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British Bookmaker’s Debut in Washington DC a Success

British bookmaker William Hill recently made headlines when it opened its first-ever sportsbook in Washington D.C. The company, a major bookmaker in the UK, has expanded heavily over the past decade to take advantage of growing international demand for sports betting. 

In its first month of activity, the D.C.-based sportsbook, which is located inside the Capital One Arena, reported $9.1 million of activity — a figure significantly higher than total betting activity at many long established, competing sportsbooks serting the region. 

Over the course of the month, the sportsbook processed a total of 69,085 bets and paid out an impressive $7.7 million to customers generating $1.4 million in total revenue.

Figures such as these are particularly impressive considering the company’s Washington D.C. sportsbook is currently a temporary facility, with a permanent sportsbook being built within the inside of the stadium in order to better serve customers.

William Hill’s D.C.-based operation is part of a partnership with US brand Monumental Sports and Entertainment, a sports and entertainment company operated by American investor Ted Leonsis. 

Monumental owns several Washington D.C. area sports teams, with the Washington Wizards NBA team and Washington Capitals NHL franchise part of its sports portfolio. 

Sports betting is a significant, growing industry, both in the UK and internationally. The American market has long been a major target for UK-based bookmakers thanks to its incredible size and the country’s high level of interest in competitive sports.

Interest has grown significantly in the wake of legal decisions in the UK that have paved the way for a large-scale betting industry outside of traditional centers such as Las Vegas.

In 2018, the United States Supreme Court reversed a federal statute that limited sports betting to the state of Nevada. As of May 14th, a total of 18 states that include upwards of 30 per cent of the US population now allow regulated sports betting

In the two years since the law change, more than $20 billion has been wagered with US-based sportsbooks — a figure that dwarfs the estimated £8 to £14 million bet in the UK on all forms of gambling, despite only a small percentage of US states currently allowing sports betting.

As more states begin to legalise regulated sports betting, experts predict that the total amount of money bet on sporting events will grow significantly, creating a fast-growing, lucrative market for established international sportsbooks.

Data shows that despite the establishment of offline sportsbooks, the majority of sports betting in the United States occurs online. According to ESPN, approximately 84 per cent of the $4.6 billion wagered via New Jersey sportsbooks during 2019 took place online. 

In addition to sports betting, American consumers have long been interested in online gambling in general, with casino games and other forms of betting attracting significant attention over the past several decades.

Aiming to tap into the large, prosperous American market, many European live casino operators have expanded their offerings to appeal to non-EU customers, adding slots and table games for specific international markets.

Many of these brands offer a live casino experience, with live dealers in place of the quieter and less personalised experience offered by many other casinos and betting companies.

With regulations changing across the United States, operators other than William Hill are paying more attention to the American market, with both bookmakers and casino brands aiming to take as much market share as possible.

As the bookmaker’s successful D.C. launch shows, the possibilities are significant, resulting in a lucrative industry for bookmakers and a larger selection of options for sports betting enthusiasts in the United States.

Defending my business against legal action from creditors

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If your business is on the receiving end of serious creditor pressure, the next step is likely to be legal action to force your business into making debt repayments. The severity of legal action can gradually increase over time if you no longer have the necessary funds to fulfil liabilities. The best way to protect your business is to fight the threat face-on by raising finance to repay your debts or to seek a company rescue or closure solution.

What action can a creditor take against my business?

A creditor will need to demonstrate that every possible avenue to recoup funds has been taken before issuing a winding up petition against your business to force it into liquidation. Here are some of the ways a creditor can launch legal action against your company to recover outstanding funds:  

Statutory Demand – A statutory demand is the first step which is a formal demand requesting payment, failure to fulfil the statutory demand could result in serious legal action. The statutory demand should be fulfilled in 21 days by either making the payment or entering into a payment agreement with the creditor(s).

County Court Judgment (CCJ) – A County Court Judgment is a form of legal action taken against a business, calling for the urgent repayment of debts. Failure to settle the debt within one month could leave a permanent mark, adversely affecting your credit rating as the CCJ will remain on your record for six years.

Winding up petition – If a statutory demand or County Court Judgment is ignored, a creditor can issue a winding up petition, which if granted by the court could lead to the forced closure of your insolvent business. This action can only be taken if the debtor owes £750 or more.

How can you dispute a winding up petition?

Object – If you have reasonable grounds to object the winding up petition, you should do this early to avoid advertisement in the Gazette which could draw other creditors to your door. The London Gazette publishes legal notices concerning insolvency action involving UK businesses.

Make repayment – If you have the funds to repay creditors, you should make repayment to prevent the court from issuing a winding up order. If the court date is set and you have repaid the debt, you must still attend court and show formal evidence illustrating settlement of the debt.

Negotiate payment plan – You can avoid company liquidation and the winding up petition can be withdrawn if you enter negotiations with the creditor and arrive at an agreement to repay the debt.

Seek formal insolvency procedure – If your business requires professional support to get your finances in order, seek urgent advice from a licensed insolvency practitioner to explore the business rescue or closure options available to your business. Taking a route as such could protect your business against legal action from creditors and the looming threat of forced closure.

What route can I take to rescue my business from debt?

Time to Pay Arrangement – A Time to Pay Arrangement (TTP) is a formal agreement with HMRC to restructure your tax liabilities into affordable instalments. A TTP is more likely to be accepted if you propose realistic repayments which are feasible. By spreading your tax payments following an agreement with HMRC, you can allocate any funds to repay your creditors.

Traditional or Commercial Finance – By borrowing funds to repay creditors, you can clear your debtor book, inject your business with cash and invest in your services, stimulating the growth of your business. Traditional finance consists of calling for investment from family and friends or turning to the bank for a business loan. Commercial finance is essentially asset-based finance to fuel working capital and increase cash flow. There are many variations of commercial finance which can be used to stimulate company development.

Company Voluntary Arrangement – Halting legal action from creditors, a Company Voluntary Arrangement is an insolvency procedure used to renegotiate payment terms with creditors to reduce the burden of repayment and to generate returns for creditors.  If your ailing business shows signs of viability and has the potential to generate profits, a CVA is an ideal way to keep creditors at bay and help rescue the business.

Company Administration – If you are experiencing creditor pressure and there is an indication that legal action will be launched against your business, an administration order could protect your business from company liquidation. This is a suitable route for an insolvent business with asset value, as by realising assets to generate funds to repay creditors, the business can avoid liquidation.

The route you take will be ultimately determined by the financial health of your business and the expected rate of survival. Facing the problem later than necessary could lead to the forced liquidation of your company, closing the door to any possible actions of defence. If you act early, you may be able to arrive at an agreement with creditors or seek the necessary support for your business.

Everyone Hates Vanilla: Britain’s Favourite Flavour of Chocolate Revealed

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Britain is certainly a nation of chocolate lovers, so much so that at the end of 2019, the UK was ranked fourth in the whole world followed by our transatlantic counterparts America coming in at eighth. According to research, the typical Brit will munch around 11kg of chocolate each year, which is around 660,900 tonnes across the whole country. The British Heart Foundation revealed that the average British adult will indulge in 8,316 chocolate biscuits, 7,560 chocolate bars, 3,024 mugs of hot chocolate, 2,898 miniature chocolates, 2,268 slices of chocolate cake, and 126 Easter eggs in their life.

Statistics from research group Mintel showed that 17 per cent of Brits enjoy chocolate four to six times a week, with nearly a quarter between the ages 25–34 eating chocolate daily, and only five per cent who never do.

Coming in many different forms and flavours, you’d struggle to raid someone’s cupboard and not find a single chocolate related item. But, which chocolate is Britain’s favourite?

The great chocolate debate

It’s time to answer the million-dollar question threatening the fabric of our existence: what kind of chocolate is Britain’s most loved, and which regions have the best taste?

Whether you’re a classic milk chocolate fanatic or prefer indulging in something luxurious like honeycomb chocolate, we decided to find out and put an end to all of this madness. Fair trade retailer Traidcraft did some research on Google search volumes to find out which type of chocolate people are thinking about and searching the most. We gathered data on average search interest and average monthly searches across two years from 2018 to 2020.

UK’s favourite chocolate

Dark chocolate came top with an overall average search interest of 61%, followed closely by coffee chocolate and caramel chocolate with 56%, mint chocolate with 55%, coconut chocolate with 54%, white chocolate with 54% and shockingly, milk chocolate at seventh place with 51%. With a rise in veganism the UK over the last year, it’s not surprising to see dark chocolate rank higher than milk chocolate.

White chocolate was a lockdown favourite, with the most searches from 24th March, when lockdown began, to 7th July, when restrictions started to ease, followed by vanilla, strawberry, ruby, and raspberry. It seems that typically unpopular chocolate climbed sharply in the rankings, which could be down to bored shoppers exploring for excitement, be it through new and novelty flavours they wouldn’t typically buy. Combined with the fact that chocolate is the ultimate comfort food in times of crisis!

Baking was a popular hobby taken up by many across the nation during lockdown, and it seems that orange chocolate, white chocolate, and ruby chocolate were the most popular when baking.

Everyone hates vanilla

Interestingly, dark chocolate was every UK region’s favourite chocolate and vanilla was the least favourite, showing that the country is united in our taste for the finer things. The North of England has a particular taste for white chocolate, whereas generally there are fluctuations between popularity in regions for orange, milk, strawberry, and ruby chocolate — flavours the country can’t seem to agree on.

Chocolate is certainly one of the UK’s favourite snacks, but which flavour is your favourite?

Chocolate Average Search Interest % Change Over Period Average Monthly Searches
dark chocolate 61.04 100.00% 54,090
coffee chocolate 55.74 -32.00% 7,810
caramel chocolate 55.62 30.77% 9,020
mint chocolate 54.58 37.50% 13,450
coconut chocolate 54.15 -17.65% 5,680
white chocolate 53.7 46.05% 141,360
milk chocolate 51.23 42.86% 16,880
honeycomb chocolate 50.54 -100.00% 2,720
hazelnut chocolate 46.35 66.00% 5,790
raspberry chocolate 46.28 16.07% 20,670
orange chocolate 37.4 31.03% 65,820
vanilla chocolate 35.11 81.32% 2,860
strawberry chocolate 35.02 70.00% 14,760
fruit and nut chocolate 29.69 100.00% 2,180
ginger chocolate 29.52 -100.00% 4,590
ruby chocolate 20.95 52.17% 14,150

What All DJs Should Remember in COVID-19 Times

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Various arms of the entertainment industry have been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 crisis. DJ equipment is gathering dust all over the place, performance artists are finding themselves with no audiences to perform to and the whole thing seems to be stuck in neutral.

Staying motivated in times like these can be difficult, but the key to keeping positive lies in proactivity.

With this in mind, here are just a few things all DJs should remember right now to help weather the lingering COVID-19 nightmare:

People Always Crave Good Times

First and foremost, the pandemic won’t be around forever. When it finally leaves, millions will have every intention of partying like they’ve never parted before. A wave of pent-up demand will be released on the entertainment industry, representing one incredible opportunity for DJs and live performers, making up for the bad times endured during much of 2020.

DJ Live Streaming is Always an Option

Whether you’ve an established audience of followers or are yet to make a name for as a DJ, DJ live streaming is well worth considering. Along with providing you with every opportunity to practice your craft, it’s also a great way of making yourself known and keeping people entertained. Advertise your services for people throwing (responsible) parties and do whatever it takes to keep yourself busy.

You’ve Plenty of Time to Get Social

By this, we mean finally taking the time to get your social media profiles in shape and building an online following. Getting involved in the community is of the utmost importance for DJs and performers across the board. As is doing whatever you can to interact and converse with your target audience. It’s something you may not have had time to do before, but chances are you’ve nothing but time for ventures like these right now.

There Are Some Dynamite Deals Available

Many DJ retailers are struggling to keep themselves in business at the moment – as is the UK High Street in general. Those that are keeping afloat are finding themselves with no option but to up the ante in terms of competitiveness. Hence, there are some superb deals and discounts to take advantage of right now. Both in terms of product price reductions and affordable 0% DJ finance deals to spread the costs of larger purchases, making a great excuse to get the DJ gear you’ve had your eye on for some time.

It’s an Opportunity to Learn and Evolve

Last up, there’s always something everyDJ can (and should) be doing to up their game and improve their skills. From online courses to video tutorials to live streamed workshops, allowing your talents to stagnate is pretty much the worst thing you can do. Though it’s easy to find yourself in a rut when there’s nothing happening and nobody to perform to, it can still be turned into a positive for the benefit of your craft.

LIA Relief Trust Charity Introduced by Zuneth Sattar

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The LIA Relief Trust is a charitable organisation that works in some of the most impoverished and in need areas of the world, delivering aid to those in need after experiencing conflict, war, and natural disasters. The aid provided by the charity ranges from the provision of immediate necessities for survival such as nutrition and clean water, to longer-term assistance including the establishment of schools and workshops.

Supported by Donations

The LIA Relief Trust is the chosen charity of Zuneth Sattar, who helps the organisation with any emergency appeals, including the recent appeals for Yemen and India. As a charitable organisation LIA relies on support from donors to help fund the valuable work being carried out and potentially save thousands of lives.

The charity operates a 100% donation policy, meaning any money donated goes directly to the beneficiaries. Nothing is taken from donations to pay for administration costs, fundraising or other causes not directly related to providing aid.

Emergency Relief

Emergency relief in the form of food and clean water are essential for immediate survival. LIA operates various safe water projects, including tanks, water trucks and hand pumps, to ensure no community has to drink or wash in contaminated, unsafe or dirty water.

The charity also runs a Feeding Programme, which delivers nutritious, specially designed food packs to families in need that last for a full month. The teams on the ground supplement these food packs with items such as freshly baked bread and hot cooked meals.

LIA also provides medical treatment that saves lives.

Long-Term Aid

Longer-term aid helps communities displaced or otherwise affected by conflict or disaster to return to some semblance of normality and prepare for a better future. LIA helps build educational centres and establishes schools and orphanages, providing education that offers children the chance to learn the necessary skills to improve their lives as adults.

Education is one of the key tools in lifting communities out of poverty. Education and workshops introduced to communities by LIA help children and adults lift themselves out of poverty.

What Are the Areas Boutique Hotels and Retailers Should Focus On? by Graham Shear

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Where is my niche?

Over the years, I have consistently watched many business owners struggle with answering this question. What do biting off larger pieces of riding aircraft like the gliders – or the chutes that fly over the board – actually serve? Or what do you serve if you own a perfume or cologne?

If you have doubts about the contributions you make to society, you would be right.

But, let’s say you are just an average shopper… and you have the opportunity to buy a much larger piece ofwindow dressing or a serviced apartment.

What do you really want to buy?

It may be the most important question a business owner asked in his or her career.

I know I asked this question myself before. So, is your business fitting into any of the niche models?

Now, I am not saying that you need to play in those niche models.I am saying, however, that you need to find the fun and exciting pieces to offer the public.

Do you want to offer phrases that are at least 30 seconds long?Instead of a showy, self-promotional piece, I would like you to publish a printable card in between your machine and the overheatediem Feel good reson accordance linksensive generators- about 98% fewer people will buy one from you than from another business if you are a photographer who offers a dozen pictures for $50.

Does this mean you at least have to get a degree in marketing or possibly a graphic arts degree?

That depends on the niche you operate in.If you are in the services industry, we are not interested on promoting your car repair services business. If you are in the health/fitness industry then you might produce a piece of wisdom or exercise tips.

Or if you are a business that only offers retail supplies… then do you really need an entire dozen of your items in their store to show off your expertise?I hope not! It’ll just eat up precious space in a warehouse. And most people end up dealing with this niche anyway.

So what exactly do afranchise space auctions offer me?

If you are not sure if it fits you, let’s narrow things down and offer you some space to think about.

  1. Space to only think about what your business stands for in terms of a quality, unique product/service

What does your business represent to you?

sleek, clean, attractive fundraisers

odious, haphazard decor

or all three? That depends. If you possess a favorite truffle kind of boutique with beautiful cherry wood walk in mirrors, your goal is going to be forget this piece of decor. However, you can very easily appeal to the ‘gothic’ client who wants something body-hugging and stuffy.

Or, if you are a wedding planner, you will want them to see you as a reliable, cost-effective and time-saving sister to the latex glove aisle.

In essence, you need to focus on one major flair. If that is what appeals to your prospects, then you should have no problem attracting a good result, always!

  1. Consideration to create a running list of business leads that can be contacted

When I first started marketing online, I did a lot of cold calls in order to attract more businesses. But instead of putting all my eggs into one basket, I began thinking about what my business could offer them on an ongoing basis.

And let me remind you here that I am not talking paid list (I am not talking of It’s a Knockout at this early stage in the game!) This is going to be a few million opt-ins of people who are interested in your services but they aren’t quite ready to sign up with you directly.

So, you create a series of emails and/or auto-responders. Run an ad to generate interest. Send some marketing information. Offer a special discount. Have someone provide a quote and/or a free run for (as directed by your marketing piece.)

Once you have a list of these, you have to make calls to these leads and create another series of follow ups. However, make sure you don’t stop once one engagement is complete. Use your auto-responder to promote your next product or service as well.

  1. Space to do some marketing or advertising which saves you time and gets results

Obviously, you are not going to do these on your own… in part because this is the result we all want to achieve and in part because you are not able to afford to. So, you will get some helpful advice on how to do even this much more effectively from others who are out there.

Of course for some of you harness enough affiliate marketing before attempting to market.

Pandemic bounceback: Capital’s rental market gets boost as Gravity Co-living unveils two new large complexes

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In a massive lift for the embattled sector, Gravity Co-living, one of Europe’s leading co-living property companies, has unveiled two new major complexes in the heart of London.

The openings come alongside some major investment announcements, the new sites will triple the size of Gravity’s portfolio and represent part of an ambitious full nationwide plan.

Gravity Co-living CEO Riccardo Tessaro told ABC Money that two hundred new units were in the pipeline for London over the next year alone.

The company has already doubled their head count during lockdown.

“This is a massively exciting time for the sector, co-living is seeing a huge surge in popularity across Europe,” he said.

“We are proud to invest in the UK and play our part in helping the economy roar back into action.”

The company is working with strategic real estate partners in Paris, Barcelona and London on a global network of co-living spaces in major business hubs.

The new investments come on the back of impressive economic figures in the co-living industry.

“We have a 242% annual run-rate increase,” said Riccardo Tessaro. “There is a sharp increase in demand from freelancers and businesses wanting to provide a healthy and productive environment for their employees working remotely.”

The benefits of co-living are underscored by the record levels of loneliness reported in the capital amid the pandemic.

Every Gravity Co-living member has their own private space with access to wider social interaction on a daily basis, instant messaging with other members on the Gravity app, and curated weekly fitness and professional events.

Millennials are also reportedly increasingly seeking more flexible contracts.

Tenants in Gravity Co-living properties can stay as little as two months, although the average stay of members is 6 months. A co-living environment can also foster an entrepreneurial spirit, a mix of young professionals brings access to knowledge, skills and an expert network.

Gravity Co-living’s luxury property range in London

JLL, a world leader in real estate services, revealed that the pandemic has fuelled a demand for higher standards in the sector.

“There will be increased expectations on quality standards and management structures,” said JLL co-living head, Richard Lustigman.

“Irrespective of Covid-19, this is something we all want to ensure.”

Gravity Co-living offers regular professional cleaning services, wifi, utilities, council tax, fully furnished rooms, linen and weekly events, all included in one easy-to-pay bill.

Situated just ten minutes from central London, the company’s new Camden Lock complex opened this week.

The new Camden Town London complex will open its doors this month, October 26th is the move-in date for tenants.

London Co-living’s new Camden Lock Complex

The Evolving Games ― How the Olympics Changes With Society

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The modern Olympic Games has come a long way from its ancient origins. But importantly, it has always been a celebration of culture. Unsurprisingly, there have been countless changes to the Games in its multi-millennia spanning history, no less so than the dropping of sacrifice from the official schedule. However, even since its modern revival, the mixture of tradition and innovation has made the Olympiad a unique event in our global lives. To celebrate National Sporting Heritage Day 2020, we look at how the Olympics have kept up with tradition but also introduced new sport to reflect changing times, and how the Games will likely progress into the future.

From Greece to Rio… de la Grèce à Rio

Between the first modern Games in Athens in 1896, to the most recent edition in Rio 2016, new sports and traditions have led to expectations that the Games must satisfy sports-obsessed people around the world. Some notable traditions include the torch relay, medal ceremonies, and the excitable opening and closing ceremonies.

The introduction of new sports at each Olympic Games also shows us how our culture and tastes have changed since the event’s rejuvenation. You may be surprised to find that some events which are staples of modern scheduling, are only recent introductions.

Mountain biking was only introduced at Atlanta 1996, and the triathlon at Sydney 2000. However, most surprisingly, tennis is a fairly recent reintroduction. After its discontinuation following the 1924 event, the sport only returned to the Olympics in 1992. The 68-year tennis break is a consequence of an institutional dispute over how to define amateur players, but now the event is recognised with the same prestige as a Grand Slam competition.

The introduction of new sports at Olympic Games indicates changing attitudes, moving closer to urban sports and ones of acceptance. When tennis was reintroduced, it was under the condition that all players regardless of age, sex, and ability were able to play.

Today, sport is becoming a haven of acceptance and in the international community, with gender inclusive events moving into the mainstream―the newest sports introduced to the event reflect this even more.

Skateboarding in the ‘Ollie-mpic’ Games

The delayed Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo will feature the much-anticipated inauguration of skateboarding as an official Olympic event. Skateboarding is one of five new sports being introduced to the programme, the others being baseball/softball, karate, sports climbing, and surfing.

There have long been calls for sports including skateboarding and other urban events to be included in the Games. Its inclusion marks a large step towards bringing the Games to a younger and more urban audience.

The development of the sporting programme marks bigger change than it may initially appear. The decision to include skateboarding in the Tokyo 2020 Games, which will now run in 2021, started in 2014, and was granted with unanimous approval. Host countries now also have an influence by recommending new events for their edition of Olympics, with Tokyo intending to focus on innovation and youth for the quadrennial event.

New names are appearing in the sphere of sport celebrity―one being Sky Brown, a twelve-year-old British skateboarder hoping that she will be successful at Tokyo next year.

Brown is still set to become Britain’s youngest ever Summer Olympian, even following the delayed commencement date resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. Brown says: “I feel like it doesn’t matter how old you are. […] I’m tiny and I’m going to be in this huge competition! You can do anything, no matter what age you are.”

Brown was only four when the Olympics were staged in London, with the official slogan ‘Inspire a Generation’. It will be interesting to see how the Games develop in the future and continue to support and introduce new faces to new sports.

Breaking from tradition

As with skateboarding, ‘breaking’ (or breakdancing as it is also known) has been recommended by the Paris 2024 Organising Committee to feature in their Olympic programme. A final decision on its inclusion is expected later this year.

As with sports introduced at Tokyo, the intention to include more “gender balanced, younger, and urban” events at Paris are driving the future of the Games.

There has previously been breaking at the Youth Olympic Games. While there was no British representation, it proved successful and popular among spectators.

With developing technologies, and the uncertainties surrounding social distancing leading into 2021, how we watch the Games in the future is also a focus for organisers. Intel has even announced plans for a 5G-based virtual reality experience for the Summer and Winter Games of 2020, 2022, and 2024. The platform will offer spectators and athletes alike immersive experiences and training solutions.

The Olympics has come a long way since 776BC, and with the ability to get a front row seat to the newest sports from the other side of the world, we’re sure that the future will continue to surprise us.

Change is inevitable, and adaptation is key to survival. Never has this been truer than for the Olympic Games, where issues surrounding sustainability, pandemics, and scandal have threatened its longevity and tradition. However, the ancient event is one that is open to innovation and thrives on new conventions. From ceremony to technology, the Olympics is safely preparing for the next generation.

Asbestos: What Are My Responsibilities as a Property Owner?

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It’s common knowledge that asbestos is a highly damaging group of microscopic fibres that can severely impact the health of our lungs if inhaled. Many wonder if there is an actual need for asbestos considering how dangerous it can be if not dealt with correctly. As of 1999, the use for asbestos was banned in the UK. However, during the 1950s-80s, asbestos was commonly used in buildings due to its strong resistance to chemical attacks, its poor ability to conduct heat, and its overall superb tensile strength.

With this in mind, it is important that property owners take on the responsibility of checking their buildings for this substance in order to protect their occupancies.

Asbestos and the dangers it involves

As previously mentioned, asbestos was a mineral fibre commonly used in building structures and additional maintenance work such as water supply lines, roofing materials, and for building insulation.

But when asbestos is inhaled, the fibres become trapped within your alveoli where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. Since the fibres are lodged, they can irritate and scar lung tissue, resulting in damage or scarring of your lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

Although the immediate effects of inhaling asbestos may not be noticed at first, this can severely impact your health later in life. Health conditions such as asbestosis — an inflammatory disease that results in the scarring of the lungs — are a potential risk. In addition to this, cancer of the lungs can occur.

Taking health and safety seriously

With this in mind, finding out if there is a presence of asbestos in your buildings is essential. Before proven otherwise, always assume that there is.

Firstly, hiring a company that specialises in asbestos is advised to conduct an asbestos survey. They will be able to determine the locations, conditions and extent of asbestos within the property. After recording where the presumed asbestos is located, putting together a plan or drawing to illustrate where exactly this is should be done.

By hiring an asbestos company to do this for you, they will know the next steps to take in terms of the removal of the asbestos and whether it is in a damaged or disturbed condition. After this analysis has been concluded, it is essential you take on board their advice and follow their instructions on what to do next.

Are you a landlord? Here’s the asbestos need-to-knows

To help prevent your tenants being exposed to asbestos, Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012outlines that landlords have certain responsibilities towards this. Depending on the extent of the maintenance and repair of non-domestic premises the tenant agreed to, this will decide the degree of legal duty landlords have.

For those that rent out properties, the same concept applies. For all the ‘common’ areas the building includes, you have the responsibility to ensure no potentially harmful asbestos containing materials are found. These common areas include:

  • Staircases
  • Corridors
  • Roof spaces
  • Boiler and plant rooms
  • Outbuildings
  • Gardens

It is always important that you are aware and up to date with all the information regarding the responsibilities you have as a landlord to protect your tenants from exposure to asbestos. 

The consequences of not caring

As previously mentioned, depending on the extent of the legal duty both the tenant and the landlord have agreed upon in their contract, it can be up for debate who is responsible for dealing with asbestos issues. If the agreement excuses the landlord from any statutory compliance, this would mean that the tenant is obliged to comply with all common law and codes of practices that are presented — meaning the landlord would not be held accountable for any issues with the property. To add, it will also give the landlord the right to take direct action against the tenant for breaching their lease conditions.

Although, if this type of contract isn’t present, the responsibility usually is in the hands of the landlord. But again, this could differ if the tenant holds the greatest accountability over the premises.

As the Landlord and Tenant act of 1985 states, the property must be fit for human habitation before it can be leased. Part of this act states that any asbestos material that is in unsafe conditions must be dealt with before the property can be leased. If this is not the case, legal actions may be taken with the landlord.

Mind the Gap: Why 2020 Serves Up the Ideal Gap Year Opportunity

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2020 is a year that will live long in the memory. It’s been a year of uncertainty in all walks of life as the Covid-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill. While employees suffered redundancies and furlough, the next generation of workers found their education put on hold.

Schools and colleges closed in mid-March before the UK Government announced that exams would also be cancelled, leaving students to rely on predicted grades from tutors. As they now enter the final furlong, with results day looming, the questions remain for what the next academic year holds.

While most colleges and universities are expecting to return in September, the uncertainty that shrouds how lessons will be fulfilled has led many prospective students to reconsider their options. Many are questioning the full payment of tuition fees at a time when standard face-to-face teaching is at a minimum, with the deferral to the 2021/22 academic year proving popular.

While gap years often give students the chance to delay a decision on which course they are best suited to, or even the bigger decision of nailing down a career they want to follow, this year could see students take the gap year. The only thing left to ask is, ‘What do I do with my gap year?’. Here, we take a look at the options.

Volunteer at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand

While a footloose and fancy-free travelling gap year might be off the table for the foreseeable future, with many countries primed for secondary lockdowns as winter approaches, volunteering could give you the chance to gain some worthwhile life lessons. Working with animals can bring many pleasures, so why not check out your options to volunteer?

Many organisations will provide accommodation in exotic locations in exchange for your volunteering services, so before you know it, you could be lapping up the attention of Thai elephants, the nation’s most treasured animal. Make sure to do your research though, as some organisations have been criticised in the past for harmful and unethical tourist practices.

Become a ski instructor in Austria

Make the hills come alive with the sound of music by signing up on a gap year ski instructor course in Austria this winter. The summer ski season was all but wiped out by the Covid-19 restrictions but with the slopes reopening, you could be whizzing down the best black runs in the Alps before you know it.

The option means you’ll not only have time to consider your educational options, but you’ll learn about leadership, teamwork, and make some memories.

Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

If you’re considering teaching as a career option, you could gain worthwhile insight into your future by signing up to a TEFL certification course. The standard course takes just 120 hours to complete and within weeks you could be jetting off to South Africa, Southeast Asia, or South America. With generally cheaper living costs and accommodation often being provided, it will not only provide a cost-effective way to see some of the world but allow you to explore teaching as a career option.

Get your rave on as a holiday rep in Ibiza

If you fancy a year of partying and making money before diving onto the next step on the career ladder, then consider holiday repping opportunities in Ibiza. Sun, sea, and cocktails sound like the ultimate way to spend a gap year, and you’ll be putting away some much-needed money. The life skills gained by being a counsellor, police officer, and confidant with revellers with live with you long into future employment.

Take on a gap year placement

Do you know the career you want to follow, but are unsure if university is right for you this year? If so, explore the opportunity to carry out a gap year placement. Thousands of students leave university and start their job hunt only to be hit with the automatic ‘But you have no work experience’ line.

Bypass the standard response by gaining the upper hand on your peers by diving into your industry now. It may be daunting to take on an internship when you haven’t completed your studies, but it’ll give you an idea of whether your chosen career is one you are suited to. Plus, it could be the difference between a rejection email and a job offer.   

However you decide to spend your gap year, make sure to research all the options properly. Partying in Ibiza may sound like a great way to unwind after the stresses of your A-Levels but keep one eye on your career ambitions and invest some time into preparing for university life, especially if you have only deferred for 12 months.

Sources

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/further-details-on-exams-and-grades-announced

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