What’s all the fuss about roller blinds?

Many homeowners, when they come to shop for curtains and blinds, want something that is contemporary looking and stylish, but also practical and versatile... and when those are your priorities, it is difficult to look past roller blinds like those available from Express Nets (http://www.expressnets.co.uk). Having first become popular in the 1970s, they remain a common sight on modern windows.

Nor is it difficult to explain such popularity. For one thing, they somehow look modern and sophisticated at the same time as exuding a certain more classic, elegant style, helped by the wide surface area of a closed roller blind that affords plenty of opportunity for various styles and colours. You can appreciate that from the current range in the Express Nets online store, with the likes of the mellow yellow Universal Roller Blind being joined by the floral Sunlover Cornelia Roller Blind and the dark and timeless Sunlover Plaza Roller Blind.

Roller blinds are capable of fitting in nicely with an extremely widely range of existing home décor schemes, with their clean and simple lines allowing them to fit flush to pretty much any window or wall. They don’t have the excess fabric of more traditional window coverings, and therefore seem to exude a certain modern aesthetic. There is, however, a slight downside to this in that roller blinds may not fit in quite so well in Victorian or older homes, where it is particularly important to keep a certain historical look. For such homes, you may choose readymade curtains instead.

Roller blinds have no shortage of other advantages, however, such as their functional flexibility. With so many fabrics and materials that can be used for them, they can be suitable for rooms ranging from the bathroom or children’s room to the kitchen or dining room. These window blinds are also very easy to install and use. You can raise and lower them quickly and easily, which allows for a great degree of control over the amount of light that enters your home.

As touched on earlier, Express Nets offers a generous selection of roller blinds. They include the likes of the Sunlover Clematis Roller Blind, a contemporary roller blind made from 100% polyester and available in Light Blue or Tango Bed, as well as the minimalistic Harrison Drape Eyelet Roller Blind, which features a strong roller tube and quality side winder mechanism along with top, rear and side fixing mounting brackets. Or maybe you’d be more interested in the distinctive Universal Turret Edge Roller Blind or Universal Geo Roller Blind, the latter distinguished by a triangular shaped bottom with matching braid?

Visit the Express Nets (http://www.expressnets.co.uk) online store now to take a closer look at not only our roller blinds, but also our wider range of cheap blinds and curtains that could just provide the dash of style, versatility and quality that your windows require. 

Editor’s Note: Express Nets (http://www.expressnets.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Simpson Packaging caters for your most specialised packaging requirements

When you initially glance at the range of packaging materials that are available on the Simpson Packaging (http://www.simpson-packaging.co.uk) website, we would hope that you fine our offering is comprehensive. We stock, in short, all of the forms of packaging that you could ever require for a wide range of Removals, Self Storage, industrial and retail requirements, including cartons, paper products, adhesive tapes, protective packaging and so much more.

We take pride in the competitiveness of our pricing, the responsiveness of our service and the quality of our actual packaging materials and products. If there is one thing you might not anticipate from such a long-established and successful group of companies as ours, it's such a strong commitment to ensuring that even your most specialised and unique of requirements are met.

Our group of companies is family owned, after all, so we work hard to build a personal relationship with all our valued customers, remaining always at their service. Let's imagine that you require packing paper, for example. Here, we offer many options for a wide range of usages and applications. From General Purpose Kraft Paper for the wrapping of items for despatch and Kraft Union Paper which is an ideal waterproof case lining to News Off-Cut Paper for the wrapping of crockery and glasses. Also within our paper products range are Paper Blankets supplied as standard from stock or manufactured to specific sizes and with an increased number of ply by our sister company Dependable Packaging, for sometimes heavier duty applications such as the export wrapping of furniture, antiques and pictures. Paper Blankets can also be custom printed to your design with company name and logo.

Or what if you require furniture and floor protection?  We offer from stock Transit Blankets, which are made from a wool mixture that is cross-stitched for strength. Transit Blankets provide excellent protection for furniture, antiques, office equipment and shop fittings during transit and storage. Our Ecopac Protective Covers also remain popular for the safe removal of furniture, mattresses and appliances compared to traditional protective covers during transit, with the option to have them produced in your company colours and with your company name and logo attached. Temporary Floor Protection is also available with “Stairstick” self adhesive carpet film, supplied in a variety of roll lengths for fast and easy application and removal or “Foltex” carpet protector with a waterproof liner and cushioned outer.  This is also ideal for use on tiled or laminate floors.

It's a similar story when you look at the range of self storage packaging materials available through our Self Pak brand. On offer are Removal and Storage kits that are supplied pre packed with a selection of cartons, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper and furniture covers etc. Customers who are looking for a different selection of products can also order a bespoke removal kit which we can pick, pack and supply for them to sell on or we can despatch the kit directly to their customer saving on valuable storage space whilst still being able to accommodate each individual customer’s requirements. Don't forget that we also offer cost-effective display systems that are easy to assemble and that can be powder coated and manufactured with almost any display requirement in mind. Even the smallest of spaces can be turned into a retail area for the sales of products and merchandise.

White Rose Packaging, our sister company is another well-established company within our group with a strong reputation for bespoke cartons, supplied either plain or custom printed with particular names, logos or messages that are invaluable in spreading the word about your company products and services. There are also many different styles and material strengths available for these bespoke cartons, with a similar customisation level possible for die cut cartons. We also specialise is one off creations such as a Chandelier carton with internal wooden supports and hanging bolt to a shipping grade carton for the transit or storage of a priceless Grandfather Clock.

We've shined the spotlight on just some of the ways in which Simpson Packaging (http://www.simpson-packaging.co.uk) works hard to meet your particular requirements, however demanding they may be. Feel free to phone or email us today to find out more about the personalisation options that make us such leading packaging suppliers.

Editor’s Note: Simpson Packaging (http://www.simpson-packaging.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Buy-to-let frequently providing retirement income, says survey

Of all of the reasons for those owning a portfolio of buy-to-let properties to invest in the right landlords rent insurance so that they can expand their portfolio further and boost their income, it appears that using such income as a pension is one increasingly prominent motivating factor. That’s according to a major survey by The Mail on Sunday, which found that it appears to be income rather than capital growth that has led most current or prospective buy-to-let investors to the sector, Advanced Rent (http://www.advancedrent.co.uk) reports.

The survey polled 1,065 readers – including both current buy-to-let investors and those considering moving into it – about their attitudes towards the sector. The findings showed strong confidence in this investment sector, with 65 per cent either using or planning to use buy-to-let as a pension alternative. The sector was also favoured to cash deposits by 60 per cent of respondents, with 69 per cent even backing buy-to-let as a less risky alternative to equities.

30 per cent of respondents owned one property, compared to 39 per cent who owned between two and five. 27 per cent of investors planned to add to their portfolio in the next year, with further purchases being ‘considered’ by 33 per cent. It was also clear from the survey that many landlord rent insurance policyholders place the greatest emphasis on the income that can be delivered by buy-to-let, with 85 per cent of respondents reckoning that over the next five years, it will be income, rather than capital growth, that provides the majority of returns.

The results will be unsurprising to many of those who have already taken advantage of rent indemnity policies as a result of becoming a buy-to-let landlord, having grown disillusioned by alternative sources of retirement income. While pension funds are continuing to perform disappointingly, with poor interest rates also being delivered on savings, more and more people in the UK of all ages are being forced to rent rather than buy a home, creating ready demand and an associated steady income for investors. Whereas putting cash on deposit results in annual interest that barely exceeds one per cent, the average buy-to-let yield is presently about six per cent.

The findings only confirm the continuing emergence of buy-to-let as a crucial part of many lenders’ portfolios. The inability of many prospective home buyers to obtain a mortgage is pushing many into the private rented sector, ensuring that demand for rental property continues to outstrip supply, which has kept yields up. Nor do yields look likely to drop any time soon, with buy-to-let investors enjoying returns nearing 10 per cent in some regions. Such figures far exceed what either savings accounts or the stock market can offer.

This only makes it all the more unsurprising that so many landlords are taking advantage of products like Rent In Advance and Rent Guaranteed from Advanced Rent (http://www.advancedrent.co.uk) to provide them with the longer-term financial security that they require to confidently expand their portfolios.

Editor’s Note: Advanced Rent (http://www.advancedrent.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Savor the Christmas Season At Shendish Manor

The Christmas season should be one where you get to rest, relax and remember the magic you felt as a child at this time of year. Let yourself be swept away to the most luxurious holiday experience of your life when you spend it at the Shendish Manor. Our carefully crafted Christmas hotel deals allow you and your loved ones to savor the timeless beauty and elegance of another era with the luxury of today’s modern conveniences.

Enjoy The Whole Christmas Season

At Shendish Manor you don’t just have the opportunity to spend Christmas Day with us – you and your loved ones can enjoy our facilities at any time throughout the entire festive season. Experiencing the splendor of our manor can be a fabulous way to ignite the feeling of magic in you as the holiday season begins. Companies looking for special holiday parties can enjoy the best of our dining and accommodations just as can families looking to come together for their unique holiday time together. From the beginning of Advent all the way through New Year’s and Epiphany, the Shendish Manor can keep the feeling of warmth and tradition alive for you with our special Christmas hotel deals.

A Christmas Wedding

The magic of Christmas is matched only by the magic of a wedding and pairing the two creates an experience unlike any other. If you and your spouse-to-be have chosen the Christmas season for your wedding time, consider booking your holiday wedding at the Shendish Manor. We offer a variety of options and locations on our expansive grounds to host your wedding of any party size.  Our exquisite architecture and grounds will delight and bring out the romance of your special day, making it a wedding that everyone will remember for a lifetime. Our hotel staff can work with you to put together the right package for your wedding that includes accommodation, dining and all your wedding ceremony needs. 

Exquisite English Countryside

Our grounds at the Shendish Manor showcase the best of the English countryside at any time of year. Our Christmas hotel deals keep in mind your desire to enjoy the surroundings and we ensure that our gardens are always beautifully manicured no matter what the season. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to a fresh blanket of snow outside your window. And while we can’t guarantee a white Christmas, we can guarantee a Christmas break which will truly allow you to savour the very best the Yuletide season has to offer.

Editor’s Note: Shendish Manor (http://www.shendish-manor.com/) is represented by the search engine optimisation and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959.

Could checking candidates’ social media accounts lead to discrimination?

If there is one subject that many HR training clients of Employee Management Ltd (http://www.employeemanagement.co.uk) may have taken a particular interest in over the last few months, it is whether the vetting of social media should be a part of their recruitment processes – or whether doing so would instead lead to discrimination against potential employees.

A few months ago, a new debate on UK employees’ relationship with social media was triggered by the new youth police and crime commissioner at Kent police, Paris Brown being pressured to resign from her post just a week after she was hired. This came after it was found that the 17-year-old had made racist and homophobic tweets prior to landing the job – with police admitting that they had not vetted social media in the process of recruiting her.

The argument potentially in favour of vetting the social media profiles of candidates includes the importance of recruiting someone who has the right attitude and shares the employer’s values. This is not, however, something that can be solely done via social media, with many clients of HR support services instead using situational judgement questionnaires, based on the behaviours of their highest-performing existing employees, to identify people’s values and how they apply in a professional setting.

The possibility also exists of simply tailoring interview questions to tease out potentially controversial issues, like those surrounding the Paris Brown appointment, rather than tracking through Facebook and Twitter accounts. Many of a company’s leading, high-performing employees who best espouse their firm’s desired values can be excellent judges of who adopts the right approach and possesses the right attitude.

Then, there are the discrimination risks to consider for those HR services clients who are seriously considering monitoring social media usage as part of the recruitment process. Doing so raises the possibility of age discrimination against younger people, for example, given that those aged over 50 are likely to have a much less pronounced social media presence, meaning less potential for the availability of negative information than is the case for those in their 20s.

On social media sites, it is easy for recruiters to find such information as age, marital status and whether the potential employee has children – all information that has no rightful part in recruitment. However, once it is available, it is also difficult to defend whether such information had an influence on a selection decision.

Notwithstanding these concerns, it is, of course, the choice of the employer whether to monitor prospective employees’ activities on social media. However, the recognition of the privacy issues involved as well as the need to protect the recruiter’s reputation has led to many firms introducing a clear social media policy to their employment documentation, linked to a disciplinary process.

Employee Management Ltd (http://www.employeemanagement.co.uk) assists employers by providing extensive and informed employment law advice, including on the formation of the right social media policy. Contact us now to find out more.

Editor’s Note: Employee Management Ltd (http://www.employeemanagement.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

More great summer holiday ideas – what about caravanning in France?

As anyone who has previously made Albion Caravans (http://www.albioncaravans.co.uk) their choice of used caravan dealers will know, caravans allow you to go so much further, for less on your holiday. You don’t have expensive hotel stays or awkward plane journeys to worry about, instead simply hooking your trusty caravan to your car and setting off down the road. That does not mean, however, that some people don’t like to take advantage of this country’s continental travel links such as the Channel Tunnel, with many heading to that most romantic of countries, France.

It’s fair to say that Britons who have bought from our extensive and well-priced range of caravans for sale in Yorkshire will associate France with many things – from acre upon acre of fabulous rolling countryside to the Eiffel Tower and the host of cultural delights that Paris has to offer. What’s more, with many thousands of caravan and camping sites to choose from, British caravan owners are able to enjoy it all, with the utmost convenience. Some of these are relatively isolated farm sites with minimal facilities but stunning views, while others are the last word in luxury, so whatever you want from a France holiday, you can have it.

Sites vary considerably in their facilities and costs, with some being very basic and others boasting top-class restaurants and sports facilities that would put many a prestigious hotel to shame. For some sites, you can expect to be charged an inclusive fee for the pitch, regardless of the number of people staying on it, while others charge for the pitch, car, electricity and each adult and child. Rates for children can also greatly vary. You could find yourself spending a night for less than 10 Euros, or as much as 50 Euros, so plan ahead and choose carefully.

But of course, you’re not in France to budget – you’re there to experience the sights and sounds. Although mountain landscapes like the Pyrenees and Alps, together with scenic river valleys like the Dordogne and Loire will always have appeal, many Britons actually take their used touring caravans somewhere closer to the beach. Whether you opt for the Bay of Biscay, Straits of Dover or even Mediterranean coast, France offers many miles of jaw-dropping coastal scenery, gorgeous sandy beaches and intriguing towns and villages that beg to be explored.

Or, of course, you could head for the obvious big cities. Have you ever fancied taking in the artistic treasures of the Louvre, or sipping exotic coffee outside in keeping with the renowned Parisian café culture? Or why not sample the fabulous food of Lyon, the world’s gastronomic capital? This grand old city also boasts many museums and parks and a famous opera house. We don’t have enough room here to discuss all of the great things about France holidays – but rest assured that our used caravans for sale here at Albion Caravans (http://www.albioncaravans.co.uk) offer you the perfect means of enjoying them.

Editor’s Note: Albion Caravans (http://www.albioncaravans.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Take inspiration from ‘70s fashion icons this summer

In our previous blog, we touched on certain trends being promoted in this year’s fashion publications that you might feel some pressure to follow. They range from the use of monochrome and flower motifs to aqua themes, more geometric touches and so much more, but doesn’t there come a time when you want to plough your own furrow? The stylists in London at Shikkuu Guides (http://www.shikkuuguides.com) certainly allow you to do that. And where better to look for inspiration than the more distant past... such as the ‘70s?

The ‘70s were definitely not short of fashion icons. This was the age in which many social progressive values that began in the 1960s really began to flower. It was a time when people of all social backgrounds mixed on the dance floor as the hedonistic disco culture took hold, while here in the UK, economic strife and trade union disputes culminated in the election of Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister in 1979. But enough of the history... whose fashion sense impressed you among the legions of movie stars, singers, politicians and other public figures who had such a prominent role during this decade?

Perhaps your head was turned by Farrah Fawcett, with her high-waisted denim flares and naïf, buttoned-down shirts? She practically invented the must-have celebrity hairstyle with the ‘Farrah Flick’, and that’s before you even mention that iconic image of her, grinning broadly and tilting her head back while wearing that swimsuit. Needless to say, fabulous Farrah is a favourite of many of our fashion stylists in London. Or maybe you were more of an admirer of the Nicaraguan-born activist and Studio 54 mainstay Bianca Jagger, who grabbed fashion headlines by wearing a white suit by Savile Row tailor Tommy Nutter for her marriage to her Rolling Stone in St Tropez in 1971?

Also widely emulated in the ‘70s – as well as in the decades since – was the insouciant style of punk rock and New Wave singer Debbie Harry, with her band Blondie’s explosion to fame with “Heart of Glass” bringing its lead singer’s red lips, mussed hair and funked-up maxis to wider appreciation. Or what about Diane Von Furstenburg, whose signature wrap dress of her own-name fashion label remains a staple of wardrobes today? We could go on, mentioning the likes of Joni Mitchell, Olivia Newton-John, Liza Minnelli, Faye Dunaway, Anjelica Huston, Donna Summer and more. But you get the idea... the ‘70s were festooned with fashion icons among the women alone.

With 2013 designers ranging from Gucci to Fendi and even Hedi Slimane’s first collection for Saint Laurent drawing heavily on the ‘70s, we’re talking a modern take and not a fancy dress costume. But of course, even if there’s a certain style or iconic garment that has caught your attention, you’ll want to ensure that anything that you choose to wear yourself actually suits you. A London fashion stylist from Shikkuu Guides (http://www.shikkuuguides.com) can help you tap into the past while being bang on trend in the present.

Editor’s Note: Shikkuu Guides (http://www.shikkuuguides.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

The value of interim company secretarial services

Even with the best-laid plans in place, there are inevitably periods when an organisation’s company secretary or a member of the wider company secretarial team is rendered unavailable by illness, maternity leave or paternity leave, among the many other possibilities. This can happen at a time when the extra manpower is most needed – making it a good idea to seek appropriate in-house interim company secretarial services like those of London Registrars (http://www.london-registrars.co.uk).

Companies turn to London Registrars for company secretarial services of this nature, precisely because they know the ability of the business to provide such services matching their own specialised requirements. They are aware of the high standard of the company’s work that allowed it to obtain ISO 9001:2000 certification in July 2008 – since upgraded to ISO 9001:2008 – but that, more importantly, has also long enabled all manner of businesses to continue running efficiently, at every organisational level.

When a business requests company secretarial services from London Registrars for the purpose of filling a gap left by absent staff, they have several options – including that of cover from London Registrars’ office. Alternatively, a suitably qualified member of the London Registrars company secretarial team can be seconded to the client’s offices over a certain period, on a part time or full time basis. More temporary support may also be required for ad hoc projects, and again, the company can cover for any deficiency in the client team’s resources or free time.

Of everything that London Registrars has learned over its many years of providing company secretarial services, including of an interim and temporary nature, it has especially come to appreciate the extent to which a company’s complexity, nature and size impacts on its exact requirements. London Registrars has therefore ensured that its team possesses the considerable experience and knowhow, including in both public and private sector organisations, to deal with such a wide range of needs with aplomb. Members of the London Registrars team take a flexible approach in tailoring the company secretarial services that they provide.

In some instances, the company secretarial records of the client company may not be entirely up to date, making it advisable for a statutory and corporate governance compliance audit to be undertaken. Such a process provides the client firm with a comprehensive corporate ‘health check’, with information being reported on its compliance with the Companies Act 2006 (‘The Act’) as well as on such matters as the company’s statutory registers, statutory filing record, minute keeping, articles of association, share ownership and directors’ service contracts.

London Registrars is able to provide effective interim company secretarial services at every level while the usual company secretary is absent, managing vital processes and ensuring an orderly hand-over when they do finally return to work. Interested parties are welcome to contact London Registrars (http://www.london-registrars.co.uk) now for a more detailed discussion of their requirements.

Editor’s Note: London Registrars (http://www.london-registrars.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Our Expert Fire Extinguisher Service

We supply a wide range of fire extinguishers for use on substances ranging from paper right through to specialist metals, for all kinds of business premises. Purchasers of fire products from UK-FP (http://www.uk-fp.co.uk/) know us for our high quality, low prices and excellent customer service, as we always strive to meet the unique requirements of each and every business no matter how big or small. In the case of fire extinguishers, many variables will need to be taken into consideration when making a premises fire-safe and a fire risk assessment carried out by a qualified person will give you the information you require.

Generally, offices and shops should have one 13A fire extinguisher to cover every 200 metres of floor area, although regardless of size there should be a minimum of 2 extinguishers per floor, unless the floor area is less than 100m2, where one is enough. Depending on the types of equipment in the space, specialised extinguishers should be considered accordingly.

If your business hasn’t gone paperless yet and there are files piling high around the place, or if you own a factory where much of the space is taken up by large cardboard boxes, water fire extinguishers will most likely play the largest role, these are labelled ‘A’ type. For buildings where the risk of fire comes from flammable liquids such as chemical plants, oil refineries or petrol stations, type ‘B’ extinguishers will be mostly present, containing CO2 or dry chemical. Type ‘C’ extinguishers are required in places where there is a lot of electrical equipment, places such as computer server rooms, plant rooms and many average office spaces. A multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher is also available which can be used on fires which fall into the ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’ category. For more specialist requirements such as the presence of combustible metals, a class ‘D’ extinguisher is required; these are very common in scientific labs and in the aircraft industry.

When choosing fire extinguishers it is essential that they conform to the appropriate British standard, carrying the kite mark or the special BAFE mark and they should also come with a wall bracket for easy securing. At UK-FP we offer these services and assurances as well as offering an onsite installation and certification service in London and the south east. If you are installing your own extinguishers they should be clearly visible and accessible at all times and away from any heat sources. Once your extinguishers are installed you may want to give any staff who occupy the site basic training on how to use them, though they should know they are by no means obligated to use one if a fire breaks out.

At UK-FP we provide an expert service from start to finish, beginning with helping you to choose the right fire extinguishers, through to installing them and servicing them throughout their life. Please visit our website at http://www.uk-fp.co.uk/ for more information.

Editor’s Note: UK-FP.co.uk (http://www.uk-fp.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Don't become a headline - invest in the right standard of fire protection

Our seasoned fire safety professionals here at Triple Star Fire (http://www.triplestarfire.com) continually impress upon our clients the importance of investing in the right fire alarm systems and other protective measures. We cater for all manner of properties and business premises, and our past and present clients include the likes of the London Underground, EDF Energy and Barclays. But whoever we work with, our message remains the same: you have the utmost moral and legal imperative to protect you, your employees and your property against fire.  

Of course, fire isn't always easily prevented, and its causes can be complex, but this only gives you all the more reason to ensure that your own organisation's fire safety equipment and fire alarm installations are of the highest standard possible. There's never a time when various fire disasters aren't in the news, with bulletins often beaming very dramatic pictures and footage around the world of an unfortunate business that has become the victim of an arson attack or a mere terrible accident. It's far too easy to think that it could never be your own business that is affected by such an event.

Even as we write this article, we only need to take a brief look at Google News to see that a major blaze has struck at a factory in Leicester, resulting in parts of it collapsing after the fire burned through the night. The fire at the plant in Trevanth Road started shortly before midnight on Tuesday, and by the time the first fire crews arrived at the scene, the building - which covers some 10,000 square feet - was fully alight. In fact, as many as 55 fire-fighters tackled the blaze, and the battle continued through the night. A building inspection and investigation is to take place into the cause of the fire, but whatever conclusion is reached, it looks to have been an incredibly expensive disaster.

Similarly, we are reading reports of a major outbreak in the Black Country, more specifically at a company in Smethwick, where flames engulfed around 500 tons of scrap metal. The possible cause of this one might be more obvious at first glance, given that the police are keeping an open mind about a potential link with various other suspected arson attacks on nearby scrapyards. But again, it was an event placing great demands upon local emergency personnel, with 50 fire-fighters tackling the blaze at its height.

Thankfully, it doesn't appear that anyone was harmed in either of these fires - but events like these can, at the very least, cause serious damage to a company's bottom line and at worst, result in deaths and widespread destruction. That’s why, here at Triple Star Fire (http://www.triplestarfire.com), we'll never cease to stress the importance of measures like fire equipment maintenance and a fire risk assessment that can help to prevent fires from occurring, or at least greatly minimise the damage that does happen if one breaks out. Contact us now for more information. 

Editor’s Note: Triple Star Fire (http://www.triplestarfire.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.