Is your business making the most of Facebook? Facebook is the largest social networking site on earth and you, as a business owner, could be greatly benefiting from all that it has to offer. So far this year, the site has over 2 billion monthly users who are active, so it offers huge opportunities for businesses to connect with their target audience. Continue reading Using Facebook for the benefit of your business
What Generator Is Best for a Construction Site?
When choosing a generator, there is more to consider than simply the cost. For instance, how many power tools will rely on it? Will it be used for lighting? Is it robustly built? How large is the fuel tank? Remember, time spent refuelling can quickly cancel out cost savings. Continue reading What Generator Is Best for a Construction Site?
What does DBS filtering mean for employees?
When a DBS certificate is issued, not all convictions and cautions are revealed due to the DBS process of filtering. As you would expect, this has led to many employers and applicants wondering what the process entails and its implications. People who are in a job position that needs a DBS check are regarded by many as being in a position of trust. A possible reason for this is that many job positions that require this check involves coming into frequent contact with people who could be considered vulnerable. By having this check in place it ensures that no one gets a job in a role that isn’t appropriate for them. In care for example, someone who has a history of violence would not pass a DBS check as they would be deemed as unsafe to look after vulnerable people. If you are looking to work in care you would need to ensure you are suitable for it and have all the relevant qualifications. If you believe you meet the criteria to work in care, then you may be interested in a live in care London agency, such as https://www.guardiancarers.co.uk/services/live-in-care
What is the process of filtering?
The process of filtering is a recent one. It came to fruition in 2013 following a high court case that questioned why all criminal record information should appear on DBS certificates, especially if incidents were minor and/or had been committed a long time ago. The outcome of the case determined that not all cautions and convictions should appear on a certificate following a DBS check.
As a result, the DBS filtering process was initiated to limit the disclosure of offences if they met the predetermined criteria. These strict criteria vary in accordance with the type of offence committed, the age of the offender at the time of the offence, and whether they have other offences.
If cautions or convictions are withheld, they won’t appear on the certificate and neither will the certificate state that criminal information has been withheld. Although the information is withheld, this does not mean that a person’s criminal record has been discarded by the Police National Computer (PNC).
You can find out more about criminal records checks – including DBS checks .
What are the implications for applicants?
With regard to applicants, the filtering process means that if they have a previous caution or conviction that qualifies for protection, it will be removed during the filtering process. They will therefore not have to declare this information to the employer, even if the employer asks about it.
What are the implications for employers?
The filtering process should not have any implications for employers, as any information protected is determined by legislation to be peripheral. Employers are not entitled to be notified of these offences via a DBS check.
Nevertheless, employers should be wary of how they question applicants with regard to their criminal records in relation to this legislation; for example, employers that are permitted to question an applicant on their criminal record must be careful not to ask for information protected by the filtering process.
The technological and weird world of Microsoft.
Where would we be without the company Microsoft? It has risen to be the most powerful and influential computer technological firm in the world. It has given us one of the first computer language system, MS-DOS, ever to be used on a global stage and giving rise to the universal system of Windows and its many versions of updates. When it comes to the management of your systems, an IT Support Cheltenham based team like https://reformit.co.uk/ provide IT Support in Cheltenham can certainly provide the support needed. But where did Microsoft come from?
The company gets its name from one half of its creator Bill Gates. He sent a letter to Paul Allen, the other founder, with the words Micro-soft. It’s thought that this is an amalgamation of words microcomputer and software. They started the company in 1976 and it was soon to grow into the large company that it is today. Back then it was customary to produce both the hardware and the operating system but with the invention and coding of MS-DOS Gates and his team had finally found a formula that the general public could get on board with using the simple icons to link to programs and call it Windows. Although it was a rough and basic system, a constant criticism at the time, it was user friendly and meant that for the first time the general public to use and follow a computer without having to have to learn a whole new computer language.
Soon the company began to gain traction. Hardware makers began to have Windows installed into the machine so that it was ready to use the moment it was switched on. IBM and Hewlett Packard were some of the first and it was not long before Microsoft began to attract other interests to work with them. Foremost of this was legendary early Roxy Music member Brian Eno. With the company at the the height of its powers he wrote the famous start up tune to Windows 95 describing the experience as amazing and cementing his own career.
Working for them is one of the strangest experiences to be had by an employee carrying on the quirkiness of the founders. For example drinks are free with Milk and Orange Juice being the most popular plus there are lots of sweeties to be had. With the considerable amount of employees to feed there are thirty five restaurants and the most favoured food of choice at lunchtime is Pizza
Why construction businesses need young talent
The gender imbalance within the UK construction industry is widely known, with only 11% of the workforce being female and just 2% of those being employed in craft trade roles. Consequently, a considerable skills shortage has arisen. To address this, construction companies are placing a greater emphasis on attracting a more diverse range of employees to aid innovation and futureproofing.
Why is there an imbalance?
When considering construction companies Manchester is home to a number of leading firms who specialise in cutting-edge design, build and project management. However, there remains a considerable lack of female employees within companies here and nationwide. A study undertaken by GenAnalytics and funded by the Scottish Government found that only 17% of surveyed construction staff were female, with these figures being in line with national statistics. This has highlighted a need for construction companies to improve their image, as they are often regarded as a last resort for young people who are unable to secure employment elsewhere and are consequently demotivated and do not complete their apprenticeships.
What can companies do?
To address this, it is crucial for construction companies to enhance their relationships with colleges and schools to promote the positives of a career in construction. Showcasing these jobs to students can be a great way of encouraging new talent into the industry.
When considering construction companies Manchester based firms such as Piggot and Whitfield https://www.piggottandwhitfield.co.uk/services/ offer opportunities in design and build, construction and project management, highlighting the multitude of career options available. However, sending staff into schools results in fewer employees on the job, which impacts project deadlines and income.
Therefore, the GenAnalytics report advises education providers to work with construction companies to educate students on potential opportunities within the industry. Allowing teachers to develop a greater understanding of the roles available in the industry can also form an important part of the approach, along with taster sessions, open days and work placements. The Guardian also suggests having students come and visit construction sites to experience the industry firsthand.
Future partnerships between construction companies and education providers can be a mutually beneficial approach that helps to prevent skill shortages and gender imbalance within the industry, in addition to introducing young people to an exciting new career prospect they may not have previously considered.
Fabric structures: benefits and considerations
Fabric structures offer practical design solutions for covering outdoors areas. Opting for Tensile Fabric Structures has many pros and a few cons; therefore, it is helpful to look at both the benefits and considerations involved to make an informed decision. If that decision is to go ahead with it ,then you may wish to consider https://www.spatialstructures.com/
Translucent
The most obvious advantage of fabric structures is their translucency, with an appropriate coating over the woven base cloth allowing a light transmission value of approximately 10%. Compared with the full glare of outside, this provides a very comfortable level of brightness.
Clear span
Another benefit of fabric above other material is its clear span capabilities. Fabric can reach from one point to another in an unbroken sweep, covering a large space without needing the rigid support required by other materials.
Lightweight materials
Tensile structures are lightweight and their extraordinary tensile capacity does not require as much supporting framework as other materials; however, deep foundations are often required to counteract the power of the wind lifting the canopy and whipping it away. On a positive note, the foundations are usually much cheaper and easier to prepare than above-ground constructions.
Design
A tensile canopy is a unique and contemporary style of building structure and its 3D nature attracts attention. Traditional structures such as flat glass, a tiled roof or polycarbonate canopy do not draw your attention in the same way.
Manufactured off-site
Companies alike and all the manufacturing takes place off-site. When the steelwork, cables, membrane and all other parts are complete, they are taken to the site and assembled swiftly, causing little disruption to the public or the surrounding businesses. This could prevent possible health and safety issues.
Size and cost implications
Fabric structures are great for larger areas, as they offer economies of scale; however, if you were to choose a tensile canopy for a small area, this would not be cost effective. The same process would have to be carried out as for larger constructions, such as connections being engineered and checked, patterning required and corner plates and awkward angles made by the steel fabricator, all of which would cost three to four times more per square metre than for a larger tensile structure.
Finally, but importantly, fabric structures are bespoke. They can be beautiful, creative, attention-grabbing and fun, and they sound great when it is raining!
4 great ideas for team building
Team building events are a wonderful way of bringing employees together, giving them new experiences and helping them forge strong bonds that will pay off when tackling projects in the office. These events can also reduce anxiety, give employees a break and enable them to have fun while learning some essential skills. There is a variety of different ways to do this with all of them having their own merit. From drinking alcohol to trampolining this article covers a comprehensive range of team building ideas.
Sporting Challenges
People may have played basketball before, but probably not on a trampoline. Take the team to a trampoline park, let them bounce out their stress, and then add in some healthy competition. A common aversion to getting soaked could be the impetus behind employees getting good at kayaking or canoeing. By putting people together with very different personalities or styles of working, they will have to thrash out a way of moving forward together to avoid getting a soaking.
Let the games begin
Locking people in a room and giving them an hour to escape can inspire new levels of cooperation, as it involves logic, strategy, leadership, and teamwork to make it happen. This has become a very popular exercise for team building, and while “locked” in the room, the participants must solve puzzles and find clues to help them escape.
Another enjoyable game is to put everyone in groups and send them out on a scavenger hunt, with lots of interesting challenges, fun activities and even prizes. This could be followed by a barbecue or a relaxing meal.
After Work socials
Possibly the simplest method of team building for employees but by no means an ineffective one. Sociable drinking is often regarded as enjoyable and can help to establish common interests between employees. This can be as simple as going to the pub after work but private parties can be organised if you intend to pull out all the stops. Going drinking however means you will not be able to drive but if you’re looking for a good corporate day/ night then why not use a Cheltenham Party Bus Hire service. If you are looking for a company to provide this service, look no further than websites such as https://cocktail-tours.co.uk/.
Something completely different …
When it comes to activities people have never tried, a tank driving day would fit the bill, challenging the team and giving them an experience, they will be talking about for some time. Tanks were first used in battle during the First World War, and for more history, see this article from The Guardian.
If you want to find out more about the benefits of a tank driving day for your employees, it would be a good idea to speak to experts. Team building has many benefits for helping employees feel valued and appreciated, while building a company culture of trust and respect that will flow into corporate productivity. Planning a team building experience is not difficult, especially if you consult professionals. The results could make all the difference to your bottom line.
Embracing Technology in Construction
The utopian view of major construction sites is neon-vested workers in hard hats and an unfinished façade. The ubiquitous sheaves of blueprints and oversized design drawings that litter any flat surface on the jobs site should be gone.
The industry wants to embrace technology and replace papers with smartphone apps and tablet computers. Progressive construction giants already harness the potency of technology in all its forms. Incredible advancements optimise production and efficiency, from planning to construction.
Game-Changing Technologies in Construction
Drones are the way to gain insight into a construction site while also allowing for mapping. Often a construction site is hazardous and remote, which makes this technology an inexpensive no-brainer. Human error causes delays and increased costs, while drones drastically improve safety standards, accuracy and speed as they take high-resolution images and collect data when flying over a site. Technicians using photogrammetry can extract 3D models and point clouds from the images.
BIM Technology Application
BIM technology is not new to the UK construction market, especially since the government mandated BIM to be used on government projects in 2016. The benefits are considerable, including improved life cycle costs, higher-quality construction, lower costs and faster enabling. Building Information Modelling involves generation and managing of digital representations of both functional and physical characteristics of a place.
It is used to support automated and predictive maintenance schedules of a building life. The building manager will know where all the fittings and fixtures are and all the services as well as service intervals, certificates and installation dates.
Companies, including but not limited to https://www.bimtech-eng.com/, use its digital technology to develop digital models that accurately represent the elements of a construction project. It offers house-builders, medium and large building companies and construction contractors better control over all the phases.
3D printing is a construction technology that will speed up and reduce construction costs. Recently, a 3D building was completed in a building-on-demand (BOD) structure, with several others following suit. This technology embeds wireless sensors into property walls to create a genuinely smart building, literally and figuratively. It also doubles up as a preventative accident measure.
While digital technology brings enormous benefits, they come with new challenges. This level of digitisation can only be applied when contractors, designers and project employers have the required skills.
Premises that require the help of a professional cleaner
Nobody would want to start cleaning their office after an 8-hour shift at work. Imagine cleaning the whole office, kitchen included, with all those cups and plates needing washing and not to mention the toilets! Not an appealing prospect is it? Here are some examples of premises that would be very hard to clean without professional help:
Large Offices
Without a professional cleaning service, you are stuck with organising staff on a rota to carry out different cleaning duties. Does it work? Do the employees stick to the schedule? Are there individuals that say they’ve cleaned a space when all they’ve done is wipe it over with a tissue? Do away with these annoying issues by employing a professional cleaning company to complete all these tasks to a much higher standard. This means your staff can go back to spending their time on what they were hired to do.
Educational Settings
In places where there is a high concentration of young people, infection control is a top priority. This means a high quality of cleaning that can only effectively be carried out by experienced and professional cleaners. Schools and colleges must meet health and safety standards and keep the risk of sickness to a minimum. Professional cleaning companies will also be able to offer cleaners that are fully DBS checked. For a Leicester commercial cleaning company, visit https://www.acecleaningcompany.co.uk/commercial-cleaning/
Medical Settings
Businesses in the medical sector will understand the critical need for the highest standards of hygiene and sanitation. For this kind of cleaning, it’s important to have a professional cleaner who has been trained to the National Specifications for Cleanliness for NHS Medical and Dental Practices. This includes learning about the risks of cross contamination, where harmful bacteria can be lurking and how to deep clean, disinfect and fully sanitise a medical practice.
Showrooms and stores
For areas where customers and clients will be getting a first look at you as a business, cleanliness and spotless high standards are a must. For showcasing your goods or services, you’ll want to make the best first impression so choosing a professional cleaning company to take care of this for you makes good sense. Not only will your store look great, but you’ll be improving on safety too.
Emergency Cleaning
Whenever mother nature throws a spanner in the works or a man-made accident has occurred, specialist clean up skills are a must. Flooding and fire damage can cause a huge mess to deal with, not to mention the disruption and risk to health. You must ensure your premises is brought back to a safe, clean and hygienic condition, whether you’ve experienced an act of nature, a burst pipe, arson or vandalism. A professional cleaning team will do this for you with the minimum of fuss, to an exceptional standard and is one less thing for you to worry about at a tough time.
What is a Motivational Speaker and where might you find one?
Most people have heard of motivational speakers, but not as many people would be able to explain what they do, what their role is or can say they have experienced spending time listening to a motivational speaker. There are many circumstances where someone may have the opportunity to see a motivational speaker at work, as they come from many walks of life and of course the main goal of their work is to inspire and motivate those they are speaking to.
One place a motivational speaker will often work is in a school. Motivating children and helping them to make positive choices when it comes to career and lifestyle is something that a motivational speaker can be very helpful with, especially during the years that children may be making a lot of big decisions about their future education, or what courses and careers they are suited for.
Children may also have access to motivational speakers through extra-curricular activities like clubs and groups or in a community centre or church group. They can help children with other parts of their life that they may be having difficulty with or encouraging their hobbies and interests outside of education.
Motivational speakers can also work in part of a wider setting within the community. They talk about many social and community issues, aimed at the local people – for example helping people tackling crime in an area that may have a high crime rate, or getting the community together to work on local events.
There are many motivational speakers who can help to inspire people by using their own life experiences and stories to rouse people into action. For example, some have overcome great hardships in life and gone on to turn their life around for the better, such as recovery from drugs or alcohol addictions, or a life of crime or poverty – they have then used this to help others.
Some have completed huge physical and mental challenges, completed triumphed against adversity, or have done great things for charities, such as https://www.adventureman.org/ . These people share their stories to inspire others and if they are raising money for a charity it creates awareness and can help to get others involved in their campaign.
The workplace is another place where a motivational speaker will often be found, as companies want to get the best from their employees, they recognise that a good positive mindset is a huge part of that in the workplace. They are very useful in business to help with all employees, from the directors to the office teams, they are often beneficial to sales teams, helping them to be focussed, positive and motivated.