UK SMEs find start-up process challenging
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Fewer than four out of every 10 (38%) UK business owners feel that the UK actively fosters and encourages an entrepreneurial environment, according to the Close Brothers Business Barometer, a quarterly survey of over 900 UK SME owners and senior management across a range of sectors and regions.
When asked the question ‘do you feel the UK encourages entrepreneurs?’, 38% said ‘yes’; 42% answered ‘no’ and 20% were undecided.
“Business owners are telling us that more needs to be done to help encourage entrepreneurship in the UK,” said Neil Davies, CEO, Close Brothers Asset Finance (pictured). “This is despite the UK ranking near the top in a number of global polls that measure entrepreneurism.
Michelmersh wins the Architect’s Choice Award for Whitty Theatre
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On November 10th the Brick Development Association hosted the prestigious 40th Brick Awards ceremony which entailed a special accent of glamour for the ruby celebration that rewards exemplary brick design and construction. Michelmersh had yet another successful year, grasping the accolade of Architect’s Choice award for the Whitty Theatre designed by van Heyningen and Haward Architects.
Niamh Cronin, Project Architect at van Heyningen and Haward Architects, said: “The volume of the auditorium at the Whitty Theatre is expressed in brick both externally and internally. We looked at dozens of bricks to find the right colour and texture appropriate for the heritage setting of the School’s grade II listed house as well as a brick that would create a warm and intimate atmosphere within the theatre auditorium. As we could not find a standard brick to meet our requirements, a bespoke Luckley mix from the Freshfield Lane Synthesis range was created especially for the project. The building sits elegantly within its context, and creates a state of the art theatre for students and the local community. It has been a fantastic project to work on, and winning a brick award for the project is an honour to be proud of.”
Read more: Michelmersh wins the Architect’s Choice Award for Whitty Theatre
Hi-vis clothing should be right for the conditions, warn safety experts
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Many construction employers think they are providing their project teams with the best high-visibility (hi-vis) work wear, when in fact they are putting their lives at risk this winter, says leading safety equipment specialists OnSite Support.
“At this time of year when construction teams are working outside in low light and poor visibility conditions, they need to be wearing reflective clothing that reflects from all angles,” says safety clothing specialist Chris Wellgreen from OnSite Support. “Clothing that’s visible during the day but almost invisible in low light because it’s dirty or not marked with the proper reflective striping, is a safety hazard which puts workers’ lives at risk.”
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Mick George Ltd, Next Stop!
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As the pioneer of railway development, the UK is at the forefront of building even bigger and better rail system, and liberalisation within the industry is doing its part to foster a competitive supply chain, that is significantly contributing to the UK economy.
The rail industry currently accounts for £7 billion per year, providing in excess of 80,000 UK jobs. At present, there are a number of major and exciting developments underway, including Crossrail, Thameslink, Intercity Express Programme, and High Speed 2, not withstanding those that are in the immediate pipeline.
New Peugeot Expert - The perfect tool for the job
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The Peugeot Expert has been a great success story across Europe since its launch in 1994. Now, with a more competitive market than ever before, Peugeot has constructed the latest generation from the ground up to be excellent in every area that matters.
The New Peugeot Expert range has a van to suit all trades with a strong, assertive design, state-of-the-art engines delivering superb efficiency and great features to make your working life easier. Also available in three body styles- compact, standard and long, you can choose the Expert to best fit with your requirements.
For maximum versatility, the latest Long Wheel Base version, joining the range from January 2017, comes with an internal load length of 2.8 metres; great for those longer items and this can be increased with the Moduwork partition, allowing for a 4 metre load length along the flat floor while retaining 2 front seats.
Read more: New Peugeot Expert - The perfect tool for the job