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From climbing the walls to climbing into a cabin bed, restore calm in 2021

By
Claire James
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Cabin beds are fun, practical and can transform your child’s bedroom. Because cabin beds are so versatile, there’s a style to suit every family, every child, every sized room and every budget. With so many bed types, styles and configurations available, here are the key points to consider before choosing your perfect cabin bed in 2021.

What is a cabin bed?

Cabin beds are single beds of normal to a slightly elevated height. They usually incorporate storage underneath the sleeping platform or integrated items of furniture such as a desk, cupboard or small wardrobe.

Some cabin beds will have a couple of steps up to the sleeping level but not all. By and large, this depends on the height of the bed.

Cabin beds differ from a mid or high sleeper (although they are different, they do get classed in the same category). These types of bed are taller in height and will incorporate a ladder or staircase up to a raised sleeping area.

Why choose a cabin bed?

When your cot has already been turned into a cot bed, or the toddler who sleeps in a toddler bed finds their feet dangling over the end, it’s time to consider a bigger bed.

Cabin beds are perfect for the child who is getting bigger, who is amassing more and more toys and clothes, and needs room to store their stuff without taking up additional floor space.

Cabin beds are also ideal for the smaller child who would love the idea of sleeping a little higher up but who might not be ready to clamber into a midsleeper or bunk bed.

What age is appropriate for a cabin bed?

The beauty of the cabin bed is that it’s appropriate for almost all children aged four and upwards.

That alone stands them out from beds which are higher. Bunk beds and mid/high sleepers are only recommended for kids who are six and above. And because cabin beds are so versatile, with so many sizes and designs to choose from, they can last children right through to their teens and beyond.

<h2>How much weight will a cabin bed hold? </h2>

Each cabin bed differs in its specifications, but generally, you’ll find that most come with a maximum weight of 100 kg – that’s over 15 stone.

For added stability, it is recommended that any bed which is more than 60 cm in height is secured to the wall to prevent it toppling over.

What size mattress should I choose for our cabin bed?

The manufacturer will recommend the size of mattress most suitable for the cabin bed they sell.

You will find that product listings tend to specify either a standard UK mattress (60 cm x 190 cm) or a European size mattress (60 cm x 200 cm).

The other important factor is to choose the right mattress thickness. Because the bed is raised, the mattress cannot exceed a recommended height which you will also find on the manufacturer’s specifications.

UK or European-sized fitted sheets and duvets will fit standard dimension cabin beds.

What’s new in cabin beds for 2021?

We all spent a lot more time at home during 2020 – kids and adults alike. School closures during the COVID-19 pandemic meant children did much of their learning at the dining table or from makeshift bedroom desks.

While it was a challenge at the time, perhaps there were positives. Your young person may well have become accustomed to home learning with knock-on effects for their future approach to homework.

So, there has been an upsurge in demand for unique and clever configurations of bedroom furniture. A cabin bed with a desk incorporated is certainly one example, with suppliers even selling out as parents sought to future-proof the bedroom-cum-study arrangements for children.

AI voices vs real voices: the pros and cons for business

By
John Richardson
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High quality voiceover and audio descriptions will use human voices to convey the message: to make an emotional connection, add personality, passion and/or humour for the audience to enjoy. The problem is that human voice actors and voice over services can be costly and it can take time and effort to get the performance right.

For that reason, some companies are choosing to use AI voices for their voice projects instead of real voice actors. This can lower the overall price and time required to complete the project, but at what cost to quality?

If you have an upcoming project that requires a voiceover, it is worth weighing up the pros and cons of both AI and real voices, so you know which is best for your project.

Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of AI voices and human voices:

AI Voices

Pros:

Quicker turnaround time

Even with a professional voiceover service it can take a while to get the voiceover for your project completed. This is normal, but it can’t compete with the speed of an AI voice. With AI speech there is no script practise, voice recording or editing to be done. It is especially speedy if an audio transcript file already exists for your project.

Cheaper

Because there is no need for a human voice actor and studio quality recording equipment, AI voice overs are generally cheaper.

Adjustment ability control

With synthesised speech there is often additional software available from the AI voiceover company. This kind of software gives you easy control over editing and changing content yourself, rather than having to request updates from the voice over agency.

Cons:

No regional adjustments

You are unlikely to be able to have specific regional accents with AI voice overs. They may offer English spoken in the main accents such as English itself, Welsh, Scottish, Australian, American etc. However, we’ve spoken before about the advantages of regional accents and dialects in conveying certain advertising messages so AI voices can limit the appeal of a voice over or fail to convey the intended message.

No substitutions

A professional voice actor will be able to replace certain words with words that sound better, or that fit the timing of the text better. You can’t get that on-the-spot flexibility with an AI voiceover, as it simply converts the text on the computer into sound.

It doesn’t really sound like a person

Despite the technology being much more advanced than it was, the fact is that AI voices still don’t sound quite like human voices. That’s a pretty major disadvantage when people still very much prefer a human voice when it comes to communication.

“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.” – Maya Angelou

Human Voices:

Pros:

Emotion & Personality

With a human voice you get the distinct emotion and personality only possible through the voice of a real person. This is invaluable when it comes to conveying your message in marketing, advertising, training or other corporate video.

A unique voice that is just right

With a voice over service you have a huge range of vocal talent to choose from so you can find a voice that is just right for your project. That indefinable quality that comes from individual human voices in a range of accents. This gives you much more flexibility when it comes to the tone, age, personality and character of the voice in your content.

Greater ability to convey a message

As humans we only really take in so much from an AI voice before we are distracted by the fact it isn’t a real person and switch off. For a strong message that is well-received and understood by your audience, human voices can speak to an audience on a different level to AI vocals.

Cons:

Higher cost

Inevitably it does cost more to have a human voice over on your project. However, for the benefits and quality of an excellent voiceover by a professional voice artist, that investment will pay off. The costs are also more competitive than you might think – check our rates here for a comparison.

Longer production time

It can take longer to record a human voiceover, but that is often only because of the vast amount of input you can have. You have time to browse different voices, choose different accents, get sharp, professional vocals recorded, then tweaked and adjusted depending on your needs. Yes, extra time is spent but only to deliver a high-spec result.

Extra equipment

If you are planning on recording the voiceover yourself then you do have to consider the extra cost of equipment. Even equipment hire for recording can be costly, add to that the sound engineer costs and other technical needs, and it can be expensive. Usually, it is cheaper to utilise a professional voice over service who will include recording and editing in the overall price.

There are pros and cons to both AI voices and human voices. The fact remains, that AI voices do not currently sound like human voices (yet), and they don’t resonate with people in the same way other real human voices do. For the most effective voiceover for your project, speak to us today to find out how we can boost your content with a professional human voice over.

Folding Chair Buying Guide from Furniture At Work®

By
Claire James
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Folding chairs can provide solutions to seating in many different environments. The key benefits of folding chairs are space saving and portability, making them ideal for areas where space is at a premium or where furniture needs to be moved on a regular basis.

Folding chairs are designed for short-term use; unlike other office chairs, they are not ergonomically designed for comfort. However, for any situation requiring temporary seating, such as a work meeting, family event or other gathering, folding chairs could be an ideal solution.

Furniture At Work stocks a comprehensive range of folding chairs for every occasion.

Space Saving

The ideal environment for folding chairs is one where seating is required occasionally, but the space is used for other purposes at other times. Folding chairs can easily be stacked and stored without taking up too much room in a storage room, warehouse, garage or shed when not in use.

Schools and businesses use folding chairs for events such as assemblies, meetings and staff parties. Folding chairs can also be highly efficient when planning an event such as a wedding, or any other type of gathering where seating is required but only temporarily.

Lightweight and Portable

Folding chairs are typically made from lightweight materials and are highly portable. People who regularly host parties, organise sporting events, hold employee meetings or require seating for any other occasion on a regular basis could invest in a set of folding chairs for every occasion. Folding chairs can be stacked neatly and stored away without taking up much space when not being used, so they can be easily stored and brought out as required.

Materials

Folding chairs are available in a variety of materials, each of which has benefits to offer depending on the circumstances of use. Chairs designed to be used outdoors need to be weather-resistant, so plastic or wood without padding are often the best choices. Chairs designed for indoor use can be made to be more comfortable with fabric pads. Vinyl padding is a good option for a more comfortable chair that is also suitable for outdoor use.

Maintenance

Most folding chairs are durable enough to be used for several years without requiring replacement or too much maintenance.

When the chairs are used regularly, they should be checked for damage before and after use – cracks in plastic or wood, bent legs, loose screws or rivets, damaged welding and rust can all cause deterioration over time.

However, folding chairs are both durable and cost-effective, so the need to replace the odd one or two here and there will be infrequent and cheap.

Customisable

The range of folding chairs available from Furniture At Work allows for customisation to suit any type of occasion or purpose. Options include a variety of materials, some of which are weather-resistant, with others designed more for indoor use. The choice of colours, materials and styles means a design can be chosen for any number of priorities, including style, portability, cost, durability, comfort and lightness.

Where folding chairs are required for regular use in various locations, a folding chair cart will make them even more portable. Chairs can be folded and stacked neatly onto the wheeled cart to be transported between venues easily and frequently.

Zuneth Sattar: A Commercial Property Buyer’s Guide

By
Claire James
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As Executive Director of Xavier Limited, Zuneth Sattar has always had interest in buying commercial property and regenerating it for personal use. This article explores the booming commercial property market, identifying key stages in the buying process.

The UK Commercial Property Market

According to the 2017 PIA Property Data Report, commercial property accounts for approximately 13% of the value of all UK buildings. The majority of commercial property consists of offices, retail, leisure and industrial premises, with alternative commercial property types including facilities such as schools and petrol stations.

The purchase of commercial property consists of several key stages.

Finding the Right Property

Choosing the right property to invest in is critical to achieving a profit. Accomplished investors avoid making a purchase at the top of the market when property prices are high.

It is important to identify local and national trends in commercial property markets, examining issues such as:

  • Supply
  • Demand
  • Value
  • Availability of finance
  • Competition.

In terms of choosing the right property, major considerations include property type; tenure, i.e. whether the property is freehold or leasehold; and property size. Location is paramount. It is important to consider how the premises will suit the tenant’s needs, taking into consideration factors such as local air, rail, road, and sea links; local congestion charges; parking and delivery facilities; local amenities and their proximity to potential customers and employees; equipment, facilities, and furniture; and space configuration.

Budgeting and Finance

In property transactions, a deposit is generally paid by the buyer to the seller on exchange of contracts, with the remainder of the purchase price becoming due upon completion. In addition to the purchase price, buying commercial property incurs numerous other expenses, including professional advice from solicitors and surveyors, Stamp Duty Land Tax, VAT, mortgage broker fees, redecoration and refurbishment costs, and setting up facilities.

Where a purchaser plans to retain ownership of the premises, letting it out to tenants, ongoing costs might include maintenance and repairs; services such as cleaning and security; insurance; local authority charges; property management agent fees; utilities; commercial mortgage repayments; and business rates.

The buyer may require a mortgage to finance their investment. With a range of lending sources available, it is important for commercial investors to analyse the market, comparing mortgages to secure the right deal. Lenders often require a significant amount of information before making a mortgage offer, and will typically want to see a business plan, business bank account statements, and a commercial mortgage repayment proposal.

Making an Offer

The commercial purchaser makes an offer, usually in writing, to the seller’s estate agent. If the offer is refused, it may still be possible to negotiate a deal.

If an offer is accepted, the purchaser typically asks the seller to take the property off the market to prevent bids from other interested parties.

The buyer should then carry out a local authority search to check for anything that could impact the property’s value.

Exchange of Contracts and Completion

The buyer and seller’s solicitors negotiate the ‘heads of terms’ delineating details of the transaction. The document sets out how the transaction will proceed, including financing arrangements and proposed timescales.

Some purchasers request an exclusivity agreement, providing peace of mind that the seller is not negotiating with other parties while the buyer undertakes due diligence checks.

A prudent purchaser will instruct a surveyor to inspect the property. This can highlight potential problems and serve as a bargaining tool to achieve a reduction in asking price.

When finance is in place and both parties are happy with the contract and the state of the property, contracts are exchanged, with the buyer paying a deposit to the seller. The deal is completed when documents are dated, signed and delivered, at which point the keys are handed over and the purchaser becomes the new owner.

Exploring the Benefits of a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan

By
Claire James
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Saving money is definitely one of the biggest benefits of having a pre-paid funeral plan. That’s what they all say. And it’s true.

If you’re unfamiliar with pre paid funeral plans, you’re taking out a plan, paying today’s prices even if it changes. As costs generally increase in every aspect of life by buying at today’s process for a funeral that could be 20 or 30 years away could save a few thousand pounds.

Some costs won’t be included in the pre-paid plan (for example things like crematorium fees will increase and be outside the remit of the plan), but the funeral director’s costs will be covered, even if there’s an increase.

And it’s estimated that by 2024 the average funeral will cost £5,285. In 2014 it was £3,590. That’s an almost £1700 increase in ten years. If your funeral is 30 years away that will be an extra £5,085.

And the funeral director’s prices won’t rise even if you live to be 100.

·         The cost of the funeral director’s services will be covered

·         Some will even pay the transportation charges if the death occurs away from your permanent address, but still within mainland UK

·         Often plans allow you take out a plan regardless of your health condition

But you won’t be the one worrying…

… which leads to the most important reason why people take out pre paid funeral plans:

Helping out Your Family

Funerals are a time of stress and grief. Many people don’t want their family to have to deal with the stress of arranging a funeral at a time that’s highly emotional.

It’s a cliché but it’s one less worry.

Worries over how to pay, making sure the correct paperwork is acquired and completed and deciding how to hold the funeral service are mixed with feelings of sadness and grief. It’s stressful.

Having a pre-paid funeral plan takes away all that.

Do Your Family Know What You Want for your Funeral?

The answer is probably ‘no’.

Most people haven’t discussed the details of any funeral wishes with their loved ones. And by most people it means only 1% actually know their loved one’s wishes.

So, by taking out a pre paid funeral plan any confusion or disagreement can be cleared up in the early stages.

Paying for a Loved One’s Funeral

Working out how to pay for an unplanned funeral can be hugely stressful for those left behind. Often the most common solutions include:

·         Borrowing money from friends and family

·         Bank Loans

·         Credit Cards

·         Selling personal items

None of which are ideal, and certainly not in the context of grief and overwhelming emotion. It could also lead to feeling pressured into making poor financial decisions that have greater consequences further down the line.

Even if inflation means there are some additional costs to pay (cremation fees etc) it will be much smaller than having to pay from scratch at the time.

It’s perhaps worth noting here that a pre paid funeral is not the same as an over 50s plan that pays out a lump sum on your death.

Typically with an over 50s plan you’ll be paying in until a certain time and you could be paying more than you have returned.

A pre paid funeral guarantees your future funeral costs, but at the same prices as today.

What to Expect

Each funeral provider offers a different level of service and different packages. But it’s good advice to go to an independent funeral director. You’ll get a more personalised level of service and likely better value for money.

And with a pre paid funeral plan you can still make all the same choices you want for your send off.

Your Pre Paid Funeral Plan Should Include:

·         Professional funeral directors charges, which include making all official arrangements for cremation or burial

·         Taking the body from the place of death to a location, such as the funeral home

·         Dressing the body and any other hygienic preparation required for viewing

·         Advice on the certification and registration of death and other important paperwork

·         Provision of a hearse and other funeral vehicles

·         Options for pallbearers if required

It’s worth thinking that the way people want to be sent off is changing. The solemnity and the mourning are being replaced with celebrations of life.

People want their loved ones to spend the money on a weekend away, not in undertaker’s fees. So buying now for the future could see savings that are enjoyed in other ways.

How to Start a Profitable Handyman Business in 2021

By
John Richardson
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Starting any business amid COVID-19 can be quite challenging, but that should not stop anyone from starting their own business and being their own bosses. An emerging industry taking the world by storm is the business of a handyman, and it can be very profitable. 

Who is a handyman?

A handyman is a person who offers several kinds of home repair services based on capacity and the want of the customer. A handyman can provide several types of plumbing, maintenance, interior and exterior trade skills, and repair. A handyman typically does what we refer to as “odd jobs.”

How To Start A Profitable Handyman Business In 2021?

Starting any business requires a proper plan; a handyman’s business is no exception, so if you are wondering how to start a handyman business

First, you need to ensure that you have made up your mind that you want to get into the handymen business in 2021. If you have made up your mind, you have completed the first step: having faith and confidence in yourself. Now you must be asking yourself a ton of questions, and it is only natural to have these questions in your mind:

What are the requirements for starting a profitable handyman business?

Do I need experience in the handyman business?

How to start my own handyman business?

Does good profit come out of a handyman’s business?

Do I need some certification and licensing?

Do not Worry, as in this post; I’ll guide you step by step what exactly are the things you need to do to start a profitable handyman business in 2021.

1. Make A Proper Plan For Your Handyman Business

Amid Covid, You need to plan your business as you need to make sure of certain things like your target audience’s occurring expenses and ongoing business. Since you will be dealing with a large pool of customers, you must keep in mind the kind of odd jobs you plan to take on.

2. Create A Website For Your Handyman Business

 Businesses these days are making their presence felt in the online sphere, so you should create a website for your handyman business; having a website that can easily be searched on google will actually do your business a lot better.

All the essential details of your business should be made available on the website, like the services you provide, the contact number. It also should be SEO optimized as it will help your potential customers to locate you online. The primary purpose of an SEO optimized website is to allow it to rank on search engines so that you never run out of work.

3. Acquire Your Permit and License

More often than not, handymen don’t require permits and licenses, but if you get work from another place, you need to have a permit so that everything runs smoothly.

4. Form A Strategy And Set goals

The handyman business revolves around the kind of services you provide, your clients, and the money you charge.

You are not going to earn enough in the initial days, but you must always figure out your overhead costs. Once you get the hang of being a handyman, it becomes a lot easier, and you can start earning a ton of profits from your Courier business. You should also set goals, and it will motivate you to work harder.

5. Create A Team

Handling a business becomes a lot easier when people work together. On several assignments, you will need a lot of decision making, so it’s better to have a team that would help your decision-making process a lot easier. You can hire employees by posting handyman jobs on your website.

Conclusion

If health wise you are fit and you are ready to be your boss, starting a handyman business will earn you a lot of profits in 2021.

You should possess the skills and required knowledge to fix and repair household items. The bottom line is you should be passionate about your work as a handyman. You might not earn a ton of profit in the initial days, but having patience and creating your presence online will make your handyman business profitable.

It is all about your efforts to put in your business’s overall vision and the goals you have set for yourself. Having the proper skills, team, and knowledge of your work will help you grow your handyman business. Some handymen prefer working locally, whereas some love to make the team and enjoy working in far off places and expand their services.

If you have some prior experience in the industry, starting your own handyman business will be a lot easier, and it is bound to earn you profits if you are good at it.

Best flooring trends 2020: How to Increase your Home Resale Value

By
Shelby Grey
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Curb appeal is not limited to the exterior of the house. Flooring plays a key role in first impressions. Depending on the type of house and accommodation, there are many options to choose from. Professional advice is a must and can be easily availed from flooring experts and marble suppliers in London who will not only guide you with the best options but also with advice to enhance the resale value of your home.

At present, the most popular flooring options are:

Hardwood or engineered wood: is one of the most popular flooring options and is the best for adding resale value to the home. Hardwood is a solid piece of wood while engineered wood is layered with hardwood and strong, thick plywood. It is more cost-effective than hardwood, and once the floor is installed, you will hardly notice the difference. Wood floorings are durable and offer relatively easy care and maintenance. Engineered hardwood allows for installation in various grade levels in a home, and the structure of it prevents warping and bowing. There are a variety of colours and designs to choose from, to suit the ambiance of the rooms.

Stone: Besides offering the most attractive flooring with the various designs and colours available, stone flooring is solid and long-lasting. Stone is naturally cool in warm weather, and with underfloor heating systems, it conducts heat well during winter. Stone flooring is eco-friendly and keeps allergens away. However, it can chip or stain, and repairs are expensive. The cost of installation may be high, but the benefits are many. Stone flooring will add to the resale value of your home.

Tiles: are an alternative to natural stone and will be less expensive to install. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are very durable. Tiles are fire-resistant (mostly ceramic) and do not exude chemical fumes. Some are also bacteria-resistant. Another plus point is they are stain and scratch-free (especially porcelain which is less porous) making maintenance easier as well. Anti-slip tiles are helpful in the bathroom or wet areas. The drawbacks are that they are breakable, less resistant to cold and weather. However, tiled flooring can also boost the resale value.

Laminate: is a multi-layer synthetic hybrid floor covering. It has become more popular since the appearance has improved and the performance level has also increased. It is cost-effective and easy to install. There is a variety of style and colour options, like natural wood. It is durable and useful in areas where there is high traffic. It is easy to clean and stain-resistant. However, it is prone to moisture damage and is difficult to repair.  Moreover, it will not do much to increase your home resale value.

Vinyl: is an economical option for flooring. It is both stain and water-resistant. It reduces noise, which can be a benefit with children and pets around. There are many designs and colours to choose from. They can resemble wood, with embossed textures, or give the beautiful natural stone effect or even with decorative patterns like stained glass. Vinyl flooring is easy to install, and maintenance is also not a problem. However, it can be damaged by surface dents caused by sharp objects. Also, discolouration can occur over time with dulling of the surface finish. Due to the cost-effectiveness, vinyl flooring will not increase the home resale value by a high amount.

Carpets:  While other options are becoming increasingly popular, the snugness of carpet flooring seems to attract people still!  Natural fibre carpeting is becoming a trend with the use of recyclable materials. They can be cost-effective with multiple designs and colours to suit each room.  Carpet tiles in geometric patterns are popular. They can be changed at intervals, allowing variation in the flooring of your rooms. Carpets are sound-resistant and being soft, are feasible for small children. They also prevent accidental injuries like slipping or falling. Carpets keep you warm during the colder months. They absorb smells, which is a deterrent, but by trapping airborne contaminants, they improve the indoor air quality.  However, carpets stain easily, and professional cleaning is recommended.  They are not suitable for pets or moisture-prone areas. While carpets in general, do not affect the resale value of a home, it depends on the type and quality of the rug, which may affect.

Before choosing the flooring, some factors need to be considered:

Budget: Your budget will need to accommodate the type of flooring you choose.

Installation: Some flooring can be DIY though hardwood and stone floorings will need professionals for installation.

Accommodation: You will need to review the types of flooring that will suit the accommodation. Certain styles will flow better with particular rooms.  However, there should not be a “mix which does not match” with the flooring in different rooms as that will ruin the total effect.

ROI (Return on Investment): Higher quality and cost will result in enhancement of the resale value of your home.

Hauliers Liability Insurance – different types of legal services that can help your business

By
John Richardson
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As a business owner, the security and future success of your business is your biggest priority. Ensuring you have the correct level of haulier’s liability insurance is key to steering clear of any possible financial pit-falls. From employer’s liability insurance for a UK courier company to roofer’s public liability insurance for a building firm, there are policies to suit every business.

You want to make sure that you have every possible legal service to protect you from third-party claims or costs incurred by causing accidental injury or damage. There are a variety of different services provided by fleet insurance companies to offer different levels of protection. The type and amount of cover you will need will depend on the size of your business and the level of risk involved for your industry sector. Insurance providers offer a whole range of different policies, so shop around before you make your decision.

Employers liability

It is compulsory for UK businesses to have employer’s liability insurance if they employ staff and failure to have it could incur hefty fines. This will cover compensation for medical costs, loss of income, legal fees and other damages relating to an employee becoming ill or injured as a result of their work. Policy details can vary depending on the specific risks of an individual business but the minimum cover is £5 million. The risk of accident and injury is far greater for a fleet business than that of a retail shop due to operating large machinery. Not only is this cover a legal requirement, but it is important to protect your business in case of a law suit that could cost a fortune in fees.

Public liability

Although it isn’t a legal requirement in the UK, public liability insurance is an essential for protecting your business in the event of causing injury to a member of the public or their property. Public liability insurance will cover you for medical costs, loss of earnings, legal fees and ongoing care. Standard cover ranges from £1 million to £10 million with the amount depending on the size of your business and the level of risk involved in your line of work. Roofers public liability insurance will require a higher amount than insurance for a furniture delivery company as working at height and with dangerous machinery significantly increases the risk. For smaller businesses, the amount offered by insurance providers may seem high but if a third party were to claim against your business, costs could soon stack up so make sure you’re properly covered.

Breakdown Cover

A broken-down lorry full of goods that need delivering is the last thing you want. Having breakdown cover will mean you will receive 24/7 road-side assistance repair as well as towing to the nearest garage if it can’t be repaired at the roadside. You can also add on home start (from the office) in case a vehicle fails to start or European recovery if you are delivering overseas. Another extra is receiving a replacement vehicle depending on the vehicle type and size to get you from A to B when you need it. Having this level of cover could be really beneficial to keep your business activity flowing smoothly.

Goods in transit insurance

You want to ensure your business finances are covered in the event of goods theft or accidental damage. Goods in transit insurance covers all items being transported in the course of business by vehicle in case of a collision or a vehicle is broken into. Couriers for online retailers are prime examples of fleet businesses in need of this level of cover. Footing the bill for a vehicle full of HD TVs could cost a pretty penny and you don’t want that coming out of your own pocket! Getting this level of cover will help keep your business finances secure should the worst happen.

Legal Protection Cover

Having legal protection as an add on would provide free legal help and cover solicitor fees to assist in claiming back any uninsured losses, such as policy excess, loss of earnings and injury claims. You can also choose to receive a replacement like-for-like vehicle whilst one from your fleet is being repaired. This is an additional layer of cover to ensure your business interests are safe and you are informed if any legal issues arise.

Fleet Insurance over single truck insurance

Rather than having separate policies for each vehicle within your fleet, you can simplify things greatly by opting for fleet insurance instead. The minimum number of vehicles needed to select this option is 2 vehicles and lots of insurance providers have no maximum to include larger companies. You can even have various vehicle types under one policy and include vehicles with a gross weight of up to 60 tonnes – the possibilities are endless! Opting for a fleet policy allows for greater flexibility and lower overall cost to you than with separate policies. You can rest easy knowing that all of your vehicles and drivers are covered in the event of an incident without breaking the bank.

There are many legal services to improve the security of your business and ensure the smooth running of day to day activity. Let no obstacle stand in your way, from a broken-down lorry with a flat battery to accidentally damaging an onlooker’s car whilst reversing – there’s nothing that can’t be quickly dealt with and resolved when you have the right cover. Policies can be adapted to the individual risks of your industry sector so it is important to check you are covered for every possible eventuality before committing to a policy. If there are any areas where you feel you may be lacking appropriate cover, you must rectify this with your insurance provider as soon as possible.

These 6 legal services available from insurance providers will help keep your business secure and fully covered in the event of any accidents or claims against your company.

Basics of Determining the Lot Size While Forex Trading

By
Claire James
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Position or lot size plays an important role in determining the number of profits or losses in the FX market. One may have adopted the best business strategy for this platform, but still, he may lose money because of choosing the wrong volume size. Choosing a smaller size means it will bring you a small amount of money if the market moves upward. At the same time, it will minimize the losses when the market moves downward. Similarly, choosing a bigger lot means that a trader can earn a good amount of money if the price moves in his favor, but he may also lose a huge amount of money if the price moves against his luck.

For instance, suppose a trader has chosen the lot size of 0.1. Therefore, when the graph rises or moves up, he will make $10 profits, and if the market moves down, he will lose $10. Now, let’s create another scenario. The trader has chosen the volume size of 1, which is ten times higher than the previous. Therefore, when the market moves in his favor, he can earn $100 for every pip movement, and if the graph falls, the trader has to do nothing with the huge loss. In this case, he will lose $100 per pip movement. Explore more details at Saxo as trading conditions greatly varies in UK depending on the broker quality.

Remember the followings –

  • Micro lot is equivalent to 1,000 unit of a specific currency
  • The standard lot is equivalent to 100,000 units
  • A mini lot is equivalent to 10,000 units

A trader may face two risks in the Forex industry – i) account risk or ii) trade risk.

Many people become confused about what to do and what not to after entering the market. Here is the advice that will help you determine an ideal volume size while trading –

Set the limit to account for risk

This is an essential step to set the size. Every beginner should establish a particular percentage of the currency amount as a limit that he is willing to risk per trade. For instance, suppose an investor has approximately $100 in his account, and he is willing to take 10% risk per trade, which means $10 per trade. If the limit is set to 50%, then the amount will be $50. Experts always tell the newbies not to take risk more than 1% of their account.

Risks related to pip movement

After setting up the limit of the account, it is time to focus on the trade risk. Pip means “price interest point”, which is regarded as the last digit of the price (also known as the smallest fraction). A pip is equivalent to 0.0001 for most of the currency pairs, and for the Japanese yen, the pip is equivalent to 0.01.

To make it clear, let’s include the stop-loss concept here. The Stop-loss limit is a predetermined point at which your trade will be automatically closed because of the downtrend. Suppose you have bought a currency at 1.2888 and have established the stop-loss limit at 1.2878. It means, when the graph touches this determined value and move further below, the trade will be ended. In this case, you have selected 20 pips movement (risking 20 pips).

Position size for a specific trade

Here is the formula to calculate the perfect lot size,

Pips at risk x pip value x lots = amount of $ at risk

Let’s take a look at the previous $100 and 10% example. If a trader takes risks 10% of his account, then the maximum risk will be $10 in each trade. If the investor buys the EUR/USD pair at 1.4444 and puts the stop-loss limit at 1.4424, it will indicate that he has taken 20 pips at uncertainty. 

Here is the basic knowledge of determining or establishing volume size before entering a trade. You can practice with the demo account to enhance your understanding of choosing and finding an ideal one.

From school ties to school bags, why a school uniform is important

By
Claire James
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Trying to get your child to see the importance of a school uniform can be a challenge, especially if they want to wear their new trainers or own jumpers to school to show off to their friends. Yet there are many benefits to wearing a school uniform. After all, wearing a uniform is similar to wearing a badge of pride. It is a very important part of the identity of both the school and the child. Here are just a few reasons why a school uniform is so important, from school ties to smart shoes.

It gets rid of any distractions

Having a school uniform can help to reduce distraction during the day, leaving more time for students to focus on their work. It has been found that a uniform can improve the academic performance of students and encourage better grades. School ties, blazers and shirts are just a few items regularly found on school uniform lists.

There is less peer pressure

As a student, bullying can be rife and peer pressure is a big issue. When everyone is dressed the same, there is no need to worry about what you look like, or that your outfit doesn’t conform to the latest trends and styles. If a student feels pressured to keep up to date on the latest fashion trends, it can be very costly for parents. A uniform is often a safety net for pupils as they know their peers are all wearing the same and they cannot be judged for their appearance.

It can aid in student identification

Uniforms are good for helping school administrators and leaders identify the difference between pupils, visitors and other members of the school. It means that students can’t sneak into unauthorised areas without being spotted and that outsiders can’t just sneak into the school under the pretence of attending there. Also, if pupils were to cause any trouble in the community while away from the school grounds, they could be identified by their uniform and easier to be found and caught, thus less likely to wreak havoc.

It saves time in the mornings

Trying to find something to wear in the morning can be one of the most stressful elements of the day for many people. By implementing a uniform, pupils won’t have to worry about that. Not only does it save time, but it can prevent them from being late for school and missing out on important learning. It also means that pupils who might have called in sick due to the pressure behind wearing “cool” clothes won’t do so, and will have a better attendance record.

It provides a brand identity for the school

If a school implements a school uniform, it sends out a message to the wider community. Future pupils and parents might be impressed by the smart image it gives off and it could inspire the community. By having well-dressed students, your school is showing that you care about your brand image and reputation, which looks great to prospective pupils and employees.

These are just a few reasons why a school uniform is so important and can aid in pupils’ learning.

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