Use Banners to Give Your Business Advertising the Wow Factor!

Trade shows, networking events and expos can be the perfect opportunity to showcase your business and increase your brand’s visibility. One very effective way of doing this is through banner advertising. Banners are a proven and cost-efficient way of showcasing your business to a mobile audience. And because the costs of having a banner customized are comparatively reasonable compared to other forms of advertising say, it’s highly possible to interchange your messages frequently to reflect special events, deals and promotions.

So how do you give your advertising banners that Wow Factor?

Two words: Great design.

A well thought out, creatively designed banner will attract lots of attention for your brand. Whereas something that has just been ‘thrown together’ and contains all the colours of the rainbow will reflect poorly on you. Remember, your banners will be the ‘face’ of your brand, so they will need to showcase your business in a positive light.

To get the best from your banner designer, first you will need to define its purpose. Namely to capture the attention of your passing visitors and to communicate the essence of what your business offers.

A reputable banner designer will help you achieve exactly the right look for your purpose. He or she will work closely alongside you to attain a good understanding of your business, your target audience and your present aims. Your designer will then employ that knowledge to designing your banner.
Here are a few basic tips to make sure your banner stands out from the masses:

Your design should be simple, clean and professional.
One or two colours tend to look more stylish than multiple colours.
Keep your message brief and to the point. Make sure it tells your visitors what you want them to do at the event: sign-up; call; visit, or whatever.

Use the best quality materials you can afford – they’re representing your business and what it stands for.

Providing your message isn’t date-related, a banner can be used multiple times, so it provides a solid investment for the future.

Working with an experienced and reputable banner design company can make a huge difference to the quality of the end product. In buying quality materials you can reuse and by utilizing the skills of a competent design company, your advertising banners will say everything you want to say about your brand, and the advertising will pay for itself many times over.

How To Fit Your Floor Graphics in 7 Easy Steps

Floor graphics are easy to lay and will give you months of great service, providing you take the time to prepare your floor beforehand.

Here are some simple tips to ensure you get the best results from your application:

1. For a perfect finish, your floor must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased before fitting your graphics. Floor detergent is fine for this purpose, or you may use a solvent-based cleaner that is free from silicone or oil additives. For the degreasing, use white spirit or Isopropyl alcohol. Use a plain lint-free cloth for polishing up the floor surface.

2. Turn the graphic face down and place on a flat surface. Starting with the top edge, peel back 30mm of film or backing paper, crease it and return to the original position. Do not touch the adhesive with your hands.

3. Move the graphic to the starting position and fix the top edge with 2” masking tape – half on the floor and half on your graphic. Check the alignment and when satisfied, lift your graphic and ease away 30mm of the backing. In stages, peel away the remaining backing 100mm (6”) at a time. Use a flat squeegee blade to wipe downwards and outwards until the graphic is securely in place. When removing the masking tape, gently ease it across the film at an angle rather than at 90 degrees.

4. Prick any ‘bubbles’ using a needle or scalpel, then wipe down.

5. Most adhesives form a stronger bond when warm. The recommended temperature range for fitting is 15C-25C. If working in colder conditions, bonding can be aided by the gentle use of a hot air gun on the film as it is being applied.

6. Avoid walking on, cleaning, or otherwise disturbing your newly-applied graphics for 48 hours afterward.

7. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents on your graphics. Graphics are designed to be removed up to one year later without leaving any residue.

Floor graphics are perfect for most types of floor, but are not recommended for the following:

Irregular floor surfaces
Textile carpets and mats
Waxy, rough or porous ceramic tiles or wooden floors
Rubber matting
Soft PVC matting
Marble floors – discolouration may result

Now you know how easy it is to lay eye-catching floor graphics, consider using them for your next instore or outdoors promotion. With floor graphics it’s easy to create dynamic visual advertising your customers will respond to.

Make Your Mark in Business With Floor Graphics

Eye-catching floor graphics are an innovative way for your customers to find you at trade shows, exhibitions and shopping centres. They’re also perfect for instore promotions, product launches, niche marketing, local and national marketing campaigns, social media promotions . . . you name it.

Compared with traditional advertising media like press, radio and TV advertising, floor graphics are a relatively low-cost way to get your brand message across to a wider audience.
As a much under-utilised advertising space, your floors are a brilliant way to jazz up advertising promotions and special offers. Although to some extent, floor graphics have made great strides over the past few years (pardon the pun), as an advertising resource they are still considerably under-used.

People are used to seeing ads at head height, but when you are walking and catch a glimpse of something on the floor or pavement, your eyes are naturally drawn to it, so there is an element of surprise. Just think of some of the creative ways you could make a splash using floor graphics for your next campaign.

Floor graphics are created with a protective laminate on top to protect them, so they should last you anywhere between 6 months to 1 year. Do check with your supplier that the materials used have anti-slip qualities, as you don’t want to be responsible for someone getting injured.
You can also install floor graphics outdoors, which is great for garden centres, open air events, concerts – and they’re ideal for kids’ events like treasure hunts.


There are numerous benefits to using floor graphics to advertise your brand. The main ones are that they are:

Cost effective
Easy to apply and remove
Scratch resistant
Customisable

Floor graphics provide a myriad of marketing possibilities for the resourceful entrepreneur or business owner, so get creative with next advertising campaign and see where it leads you. This is definitely one occasion when you won’t mind your customers walking all over you!

Trade Shows Can Be Great For Business – Setting Out Your Stall Needn’t Break the Bank

You’re not sure whether to book space at a trade show, because, well . . . it’s expensive isn’t it? Even once the space itself is paid for, setting up a well-designed display can be costly.
But it doesn’t have to be . . .

Before you consider splashing out on a new trade show display booth you may only use once, why not consider enhancing an old one with banner stands instead. Banner frames are one of the most versatile of advertising display solutions. They’re cost-effective, creative and guaranteed to attract attention to your brand.

Easy to transport and erect, banner frames are the perfect partner for your banner advertising. The other great thing about using banner frames is that they versatile and flexible, light enough to manouvre easily, yet sturdy enough to keep your banners in place.
They made a real impact wherever your brand is displayed. Do make sure your frame is made from anodised aluminium, as it will not tarnish like mill-finish aluminium or rust like steel, ensuring years of hard-wearing service.

Companies need the visibility of trade shows to boost industry contacts and introduce new products to the marketplace. In tough economic times, it’s easy for businesses – particularly small businesses – to hold back, rather than commit further expenditure in uncertain climates. However it’s been proven that the businesses that fair best are those who continue to forge ahead.
Professional trade shows are an ideal way to find more customers and launch new products. In determining your main goal beforehand, you will be able to purchase precisely the right banner frame for your needs.

Thinking long term will also make your money go further. Unlike other forms of advertising displays, there are many ways you can utilise your banner frames after the trade show, rather than leaving it gathering dust.

You can use it for business meetings, conferences, or anywhere where your target audience is likely to frequent (with relevant permissions of course.) Perhaps a local hotel houses a monthly business breakfast briefing. Might you be able to arrange to set up your banner stand in the hotel reception? Or in the meeting room itself?

With a little imagination you should be able to find a host of alternative uses for your banner frame in between exhibitions.

The Secrets Of Buying The Right Women’s Nightwear For You

We women spend all day trying to look our best, so it’s hardly surprising our nightwear is the one thing in our wardrobe that often gets neglected. After all, who’s going to see us when we’re asleep. Perhaps a husband or partner, but they’ll still love us whatever we wear! So taking time out to find better nightwear isn’t really a priority, right?

Wrong!

The fact is, buying the right nightwear can make a difference to your whole life. That might sound like a bold statement, but it’s absolutely true. Think how different you’ll feel about yourself when you are wearing something that accentuates your best features, so you feel at your most attractive.

There is a massive choice of styles and fabrics when it comes to women’s nightwear: long and short pyjamas, nightdresses and gowns, camisole and brief sets . . . the list is endless. As well as your own personal preferences, what you choose to wear will also be determined by the climate. When it’s warm you will no doubt feel more comfortable in skimpier nightwear, than during chillier months of the year, when you may prefer to cover up.

No matter what size your budget, the most important thing is that your nightwear fits you perfectly. If you don’t get the right size – either a size too big or too small – it’s never going to feel right. Also make sure your nightwear is free from seams, straps, clips, or anything else that might dig in or pinch your skin, disturbing your comfort.

As for fabrics, well again there is an almost unlimited choice. Silk and satin is slinky and sexy – sensual against the skin – perfect for romantic occasions. Cotton is a natural fabric, cool and breathable, soft to the touch and easy to care for. Nightwear made from flannel or fleece is great for winter months as it will keep you snug and cosy all night long.


So what is the best kind of women’s nightwear for you?

Something that flatters you and feels great to wear, without sacrificing comfort. Many women who have already discovered the numerous lifestyle benefits owning the right nightwear brings, will tell you they keep a range of nightwear in different styles and fabrics – something for every occasion!

And as for your partner? Well hopefully they’ll tell you look fantastic. And you know this time they’re not just saying it to keep you sweet. You know they’re right because you look and feel a million dollars.

Thermal Underwear Now Offers Something For Everyone – Whatever The Weather!

If you thought thermal underwear was designed simply for keeping your body warm in sub-zero conditions, then it’s time to think again. Naturally, that was what is was originally designed for, but nowadays thermal underwear has so many other practical uses, from loungewear to sleepwear. It combines warmth and comfort with breathability, reducing perspiration and regulating your body temperature so it’s just right.

Thermal underwear manufacturers have responded to the demands of a rapidly growing market and designers are creating great new styles every season, so there is bound to be something that’s just perfect for you.

The brushed viscose fabric is designed for optimum warmth, providing a soft layer of heat while allowing your skin to breathe and the tailored fit means that many people are now choosing to wear thermal underwear under their work clothes.

Of course, thermals are still the “must have” garments for winter sports like skiing and mountain climbing, but they’re also wonderful for year-round sports like running, golf and tennis as they keep your muscles warm and help prevent strains.

When taking part in physical activities, it’s important not to clad yourself out in too many layers, as this can restrict movement. Thermal underwear is the perfect solution as you can opt to wear either the top or the bottoms, or both, depending on how much protection you need. Thermals are also fantastic for outdoor pursuits like camping, hiking and fishing – and these days they’re cool enough to wear to music festivals.

Designers of thermal underwear are now recognising that people want more choice as regards style of garments. Whereas the thermal standard-wear used to be long sleeved tops and long-legged bottoms, now there are many different options available on the market, such as vest or sleeveless tops and shorts. This is great news for professional women wanting to wear thermals under work suits. In the US, women have been wearing thermals under their power suits for years and now the UK is beginning to catch on too.

These days, as well as a wide variety of design options, thermal underwear comes in all sizes so it fits all the family from the little ones up. In fact, kids love thermal underwear because it’s so comfy, breathable and great for getting active in.

Practical, stylish and the ultimate in comfort, with a multitude of uses, today’s thermal underwear brands now offer something for everybody, whether you’re relaxing in front of the TV, or competing in cross-country marathon in the Arctic.

How To Choose Your Child’s First Cardboard Jigsaw Puzzle

Buying jigsaw puzzles for your child is an excellent idea. A jigsaw puzzle is that rare combination of fun toy and educational toy in rolled into one. Not many presents are equally appropriate for children to play with on their own or with others, but a jigsaw puzzle is suitable for a child to do by themselves or with friends. It enhances physical and mental attributes like hand-eye coordination, mental concentration and of course . . . promotes determination.

Sturdy puzzles made of wood are best for toddlers and pre-school children, but the vast majority of children 5 and over should be able to handle cardboard pieces without doing themselves or the jigsaw puzzle any damage.

Disney and fairytale characters hold timeless appeal for youngsters, as of course will jigsaw puzzles featuring characters from the latest TV craze, or bestselling children’s book.
When buying a child’s first ‘proper’ jigsaw puzzle it’s important to choose something with just the right amount of pieces, so it will engage them without frustrating them. Around 50 pieces is ideal for 5-year-old.

Jigsaw puzzles are good for enhancing a child’s self-esteem, as he wrestles with what at first might seem like a complicated problem. When he finds himself solving that tricky problem and moving on to more sophisticated arrangements, his confidence improves.

Working with others to complete jigsaw puzzles is an excellent way of instilling team- building qualities in youngsters and you can find many examples and buy jigsaw puzzles online.

Ideally it’s handy to build up a library of different types of jigsaw puzzles: varying shapes and subjects so your child will remain keen and interested.

When starting your child off on their first few puzzles, guide them to look for the border pieces first, before working on the ‘body’ of the picture. You can also encourage them to match colours together. It may be tempting if you’re sitting alongside your child, to keep diving in and trying to correct mistakes. Once the child has grasped what is required to complete the jigsaw puzzle picture, really it’s far better to resist interfering and allow them to find out what goes where. That way, they’ll feel a greater sense of achievement when they slot in that last piece and they’ll be more likely to want to move to the next stage – something even more challenging.

It’s often a fine line between gently coaxing a child so they don’t get frustrated when the pieces don’t fit straight away, but equally it’s vital not to hog the puzzle else they’ll feel redundant. Working on jigsaw puzzles together, encouraging your child and celebrating their successes can be a wonderful bonding experience for both child and parent.

Jigsaw Puzzles . . . Educational As Well As Fun?

Jigsaw puzzles have always provided hours of fun and entertainment, but do they offer an educational value for children?

Unquestionably.

Aside from the fun element of trying to complete a challenge, a child who is absorbed in doing jigsaw puzzles will also be developing their brain at the same time – effortlessly – without realising it.

The particular biological areas expanded during the learning process are reasoning, deduction, analytical skills, logical thought development and problem solving skills. As well as the improved mental ability, physical capabilities such as hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness are also enhanced by regular jigsaw puzzle challenges.

As well as the many benefits derived from working on general jigsaw puzzles, some companies manufacture jigsaw puzzles under the ‘educational’ label. These are designed to teach children facts on specific educational topics, such as ‘Flags of the World’ or ‘The Solar System.’
But do they really work in the educational sense?

Experts are divided as to how much direct benefit these educational jigsaws have. For instance, would your child be able to study for a geography test simply by completing a jigsaw of a map of the world? It’s highly unlikely. Most education professionals tend to agree that the educational value of a jigsaw becomes most noticeable when used in conjunction with other educational materials such as maps, books and scheduled learning programmes.

Jigsaw puzzles are great for introducing new learning concepts to a child, as well as reinforcing subjects the child is already familiar with and many examples can be found to buy jigsaw puzzles online.

As a parent, it’s helpful if you spend time with your child doing the jigsaw puzzles together. This can be incredibly beneficial as an aid to learning, as the child is more likely to ask questions while you are working together than if he or she is tackling the puzzle alone, and would have to remember to bring the point up later.

Jigsaw puzzles are a great tool for sparking the imagination. Say for instance your child is working on a jigsaw of famous landmarks. Once they have completed the jigsaw they will more than likely be curious about the structures contained in the picture and keen to know more. This can be followed up by a visit to the library, or perhaps the child will be motivated to draw some of the landmarks. The possibilities are limitless.

There is no doubt that jigsaw puzzles provide a stimulating environment in which children can learn and develop. The learning element is maximised when jigsaw puzzles are used in conjunction with other educational materials such as books, DVDs and Internet resources.

Why Sustainable Construction Matters

The aim of sustainable construction is to minimise the environmental impact of a building over its lifetime, while optimising its economic viability, and also promoting the safety and comfort of its occupants.

Unlike standard building practices which are based on short-term economic considerations, sustainable construction takes a long-term view of issues such as quality, affordability and efficiency. During each life cycle of the building, the aim is to increase the positive aspects for occupants, whilst decreasing negative environmental impacts.

Sustainable construction looks to minimise the use of raw materials, water, energy and land on an ongoing basis, throughout the life of the building.

Buildings are responsible for at least 40 per cent of energy use in most of the world’s countries, particularly those which are undergoing rapid construction development such as China and the UAE. Heating and cooling are the main energy eaters in buildings. Plus the use of air conditioning is estimated to triple by 2030, so it’s vital that we act now to make energy use more responsible and sustainable. By employing proven energy efficiency measures, as much as 70-90 per cent of a building’s need for cooling and heating can be cut, which is a pretty impressive reduction.

Building and construction works have severely impacted on the Earth’s ecosystems for decades, potentially leading to an irreversible loss of critical ecosystem functions. Building-related sickness is estimated to cost industry billions of dollars worldwide annually, whereas healthy indoor spaces offer huge potential for improving human health and lowering disease.
In seeking to make any construction project more sustainable, the environmental impact of a development’s building materials should be carefully considered. Care should be taken to select materials which have the least negative environmental impact according to their manufacture, use and disposal and recycling potential.

Materials which can be considered more sustainable are those which are:
Produced locally (minimises transport costs and associated pollution) and are able to be replenished locally for the foreseeable future.
Renewable, non-toxic and/or recyclable.
Have a low impact on the environment over their whole life cycle (production, use and eventual disposal).

But isn’t sustainable construction an expensive option?
Not at all. In fact, the cost of constructing a ‘green building’ is estimated to be a mere 5% higher on average than a conventional structure, according to a study carried out by the WBCSD as part of its “Energy Efficient Buildings” project.

Sustainable Construction . . . Our Opportunity To Build A Greener Future

According to the UK’s Environment Agency, 84 per cent of homeowners are willing to pay an additional 2 per cent for properties that have a good eco-home rating and have been designed with sustainable construction in mind.

You might think that sustainable construction is solely concerned with the fabric of buildings, but there are many other environmental considerations to take into account. The EA states that building, maintaining and occupying homes accounts for nearly 50 per cent of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions. Clearly, we need to tackle climate change as a matter of urgency. One way this can be addressed is to create more environmentally-friendly developments from now onwards.
Every time a new building or development is created there is an opportunity to produce a structure that is kinder to the environment, and for that there will be the reward of cheaper running costs. Building design, its layout, location and orientation can have a significant effect on the environment.

As homeowners, we are becoming increasingly concerned about energy performance and water efficiency,particularly with energy costs on the increase. In building above the minimum standards required, energy will be reduced over a building’s lifetime and it is less likely that additional insulation will be required later on.

Transport is another major consideration when it comes to gas emissions. Builders are being urged to take account of transport links when planning new developments in order to reduce the number of cars on the road. They are also being urged by the Government to review their supply chain before embarking on any major project to see whether environmental impacts can be reduced through purchasing materials from local sources, reducing packaging and waste – and where possible – recycling redundant materials.

Save Money and Increase Profits . . . Build Your Very Own Luxury Eco Home

Designing and building your own eco home can save you on average 30 per cent on a ready-built property; and you could find the profits rise to as much as 40 per cent on top of your build costs when the property is completed. Sometimes the added value can be higher still.

Whether its because of the vast array of property programmes on TV: Grand Designs; Property Ladder; Location, Location, Location, et al, more people are seeking greater control over the setting and design of where they live. And “design” not only refers to the appearance of a build, but rather the construction materials and overall spec of the property. And it seems everybody wants their dream home to have the ‘environmentally-friendly’ factor.

Being able to choose the location of your home is a big plus point, particularly around the major cities where space is at a premium and there is a constant demand for land. For example in London, the majority of plots that become available are commercially-owned buildings, garages and yards. One firm of property finders reported that a row of garages behind Eaton Square in Belgravia recently sold for £25 million.

The potential sting in the tail when dealing with former commercial property, is that submitting a change of use application means dealing with planners, so there are no guarantees of success.
Some estate agencies specialise in finding plots of land for clients and will charge a fee on result of a successful find so it’s worth shopping around. You can also try PlotSearch – ‘the UK’s largest single source of available land and properties to convert or renovate’, that charges a modest monthly subscription.

If you’re looking for luxury, financing your eco home may be tricky as the self-build loans market is limited. On the plus side, you will pay less tax on your purchase than with a traditional home. With the self-build option, you will currently pay duty only on the value of the land purchased. However, if the land is worth less than £125,000, you will pay nothing. Another plus is that you can reclaim VAT on building materials.

The Many Benefits Of An Eco-friendly Home

Eco homes are for people wanting to invest in their future today. Not just their own future, but that of their children and generations to come.

Leaving a smaller footprint on the earth can result in long-term benefits such as reduced energy costs, a healthier living environment and increased resale value should you decide to sell your property.

Research conducted by the RCLCO and Green TV found the main reasons for the increased popularity of eco homes is due to the premise of healthy living. Some 42 per cent of respondents stated that they were motivated by health reasons, 17 per cent by energy savings, and 12 per cent by environmental benefits.

An eco-friendly home is a great way of combating climate change; providing a safer, cleaner, greener environment. You could find yourself enjoying the latest green energy-efficient technologies like solar, wind and geothermal power.

Benefits to your home and environment might include:

• Over twice the levels of insulation required under current regulations.
• Solar water heating.
• Water recycling for toilet flushing, washing machine and garden use
• High-performance timber framed windows positioned to maximise solar gain
• Low-energy light fittings
• Full-house mechanical heat recovery and ventilation system
• Cellulose (recycled newspaper) roof insulation
The Code for Sustainable Homes was launched on 13 December 2006 in response to concerns about climate change. The vision was that a single standard would be established to cover aspects of sustainable design and build – which came into effect in April 2007.

Using a 1 to 6 star rating system, the Code rates the whole home as a complete package, measuring the sustainability of a new home against categories of sustainable design. The Code sets minimum standards for energy efficiency and water use at each level, and, within England, replaces the Eco Homes scheme developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

Some of the ways the Government plans to reduce CO2 emissions in the home are:

Consulting with retailers and manufacturers to phase out inefficient light bulbs.
Providing better information to consumers about the products and services they buy and use – including gas, electricity and water.
Working with manufacturers to remove inefficient ‘white goods’ - such as fridges - from the market.
Encouraging developers to build in good access to public transport when they are planning new homes.
Improving building regulations to make new homes more energy efficient.
Introducing Energy Performance Certificates that provide more information about how energy efficient a property is.

The Government is also considering ideas such as allowing householders to fit renewable technologies such as solar panels without the need for planning permission.

Clearly the main reason people are being won over to eco homes is because they are recognising the numerous benefits to their health that can be attained by greener living.
As well as doing your bit for to reduce your carbon footprint, an eco home will provide you with higher standards of luxurious living that works in harmony with the environment, as well as saving you money.

Winning Building Tenders with a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)

All publically funded work is subject to European Tender Rules, allowing any organisation to bid fairly and transparently for all public work. A PQQ, or Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, is designed to enable all public sector purchasers to identify the most suitable suppliers to invite to tender for contracts.
Part of a two tiered system, first the PQQ is issued to all interested tenders for construction bidding, to allow each candidate to show their ability to complete the project. Secondly, the questionnaires are marked and the top scoring candidates are invited to submit a bid for the work.

It sounds easy enough, however a PQQ is between 50 and 100 pages long and can take up to four days to complete. On top of that, in the current economic climate there are more and more organisations attempting to bid for the same construction project. As you don’t get the chance to meet the client face to face and try to persuade them to choose your organisation for the work, the PQQ becomes your chance to impress.

Although it is a fair process, the judges tend to be risk averse, leaning them towards choosing larger organisations that have a larger management teams and more experience in the field, often in jobs larger than the one tendered for.
The PQQ therefore is a very important step in securing a successful building tender, especially as a small business. It should be used as an advert for your organisation, to ensure the judges believe you are able to deliver, and to a higher level than the other candidates.

So, how to deliver a winning PQQ? Professional presentation is most important. Do not use a generic PQQ if you are planning on applying for more than one project, each PQQ must be created with the specific contracting authority in mind. The majority of organisations will be trying to convey the same message, so develop a unique method of presentation to create a sense of brand identity. Be consistent with your messages throughout to emphasize this, and so the judges are sure of your strengths.

It is essential to allow enough time for a PQQ to be completed; the judges need to see a high level of focus and that you are serious about winning the bidding tender, to be sure that the same level of focus will be maintained when carrying out the work.

More information can be found about this subject on the Wholebuild website as well as information on ecohomes.

What are Harmonised Standards

A harmonised standard is a European standard (EN), prepared by the European Commission or the EFTA Secretariat with the purpose of supporting the essential requirements of a directive.

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) was founded in 1961 with the intention of developing harmonised standards in various sectors, to create a single internal market for goods and services to position Europe in the global economy.

The European Single Market was introduced in 1992 with the aim to remove trade barriers between EU countries, meaning organisations would not have to worry about local product legislations, providing a level playing field for market requirements through harmonised standards. Directives were introduced across the EU with which all products must comply. European Commission directives define the ‘essential requirements’, for example: the protection of health and safety that goods must meet to be placed on the market.

The European Standard that covers materials and products used in construction is listed under the Construction Products Directive (CPD). The CPD aims to remove trade barriers for construction products within the European Economic Area (EEA).

The CPD has provided the following four elements which have enabled this freedom of trade:
• A system of harmonised technical specifications
• An agreed system of attestation of conformity for each product family
• A framework of notified bodies
• CE product marking

CE Marking:
CE marking is a compulsory conformance mark required on products available on the market in the European Economic Area (EEA). A product bearing CE marking shows the Government that the product can be legally placed on the market and can be sold freely within the European Union.

CE marking is required if either the New Approach or Global Approach directives apply to the products. Each directive is split into two sets of requirements: protection requirements and administration requirements. The protection requirements set the safety standards each product must meet, ensuring the product is safe for transportation and intended use when purchased anywhere in the EU. The administration requirements state how each product should be CE marked.
More information about this and sustainable construction can be found on the Wholebuild website

How Solar Panels Work

So, how do solar panels work, well firstly we need to look at the different types of solar panel that are in use today.

There are three main types of solar panel in use today:

* Solar PV or Photovoltaic panels

* Solar Thermal Panels

* Solar Hybrid 'PV-T' or 'PVT' panels that combine Solar PV and Solar Thermal.

Looking at these technologies in more detail:

Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Panels

These panels are used to produce electricity. A typical PV Solar panel works by using an array of Photovoltaic cells, which are semiconductor devices that produce electricity when exposed to light. Each cell only produces a relatively small amount of power, which is why multiple cells are used for each panel.

Solar PV cells produce DC (direct current) and for powering normal domestic appliances this must be converted to AC (alternating Current) and at a suitable voltage. An _Inverter_ is used to convert DC to AC and a suitable inverter is an important part of the solar PV system. Likewise there is an electronic control and metering system to control when you use solar power and when you feed electricity back to the main grid electricity supply provider.

Technological development has increased the power efficiency of these devices in recent years and the introduction of PV panels has greatly increased with the introduction of the government Feed In Tariff's or FITs which providing financial inducements to use such panels and reduces the payback periods. To qualify for the FIT scheme the panels and installer must be MCS certified.

Solar Thermal Panels

Solar Thermal systems use pumped fluid circulation to directly harvest the solar heating effect and high temperatures at the solar collectors to heat fluid which is then passed through a solar cylinder or heat exchanger in a closed loop to transfer heat to a pumped home heating system, providing hot water for the home, office or to heat swimming pools! Thermal Solar Panels work with this transfer fluid (often a glycol solution) passing through tubes or across a flat plate mounted on a roof or angled ground array, with a small electric pump to circulate the fluid.


These systems have been around for a long while; however as with solar PV systems there have been developments that have improved efficiency, with the use of evacuated tubes ensuring that the heat captured at the collector is more efficiently collected. There is another financial incentive scheme - the RHI (Renewable Heating Initiative) which may assist in the payback period for such installations.

Hybrid Solar PV-T Panels

Solar PV panels become less efficient as the temperature of the panel rises. An obvious solution to this, is to cool the solar PV panels to ensure that they stay cooler and keep running at high efficiency.

PV-T/PVT Hybrid solar panel systems work by combining the electrical generating properties of a Solar PV system with the heat transfer system of a solar thermal system - bringing the combined benefits of both systems for heating and electricity.

These hybrid systems are fairly recent developments and to successfully combine these systems, the two technologies involved need to be carefully designed. Claims are that for a correctly balanced system it is possible to obtain up to as much as a 40% increase in electrical yield compared to a standard PV panel of the same area and enough free heat for a low energy buildings annual heating requirements.

At Wholebuild we work with a range of professionals in the solar industry. For more information on these systems, browse our site where you will find information from a range of professional manufacturers, installation companies and trade associations.

Solar panels provide renewable energy sources. See the Wholebuild website for more.

The Code for Sustainable Homes: Improving Energy Efficiency and Sustainability of a Building

The Code for Sustainable Homes, or CSH, is a rating system which assesses the drawings and specifications of a property before construction and allocates points based on the The Government has introduced this rating system as means to reduce the environmental impact of our homes, and increase the energy efficiency and sustainability of both new and existing properties.

Working in collaboration with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) the Government have introduced the Code for Sustainable Homes, based on the EcoHomes system, to set the standard for sustainability and to be used as a basis for future developments to building regulations.

The following nine elements are assessed within the Code for Sustainable Homes rating system, which fall under two categories; mandatory and other.

Energy and CO2 Emissions -

Energy and CO2 emissions fall in the mandatory category, as they are important factors in increasing the sustainability of a building and reducing its environmental impact. This element uses the SAP - Standard Assessment Procedure to calculate a rating, assessing whether the energy consumption and resulting CO2 emissions meet the minimum requirements set to keep both at a minimum, and what systems have been put in place to regulate this.

Water -

The water element also falls in the mandatory category along with energy and CO2 emissions. This element is assessed based on the quantity of water consumption of the property, and whether building products have been installed to keep water consumption to a minimum.

The water consumption needs to be limited to 105 litres per person per day, and by installing a greywater recycling system it is not difficult to keep water consumption to a minimum. Other building products that can be used to reduce consumption include low-flush mechanisms and water saving tap flow limiters.

Surface Run-Off -

An important element contributing to sustainability is surface run-off, which can be harnessed to generate electricity or be reused in the property. By controlling surface run-off, the risk of flooding due to urbanisation is decreased, therefore reducing environmental impact as well as meeting the requirements for water consumption. By using a rainwater harvesting system, the requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes can be met.

Materials -

There are no minimum requirements to be met for this element; however the assessment is made on the environmental impact of the building materials to be used in the construction of the building.

Waste -

The waste element also has no minimum requirements set to meet the code for sustainable homes. However, this element will be assessed in terms of the waste products generated in the construction of the building and the methods put in place to encourage recycling.

Pollution -

The pollution element has no minimum requirements to meet to adhere to the code for sustainable homes. The pollution created from the use of the property will be assessed as part of the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH).

Health and Well-Being -

Health and well-being has no minimum requirements to be met. The assessment is based on the effects of the property on its occupants, in terms of design and indoor environment.

Management -

The management element is a more general assessment of the methods introduced in the plans and specifications of the building to manage the environmental impacts of both the construction of the property and the use of the home. This element also has no minimum requirements set.

Ecology -

The ecology of the building is an important element to be considered when aiming to reduce the environmental impact of a property. This element is assessed based on the impact of the building on local eco-systems, and biodiversity

For more information about sustainable construction look at the Wholebuild website.

Fabulous Handkerchiefs Not To Be Sneezed At

Of course, items from bygone eras are often confined to the history books, a simple victim of progress. Take former fashion accessories such as monocles, snuff boxes and the gold medallion, for instance – gone, but not forgotten. But thankfully, there are things that don’t diminish entirely, and that in many ways, have continued to flourish.

Handkerchiefs, for example, served as a vital part of anyone’s appearance for generations and, although nowadays, hankies find themselves competing with cheaper, supposedly more convenient throwaway paper tissues, they still stand proud.

You can’t beat the poise and elegance of a good cotton handkerchief, whether it’s a subtle plain white one or a more elaborate design. A handkerchief can say a lot about you. What’s more, in these uncertain times of sustainability and concern over the environment, a 100% cotton re-usable handkerchief has the huge plus that it doesn’t need to be thrown away.

These days, not only are do men’s handkerchiefs come in a plethora of styles and designs, from satin cotton, coloured border pattern, satin border, tartan styles and dyed chec – but, there are also Bamboo handkerchiefs that are made from 60% bamboo fibres. This makes them naturally antibacterial. Progress is a good thing, after all.

Handkerchiefs also represent great value for money with packs that feature a verity of different hankies of the same or differing styles which means a new day of the week can mean a brand new handkerchief, too.

Ladies handkerchiefs provide some beautiful feminine designs. Elegant gift-boxed embroidered and cotton hankies are perfect for your own personal use or as a gift for someone special.

As a woman you can take your pick from a seemingly never-ending sea of arty variations, including cotton scallop edge, printed floral, handy dobby and lovely pastel-coloured satin bor. That’s not to forget the raft of quality embroidered patterned hankies as well.

Re-discover the quaint necessity and subtle style of the handkerchief and add a bit of retro chic to your daily wardrobe.