products online. There are many advantages to this. People don’t have to leave home to shop, which not only saves on time but also on fuel and parking costs or public transport costs. It often means being able to purchase things not available in the shops or not available locally. Sometimes items can be cheaper online and it is easier to compare prices between different retailers.
Information & Research
This is something the internet has fundamentally changed. If somebody needs to find some information about anything quickly then they can usually find it online. This may have taken extensive research before but can now be done in a matter of minutes or even seconds.
Television
It is now possible to watch television online, with many channels having online equivalents. This means being able to watch live online or watch on demand, thus allowing people to watch programs they have missed. Sometimes programmes are available online that aren’t shown on television. Much of this also applies to radio.
Internet Banking
The advancement of internet banking means people don’t need to visit the bank in person every time they want to transfer funds to another account or make a credit card payment. This is especially useful for those who work the same hours as bank opening times.
News
With the internet it is easy to find the latest news. Unlike a newspaper which is written once a day, you can find out about news instantaneously. Using the internet also allows people to find out about worldwide news that may not be reported on the news in their own country.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Friday, June 10, 2011
An Introduction to Savile Row
Wikipedia describes Savile Row as a “shopping street in Mayfair, central London, famous for its traditional men’s bespoke tailoring”. Savile Row is not just a name of a street though, but the name of a way of tailoring.
Many of the best know London Tailors have been located in Savile Row at one time or another. According to the Ralph Lauren glossary Savile Row is, “a term used to describe men’s tailoring clothing inspired by the excellence and elegance established by a group of upscale tailors conducting business in shops along a street called Savile Row in the West End of London”.
How did Savile Row become synonymous with the world of bespoke tailoring?
It is not certain which were the first tailors to be based on Savile Row. What is certain is who is credited to be the founder of Savile Row, or at least the founder of it as an area for tailoring. His name is Henry Poole and in 1846 he inherited his Father’s tailoring business on Old Burlington Street, which runs adjacent to Savile Row. He opened a second entrance to the shop not long after, which opened onto Savile Row. However, there were tailors on the street prior to this. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s more tailors started to establish themselves on the street, creating its tailoring reputation.
What of Savile Row now?
These days there are fewer tailors based on Savile Row. Rents have increased in the street and many of its tailors have been forced to relocate to surrounding areas. You could say that Savile Row tailors have become a victim of their own success. Due to the quality of its tailors it became a well known and sought after location for businesses, and landlord saw this as an opportunity to make more money. As a consequence there are fewer tailors on Savile Row than there once were.
Savile Row isn’t just an address
Savile Row isn’t just an address but a tradition. Savile Row is synonymous with quality bespoke tailoring and world famous for the tailoring industry. This means that despite not having a Savile Row address tailors previously based on the street are still getting business based on their Savile Row traditions.
What is a Savile Row suit?
A Savile Row suit is described as “a hand-made suit made specifically to a customer’s specifications”. They are made to customer’s exact measurements, not a choice of sizes like in most high street retailers. Clothing patterns are designed from scratch with the customer given a choice and the stitching is unique. All in all, a Savile Row suit should be completely original as customer’s pay for a suit made specifically for them.
Non-bespoke tailoring on Savile Row
With Savile Row so well known for tailoring there have been tailors moving into the area who to not work to the Savile Row traditions. This has caused some disputes in the area, with some traditional tailors worried that cheaper, but lower quality tailors, are taking a share of their business. They worry that when customer’s see two tailors side-by-side with one charging significantly more than the other, they will choose the cheaper option. Others feel that genuine bespoke tailors will always have enough businesses and that traditional Savile Row tailors and cheaper tailors are not targeting the same clientele anyway.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Many of the best know London Tailors have been located in Savile Row at one time or another. According to the Ralph Lauren glossary Savile Row is, “a term used to describe men’s tailoring clothing inspired by the excellence and elegance established by a group of upscale tailors conducting business in shops along a street called Savile Row in the West End of London”.
How did Savile Row become synonymous with the world of bespoke tailoring?
It is not certain which were the first tailors to be based on Savile Row. What is certain is who is credited to be the founder of Savile Row, or at least the founder of it as an area for tailoring. His name is Henry Poole and in 1846 he inherited his Father’s tailoring business on Old Burlington Street, which runs adjacent to Savile Row. He opened a second entrance to the shop not long after, which opened onto Savile Row. However, there were tailors on the street prior to this. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s more tailors started to establish themselves on the street, creating its tailoring reputation.
What of Savile Row now?
These days there are fewer tailors based on Savile Row. Rents have increased in the street and many of its tailors have been forced to relocate to surrounding areas. You could say that Savile Row tailors have become a victim of their own success. Due to the quality of its tailors it became a well known and sought after location for businesses, and landlord saw this as an opportunity to make more money. As a consequence there are fewer tailors on Savile Row than there once were.
Savile Row isn’t just an address
Savile Row isn’t just an address but a tradition. Savile Row is synonymous with quality bespoke tailoring and world famous for the tailoring industry. This means that despite not having a Savile Row address tailors previously based on the street are still getting business based on their Savile Row traditions.
What is a Savile Row suit?
A Savile Row suit is described as “a hand-made suit made specifically to a customer’s specifications”. They are made to customer’s exact measurements, not a choice of sizes like in most high street retailers. Clothing patterns are designed from scratch with the customer given a choice and the stitching is unique. All in all, a Savile Row suit should be completely original as customer’s pay for a suit made specifically for them.
Non-bespoke tailoring on Savile Row
With Savile Row so well known for tailoring there have been tailors moving into the area who to not work to the Savile Row traditions. This has caused some disputes in the area, with some traditional tailors worried that cheaper, but lower quality tailors, are taking a share of their business. They worry that when customer’s see two tailors side-by-side with one charging significantly more than the other, they will choose the cheaper option. Others feel that genuine bespoke tailors will always have enough businesses and that traditional Savile Row tailors and cheaper tailors are not targeting the same clientele anyway.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Renting Out Your Home During Wimbledon
With the Wimbledon tennis tournament coming up soon accommodation in the area becomes much sought after. The usually quiet London suburb will for two weeks turn into a tennis circus. With this will be the need for accommodation for tennis players and officials and spectators visiting from all over the world.
Unlike central London, Wimbledon isn’t busy all year round, meaning it isn’t naturally set up for thousands of visitors over a short period. There aren’t a huge number of hotels in the area, but this is an opportunities for home owners. A lot of money can be made by renting out houses or flats for the Wimbledon fortnight.
The most obvious people who need accommodation are the tennis players. Some stay within central London but many prefer to be closer to the tournament site and being able to walk to and from what is their place of work for a couple of weeks. They also like the village atmosphere of the area. And they don’t just need accommodation for themselves but also for the coaches, their family and others travelling with them. This can make renting a house in the area the perfect solution. Some tennis players make a lot money and may pay a lot for the right place.
Of course it is not just tennis players who need local accommodation during the championships. There are almost 40,000 spectators per day who visit the tournament, and although some will live within public transport or driving distance, many will come from much further afield. There are also people working at the tournament, from tennis umpires and other officials, to members of the media and those providing catering and other services. Many of these need accommodation. For those who own a smaller property in the area that may not be suitable for a tennis player and their entourage renting out to spectators or others working at the tournament might be an option.
It is not just accommodation that can be rented out but car parking spaces too. Parking in the official car park is very expensive, around £25 per day. This is an opportunity to residents who are remaining at home during Wimbledon fortnight; they can sell their drive as parking spaces on a daily basis. If tennis fans can save on what is already a very expensive day out they will bite at the opportunity. If a local resident has three parking spaces they can rent out they can make £390 during the tournament by selling them at £10 each per day. Many choose to sell parking spaces in this way and give the money to charity.
For two weeks a year, owning a home in Wimbledon can be financially very beneficial. Many Wimbledon residents, especially non tennis fans, like to get away from the mayhem, and why not fund a holiday by renting out their home. With some properties owners can make up to £10,000 a week, a lot more than the going rate at any other time of year.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Unlike central London, Wimbledon isn’t busy all year round, meaning it isn’t naturally set up for thousands of visitors over a short period. There aren’t a huge number of hotels in the area, but this is an opportunities for home owners. A lot of money can be made by renting out houses or flats for the Wimbledon fortnight.
The most obvious people who need accommodation are the tennis players. Some stay within central London but many prefer to be closer to the tournament site and being able to walk to and from what is their place of work for a couple of weeks. They also like the village atmosphere of the area. And they don’t just need accommodation for themselves but also for the coaches, their family and others travelling with them. This can make renting a house in the area the perfect solution. Some tennis players make a lot money and may pay a lot for the right place.
Of course it is not just tennis players who need local accommodation during the championships. There are almost 40,000 spectators per day who visit the tournament, and although some will live within public transport or driving distance, many will come from much further afield. There are also people working at the tournament, from tennis umpires and other officials, to members of the media and those providing catering and other services. Many of these need accommodation. For those who own a smaller property in the area that may not be suitable for a tennis player and their entourage renting out to spectators or others working at the tournament might be an option.
It is not just accommodation that can be rented out but car parking spaces too. Parking in the official car park is very expensive, around £25 per day. This is an opportunity to residents who are remaining at home during Wimbledon fortnight; they can sell their drive as parking spaces on a daily basis. If tennis fans can save on what is already a very expensive day out they will bite at the opportunity. If a local resident has three parking spaces they can rent out they can make £390 during the tournament by selling them at £10 each per day. Many choose to sell parking spaces in this way and give the money to charity.
For two weeks a year, owning a home in Wimbledon can be financially very beneficial. Many Wimbledon residents, especially non tennis fans, like to get away from the mayhem, and why not fund a holiday by renting out their home. With some properties owners can make up to £10,000 a week, a lot more than the going rate at any other time of year.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Considerations When Choosing Window Shutters
Interior shutters are a great alternative to curtains and blinds, offering a good look and adjustability. If you plan to have window shutters installed in your home there are many decisions that need to be made.
Colour
Choosing the right colour is very important. First of all, you obviously need to choose a colour you like, after all you will be the one living with your choice. The colour you choose needs to suit the interior of the room they are being installed in. Interior Shutters are part of your interior design and need to fit in with the rest of the interior. One thing you need to think about is whether you are likely to redecorate soon and how the colour of your shutters will fit in with this. It might be wise to choose a neutral colour that would go with a variety of different interiors so whenever you redecorate they will fit in.
Shape Of Your Windows
The shape of your windows can have a big impact on the type of shutters you need and this needs to be carefully thought about. If you get the wrong shutters for the shape of your windows then they won’t fit. There are so many styles so there is no reason not to get ones that fit perfectly. There are shutters available for all types of windows and you can have them custom build if necessary. This might cost a little more but it is worth the difference where needed.
What Are Your Priorities?
Different window shutters are appropriate depending on the reasons you are choosing to have them installed. You might have tall windows and want cafe style shutters, where they cover the lower part of the window but not the upper part. This allows for privacy while allowing daylight to come through the top of the windows. You might prefer tier on tier shutters where the upper and lower parts can be operated independently of each other. This means more adjustability. Your priority for choosing shutters could be that they offer insulation. Therefore solid shutters (without louvres) might be the best choice as there isn’t space for air to come between the slats. Alternatively being able to adjust the amount of light and air coming through might be your priority, in which case louvred shutters are necessary. For some the look is the most important thing, meaning they will choose whichever style they believe to be more aesthetically pleasing.
The Type Of Material
The type of material you want is another factor that needs to be taken into consideration. The first choice is whether you require faux wood or real wood. If real wood is your choice then there are many options. Some people will have a specific preference while other won’t. The advantages of each need to be thought about, for example some insulate better than others. Price might also come into this.
When purchasing shutters there are many things that need to be considered. There can be a lot to think about but it is important to get it right.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Colour
Choosing the right colour is very important. First of all, you obviously need to choose a colour you like, after all you will be the one living with your choice. The colour you choose needs to suit the interior of the room they are being installed in. Interior Shutters are part of your interior design and need to fit in with the rest of the interior. One thing you need to think about is whether you are likely to redecorate soon and how the colour of your shutters will fit in with this. It might be wise to choose a neutral colour that would go with a variety of different interiors so whenever you redecorate they will fit in.
Shape Of Your Windows
The shape of your windows can have a big impact on the type of shutters you need and this needs to be carefully thought about. If you get the wrong shutters for the shape of your windows then they won’t fit. There are so many styles so there is no reason not to get ones that fit perfectly. There are shutters available for all types of windows and you can have them custom build if necessary. This might cost a little more but it is worth the difference where needed.
What Are Your Priorities?
Different window shutters are appropriate depending on the reasons you are choosing to have them installed. You might have tall windows and want cafe style shutters, where they cover the lower part of the window but not the upper part. This allows for privacy while allowing daylight to come through the top of the windows. You might prefer tier on tier shutters where the upper and lower parts can be operated independently of each other. This means more adjustability. Your priority for choosing shutters could be that they offer insulation. Therefore solid shutters (without louvres) might be the best choice as there isn’t space for air to come between the slats. Alternatively being able to adjust the amount of light and air coming through might be your priority, in which case louvred shutters are necessary. For some the look is the most important thing, meaning they will choose whichever style they believe to be more aesthetically pleasing.
The Type Of Material
The type of material you want is another factor that needs to be taken into consideration. The first choice is whether you require faux wood or real wood. If real wood is your choice then there are many options. Some people will have a specific preference while other won’t. The advantages of each need to be thought about, for example some insulate better than others. Price might also come into this.
When purchasing shutters there are many things that need to be considered. There can be a lot to think about but it is important to get it right.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
UK Parenting and Family Trends
Over recent times there have been many changes in the way that families work. Families come in many shapes and sizes these days. There are married couples with or without children, cohabiting couples with or without children, and single parents.
Family Trends
Less people are getting married these days and over recent decades the number of people getting divorced has risen sharply. The make-up of families with children has changed significantly since the mid 1980’s. In the mid 80’s 83% of household with children consisted of a married couple. This had fallen to 67% by the mid 1990’s and is now under half of all families (albeit only just under at 49%). The number of cohabiting parents (those who live together but aren’t married) has increased massively. In the 1980’s they accounted for only 5% of all families, which had risen to 11% a decade later and to 18% a further ten years on. Families with only one parent have also increased; from 12% to 22% between the 1980’s and 1990’s and up to 33% now. Over a quarter of a century there has been a noticeable shift with a sharp fall in the percentage of families with two married parents which is now only 69% of what it was in the 1980’s. Both cohabiting couples with children and single parent families have increase over this period; cohabiting parents have increase more than three times over with single parent families rising by 57%.
Births Inside and Outside of Marriage
There has also been a significant change in the number of births inside and outside of marriage. In 1990 72% of births were to children of married parents. This had fallen to 61% by 2000 and is now only just over half of all children (52%).
Single Parent Types
The number of single parent families has been on the increase. The vast majority of single parents are Mothers. According to 2005 statistics, 9% of single parents are single Mothers who have never been married to their child’s Father. 6% are divorced Mothers and 4% separated Mothers. Only 1% of single parents are Fathers.
Couples with No Children
As well as changes in the shape of families with children, there has also been an increase in couples who choose not to have children. Between the early 1970’s and the mid 2000’s the percentage of couples without children rose from 19% to 25%.
Fewer people are married now than ever before. There are two basic reasons for this. The first of these is that fewer people are choosing to marry. Couples living together without getting married is generally seen as more acceptable and more are choosing to do this. People are putting off getting married, either altogether or waiting until later in life. The other reason for less people in marriage is the divorce rate, which has increased dramatically over the past few decades.
Gone are the days of a typical family unit. People choose to live in all sorts of ways and society consists of families of many different types.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Family Trends
Less people are getting married these days and over recent decades the number of people getting divorced has risen sharply. The make-up of families with children has changed significantly since the mid 1980’s. In the mid 80’s 83% of household with children consisted of a married couple. This had fallen to 67% by the mid 1990’s and is now under half of all families (albeit only just under at 49%). The number of cohabiting parents (those who live together but aren’t married) has increased massively. In the 1980’s they accounted for only 5% of all families, which had risen to 11% a decade later and to 18% a further ten years on. Families with only one parent have also increased; from 12% to 22% between the 1980’s and 1990’s and up to 33% now. Over a quarter of a century there has been a noticeable shift with a sharp fall in the percentage of families with two married parents which is now only 69% of what it was in the 1980’s. Both cohabiting couples with children and single parent families have increase over this period; cohabiting parents have increase more than three times over with single parent families rising by 57%.
Births Inside and Outside of Marriage
There has also been a significant change in the number of births inside and outside of marriage. In 1990 72% of births were to children of married parents. This had fallen to 61% by 2000 and is now only just over half of all children (52%).
Single Parent Types
The number of single parent families has been on the increase. The vast majority of single parents are Mothers. According to 2005 statistics, 9% of single parents are single Mothers who have never been married to their child’s Father. 6% are divorced Mothers and 4% separated Mothers. Only 1% of single parents are Fathers.
Couples with No Children
As well as changes in the shape of families with children, there has also been an increase in couples who choose not to have children. Between the early 1970’s and the mid 2000’s the percentage of couples without children rose from 19% to 25%.
Fewer people are married now than ever before. There are two basic reasons for this. The first of these is that fewer people are choosing to marry. Couples living together without getting married is generally seen as more acceptable and more are choosing to do this. People are putting off getting married, either altogether or waiting until later in life. The other reason for less people in marriage is the divorce rate, which has increased dramatically over the past few decades.
Gone are the days of a typical family unit. People choose to live in all sorts of ways and society consists of families of many different types.
Andrew Marshall (c)
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