Benefits of Bike Shelters for Businesses

0 | May 2nd, 2012 | Posted in Business

Cycling to work or school is a healthy and cost effective form of transport.

In today’s environment cycling to the workplace or school is a healthier way of travelling. Providing bike shelters in a commercial or educational establishment not only assists with healthy living but also gives the added benefit of helping the environment.

The physical and mental benefits of cycling daily for the individual are widely recognised. Some of the positive effects of regular cycling include a stronger immune system, increased physical fitness and improved ability to cope with stress – all of these lead to a healthier, happier workforce or student population, which of course in turn benefits schools and workplaces.

Some benefits for businesses

It is fantastic that a company can have a fit and healthy workforce which provides its own benefits to the company but there are also benefits from a business point of view. A few examples of this are:

•    Freeing-up Space: More people cycling to work means they will need less space than car drivers. This will save you space and money.
•    Happy Cyclists: Providing good facilities to those that are already cycling to working could reduce staff turn-over therefore reducing recruitment costs.
•    Corporate Image: Encouraging people to cycle will also improve your corporate image and may help you obtain ISO 14,001 status for its environmental management system.

What you need to know about cycle shelters. When looking to add cycle parking to business premises here is a mini guide to help you understand what works.
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Lake District Hotels for Food Lovers

0 | April 23rd, 2012 | Posted in Travel

Windermere in the English Lake District is a destination for many foodies. The rich landscape and plethora of artisan produces and suppliers makes for the perfect combination for those wishing to combine a scenic holiday with fine dining.

The beautiful scenery doesn’t just entice guests but also high quality chefs. With chefs working in Windermere hotels that have worked under some of the best chefs in the United Kingdom and in some of most high profile restaurants, it isn’t hard to imagine how good some of the food is in the Lake District.

Many hotels in Windermere with restaurants are combining the latest culinary techniques with locally sourced produce to create show stopping dishes that guests from all over the world are impressed by. For guests from further afield, the ability to experience local produce to the Lake District area, whether that be cheese, air dried ham to rival any prosciutto or Cumberland sausage is a real treat.

In terms of meat production, the Lake District has some of the best quality beef and lamb found anywhere in the UK. For chefs in Windermere hotels it is heaven and why some of the best restaurants in the Good Food Guide and have been for many years.

For many visitors, having the luxury of being able to get ready for dinner and know that downstairs, high quality dining is on offer is highly exciting. No need to hunt around for a restaurant to go to. Do they have a table? What will it be like? Do we need a taxi? Leisure, luxury and first class service is always on offer in the finest Windermere hotel restaurants.

To add to the already long list of Windermere’s attributes and lures comes luxury. Windermere has some of the most stunning buildings with many of the larger residences being luxury hotels. In recent years, some of the luxury hotels have taken their attention to detail to another level. They have refurbished, redesigned, added on, decorated and paid even more attention to detail than before. Windermere now has some of the best hotels in the country and more than rival some of the famous hotels in the south of England.

So you really can have it all when staying in a Lake District hotel. The scenery, walking, relaxation and for foodies, some of the best cuisine in the United Kingdom.

Creating a Safer Working Environment On Construction Sites

0 | February 7th, 2012 | Posted in Business

The construction industry could become a much safer place if it learnt lessons from the preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The Olympic Games project had shown how setting targets from the beginning and fostering an understanding of the importance of good practice can help ensure the safety of thousands of construction workers. Because the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) made clear its commitment to health and safety from the outset, Slade said, this helped create a positive Health and Safety culture, and therefore a safe working environment. As a result, the HSE found just 114 injuries and eight dangerous occurrences out of the 66 million hours of work that had been carried out.

Slade said he agreed with the HSE that the construction industry had for many years been one of the most dangerous sectors in which to work and that London 2012 had proved that it didn’t have to be that way.

“The London 2012 construction project has shown that completing building projects on time and within budget does not mean compromising on the health and safety of workers,” Slade said. “So no matter what size of organisation, or size of project, it’s clear that small changes in the way a company operates can have a huge impact on the health and safety of its employees.”

Slade also praised the ‘no scapegoating’ approach to managing risks that the ODA had used and said this should be embraced by any project – irrespective of resources.

He concluded “A key feature behind this success was that workers were encouraged to raise any concerns without fear of reprisal. This is exactly how Health and Safety advisors urge all business leaders to adopt a similar approach”.

May Cottage B&B

Closed | January 3rd, 2012 | Posted in Travel

May Cottage is located close to the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere making it the perfect base to explore all the Southern Lakes. Just one road from the edge of Lake Windermere, an easy stroll to the boat rides, quaint shops and a variety of Bistros, Restaurants and Wine & Tapas Bars. The climatic end to the famous Dalesway Walk – Wonderful, never ending, breathtaking scenic walks and drives. Leisure facilities offer relaxing sauna, steam, jacuzzi, swim & gym areas, with snooker, café & bar with Sky T.V. lounge section.

Here is just a small sample of the excellent reviews May Cottage Bowness-on-Windermere B&B have received on TripAdvisor:

“Great B&B accomodation close to the centre of Bowness”
5 of 5 stars
Date of review: 4 Apr 2011

Most pleasant welcome received from Sue – the accomodation was ideal for our three night stay – with a very comfortable bed room and fine ensuite. The excellent full English breakfast ,accompanied by Sue’s little talk on the locality and its history, set us up for the day’s walking . The B&B is just a few minutes walk to the centre of Bowness and the pubs and restaurants.
For Rugby League fans, a must is a chat with Len Casey , Sue’s husband and breakfast chef, who can relate anecdotes about his playing career for Great Britain ( some as captain) and England and both Hull clubs.

“A gem of a B&B”

Date of review: 1 Apr 2011
Our first trip to the lakes and first visit to a B&B. We recently married and decided to stay away for a couple of nights.

Sue and Len are great value, warm and welcoming. Place is a gem, you ll be lucky to get availability as the repeat business is a sign of how popular this place is.

Would love to stay again!
“SIMPLY THE BEST”
5 of 5 stars
1 more review of May Cottage by Sallyberisford:

Date of review: 23 Mar 2011

We returned to May Cottage, & yet again received a warm, friendly welcome. Sue goes out of her way to make you feel at ease & welcome. She has stories to tell you & her knowledge of the area is outstanding. She has a brillant sense of humour, ALL the rooms are lovely & clean.
If you stay here it is only a very short walk into Bowness & all the shops, pubs etc.
I mustn’t forget Len, who doe’s a wonderful breakfast each morning, Len to is a chirpy chappy.
Throughly recommed you to stay here.
We felt like part of Sue & Lens extended family. Will definately return.
THANKS BOTH

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Why choose Hedley House in York?

Closed | January 3rd, 2012 | Posted in Travel

Close to the city centre and within easy reach of the road-rail network, Hedley House Hotel is one of the best York Hotels, with modern comfortable surroundings, great food and outstanding personal service.

Built in 1845 in the heart of the Victorian city, many of our rooms still include the original fireplace features. Combined with en-suite facilities, hospitality trays and digital widescreen TVs, our rooms are a subtle blend of contemporary modern and historic.

Their intimate award-winning licensed restaurant is a great place to spend an evening or start the night. The restaurant serves a range of home cooked healthy meals, snacks and light bites, all freshly cooked using only award-winning ingredients.

Knowle House is a large Victorian terrace house situated off Bootham on the North side  of the city of York.  York Minster is within a six to eight minute walk.  It is also next door to and under the same ownership as Hedley House Hotel. These York self catering apartments are self-contained, fully furnished and contain all necessary linen, crockery and cutlery.  All have central heating, colour television, electric cooker and fridge.  Wireless internet is available. All but one of the apartments have direct dial telephone.

In a city where car parking space is limited, Hedley House Hotel and Apartments have 19 allotted parking spaces. When these spaces are full there is room for 8 more vehicles in the middle of the car park, the keys to these must be left at reception in case of emergency. The car park operates on a “first come first served” basis.  If this is unacceptable there is a large public car park (chargeable) 2 minutes walk from the hotel.

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The Cotswolds for the Ultimate in Holiday Cottages

0 | December 23rd, 2011 | Posted in Travel

The Cotswolds, often called the “Heart of England” and lying mainly within the counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.

There isn’t a better way in which to explore the Cotswolds than on foot. For walkers or amblers, the Cotswolds has some of the most beautiful scenery in England. The rolling hills, historical buildings including castles, manors and abbeys are interspersed with quintessentially English villages and hamlets. Having been given the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status way back in 1966, this area has been a haven for lovers of the outdoors for decades.

Its location makes an ideal getaway destination with excellent transport links due to its position north of Bath and west of Oxford. Popular with visitors from London but equally those further north, the Cotswolds are such a world away in terms of pace of life and character. Even though it is the slower pace of life visitors are after when staying in the Cotswolds, they want to be able to get there as quickly as possible!

It is a typically English so overseas visitors flock to experience a slice of this culture. This area has such a high concentration of quaint villages and architecture which is unique to the Cotswolds, even the British feel like it is a step back in time. For food lovers, the fertile landscape makes for fantastic produce such as cider, cheese, meat and honey. The Cotswolds really is at teh forefront of British regional cuisine.

With staycations on the rise and people lives overloaded, a complete getaway for a holiday or even just a short break is now more important than ever. For the ultimate in getting away from it then holiday lets in the Cotswolds are hard to beat. From thatched cottages to grade ll listed Georgian houses, the choice of high quality luxury Cotswold cottages is now better than ever. Many of these holiday cottages have a wealth of character such as wooden beams, flagstone floors, exposed walls and fireplaces but combined with all the modern conveniences expected and required by guests.

For everyone, a holiday is an extremely happy and special occasion but holiday cottages in the Cotswolds offer that bit more. The experience of staying in a property that many could only dream of owning and located amongst the rolling hills of the Wolds.

Travelling and Staying in Hostels in Dublin

0 | October 18th, 2011 | Posted in Travel

Dublin, such a popular destination with groups whether it be for sporting events, sight seeing, stag and hen parties or university tours.

When thinking of a destination that caters for just about all tastes then Dublin is hard to beat. From the extensive arts and culture, to sporting events and music festivals, Dublin has it all. For group travel, it really is the destination of choice.

Universities, schools, brides and grooms to be, family and friends are all feeling the effects of the economic downturn. These groups are having to be more aware of costs for group travel.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great time in Dublin and Cork – there are lots of things to do, see and experience and we can help you to plan and book the best of them at the cheapest group prices. Many of Dublins top attractions are located within easy access of a large selection of hostels in Dublin.
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PPE to announce latest temperature seals at Offshore Europe

0 | August 31st, 2011 | Posted in Industrial Services

Precision Polymer Engineering, a Unit of IDEX Corp. to announce latest ultra-high and extreme low temperature seals at Offshore Europe.

High performance seals specialist, Precision Polymer Engineering, a Unit of IDEX Corp., is announcing its latest developments in ultra-high temperature and extreme low temperature resistant Perlast perfluoroelastomer and Endura seals for HP/HT/LT offshore applications, at Offshore Europe on Stand No. 3E80.

For continuous use at high temperatures, without loss of mechanical performance, PPE has developed perfluoroelastomer Perlast G75TX for processes up to 327°C (621°F), together with fluoroelastomer V91J for continuous exposure at 250°C (482°F). Overcoming the traditional weakness of perfluoroelastomers at low temperature, all-round sealing performer Perlast G92E is now capable of sub-zero operation down to -30°C (-22°F) at pressures up to 5,500psi.

Endura seals for demanding applications
The Endura range of oilfield elastomers has been specifically developed by PPE for use in downhole, surface and subsea oilfield equipment and offers excellent rapid gas decompression (RGD) resistance. Many of the Endura materials have been tested to international RGD standards such as NORSOK, TOTAL and NACE. Over the past 25 years, PPE has supplied O-rings and custom seals for systems operating in the most inhospitable subsea environments in the world at temperatures from -46°C (-51°F) up to +327°C (+621°F).

PPE has sales offices in Aberdeen, the US (Houston), Europe and Asia, in addition to extensive manufacturing and technical development resources at the company’s Blackburn facility in Lancashire.

PPE is a world leading designer and manufacturer of high performance sealing solutions. The company’s elastomers product range is used in many demanding manufacturing environments around the world. Applications as varied as semi-conductor manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, marine engineering and power generation benefit from PPE’s innovative, robust and reliable sealing solutions.

Founded in 1974, PPE has over 35 years specialist sealing expertise, offering an unrivalled range of products from over 170 elastomer materials. The company’s materials scientists and applications technologists are working at the forefront of elastomer technology, developing new materials for specialist applications. These include PERLAST®, the world’s leading perfluoroelastomer for critical sealing applications such as semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and ENDURA® which was specifically developed for use in the oil and gas industry.

For details of PPE’s range of Perlast and Endura O rings, T-section rubber seals, special profiles and custom-made seals and rubber gaskets, visit http://www.prepol.com

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Living and Letting in Gateshead

0 | July 29th, 2011 | Posted in Property & Real Estate

Gateshead centre, Gateshead Quayside and the Gateshead countryside contains an outstanding choice of attractions from prestigious art galleries to famous landscape gardens and walks so hence Gateshead apartments are very popular.

Shopping
Shopping fans won’t want to miss a visit to the North East’s premier shopping centre, Metro Centre Gateshead which is one of the biggest and best shopping centres in Europe.With over 330 stores and 50 restaurants as well as onsite leisure facilities including a cinema, the Metro Centre is easily accessible from the A1 and offers free parking.  A Metro Centre Shuttle bus running from Newcastle city centre is also available every seven minutes during the day.

Heritage and culture
Gateshead Quayside is home to the iconic concert hall The Sage Gateshead designed by the acclaimed architects Foster & Partners. With its cutting edge acoustics you can catch the best of classical, folk, popular and world music concerts as well as numerous events, talks and a tour of this famous UK landmark building.
The city is home to the region’s most famous landmark, The Angel of the North designed by the sculptor Antony Gormley.

Also on the Quayside is BALTIC Gateshead, Centre for Contemporary Art which ranks with the Tate Modern in London as one of Britain’s best contemporary art galleries boasting major contemporary art installations. Don’t miss the Shipley Art Gallery, a national craft centre in the UK which features exciting temporary exhibitions and is home to the famous North East painting, The Blaydon Races by William C.Irving.

Sports and leisure
Gateshead countryside offers a wealth of outstanding choice of outdoor attractions, beautiful walks including the Red Kite Trail and magnificent gardens.

The way marked Red Kite Trail is an 11 mile circular walk that moves through the woodlands of the lower Derwent Valley, covered in beautiful bluebells in spring.
Gibside, cared for by the National Trust, is a stunning Georgian landscape garden, one of the great English landscape gardens of the 18th century that have attracted critical acclaim. Featuring a Palladian chapel, a Gothic banqueting house, stables and a Column to Liberty, the original Statue of Liberty, Gibside also boasts miles of footpaths and wildlife including the area’s famous Red Kites as well as Roe Deer.

Eating out and nightlife
Gateshead quays with its dramatic skyline offers the perfect setting for a romantic stroll and dinner for two at the BALTIC rooftop restaurant SIX. There can be a few restaurants with such a proud vantage point. Alternatively only a short walk across the Millennium bridge try the bar at the Malmaison and look back over Gateshead’s cityscape, a stunning spectacle while enjoying a cocktail or two.

Lettings Gateshead – the only choice for those seeking heritage, culture and life.

Price Frozen for 2012 Lake District Cottage Holidays

0 | June 23rd, 2011 | Posted in Travel

The Lakeland Cottage Company is pleased to announce a price freeze for 2012 bookings taken in June.

A cool and tempting offer has arisen at the Lakeland Cottage Company. Book a holiday or short break in one of the Lakeland Cottage Company’s portfolio of luxury cottages and receive the benefit of prices frozen at the 2011 FRP.

Whether it is for a romantic weekend in autumn or winter or a main summer holiday, the price freeze offer benefits any early birds out there. With rising costs in labour, taxes and goods, increased costs for self catering property owners are unavoidable. However, many understand that a reward and a thank you must go to those guests who book in advance.

Having some of the highest quality Lake District cottages on offer, the Lakeland Cottage Company are leading the way in luxury self catering accommodation. For even greater confidence in making a reservation, all of their properties are inspected by Visit England, the UK official accommodation quality and standards organisation with many being 5 star gold award properties. A choice of some 85 Lake District cottages of varying sizes and in unrivalled locations are further reasons why the Lakeland Cottage Company are at the forefront of self catering agencies in this region.

This offer may not be used in conjunction with other offers or incentives the Lakeland Cottage Company may be publicising, nor applied to any reservation already made and confirmed prior to publication of offers, or after the period of the offer date. The Lakeland Cottage Company and or the owners of individual properties reserve the right to remove the offer at any time, or to extend or revise the offer beyond any dates published on this website, any amendments or changes cannot be used against reservations already made and confirmed.

To browse the Lake District cottages on offer and take advantage of the special price freeze offer, visit http://www.lakeland-cottage-company.co.uk/

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Staying in hotels in Ambleside in the Rydal Valley

0 | June 16th, 2011 | Posted in Travel

The beautiful Rydal valley is in the heart of the Lake District.

Ambleside hotels in the Rydal Valley are ideally placed for walking or sightseeing with almost all areas of the Lake District being reachable within an hour’s drive. There are many walks in the immediate area, from the Fairfield Horseshoe at over 2600 ft to low level walks alongside lakes and tarns in the valley. Several detailed walks in the area can be found our bedroom folders, from books in our two lounges and in local booksellers.

Ambleside has grown over the years to a thriving village that has many wonderful shops, restaurants and cafes. One of the largest garden centres in the UK is 20 minutes walk away, with the Cinema and Park less that 15 minutes. Ambleside hotel and bed and breakfast owners will happily recommend places to eat. Waterhead, which is 30 minutes walk or a 5 minute drive away, is the jumping off place for catching the ferries that will take you to Bowness and Lakeside on Windermere Lake.

Beyond Grasmere lies Keswick, the gateway to the Borrowdale Valley. A more rougher scene is set out before you as this is the setting for many of the highest mountains in the Lakes. Continuing through Borrowdale will take you over Honister Pass and down towards Buttermere and Crummock Water.

To the east lies Ullswater, a beautiful scenic drive over Kirkstone Pass will take you down along its shores and to Aira Force, where the impressive waterfalls thunder down into the lake. To the West is Hawkshead and Coniston, where there are wonderful walks to be had amongst the forests and woods with Coniston Old Man being a popular favourite.

Windermere and Kendal are south of us, with Kentmere Valley providing some lovely walks with a real sense of being tucked away. Around Winster and Newby Bridge can be found some great low level walks which take you away from the crowds and into some beautiful valleys and villages that are hidden from the tourists.

This brief description shows just how ideally placed hotels in Ambleside are for walks, shopping and scenic drives within the Lake District.

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Save Money and the Environment with Electricity, Gas and Water Meters

0 | May 30th, 2011 | Posted in Home & Garden

We should all be doing our “bit” to save energy and in turn save the environment.

Household attitudes to energy conservation and the environment vary considerably. Whether it’s due to people purely not caring, not having enough time, being miss informed or through laziness that they don’t recycle or do not do not conserve energy resources for example.

Saving energy and conserving water in the home are very easy practices but with plentiful water and electricity on demand, we often forget these are not sustainable resources and do cost money.

The economic downturn has hit just about everyone. Of course is varying amounts but what each and every one of us are noticing is the rise in fuel bills especially during the last two harsh Winters experienced in the United Kingdom. Monthly bills can be seen, the rising costs month on month felt.

Whatever way a household conserves and saves energy and water is good and for whatever reason. If the honest reason is not due to environmental reasons then that isn’t all bad, resources are still being saved at the end of the day. For example, replacing an inefficient shower head with a high flow rate to a water efficient one could save a family of four in the region of £50 off their gas bills and around £75 off their water bills each year. That is a quite considerable saving of both resources and money. And why waste time waiting for a full kettle of water to boil when only a cup full is required. Only filling the kettle with the amount of water required saves electricity, water and time.

An easy way to monitor and save electricity, gas and water is by installing meters. Water, electricity and gas meter installation is on the rise with households and businesses wanting to monitor consumption which in turn, helps achieve lower bills. Electricity usage can be tracked to find out when and with what products use the most energy. These pieces of equipment or appliances could be used in a different way to lower energy consumption or may be even replaced with more energy efficient items.
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