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How technology is improving the lives of the elderly

ABC Staff
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How technology is improving the lives of the elderly

Technology is not something you usually associate with the elderly and we all know that special person in our lives that needs help with everything when it comes to tech, but if we forget about operating the latest iPhone then technology plays a huge role in people’s lives today and it can highly benefit our older population.

In this post, we will look at the ways in which technology can help improve the lives of the elderly. If you know an elderly person who could benefit from this article please share it with them.

1) Mobile phones

For most of us, mobile phones are something we take for granted, but they play a huge role in our lives. Having a way to contact your friends or family by just going into your pocket is very convenient compared to when mobile phones weren’t a thing and you had to walk to the nearest phone box to make a call.

However, it’s not just making phone calls, mobile phones for the elderly can help them set up reminders for taking medication, they can be used to track relatives if they go missing and they can also be used as a torch when getting up from bed in the night to help prevent trips and falls. This brings us on to our next section nicely.

2) Alarm Systems

Trips and falls in the elderly population are very dangerous and sometimes life-threatening. Especially with those who suffer from diseases such as dementia. Trips and falls can be disorientating at the best of times but with added illnesses, they can be life-ending. Thankfully technology can help with this and in the event of a trip or fall your family members and emergency services can be notified with a device known as an elderly pendant alarm.

An elderly pendant alarm can be triggered if someone were to fall or depending on the device they can also detect if a person has fallen on their own. These devices help the elderly as they give them the confidence to be in their own home and live independently.

Falls in the elderly population are very common and often cause bruising, broken bones and even death so having something that can help seniors when they are most vulnerable is something that the creators of this type of technology can be proud of.

3) The Internet

Once again another technology that most of us take for granted is the internet. The internet is something we use every day without too much thought and many of us don’t even think of it.  

The internet to the elderly population can improve their lives more than you can imagine. Going to the shops for most of us is something that we are all able to do without too much bother. On the other hand, for elderly people getting out and about can be difficult so the internet can help them with so much. For example, elderly people can use the internet to:

  • Manage their banking.
  • Pay bills.
  • Connect with other family members and friends.
  • Order food.
  • Order medication.
  • Watch their favourite TV shows.

Over the last year or two, we have seen how important the internet is to all ages but especially older family members who haven’t been able to have contact with their family due to covid. The internet, along with apps like Facebook messenger, skype, zoom and all the others has allowed family members to connect and feel a little less lonely during this pandemic.

Technology can be used in many ways in which can have an impact on our daily lives, some technology has a positive effect while others not so much, with that said these three areas of technology above can improve the lives of the elderly and make them a little more comfortable in the later ages of their lives.

How quantum computing will benefit your business

ABC Staff
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How quantum computing will benefit your business

Quantum computing may seem like something out of a science fiction movie but the truth is that it’s a real concept that is already being used by enterprise-sized companies.

Although quantum computing is in its infancy, over the next few years we can expect it to be rolled out and used by more companies. Quantum computing has many advantages over the computers we use today and in this article, we will highlight some of the ways that quantum computing can benefit your business and make it more profitable.

What is quantum computing?

Let’s start with what exactly is quantum computing. To understand quantum computing we first need to look at a traditional computer. A traditional computer is something called binary, this means that it works if the bytes within the computer are either a 1 or a 0. This is known as the state of the bit.

This may sound a little confusing so breaking it down a little further, the bytes in our computer system can either be “on” or “off”. Computing decisions are then made on these states.

With quantum computing, bytes can be in multiple states so they can be both 1 and 0 at the same time. This allows the computer to make decisions at a faster rate than ever before.

Computations that would have taken millions of years to complete could take less than 15 minutes when it comes to quantum computing. The power of quantum computing is like nothing we have seen before and will help us with big data and many real-life applications in which we will see below.

1) Improved experiments

Companies are often limited by the technology that is available to them. With quantum computing, new experiments will be cheaper to run and outcomes will be quicker to see. For example, Carbon nanotube supplier company Tuball run experiments to improve the properties of materials to make them stronger. These additives improve the materials they are added to making them more suitable for the industries in which they are used in. 

However, experimenting and creating new materials is expensive and quantum computing can help. For example, conducting experiments on graphene nanotubes could be very expensive in the real world but using computer simulations on a quantum computer would be much cheaper.

Now this may not sound like it benefits you at all, after all you may not be inventing new materials or running high tech experiments but these savings can be passed on to you as a consumer and you will benefit from the advancements in technology.

2) Improved security

Businesses especially smaller ones are often targeted by hackers and thieves. If a small business is attacked by a cybercriminal then it can be a worrying time for them. After all most businesses that suffer a cyber attack end up going out of business.

Quantum computing can break traditional passwords and encryption in seconds, however, it can also be used to make your systems more secure. Experts say that encryption from quantum computing is virtually uncrackable. With quantum computing, it wouldn’t be worth it for cybercriminals to try and attack your business because the risk wouldn’t be worth the reward to them.

3) Greener Companies

Protecting the environment is something we all should be working towards but we also have a business incentive too. Some countries give business tax cuts to greener companies and using quantum computing we can cut down on the energy used through our computing systems.

Quantum computing is said to be far more efficient when it comes to energy usage than traditional computers. It’s more likely too that one quantum computer would be needed instead of multiple to do similar jobs.

Fewer computers and more efficient quantum computers will mean that companies will see reduced energy usage which will save them money and also make them more profitable as one computer could be doing the jobs of hundreds while being more energy-efficient.

When can I buy a quantum computer?

Unfortunately for most of us, quantum computers aren’t available to us yet and it will be a few years before quantum computers are delivered to everyday people like us. Larger enterprises however are starting to use quantum computers with their big data problems. Over the next few months, we should see quantum computer uptake increase and as more enterprise companies jump on board we should see this trickle-down effect on small businesses.

According to experts, quantum computing will be a multi-billion dollar industry by the year 2030 so we should see adaption over the next few years.

Top three interactive Christmas campaigns

ABC Staff
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Top three interactive Christmas campaigns

Christmas is a favourite time of year for so many of us – including marketers. It’s a great opportunity to get creative, whether that’s with handmade decorations, baking gifts for your loved ones, or even grabbing onto the festive season with both hands and incorporating a bit of Christmas cheer into your brand’s latest marketing campaign!

Everyone loves to get involved when it comes to Christmas, so employing an interactive campaign is always a great idea. From pop-up events, to virtual maps and click-throughs, there’s so many ways to get in on the festive action. Read on to find out more about our favourite campaigns, from the past to the present.

  • Coca Cola’s Sleigh Ride

In 2015, as part of their much-anticipated yearly slew of Christmas campaigns, Coca Cola introduced Santa’s Virtual Reality Sleigh Ride. Partnering with the then-new Oculus Rift headset, this was actually a physical event for the people of Poland to enjoy. The high-tech equipment was set up inside a plush trailer, with a makeshift sleigh and fairy lights lining the rooftops. Members of the public were then invited in to test out the Oculus Rift, and see what it’s like to deliver presents to those of us that fall on the nice list.

Of course, the set up was branded and the Coca Cola trucks are already an iconic part of the festive season. However, the main part of the campaign was to get people involved and attract them with the opportunity to try out a new form of gaming technology – whilst the subtle branding still gets the Coca Cola message out there.

  • Paddy’s Bingo Blowout

Say hello to the latest festive figure to come out of Paddy Power’s creative marketing team – Chippy the branded elf, who takes the form of a middle-aged man in pointy shoes. This interactive click-through Bingo Christmas campaign is hosted on the Bingo homepage of their site, and readily available once a user has logged in. Almost like a virtual advent calendar, there’s a new deal to unveil each and every day, encouraging players to keep coming back for more.

Chippy the elf takes on the role of Santa Claus this year, sitting on a rocket-fuelled sleigh, ready to travel across the world, dishing out bonuses and cash matches to all of Paddy’s loyal players. Each day, a new iconic monument is brought to life and animated on a clickable map. Once selected, the new prize will be announced and ready for players to use either immediately or the next day.

For example, day one comes in the form of the leaning tower of Pisa, and a £40 Bingo Bonus offer for all players who deposit and play £10. The promise of a new, and increasingly generous, offer each day that a user interacts with the campaign, it’s no wonder that so many will be flocking back to see what Chippy has up his sleeve, and in his sleigh.

  • Google’s Santa Tracker

One of the biggest interactive Christmas campaigns, that we look forward to following each and every year, is undoubtedly Google’s Santa Tracker. This allows users to explore the North Pole, and shadow the elves as they get everything ready for the big day. Whilst the actual tracking aspect doesn’t go live until Christmas Eve, there’s still plenty of side games for you to enjoy during the lead up to December 24th.

With bright and engaging visuals, mini-games and the promise of following old Saint Nick, it’s no surprise that this campaign is consistently successful, and has users clicking along each year.

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Christmas is a time for coming together – so why not keep that energy flowing with your interactive campaigns this year!

B2Broker Enters The EU Market With A Multi-Asset Liquidity Provider Regulated By CySEC

ABC Staff
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B2Broker Enters The EU Market With A Multi-Asset Liquidity Provider Regulated By CySEC

With the acquisition of a stake in B2Prime, a Cyprus Financial Institution authorized and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), B2Broker, one of the biggest providers of technology and liquidity to the Forex/CFDs and crypto markets, expands its presence internationally.

The ownership change of B2Prime is now complete after all legal procedures have been concluded. Evgeniya Mykulyak and Arthur Azizov, founders of the B2Broker Group of Companies, are the new owners of B2Prime. Currently, Nick Chrysochos holds the CEO position at B2Prime. With this announcement, the group confirms its commitment to remain a leading provider of investment solutions worldwide, through Liquidity Provider regulated by one of the most highly reputed and recognized Financial Market Supervisory Authorities.

What is B2Prime?

B2Prime serves institutional and professional clients involved in a multitude of financial markets as a global regulated Prime of Prime (PoP) Multi-Asset Liquidity Provider. Main investing options include leveraged derivative products in CFDs, such as Forex, metals, commodities, shares, indices, and cryptocurrencies.

B2Broker Group of Companies

B2Broker is a global leader in technology and liquidity solutions for Forex and crypto brokers, crypto exchanges and other financial services. It is a successful and well-known name in the B2B arena. The firm’s portfolio of services includes Crypto/Forex/CFD liquidity, Crypto/Forex Broker turnkey solutions, crypto payment processing (B2BinPay), MT4/5 white label solutions, B2Core (Trader’s Room), B2Trader (Matching Engine), and liquidity on over 800 trading instruments across the wide range of assets.

A leading broker with ten offices in eight countries throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, B2Broker is headquartered in Moscow. B2Broker maintains a total of seven licenses, including the one from the FCA, the one from AEMI, and the license from the Central Bank of Russia, which permits it to serve customers worldwide with liquidity distribution on the Forex market, as well as many other additional services in the Forex, Crypto, and Securities sectors. With an impressive client portfolio that includes famous global financial service clients, the firm desires to expand its presence and market exposure globally.

What Does the News Mean for Customers?

CySEC, Cyprus’ financial agency, establishes how licensed organizations must operate in the regulatory field. B2Prime is regulated by CySEC, which entails following the strictest market rules, such as capital adequacy requirements, segregating clients’ funds, and making its business activities transparent.

Those of the company’s clients from the EU, the UK, and some countries outside the EU can now rest assured with the protections provided by EU MiFID II regulations. Having received the EU brokerage license, B2Broker is now able to expand its reach throughout the European Union, making its entire product and service portfolio available to a broader range of clients and at the same time positioning itself for a development on worldwide markets.

CEO of B2Broker Group of Companies, Arthur Azizov expressed his excitement over B2Prime’s CySEC approval. The company has now been granted a license that will enable it to provide institutional-level liquidity to clients in more than 30 different countries. In addition to taking advantage of enhanced security, clients will also be reassured that they are doing business with a world-class provider of multi-regulated technology and liquidity. “With CySEC’s approval to provide investment liquidity services, we will gain the opportunity to establish ourselves as one of the most trusted and reliable companies in our industry, allowing our clients to trade with us in confidence,” Arthur Azizov said.

B2Prime’s Chief Executive Officer and founder, Evgeniya Mykulyak, said that the company hopes to make B2Prime one of the more reliable and credible financial service providers in the Forex sector, with top-notch service standards as its primary objective. B2Prime is looking forward to exploring the many new possibilities in Europe and welcoming new clients. “We have plans to introduce new, connected trading platforms as well as expanding our Prime of Prime liquidity services. A strong liquidity network is being built in Europe, as well as links with the biggest prime brokers. Our involvement with several exchanges put B2Prime in a very important market position,” noted Evgeniya Mykulyak.

“The combination of Arthur Azizov’s expertise in the Forex and Crypto space and Evgeniya Mykulyak’s understanding of the industry is a powerful combination, and we will be able to utilize cutting-edge technology to offer our clients the assurance that their investment is responsibly handled by a firm adhering to the strictest CySEC regulations,” Nick Chrysochos, B2Prime CEO commented.

The conclusion

New clients are already being accepted by BPrime. There is now direct connectivity between brokers via OneZero, MT5, and PrimeXM and trading in 115 currency pairs, including 22 crypto-currency CFD pairs, spot metals, indices, and Spot Energies contracts.

With its acquisition of this license, B2Broker is establishing itself as an international provider of liquidity across multiple jurisdictions. The respective successful launch of commercial operations in Cyprus speaks volumes about the continued growth and prosperity of the company. There will be no change in the way it offers some of the highest quality liquidity and trading services for clients on the market.

James Drake Reflects on the Findings of Drake Foundation Research Into Rugby-Related Head Impacts

ABC Staff
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James Drake Reflects on the Findings of Drake Foundation Research Into Rugby-Related Head Impacts

Over recent years, several retired rugby players have received diagnoses of neurodegenerative brain conditions. New research is digging into this trend to uncover potential links between head impacts and long-term brain damage. One example of such a player is Dan Scarborough, who has been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and early-onset dementia following his 15-year rugby career. Scarborough appeared on BBC’s Morning Live in summer 2021, where he explained how he felt when he received the devastating news and described the lack of medical attention players receive when they sustain head injuries.

The not-for-profit organisation The Drake Foundation has taken note of the increasing evidence that head injuries may lead to poor brain health outcomes and has funded various studies to raise awareness of any links between sports head impacts and brain injury. Here, we’ll delve into the recently published findings of two Drake Foundation studies that examine rugby-related head impacts and look at the change that these findings are driving in the rugby space.

The Drake Biomarker Study

The Drake Biomarker Study[CM1]  commenced at Saracens Rugby Club in 2015. Since then, the longitudinal study has expanded to include players from several Premiership and Championship rugby unions and league teams, assessing a total of 41 male players and 3 female players over two years. The study involved the collection of participants’ blood, saliva, and urine samples to identify potential biomarkers of sports concussion injuries. The study also involved the application of advanced neuroimaging techniques and cognitive testing to identify brain changes associated with playing elite rugby.

Scientists and neurologists at Imperial College London and University College London (UCL) used two new advanced scan techniques to analyse structural brain changes in retired rugby players. Standard imaging approaches often miss the effects of head injuries, but the new types of imaging reveal damaged blood vessels and connections in the brain. These MRI scans can detect brain damage early, go into greater detail than ever before, and therefore could be life-changing.

The researchers compared the rugby players’ brain scans with scans of athletes who participate in non-collision sports. While the rugby players’ standard brain scans appeared normal, the advanced scans revealed bleeds and changes: 23% of the 44 study participants had developed abnormal changes in their brains’ white matter (wiring) or blood vessels, and 50% saw an unexpected decrease in white matter volume.

The study team is now collaborating with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Premiership Rugby to launch the ‘Advanced Brain Injury Clinic’, which involves widespread use of the new brain scan methods to provide a comprehensive assessment of player health for male and female players aged 30-55.

If this research had been available 10 or even 5 years ago, numerous players could have been protected. On a brighter note, the study will help the next generation of players understand the risk of concussions and head injuries that come with playing rugby and improve protocols to reduce and prevent these injuries.

The BRAIN Study

Another study funded by The Drake Foundation, the BRAIN (Brain Health and Healthy Ageing in Retired Elite Rugby Players) Study[CM2]  has demonstrated that retired rugby players aged 75+ who have a history of at least three rugby concussions are more likely to display poor cognitive function. These individuals may also be at a higher risk of memory loss. However, retired players aged 50+ tend to have no worse cognitive function than those who have experienced 0-2 concussions.

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, and the Institute of Occupational Medicine conducted the study with researchers from UCL, the University of Oxford, and the RFU. The study examined just under 150 elite rugby players who played for England, Oxford University, or Cambridge University in the pre-professional era. The players participated in tests to capture their physical and cognitive abilities, like grip strength, memory, and reasoning. They also underwent face-to-face assessments and neurological clinical examinations to identify signs of disease and provided blood and urine samples for future analysis.

The researchers measured the players’ cognitive function using the Pre-Clinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite (PACC) score, which combines tests that assess episodic memory, timed executive function, and global cognition. The researchers took factors like age, whether the players smoked, and player position into account and concluded that players aged 75+ who had sustained at least three concussions scored approximately 2 points lower on the PACC score. This score indicates a difference in cognitive function that could raise the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

80% of the participants reported at least 1 rugby-related concussion, although some had sustained as many as 25. The average number of concussions sustained was two. The cross-sectional study concluded that there was no link between the number of concussions sustained and player position or the length of a player’s rugby career.

The research team notes that the retired elite rugby players who took part in this study were generally highly educated and probably had higher than average cognitive function at the beginning of their rugby careers. This could be a reason why the study only identified lower cognitive function in participants who were over 75.

The BRAIN Study is the first to carry out detailed measurements of cognitive function in a large sample population and link these to individuals’ concussion and playing history. It is also the first study of its kind to examine large numbers of individuals who are over the age of 75. Previous studies have primarily focused on younger players and have revealed little to no association between sports concussions and reduced cognitive function.

Changes to the Game of Rugby

The research findings from both studies add to the growing number of calls for changes to the game of rugby. And this change is starting to take shape. Rugby officials and other governing organisations have recently announced that they will be making new efforts to protect rugby players.

In 2021, the Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport select committee of MPs held an inquiry into sports concussions in several games. The committee collected evidence from retired athletes, players’ unions, doctors, scientists, and governing bodies. They concluded that governing bodies have failed to protect player well-being and address brain injury issues in sports. This inquiry should pave the way for change in the game of rugby, amongst others.

In line with this demand for change, the RFU has announced it will launch new measures, including a new tackle height, to reduce head injuries in training and matches. The RFU will also draw up a framework for contact training and off-field head impact assessments for women’s matches (such a framework already exists for men).

About James Drake, Founder of The Drake Foundation

Philanthropist James Drake launched The Drake Foundation in 2014 because of the number and severity of head injuries that football and rugby players sustain. These hits — and the speed of these hits — are often bigger in professional rugby than they are in amateur rugby, and doubling the speed of a hit means quadrupling the energy, increasing the risk of brain damage.

While there is typically a high level of knowledge about sports medicine in the rugby and football space, neuroscience is less widely discussed. Drake aims to connect mainstream contact sports with neuroscience research in the UK. So far, the findings are worrying: The Drake Foundation’s studies raise significant questions about the brain health of rugby and football players. However, these studies will have a huge positive impact on the future of sports practice and open doors to future studies, too.

Read more about The Drake Foundation.

How does website design influence lead generation

ABC Staff
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How does website design influence lead generation

Every website on the internet serves a goal, whether it’s to persuade customers to make purchases, sign up for subscriptions, or provide important information. When that goal is achieved, the website is said to be generating leads. However, if the website fails to achieve that goal, it was most likely not created with an appropriate approach in mind.

If your website lacks key important web design techniques that are required for lead generating websites, you may not be able to produce enough leads for your business despite investing extensively in digital marketing services. Steller web design contributes to best lead generation for realtors and all businesses alike.

Consistent branding

The colours you pick on your website are more crucial than you might believe. The easiest way to pick a colour scheme for your website is to make sure it matches your brand. You can use your logo to inspire a design using colour schemes that complement your brand image. Colors, according to study, can increase brand recognition by up to 80%.

The use of narrative is becoming more common these days. You must first decide on a story to convey your visitors, and then include that tale into your website design. If you are creating a website design for estate agents, then you may create consistent branding on the website by selecting the right colour scheme and appropriate functionalities that prove useful to visitors. This could help you increase conversion rates.

There are a lot of empty places.

White space, also known as negative space, is used to create distance between pieces on a website, making it easier to visually distinguish each one. Visitors create opinions quickly, therefore you must make a strong first impression with a user-friendly, appealing, and functional website design. This is what you can achieve on your site by leaving enough spacing between elements. This whitespace, also known as negative space, allows elements to stand out from one another, creating a pleasing and eye-catching composition.

The turmoil created by a cluttered web design with no or too little space around elements can cause users to abandon your site. Padding and margins can be used to create more space between information, images, and other items. The right amount of space between parts will make your website look more appealing and stylish. If your website lacks adequate spacing, now is the best moment to hire a website redesign company.

CTAs that are easy to understand

The call-to-actions (CTAs) on your website direct visitors to the next step you want them to take. As a result, your CTA should be bold, powerful, and large in order to persuade them to perform the necessary action.

The user experience should be prioritised.

The most successful websites aren’t always attractive in terms of features and looks; rather, they’re built to attract the intended demographic. When it comes to website design, user experience is crucial in determining whether or not the site will capture the interest of end-users. To develop a website that generates adequate leads, you must concentrate on your target demographic.

Determine your target demographic and create a website that provides a better user experience.

Factors of trust are included.

Referrals and recommendations can help increase conversion rates and lead generation. When people trust you, they will promote or refer your website to others. The utilisation of testimonials and other trust elements is a very effective way to increase your company’s credibility. To convert visitors into consumers, you must first establish trust, and leveraging trust factors on your website may be the most effective method to do it.

Including testimonials, honours and recognitions, reviews, social networking buttons, and other features that detail milestones you’ve achieved and client appreciations can assist your customers trust you. You may use Google reviews and reviews from other popular sites like Google to offer a positive image of your company to your customers by combining Google reviews and reviews from other popular sites.

Navigation is simple and intuitive.

Your website may offer solutions to a variety of challenging problems or provide useful information. However, exploring your website shouldn’t be a chore. Your website’s buttons and navigation should be simple and straightforward so that visitors can navigate the material naturally.

You may utilise technologies like heatmaps to better understand user behaviour and then design navigation around it. With a bespoke website design, you may do continuous A/B testing to determine the best design for your site.

Mobile-friendly design

With the increased use of mobile devices for viewing the internet, they are becoming the new norm for exploring the online. According to studies, mobile devices have a lot of potential, therefore optimising your website for small screens will help you reach a wider audience. A responsive website is vital not just from the standpoint of user experience, but also from the standpoint of SEO. All of the major search engines now favour responsive websites. As a result, mobile device optimization has become a must.

To say that web design is vital for a website is an understatement; in fact, your web design choice will have an impact on whether or not your site is successful. If you want a website that attracts visitors while also producing leads and conversions, the first thing you should do is improve the design.

6 Questions you Should ask a Solar Panel Company before Installing Panels

ABC Staff
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6 Questions you Should ask a Solar Panel Company before Installing Panels

It seems like the number of people investing in solar panels to provide energy for their homes has risen in recent years.

It’s no secret that burning fossil fuels has a devastating impact on our planet’s environment, which is one of the reasons so many homeowners are turning to solar energy. Solar energy is both renewable and sustainable, and unlike burning fossil fuels, it does not produce any greenhouse gases.

Reducing your carbon footprint is one of the benefits of using solar panels, but cutting the cost of your utility bills with the help of red earth solar batteries is another reason so many homeowners are getting excited about going green. By installing solar panels, you can significantly reduce the amount of cash you spend on electricity each month. Many believe that the panels will pay for themselves, due to the amount of money they have managed to save on utility bills.

  1. Is My Roof in Good Enough Condition to Support the Panels? 

Before spending your hard-earned money on new solar panels, it is of vital importance that you find out whether or not your roof can support them.

A solar panel company should inspect your roof before installing the panels. A reputable company will provide a thorough examination to ensure the roof can support the panels, and that the roof won’t collapse once the panels have been installed. If your roof is damaged, then the roof might collapse, often causing serious structural damage. This could also lead to someone inside the house sustaining a serious injury, or even dying. Even if you think your roof can support them, leave it up to experts who understand the panels, and the installation process, to determine if your roof can support the weight of the solar panels.

If the roof is damaged, or you plan on replacing it in the near future, consider waiting to install the panels until the new roof has been installed. Dismantling the panels from your old roof, and reinstalling them on a new one is a big job, and it can cost homeowners a pretty penny.

  1. Are there Different Methods of Payment Available?

The cost of solar panels can put a lot of homeowners off. A lot of folks don’t have the kind of money needed to pay for the panels outright, which is why a lot of solar panel companies provide their clients with a leasing option.

Companies that lease solar panels often include maintenance fees and repairs without any extra costs. Some companies don’t ask clients to pay any upfront costs, which can prove highly beneficial, especially for those struggling financially. If you decide to lease the panels, you will want to know if you can purchase the system down the line. Also, whether or not you can transfer the lease.

Although you won’t be able to save as much money by leasing the panels, it is an easy way to enter the solar marketplace without having to spend a fortune on buying the panels. The leasing company will be responsible for the panels, so even if they do get damaged, you won’t have to worry about getting hit with an outrageous bill. Most companies take full responsibility for the panels they have leased to their customers, which can help put your mind at ease.

  1. How Long will the Panels Last?

Before you start splashing the cash, you will want to know how long the solar panels are going to last. In the past, a lot of homeowners were reluctant to invest in solar panels, because many people found them problematic. However, due to the demand for solar energy systems, the demand for solar panels is far greater than it once was, and with technology constantly improving, the average solar panel system should last for at least 25 years.

Unfortunately, not all solar panels will last as long as 25 years. Some tend to have a much lower expected lifespan. It’s crucial that you find out how long the panels will last before investing in a new system.

However, there are top-of-the-range panels readily available too. Although these panels might cost you a fortune, some are expected to last up to 50 years. For those in a healthy financial position, consider asking solar panel companies about these panels.

  1. How Much Does the Installation Cost?

Just because you have bought solar panels, don’t assume that the installation fees are included in the cost. You will have to pay extra for experts to install the system. Often the price of the installation will depend on the solar panel system you have purchased.

Consider asking multiple solar panel experts for a quote. To avoid getting hit with hidden charges, ask them to send you a detailed quote. However, instead of hiring the company that charges the lowest installation fees in your area, consider doing a little research about the company first. Honest reviews posted to the web can give you an insight into the solar panel companies that provide an installation service in your area. If you’re struggling to find genuine reviews on the internet, why not ask your others that have installed solar panels for help?

After purchasing solar panels, you might be tempted to install them yourself to save cash. However, installing these devices can prove tricky, so if you don’t have any experience, you should hire experts who have undergone professional training to take on the task. People who decide to go down the DIY route, often leave wires exposed, which could cause issues.

  1. How Long will it Take?

Because not all solar panels are the same, trying to determine how long the installation process will take can be difficult without expert advice. The size of the panels, how to mount the panels, and the structure of your home will all affect the installation process. However, experienced solar panel companies should have the entire system installed within a few hours.

A lot of people think that they will have to replace the wiring in their homes when installing a solar panel system, but you won’t have to.

  1. Do the Installers have a License and Insurance

Just because the solar installers claim their company is the best in your area, it might be worthwhile checking to see if they have their business papers and license in order. These documents should have been issued by the state, so if they are reluctant to show you them, run away! They should be able to provide you with their license number without any hesitation.

There are a lot of risks when installing a solar panel system, especially when the installers are working on your roof. If they have an accident while working on your property, you will want to make sure that they are fully insured. Ask to see a copy of their insurance policy before they begin work. If their current policy doesn’t cover them while working in your home, then you should consider hiring a different company. Often, solar panel companies are forced to hire a master electrician to help them connect the system to your home. If this is the case, you will want to make sure that the electrician has insurance too.

Majority Of UK Mortgage Applications Rejected – How To Ensure Yours Isn’t

ABC Staff
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Majority Of UK Mortgage Applications Rejected – How To Ensure Yours Isn’t

British homeowners are £326,000 better off than renters, according to a recent study. But to benefit from this, you first need to get approved for a mortgage. Sadly, two-thirds of first-time buyers have their mortgage applications rejected, according to The Independent. So just what can you do to ensure you secure the cash for the house of your dreams?

Wait for a big rule change 

Since 2014, lenders have completed affordability checks on anyone that applies for a mortgage. Affordability checks typically compare your income versus your outgoings. They also assess whether a mortgage would still be affordable to you if you were moved to a high-interest rate that’s 3% higher than the standard rate. It’s this part of the affordability checks that is set to be scrapped, according to The Telegraph. If this goes ahead, it will be easier for all groups of people to qualify for a mortgage, including the self-employed. It’s not yet known when the Bank of England will give the green light for this change, but it looks like it will be soon. So, if you can wait a little while longer before putting your mortgage application in, it’s probably best to do so.

Find the right lender 

It’s not just first-time buyers that need to ensure they can get a mortgage. Just over 50% of mortgage holders remortgage. One of the biggest benefits of remortgaging is that you can save an average of £8,000 in just two years. However, just because you’ve secured a mortgage once, doesn’t mean your remortgage application will be successful. You need to carefully think about why you want to remortgage and find a lender that specializes in refinance. Perhaps you want to refinance because you want to use the equity in your home to complete renovations. Or maybe you want to reduce your mortgage term so you pay it off quicker or you want to pay less back each month. You’ll usually need your last two wage slips and two months’ bank statements to qualify, so make sure you’re able to provide these as these will give the best chance of getting a new mortgage deal.

Opt for a long-term deal

The average mortgage length in the UK is 25 years. Occasionally, borrowers opt for a 30-year deal instead. But now 40-year deals are coming onto the market. As you’ll be paying the mortgage back over a longer period of time, you’ll pay less back each month. This makes it more affordable than a standard 25-year deal for many people. To qualify, you must not be aged more than 70 at the end of the mortgage. The one downside to this type of mortgage is that you’ll pay back a lot of cash in interest. But it is a quick and helpful way to get your foot on the property ladder. 

There has been an excess of people being rejected for mortgages recently. But things are changing quickly and it looks like more individuals than ever will soon qualify for a home loan.

The Importance Of Understanding South Korean Visa As A UK Citizen

ABC Staff
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The Importance Of Understanding South Korean Visa As A UK Citizen

The travel industry is without a doubt one of the biggest and best industries in the world. couple this with the fact that there is a distinct and overwhelming focus not only on how travelers can get the most out of their experiences around the world but also how they can make the most out of the lead up to and aftermath as well and it comes as no surprise that the interest and investment in everything surrounding trouble has continued to sort exponentially. Something that  we have seen more and more in recent years especially is that there has been a distinct and overwhelming focus not only on how travelers can do that but also that nations can protect and preserve their own countries and the citizens and travellers but either call that place home or visit about their travels.

Different parts of the world have different travel requirements

Naturally, there are certain requirements involved when it comes to visiting different parts of the world. If there is a lot to be said about the fact that many different nations and regions do indeed approach this from their own perspective and so there are always going to be differences just as much as they are always going to be similarities. Recognising the importance of respecting and adhering to different travel requirements in different parts of the world is in the best interests not only of the nation and its citizens but also the traveller that wants to be able to experience and navigate that part of the world for themselves. And today, there has never been more focus on being able to do this as the world of travellers begins to reopen finally.

The importance of understanding South Korean visa as a UK citizen

It is always incredibly important to make sure that you understand what the travel requirements are for a particular part of the world. Take the South Korea visa for UK citizens, for instance. United Kingdom citizens, there are certain regulations and requirements that are in place for them to be able to travel to and throughout South Korea. This is important because of essentially places these travellers in a position of going through the process legitimately while also being comfortable and aware of the fact that not only have they made the steps to do it all the generally but they are doing so in a way that allows them to be able to have peace of mind throughout their travels that they are there in Thailand legitimately.

What can be expected from this aspect of travel in the coming years

Everything that has flourished and unfolded in the world of travel requirements not only in South Korea but also in the rest of the world is ultimately just a taste of everything that is still yet to be discovered and explored. What can be expected from this aspect of travel in the coming years and beyond is that as long as there is a willingness to respect necessity and opportunity, as well as bridge gaps by using interest and investment, then the future is definitely going to be quite exciting. There is no reason that travel requirements should limit anybody as long as they are willing and able to go through the appropriate channels to respect and adhere to those travel requirements and this is especially true in places like South Korea that have a distinct focus on preserving and protecting themselves (and rightfully so).

Top Tips for New Players Who Are Looking for a Reliable Game Online

ABC Staff
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Top Tips for New Players Who Are Looking for a Reliable Game Online

Thanks to digitalization and modern technology we get to enjoy state-of-the-art gaming sites and online casino games. Anyone who is a fan of slots, sports betting, poker, blackjack, or other casino games can access his or her favorite content via mobile. Moreover, the amount of money required to play these games is significantly lower. Today we have uk casino £1 minimum deposit sites that only require a minor payment in order to enjoy some of your favorite games. Additionally, there are lots of other bonuses and incentives that can be used for extending our play session for free.

Unfortunately, we shouldn’t immediately trust any operator we come across, as there are those who are taking advantage of this situation and make promises they cannot keep. In other words, they are running an online scam business with no intention of paying users their winnings. So. let’s go over a few tips to help you identify a reliable operator. 

License and Regulation

It’s always more reliable to have an account on a platform that is licensed and regulated. Online operators usually display this information in one of the sections of the website or in their terms of use. These regulatory bodies are always ideal, and they can be often criticized for their leniency, but they improve their regulatory framework and they can hold casinos accountable. If the government regulates these operators they are less likely to deny you your winnings or do anything that can endanger your finances.  

Website Quality

Reputable online casinos tend to have a more polished design as they are in for the long run. Nobody wants to invest thousands in an online platform or app that they will use just to trick a few people into giving them money. Online scams don’t last for long, and sooner or later bad business practices catch up to the owners. So, those who are running a fraudulent website are more likely to do just the bare minimum. Those who want to be credible know the importance of high-quality content. As a result, they don’t mind investing a lot into their platform and spending even more on marketing.

Reputable Game Developers

Another trait of a reliable online casino is a massive game library. Basically, they only host the games that were developed by other companies, who already made a name for themselves in this business. So, sites that are more reliable also invested a lot in the game selection and they tend to collaborate with the following software providers:

  • Microgaming
  • NetEnt
  • Playtech
  • Realtime Gaming
  • BetSoft.
  • IGT
  • SG Interactive
  • Yggdrasil Gaming

Of course, don’t expect to see all of these companies on a single site, as collaborating with just one of them already grants access to hundreds of games. Those who work with 5 or 6 developers already have thousands of different slots, video poker games, blackjack and roulette variants, etc.

Live Dealer Games and Poker Rooms

Bear in mind that not having these options doesn’t mean that the operator is not to be trusted. These are some of the most popular games today and they require additional effort to set up. Most of the online casinos only offer video poker, but those who want to attract more users have poker rooms where players can play against one another. Moreover, live dealer games require extra staff and space to run, so it’s safe to assume the business is legitimate if it has these two.

User Reviews 

Finally, if you are having doubts about any operator, you should be able to find user reviews on multiple sites. As you know, players can be quite vocal when it comes to a negative experience, so if there are tons of negative reviews and no positive ones, it really means the operator is not to be trusted. That being said, big companies that sponsor sports events have millions of players, so one way or another someone will have a bad experience. So always look at the positive reviews as well. 

Conclusion

These were some of the most efficient ways to check if an online casino is reliable. You can also see the type of payment options they offer and whether they allow crypto payments. You can also find third-party review sites that simply evaluate and rank online casinos based on their bonuses, payment processing efficiency, game selection, etc. Hopefully the tips provided here will help you out.

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