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The Impact of Covid on Precious Metal Investment

Sam Allcock
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The Impact of Covid on Precious Metal Investment

While the
risk of further spikes in Covid-19 case continues to weigh heavily on the
world’s economy, there are some assets that continue to experience a
significant boom in the marketplace.

Take precious
metals, for example, with gold and silver having recently soared to their
highest price points since 2011 and 2014 respectively. Incredibly, the rally in
silver prices has peaked at around 80%
since the explosion
of the global pandemic in March, which left much of the world in a state of
lockdown and economic activity.

We’ll
explore this further in the article below, while asking what the future could
have in store for precious metal prices and investors in the months ahead?

Why Have Gold and Silver Soared of
Late?

Following
their recent price surges, what’s more impressive is that gold and silver have
been able to hold onto their significant gains.

To this end,
bullion sparked at $1,865 per ounce at the end of last week, experiencing
further, incremental gains of just over 1% in the process. This extended the
gold rally to its highest level since 2011, when the world was still recovering
from the impact of the great recession.

At the same
time, analyst Jeffrey Halley from Oanda reported that silver exploded by a
whopping 7% on the morning of July 22nd alone, continuing an aggressive rally
that has gripped the precious metal market as a whole of late.

The question
that remains, of course, is why have precious metals seen such expansive price
growth in recent times? On a fundamental level, both gold and silver have
benefitted from the tailwinds created by negative yields across the spectrum of
the US yield curve, as the global recovery remains mired in uncertainty amid
the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

In the case
of silver, this asset has experienced more pronounced gains due to its core
industrial and practical applications, which play a pivotal role in multiple
industries and have benefited directly from the return of production and
economic activity across the globe.

Silver’s
price shifts always tend to be more pronounced than gold too, thanks to the
asset’s innate liquidity in the marketplace.

What’s Next for Silver and Gold?

In simple
terms, economic growth affects the price of silver far more than gold, which is
a far more stable asset that’s seen as a secure store of wealth during times of
economic austerity.

Much of the
demand for silver is based on industrial uses, particularly in popular products
such as batteries, brazing alloys, dentistry, medicine and LED chips.

Some of the
applications are included as part of high-growth markets, while the cessation
of recent lockdown measures provided a huge boost to the global economy and
sent the demand for silver soaring in the process.

While this
trend is likely to continue for a while before silver corrects its price
course, the future of this precious metal is relatively uncertain and
incredibly vulnerable to further lockdowns and the impact that this will have
on global economic output.

Conversely,
the price of gold is likely to remain relatively stable, while continuing to
make incremental gains and investors seek out safe-haven assets in a volatile
and contracting economy.

Remember,
barely 10% of the demand for gold comes from industrial use, so its price will
remain largely unaffected by the economic peaks and troughs that follow in
the  months ahead.

Simple Little-Known Tips to Improve Your Credit Score in 2020

Sam Allcock
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Simple Little-Known Tips to Improve Your Credit Score in 2020

If you want to improve your credit
score, you’re in the right place. There are a lot of ways you can boost your
credit score – and there are a few techniques and methods that you may not even
be aware of! So, in this guide, we’ll take you through a few top little-known
tips that can help you boost your credit score in 2020. Read on and get all the
details!

1.
Completely Pay Down Your Credit Cards Every Month

If at all possible, you should
always pay your credit cards in full every month – rather than making minimum
payments on your credit cards. Why? Well, the most obvious benefit is that
you’ll save money on interest. If you pay your credit cards each month in full,
you won’t pay a dime in interest – and that’s money you can save for other
purposes!

But beyond this, paying down your
credit cards completely has a benefit for your credit score, too. It reduces
your “credit utilization,” which is a big factor in your credit score.
Basically, if you have a $10,000 credit card limit, and you have $5,000 of credit
card debt, your credit utilization is 50%.

But if you have a $10,000 limit
and pay your cards off in full every month, your utilization rate is 0% – and
lower is always better when it comes to credit utilization. A low credit
utilization rate means that you’re consistently paying your debts down on time
and can help boost your credit score!

2.
Set up Automatic Payments for All of Your Bills

Another major factor in your
credit score is on-time payments. According
to consumer credit company FICO, a single
30-day missed payment could drop your score by up 100 points or more.

So how can you eliminate the risk
of late payments? We recommend setting up automatic payments for all of your
bills – from health insurance to car insurance, rent or mortgage payments,
credit cards, utilities, and any installment title loans or short-term loans you may
have.

If your payments are automatically
taken from your account every month, you’ll never have to worry about a late
payment again – and you can boost your credit score!

3.
Never Close Down Unused Credit Cards

If you pay off a credit card, you
may be tempted to close the account, particularly if you don’t plan on using it
again. But this is a mistake. The length that your credit accounts have been
open is a major factor in your credit score.

For example, if you have two
credit cards – one that you opened 3 years ago, and one that you opened 7 years
ago, the average length that they’ve been open is 5 years. But if you close the
7-year-old account, the average length drops to 3 years – which can negatively
affect your credit score.

So instead, don’t close the account – as long as it does not have an annual
fee, you can use it to make an occasional purchase and then pay it off right
away. This will help boost your credit score as the length of your open
accounts continues to increase.

4.
Enhance Your Credit MIX with Different Types of Loans

If you only have one type of loan
or credit card, you may have a bad “credit mix.” This term refers to the
different types of loans that you have now and have had in the past.

For example, a good credit mix may
include two credit cards, a mortgage, a personal loan, and a car loan. There’s
a good variety of different loans in this mix, so you will have a higher score.

In contrast, if you only have a
single student loan and no other credit, your score may be lower, since you
have not shown your ability to take out and repay different types of debt.

If you need to improve your credit
score, taking out an auto loan, short term loans for a home improvement
project, or other types of instalment loans can be a good option.

However, you should never take out
a loan unless you need it, so don’t just take loans to try to build your credit
score. Make sure you’re making a good financial decision before you decide to
borrow money.

5.
Check Your Credit Report for Inaccuracies & Errors

You can request a copy of your
credit report for free each year from Annual Credit Report. You should always
check your credit report and see if there are any inaccuracies – such as late
payments that you actually made on time – and submit a request for correction.

If you manage to find any issues,
correcting inaccuracies and errors on your credit report is a great way to
quickly boost your credit score.

Follow
These Tips to Enhance Your Credit Score in 2020

With these simple steps, you can
improve your credit score and qualify for better rates on loans and credit
cards in 2020 and beyond. So, take another look at these tips now, and think
about how you can use them to boost your credit score today.

What are the biggest security risks to a business?

Sam Allcock
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What are the biggest security risks to a business?

When it comes to operating in the current global marketplace, security is everything. Often an afterthought for many companies, finding the right provider can protect you against catastrophic data breaches, site intrusions, industrial espionage, or something much worse. It’s also essential to consider escrow services for our businesses. Try checking Software Escrow.

So, what exactly is involved with business security and what are some of the key risks companies can face?

What is the definition of security?

Security is the provision of professional care and oversight that keeps your property, trade secrets, and staff safe from risk. This can be as simple as installing locks and security cameras to prevent intrusion all the way to providing a bespoke personal protection detail and home security.

Modern security is highly flexible and has moved well beyond reinforcing doors and holding regular patrol paths. At a minimum, all elements of your business need to be regarded including digital intrusion or data loss. This needs to be contextualised against potential threats to your staff, where you are operating, and the risk that high profile workers pose to certain undesirable or dangerous elements.

And it is not just common criminals that you may need protection from. Many businesses make their living from trademarks, copyrights and professional secrets. Despite modern software being more secure than ever, rival companies are becoming increasingly adept at sophisticated data intrusion methods. These can use social engineering and cyber-attacks to get access to the information you hold, leak it, or leverage it for their own ends.

And in an age of GDPR any social media mishaps, data breaches and distress to staff or clients can quickly make the news – resulting in significant reputational and professional damage.   Put simply, contemporary security is the provision of peace of mind. Letting your employees go about their day knowing that they are protected, valued, and safe when representing you with clients and customers.

Why is it so essential?

The best way to think about professional security is to compare it to professional insurance. In many cases, it may not be necessary to have them, but you will be glad that you did. Security allows your business to continue without serious interruption, letting your teams complete key tasks without worry of loss of revenue. Every business has a duty to take care of its staff and a failure to do this can carry a weighty professional and legal penalty.

Deploying the right kind of security package can allow you to dissuade any attempts to interfere with your business, respond to security breaches with speed and confidence, and ensure that you are able to come back from any security issues faster than would otherwise be possible.

Taking the right preventative action can help you get a better grasp on your professional needs and weaknesses. Along with ensuring the highest standards, providing the right degree of oversight can allow you to find the right level of care that meets your needs, pre-empts potential issues, and manage your professional reputation when it truly matters most.

What is the price of a security breach?

Any security breach
comes with a cost and some are higher than others. These include-

Immediate Cost:

No matter whether the intrusion was physical, digital, or a combination of factors – your business will need to expend resource to address the damage caused. This can be as straightforward as repairing physical infrastructure such as security equipment, hardware, or property damage. Or this can range to carrying out an end-to-end security review to determine how a breach happened and rework your processes from the ground up while remaining operational, dealing with relevant authorities, press, clients, stakeholders and more.

Reputational Damage:

Any significant security breach will receive coverage. This can range from discussions amongst peers, sectoral coverage, or write-up’s from national tabloids and papers. Your security breach can quickly become the dominant story about your business, drawing unwanted attention through search engines, social media, or when trying to provide references. This can significantly impact your professional reputation and make clients think twice about engaging your services.

Time and Resource:

No matter how quickly you manage to address your security issue, resolving every problem around the incident will incur significant resource expenditure in the mid to long term. This can include spending time on internal reviews and training, the adoption of new data security infrastructure, as well as finding and vetting the right security provider for your team. This will often end up dwarfing the cost of the initial review, increase your insurance premiums, and can even result in loss of projected client revenue.

Data Loss:

Digital data intrusions can often cause significant harm to your infrastructure in order to avoid leaving evidence behind. This can result in the destruction of your cloud storage, file corruption, and even harm to data backups. While digital redundancies may get you back on your feet quickly, there is no guarantee that they will have captured all the data that was extracted. This can result in your business ‘spinning its wheels’ while it gets back up to speed, resulting in loss of business.

Legal Action:

The aftermath of a security breach can potentially leave you open to legal actions from clients, employees, stakeholders and other professionals. This can result in sanctions from the government, censure from GDPR breaches, or the creation of a class action lawsuit. Harm and injury can also result in personal claims, formal charges being pressed against you, and worse.

Personal Harm: Inarguably the most serious of all, security breaches can leave individuals in harm’s way. This can result in long term trauma, life-long repercussions for the individuals affected, and even death. High level risks can be instantly caught by undertaking a security audit, allowing you to review any gaps in your approach and ensure that all members of staff, contractors, and clients are fully protected when on your property or operating on your behalf.

What are the main security considerations?

While every business will have different professional needs when it comes to security provision, there are a number of common elements that should always be considered when it comes to fulfilling your professional duty of care. These include-

VIP Security:

For many businesses, executive protection is essential – ranging from long term coverage, details for sensitive environments, or ad-hoc care that can be delivered as needed. This can be delivered in conjunction with existing security to provide a response to specific risk or as a pre-emptive visual measure in certain situations.

These can be deployed with a complement of physical and technical support – ranging from armed protection, armoured vehicles, GPS tracking, and more. This can be a direct result to public pressure, specific threats, or as a result of a recommendation from the authorities or from specific individuals.

Choosing the right detail can ensure that those targeted are safe in any given situation and have the ability to respond to threats as and when they emerge – with residential security services and reviews an essential part of the process for many.

Employee safety: Threats may often be made to individuals, but opportunistic attacks or threats against employees can also be common. This can leave your workforce feeling vulnerable when they are on-site, resulting in significant stress, and the risk of leaving your employ if the issues are not actively addressed.

Contacting a professional security consultant will allow you to understand the nature of the threat you face, the range of responses available, and applying a practical solution that addresses your unique concerns. This can take the form of detailed security surveys, ongoing audits, digital review, validating your internal crisis management plan and more.

Online breaches:

While an online breach may not be accompanied by physical harm to property or personnel, the risks are still real and severe. The last decade has seen digital intrusion become a prevalent risk – with previous countermeasures easily circumvented.

This rapid rate of change results in a digital environment that requires constant, careful review. Failure to do this can carry serious ramifications that result in serious reputational damage, the loss of clients and key staff, legal action and worse.

Conducting an end-to-end security review and penetration test can ensure that your servers and protocols are up to scratch – letting you upgrade your infrastructure as needed in order to remain fully compliant in the modern working environment.

Social Media and Communications:

Some of the most severe blows to businesses have come as a
direct result of compromised online security, identity theft, and reputational
damage. A mis-sent tweet, shared file, or response can result in the
destruction of a carefully crafted public image.

The deployment of bespoke tools and training can allow your employees to avoid issues around communication and account security. This can help you stay on top of online trends, respond in the event of a crisis and ensure the safety of key assets and personnel – avoiding giving away the location of key assets, personnel, and equipment.

Ongoing Surveillance:

Being the subject of surveillance is an unavoidable risk for many businesses. Depending on where you do business, this can be carried out by professional competitors, activists, and even the state.  No matter your background, it is possible to mitigate the risk posed by modern surveillance.

Choosing an experienced provider will allow you to deploy best practice throughout your company, ensuring that your teams are aware of key risks and have the infrastructure in place to fully address them.

Industrial Espionage:

Given the rise of digital technologies, cloud storage, and international communication – industrial espionage is more of an ever-present risk than ever before. If your business traffics in trade secrets, sensitive information, or key client data – it can be significantly at risk of being subject to eavesdropping or spying.

This can range from government interference, the work of dissidents, professional competitors and more. Depending on the nature of your service, this can even extend to employees within your own business. Taking steps to directly address this threat is absolutely essential and ensure that your business remains operational and able to protect the cutting-edge that allows you to hold onto your current position in the modern marketplace.

20 Facts About Spain That Will Surprise First Time Visitors

Sam Allcock
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20 Facts About Spain That Will Surprise First Time Visitors

Spain is full of surprises. Many people arrive in the
country with a preconceived idea of what the land and the culture is like only
to be met with a very different reality.

When you’re preparing to visit Spain it’s a good idea to
come with a clear idea of what you might find. To help you do this, we’ve
collated 20 surprising facts about Spain that most tourists might not expect.

1.   Every
City Offers a Different Kind of Experience

Spain’s most visited cities are all distinctly different
from one another. Whichever city you go to you can be sure you’ll enjoy a
unique experience that won’t be the same anywhere else in the country. Be sure
to find out further information about your destination so
that you can get a feel of what it’s like before you arrive.

2.   Paella
Isn’t Common Everywhere in Spain

Most people consider paella to be the national dish of
Spain. However, that’s not quite the case and you may not find it on the menu
at some restaurants at all.

Paella is originally from Valencia, which remains the best
place to try the delicious rice dish. However, the rest of the country has
truly regionalised cuisine and ordering paella may raise a few eyebrows in some
parts of the country.

3.   Nor
is Flamenco

Like paella, flamenco is usually only seen in one distinct
part of Spain. It is famously from Andalusia in the south of the country and
that is where you will find most of the best performances.

You will sometimes get flamenco shows in bigger tourist
destinations like Barcelona and Madrid too. However, for the most authentic
experience, it’s best to head south.   

4.   You
Might Hear Bagpipes Being Played

It’s not just the Scots who love the music of the bagpipes,
it’s also a tradition for many Spanish people too. The country has Celtic customs
going back centuries, especially in the north-west of the country around
Galicia. This includes bagpipers and tartan.

5.   Spanish
Isn’t the Only Language You’ll Hear on The Street

Spanish may be the 2nd most spoken language in the entire
world but it is not universally the first language of Spanish people. Spain is home to several languages including Catalan,
Basque and Galician and around 30% of the population will speak one of these
tongues during their daily lives.

6.   It’s
the 2nd Biggest Country in the EU

Spain is big, very big in fact. It covers a whopping 505,990
km² in total and is bigger than the likes of Germany, Poland and Sweden.

Luckily, however, there are lots of ways to travel easily
around the country. Spain offers good high-speed rail and internal
flights options to tourists who want to speedily see everything the nation has
to offer.   

7.   It’s
Not Hot All The Time

Whilst Spain is a very hot land most of the time it still
has a seasonal climate. Winter in some parts of the country can sometimes be
icy and cold, especially in the central plateau and mountainous regions.

That’s not all bad news for any winter tourists, however.
Destinations in the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada offer great skiing options
for visitors.

8.   Spanish
People Hate Spicy Food

Let’s be clear about something, Spain isn’t Mexico. The
local cuisine in the country is very different and you shouldn’t expect to find
many spicy dishes on the menu at a restaurant.

When arriving in Spain, most tourists will find instead that
the locals prefer much simpler seasoned dishes that don’t pack a punch in terms
of spice. The famous Patatas Bravas are often about as spicy as things get for
many Spaniards.

9. Bullfighting Isn’t Popular Everywhere

When most people think of Spain, the first thing that often
comes to mind is bullfighting. Whilst the bull is the national animal of the
country, you won’t find bullfighting everywhere across Spain.

Some regions of the country such as Catalonia and the Canary
Islands have prohibited the sport entirely. Therefore if you’re visiting these
areas don’t expect to find much happening in their local bullrings.

10. Spain Has Over 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Spain is a truly historical land. It is home to around 44 UNESCO
World Heritage sites, some dating back thousands of years. These
antiquities are dotted all over the country and have been well preserved so
that tourists can enjoy them today. 

11. Spain is Home to Western Europe’s Only Desert

That’s right, Spain has a desert. The Tabernas Desert in the
southeast of the country, close to Almeria is one of Europe’s only deserts and
covers 280 km².

You’ve probably seen it before however, as it’s frequently
used as a filming location. Movies like Indiana Jones, Lawrence of Arabia and
Once Upon a Time in the West were all shot in the Tabernas.

12. Your Tapas Might Be Complimentary

Tapas tradition in Spain offers many pleasant surprises.
However, none more so than the fact these delicious dishes often come free with
your drink.

When you order a glass of wine or a beer in some regions of
Spain, you may find that you get a small plate of food brought over with your
beverage. This isn’t a mistake, it’s a complimentary dish for you to enjoy with
your drink. 

13. Some of Spain Isn’t Even in Europe

That’s right, some of the country is located outside of
Europe. Spain has two small enclaves that are located in North Africa; the
cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Additionally, the Canary Islands are even further
away sitting off the northwest coast of Africa.  

14. Spain’s Tallest Mountain Isn’t Actually in Spain (or Europe)

That brings us neatly on to Spain’s tallest mountain, which
isn’t located on the Spanish mainland. Mount
Teide is found on the island of Tenerife (one of the Canary Islands)
and stands at around 3,718m in height.

15. Beach Nudity Is Quite Common

Things get hot in Spain and as a result, some beachgoers
will often enjoy the sun and sea nude. This is since Spain has no nationwide
anti-nudity laws.

Some regions and cities like Barcelona have instigated local
rules to stop people wandering the streets naked. However, the beach remains a
place to let it all hang out across Spain. 

16. Spain Is Not a Very Religious Country

Spain is full of beautiful churches and cathedrals but the
locals have largely cast off religion. Despite its predominantly Catholic
population and the impression the religion has left on Spain’s history, only
around 30% of the population regularly go to church.  

17. Siestas Aren’t As Common As You May Think

 Despite the
stereotypes about the Spanish siesta, it’s not as common as most people
believe. Today, most businesses operate to conventional schedules without
downtime for a daytime nap. That’s not to say you shouldn’t enjoy a quick
siesta on your trip during the hottest time of the day.  

18. Wine is a Big Deal in Spain

France may be the most famous wine producer in Europe but
Spain certainly gives it a run for its money. Around 1 million hectares of the
country is dedicated to vineyards and the country offers some of the best
European wines around.

19. Spain is the King of Olive Oil

Spain, however, is number one in terms of world olive oil
production. Around 45% of all olive oil is produced here. There’s a very good
chance that the olive oil in your kitchen originated in Spain. 

20. Spanish Christmas is a Huge Celebration

Christmas in Spain is a real experience. The locals love the
celebration so much they effectively celebrate it twice. Christmas Day is
celebrated as normal on the 25th December, but then the Spaniards have one more
big gift-giving day on the 6th January as well.

Spain is one of the most visited places in the world for a good reason.
It is a great destination for relaxation, culture and delicious food that will
never stop surprising you.

Duncan Clark of Renovare Fuels Introduces the Technology That Could Lead to a Greener Future

Claire James
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Duncan Clark of Renovare Fuels Introduces the Technology That Could Lead to a Greener Future

The world has been in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic for
more than half a year so far. As things stand there is no vaccine available,
and nobody knows when the pandemic will end. The effects have been dramatic and
widespread, affecting almost every area of society. Businesses have had to
close, either temporarily or permanently. Unemployment rates have soared, and
people have been forced to remain in their homes – some working from home, some
on furlough, and some out of work completely.

The economy looks to be headed for a huge global recession
which will have repercussions
that could last for decades. However, one positive result of the global
lockdown is that carbon emission rates have decreased significantly, as travel
has been highly restricted. As lockdown measures begin to ease, these emissions
are steadily rising once again.

Duncan
Clark, Renovare Fuels’ Business Development Director, is part of an
industry calling for measures to be implemented to maintain reduced carbon
emissions as the world emerges from lockdown.

Drop in Annual
Emissions

Even with carbon emissions gradually rising, the
decline during lockdown has led the International Energy Agency to forecast
an annual drop of 8% throughout 2020. Many countries experienced a decrease in
carbon emissions of almost 25% at the peak of the lockdown period, which
occurred throughout March 2020.

In the UK, emission levels decreased by 31%, a fall of
almost a third. However, by June, as measures were eased and more people began
to commute and use transport again, emissions were only 5% lower than the same
month in 2019.

Many industry experts are now calling for the introduction
of new green technologies to retain the decreased levels of emissions and
reduce them further, even as transport becomes more of a necessity.

A Defining Moment
in the Fight Against Climate Change

The Committee on Climate Change has declared the COVID-19
outbreak as a defining moment in the fight against climate change, urging UK
ministers to implement strategies to initiate a green recovery.

The current situation has been called a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to address climate change and make the transition to a low-carbon
economy on a global scale. Priorities outlined in the CCC report to Parliament
include developing buildings that are sustainable and fit for the future, and
implementing low-carbon retrofitting wherever possible.

Investment in green infrastructure, the restoration of
peatland and tree planting are essential for a low-carbon future, as is the
strengthening of the energy networks to support electrification of heating and
transport. Infrastructure needs to be designed to promote green modes of
transport including walking and cycling to work, and a circular economy must be
pursued.

Introducing New
Technologies

There are several new technologies available that will –
should they be properly implemented – play a key role in creating a greener,
more carbon-neutral future. CCS, or carbon capture and storage, can help
prevent carbon emissions from being released into the atmosphere by capturing
carbon dioxide and compressing it into a liquid form. This can then be used to
refill reservoirs of gas and oil that have been depleted or utilised in various
industrial processes.

EfW, or energy from waste, refers to numerous technologies
that have been introduced to the market that can take waste products from
biodegradable sources and turn them into new sources of energy, primarily heat
and electricity. Renovare Fuels has developed a patented system for converting
biogas from the organic waste from homes and industry into petrol, diesel or
jet fuel. The fuel produced requires no engine modifications at all and has the
potential to drastically reduce the environmental impact of transport.

About Renovare
Fuels

Matthew
Stone, Chairman of Renovare Fuels, is an expert in clean technologies.
Stone has direct experience in the field of commercialising and integrating
technologies on an international scale, working with a highly experienced team to
design, manufacture and market new technologies for the creation of liquid
vehicle fuels from biogas.

Renovare Fuels has the technology to produce biogas from
various waste sources, including sewerage treatment facilities, anaerobic
digesters and landfill sites.

Film Shoots in COVID-19: Worthy Films Assuring Precautions at Set

ABC Staff
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Film Shoots in COVID-19: Worthy Films Assuring Precautions at Set

As Worthy Films are going to do a COVID-friendly film
shoot, it is a covenant to the willpower and survival of the industry, so the
film industry has not to face an adversary. 

In 1918, Hollywood was fully shut down by Spanish Flu,
and the virus has devastated the city, so, most similar small companies face
downfall as they cannot shut their doors.

The pandemic that everyone is facing today cannot be
compared to that one century ago, as it has closed almost every industry around
the globe. Once again, would Hollywood and earlier furnishing film scene within
the U.K. will face the same in 2020 as in 1918?

Since the scene of the production company in 2020
seems to be much different than the early 1900s, the first question is
“When can film making be started again?” that we ask from ourselves
in the film industry.

Luckily, the guidelines of BFC (British Film
Commission) brought hope, and some factors get cleared that one who was
confident and enthusiastic could return to the work from 1 June. As an
innovative film production company, Worthily Films took a grant from BFC and
tried for running with inclusivity and diversity.

Moreover, as Worthy Films was an emerging yet
courageous company, making a superficial short film introduction was not
satisfactory for them. A passionate project “Waiting for Time, written by
Paul Chronnell, was shoot down during the lockdown on embracing and
boundary-pushing visuals of 16mm film.

The team of more than 20 people were enthusiastic
about making a top-notch and high-value film. But PPE was the only thing as a
hurdle in their way. As a whole, it was what that was beneficial for them.

In the first quarter of June, a dedicated and not much
hesitating team of the play joined meeting on Zoom for listening to the
Producer and Founder of Worthy Films, Chelsea Leigh Macleod, and Steve
Dodsworth respectively. In the meeting, planning was done for keeping everyone
safe during the shoot that was listed in the upcoming week. 

Precaution materials such as gloves, antiviral spray,
masks, sanitiser, and disposable cups were gathered in a large amount for
protecting the team twice over.

During the three day shoot, only half faces of the
crew member will appear to one another, so badges or say cards were given to
each member for identification.

The crew also embraced the initial call time as it was
the very first project they were able to work on in these times. The film set
all around was scouted with Corona Pandemic in mind. It was comprised of
several large and separate rooms for every faculty of the staff and an outdoor
open space that would be covered up in the sunshine during the shoot.

It was unlikely to abstain the fact that Worthily
Films, behind the scene, the crew wants to take measures that most would
consider excessive for keeping everyone safe. For transforming a dream into
reality, all the crew members bear standing two meters away during a tea break,
which could be a small paying price.

How to deal with debt during the coronavirus pandemic

Sam Allcock
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How to deal with debt during the coronavirus pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has seen life in the UK change
beyond all recognition. Following several months of lockdown and a continuous
stream of horror stories from around the world, people are understandably
concerned about the health effects of COVID-19. In addition to this, however,
there are growing financial concerns both for the national economy and indeed
for personal finances.

It’s only right that people continue to do what’s best for
their health and that of their loved ones, but as the government begins to ease
restrictions, minds may start to turn to money worries and how to deal with
them.

If you find yourself amongst the many people who are worried
about managing money or dealing with debts, read on to find out what you could
do to set your mind at ease.

Look after your health first

Debt can be scary, particularly at
a time when many people are out of work or on reduced pay via the UK
government’s furlough scheme. Whilst this may be the case, keeping yourself and
your family safe should remain your top priority in line with official
guidelines.

With the government advocating for
people to stay inside wherever possible, some people may be worried about
leaving their home to go to the bank or pay their bills. If this sounds like
you, there’s no need to worry and there are plenty of alternatives to paying
for things in cash or by sending a cheque. By contacting your banking,
utilities, or other providers, you could find more convenient ways to make
payments so that you can stay on top of your finances during the pandemic.

These days, the majority of
companies are happy to take payments over the phone, via a secure internet
portal, or via an online banking transfer. Just remember to keep a record of
any payments that you make – even when you are staying safe at home.

Communication is key

The government, along with
numerous private organisations, have recognised the impact that coronavirus has
had on people’s finances and in many cases have put in place discretionary
schemes to prevent people from facing the usual consequences of failing to keep
up with payments. If you do find that you are unable to make a payment towards
an existing liability, get in touch with your provider and explain the
situation. There’s no cause for fear, and a cool head and firm understanding of
your situation could help you to deal with things calmly and carefully.

In a similar vein, keeping a
channel of communication open with your banking provider could help you out of
any tricky spots during the coronavirus. If you are struggling financially,
make that clear to your bank or building society as they may be able to offer
you an overdraft facility. If you already have an overdraft, they may agree to
freeze interest charges for a limited period to help you get back on your feet.

Ultimately, communicating with
your lenders and providers will almost always be more productive than simply
ignoring the problem in the hope that it goes away. Let them know if you’re
struggling, and they’ll be more likely to work with you to reach a better,
mutually agreeable position.

Be careful when borrowing

If you’re struggling with a
reduced income or have found yourself unable to pay off your usual costs during
the coronavirus pandemic, it might be tempting to take out a personal loan.
Whilst borrowing might help to cover the shortfall, it’s vital that you
understand the consequences of taking out additional liabilities at what could
be a very challenging time financially.

First and foremost, borrowers
would be wise to check that any lender from which they wish to take out a loan
is authorised and registered. There are strong governance systems in place for
UK lenders, and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) oversees such activities.
Provided that you use a reputable lender, you can rest assured that you can
access help if things go wrong – either from the FCA or the Financial
Ombudsman.

Before taking on any further
debts, those with existing liabilities may wish to assess their situation and
work out if they will be able to manage repayments in the future. Even if you
do find yourself unable to deal with outstanding debts, there’s no need to
panic as there are many debt solutions available to the UK public – for
instance an Individual
Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) which could give you longer to pay off what you
owe. You can learn more about the various types of debt solutions available to
the public at CreditAction.co.uk.

Get on top of your debt

Whatever challenges you’ve faced
during the COVID-19 lockdown, mandatory time off from work or away from the
office may have left you with some extra time on your hands. If this is the
case, a bit of free time could be exactly what you need to get on top of your
finances and start to set goals for improving them.

Money management is a tricky skill
to master, but it can all start with an effective budget. Use time spent on
furlough or away from work productively, and kick start your own financial
recovery from coronavirus.

5 Important Party Wall Tips from Expert Party Wall Surveyors

Sam Allcock
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0
5 Important Party Wall Tips from Expert Party Wall Surveyors

We all know that Party Wall Procedures may be confusing in
some certain circumstances, it may happen that the non-professionals may face
ambiguity in making decisions.

So, here we go…

We will be looking at 5 most useful Party Wall Tips for an adjoining owner to
follow before, during and after the Party Wall Procedures.

Hopefully, these Party Wall Tips will help you avoid some of
the common and reoccurring mistakes that we often see during the Party Wall
process and ensure that you can minimise the issues associated with
construction work.

Party Wall Tip (1):

“Speak to your Party
Wall Surveyor as soon as you find out that your neighbour is planning on
undertaking Party Wall works.”

Elaboration:

This will not only ensure that you understand how the Party Wall etc Act 1996 applies to your neighbour’s
works but will also dispel any myths or misunderstandings that you may have
about the Party Wall Act.

More often than not confusions about the Part Wall Act result from owners
reading the information that is outdated or interpreted incorrectly.

An experienced Party Wall Surveyor should be able to clarify any confusions you
have.

Party Wall Tip (2):

“Get a second
opinion”

Elaboration:

It is always a good idea to get a second opinion, the Party Wall
etc Act 1996 like many Acts is subject to interpretation and case law.

This can often be interpreted in different ways by different surveyors, getting
a second opinion will ensure that you are fully informed of all the facts.

Party Wall Tip (3):

“Don’t assume the
Building Owner will serve the Party Wall Notice!”

Elaboration:

This is one of the most common reoccurring problems we see,
although the service of a Party Wall Notice is a
legal requirement, more often than not the building owner starts works without
having followed the correct Party Wall procedures.

Unfortunately, this leaves the adjoining owner short of options, but more
importantly, means their property could be at risk of damage.

If you know your neighbour is planning to undertake construction work to their
property, you should speak to them, or a party wall surveyor at the first
instance to ensure they are well aware of their Party Wall responsibilities.

Party Wall Tip (4):

“Discuss the
building owner’s proposed work with the building owner in advance of the works
commencing”

Elaboration:

This will ensure that the adjoining owner is fully informed of
the works.

Discussing the work can also lead to revised plans that are of mutual benefit,
for example, we had a job recently whereby the building owner was planning to
build a single-storey rear extension with the flank wall being wholly on his
land.

After the adjoining owner and he discussed the work, it was agreed that the
wall would be built astride the line of junction, thereby being a Party Wall.

This revision meant that in the future the adjoining owner could enclose upon
the wall in order to construct their own extension, this meant that the costs
of the wall were not only shared but also meant that both owners would have
larger extensions.

Party Wall Tip (5):

“Get in touch
with the Party Wall Surveyor as soon as there is an issue on site”

Elaboration:

If you notice an issue with the building owner’s Party Wall
works during the course of the construction, get in touch with the Party Wall
Surveyor at the first instance.

Party Wall Surveyors are
on board to deal with all issues from minor to major, irrespective of how small
the issue seems it could have larger consequences as the Party Wall Works
progress.

Being a Party Wall Surveyors, they
encourage property owners to get in touch with them and ensure that there are
no unnecessary surprises further down the line and can often also avoid a
dispute between the owners.

If you are planning on undertaking Party Wall
works, or have a neighbour that is planning on undertaking construction work
get in touch with Party Wall Experts who will be happy to discuss the Party
Wall etc Act 1996 as well as the requirements.

Covid-19 Pandemic Has Fundamentally Changed Education in the UK

Sam Allcock
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0
Covid-19 Pandemic Has Fundamentally Changed Education in the UK

As soon as the COVID-19 pandemic is over, every institution will have to embrace the future boldly. The UK is one of the countries in Europe that has been hit hard by the pandemic. Schools in the country were forced to close down, but there are new plans to reopen. 

According to UK officials, the education sector has been fundamentally changed. But they are optimistic that everything will be back on track soon and that they will cope without putting any child in danger of transmitting the virus. Hence, there are guidelines that have been proposed by health officials.

Gradual Reopening of Schools

The education officials in Britain have announced a gradual reopening of schools so that children do not meet in schools all at once. Some grades will resume school first and start using the set measures immediately. As soon as they settle in, others will follow suit.

The Need for More School Buildings

This is the biggest change to ever happen in the history of UK schools. The guidelines dictate that all schools should have classes accommodating about 15 pupils whose desks have a distance of 1.5 meters between them. This creates the need for extra facilities.

  • Additional classrooms – Temporary classrooms are the best solution for schools as of now. They are affordable and quick to install compared to permanent classrooms. According to the Smart Space company, which is a leader in the provision of temporary structures in the country, schools should focus on custom temporary classrooms. The school management can discuss the details of what they want with these experts. 
  • Extra library space – Students must continue learning in the same way. Although not all of them will be in schools at the same time, the libraries must be increased in size to allow social distancing. Again, experts in temporary structures are in a position to expand the existing libraries and other similar facilities even if the school has limited open property available.
  • More offices – Both students and their teachers must observe social distancing and all safety measures to curb the spread of the virus. Teachers should also have extra office space especially in the main hall where teachers meet.

Handwashing Areas

UK schools are required to have a handwashing area to promote hygiene. The health officials recommend regular handwashing using running water and soap. Although schools might have these facilities already, they will need more to avoid crowding of children during breaks. These areas should be located in different parts of schools especially now that children will be clustered to have their breaks in different areas. 

Careful Observation of Signs of Illness

Children who show signs of fever or any other sign of illness should be isolated immediately and medical professionals should be called. When handling such a child, the supervisor should wear a mask and other PPE. This will make certain that no one is put in any danger. 

Conclusion

There are many other guidelines that have been proposed for schools to ensure there is no spread of coronavirus in schools. There is no option other than to comply for the good of the students.

First Short Film Production: Worthily Films before Lockdown in UK

ABC Staff
-
0
First Short Film Production: Worthily Films before Lockdown in UK

Francesca Jones of art Department said, ‘In Covid-19,
I was worried about how the filming projects would handle, but I was surprised
by seeing how sophisticated all of the work was done. By knowing that everyone
was very serious to their work give relaxation to my nerves.’

A weekend earlier our first day on set, Steve
Dodsworth and Chelsea Leigh Macleod of Worthily Films emcee a Zoom call with
just over 20 team members on Friday 12, June 2020. Regardless of all the
challenges, we all have the same goal, and we’re committed to making something
outstanding with the creative minds of all the team members that were selected
very carefully for the project.

Here in this article, we will discuss the five points
that would be very helpful to you for your post lockdown short film:

  1. Research

For us, the whole significant part of the preparation
was research at Worthily Films. We were beard with new facts every day.  We struggled to collect as many reports,
studies and materials as we can. The most extensive report we collected that we
used as a base for waiting for time set protocols was the British Film
Commission guidelines.

  • Preparation

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Worthily Films invested
in buying personal protective equipment like hand sanitizers, face masks, face
shields, gloves, antiviral sprays and wipes. It is to follow the guidelines
delivered by British Film Commission for social-distancing.

Giving right personal protective equipment also
reassured cast and other team members that we were taking all the preventive
measures that are necessary to protect the set.

Paul chronnell said that I forgot we are working in
the pandemic soon as everything was orderly and each member of the team was taking
the precautions like hand washing, PPE and social distancing’.

  • Communication

The main aim of the staff call was to deliver all the
safety protocols and measures to every member of the team that we had
administered. It was to assure that each member of the team feels comfortable
and to inspire the team to ask any questions before, during and post-filming.
It was very important to ask everyone to follow the protocols.

  • On-set Etiquette

Based on your set, try to have a fixed place for
members according to the two meters protocol during work. Worthily Films took
all the precautions and keep social distancing in mind and apply it to every
member.

Assure that you have proper airflow on the set because
ventilation is very important. Open windows and doors if possible. To reduce
risk of infection, try to delay lunches and breaks that will permit you for a reduced
production with minimum contact with the unsterilized things.

  • Subsequent Actions

Make sure that you are in contact with everyone,
making sure that no one gets on symptoms. If someone shows symptoms of
Covid-19, Worthily Films provide information on how to get tested. Check
everyone continuously for at least 14 days which is the incubation time.

Safety is the topmost priority of Worthily Films than
all else. They are committed to providing a working environment that is
comfortable, functional and safe. We would be happy to help you if you have any
question, feel free to contact us.

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