SUBSCRIBE
Home Blog Page 954

Tips to be the best employee in the office

ABC Staff
-
0
Tips to be the best employee in the office

From the day of joining the office, every employee thinks of being the best employee in the office by doing everything possible to impress everyone in the office. With this being said, we need to remind you that not every employee can be the best in the office. They can give the best but getting the title tag of the best employee is not an easy task.

To help you know whether you’re on the right path to get the title tag of best employee, here are some points that should be on your mind.

1. Giving your best

This is the most basic point, and we hope you understand the fact that until the time you do not give your best for the company, it will not be easy for you to get appreciation and find yourself on the right track. This is an important point, and you should consider it seriously.

2. Enjoying the task that is given to you

Giving your best does not only mean that you should try to do what you have been doing in the past but pushing yourself to the limits where things turned out to be as productive and engaged as you want them to be and you feel satisfied with the task that is given to you. Remember that if you’re not enjoying the task, you’ll not be in a position to be confident at all times. So, be extremely careful with this point and make sure that you’re enjoying data set is given to you. If not, making a switch will be a smart thing to do.

3. Showcasing your additional skills

In every office, there are many services like Transcription Services and marketing services that are outsourced to do other experts. If you think that you have an additional skill that can help the company can turn on search expenses, make sure that you let your senior know about it and let them give you an opportunity to help the company cut down on its expenses. An additional skill showcase will only help in improving your chances of being the best employee in the office.

4. Being Loyal

Efficiency is one thing but being loyal to the company is the most important thing if you want to be connected to the company for a longer duration. Remember that you do not get the best employee tag until the time you’re loyal, and you let everyone in the office know that your level of dedication is slightly higher as compared to other employees in the office.

 

 

Spend Now, Save Later: Three Home Essentials It’s Not Worth Scrimping On

Elliot
-
0
Spend Now, Save Later: Three Home Essentials It’s Not Worth Scrimping On

Your house is your sanctuary, so it’s only right that you feel comfortable, secure and safe there. Nearly everything you could bring into your house to improve it comes in expensive or cheap versions, so how do you know what will be worth the extra money, and what won’t? To help you decide, we have compiled a guide on the areas of your home that are most worth spending money on.

 Home security

 Statistics obtained by Safewise suggest that homes without a security alarm system are 300% more likely to be broken into; recent figures have also shown that only 10% of burglaries in the UK over the last six years were solved. In the face of statistics like these, you can’t afford not to invest in a high-end security system for your home.

While you may want to spend less on a burglar alarm system, you are more likely to have to call out (and shell out) for repeated repair work. Professional security companies often note that those looking for a cheap home security system may also incur higher insurance premiums, as insurers often offer reduced fees for more secure houses. The lower level of protection follows naturally from the lower price point, with cheaper systems more prone to false alarms, and more likely to be foiled by intruders.

So while spending less on the alarm system may be tempting, it will ultimately cost you more to maintain a cheap security system.

Home Repairs

 Sometimes doing it yourself isn’t the best option. DIY can sometimes be very costly, or even put you in harm’s way. For example, you may be able to do minor electrical work, like installing new light fixtures or replacing fuses. But when it comes to replacing circuit breakers or adding new wiring, it is not so easy. Wires could heat up and cause a short circuit, which could then lead to an electrical fire.

These fires are not only destructive and dangerous, but many insurance companies will not be willing to cover fire damage caused by faulty wiring. For your own safety, it is best you call a certified electrical engineer to help fix major electrical problems.

Similar to electrical repairs, fixing gas appliances yourself can exact incur hefty costs or can even be fatal, if you’re not careful. You may think that you are taking all precautions by turning off the gas and carefully managing a repair on your own, but it’s possible for a gas leak to develop into the much bigger danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. If any gas appliances need fixing, such as boilers, gas furnaces, or ovens, call a Gas Safe engineer.

If there are any issues with plumbing or drainage in your house, there are some things you can do on your own: fixing a leaky sink or changing a showerhead, for example. However, most of the plumbing in a house is out of sight, which makes it more difficult to notice small problems before they become bigger. Water damage can be particularly expensive, so it is important you use quality parts and hire a plumber if necessary.

 Home furnishings

 You may have exhausted your excitement unpacking boxes and decorating your home, but once you’ve finished making your house look the way you want it to, you’ll likely need a bite to eat and a comfy bed to rest your head on.

According to research, each person in the UK opens the fridge 98 times each week. Refrigerators are also known to use up a lot of the household electricity as they are one of the only appliances that are left on all day, all night, 365 days a year. If you invest in an energy-efficient fridge, it may cost more money at the point of purchase, but you could save up to £85 a year.

It is cliched wisdom that we spend over a quarter of our lives in bed, and after a hard day’s work, the last thing you want is an uncomfortable, unsupportive mattress which could lead to back problems. Investing in a top quality mattress will not only improve the quality of your sleep, making you more productive when you are awake, but also help you avoid unnecessary health issues.

The Forex Market – From Then to Now

Elliot
-
0
The Forex Market – From Then to Now

The forex market has come a long way since the Second World War, after which the economy of several European nations took a beating. It was only with the aim of helping these economies recover that the Bretton Woods Accord came into effect in 1944. While the accord came with multiple resolutions, it was the pegging of foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar that made the biggest impact on the economies of the time.

 

Pegging

A pegged exchange rate or a fixed exchange rate comes into effect when the value of a given currency is fixed against the value of another currency, or against a different value of measure such as gold. The Bretton Woods Accord resulted in the pegging of currencies to the U.S. dollar, and their value remained dependant on the value of the dollar. The U.S. dollar, on the other hand, was pegged to price of gold. It was the U.S. government’s obligation to hold adequate gold reserves to account for the currency in circulation.

 

The Rise of Eurodollars

By the end of the Second World War the Soviet Union had become an important producer of oil. Since it sold the oil to foreign countries, it received payments in U.S. dollars. Given the hostilities between the two superpowers during the Cold War era, and worried about their bank accounts being seized by American authorities, Russians starting making huge U.S. dollar deposits in European banks. The eurodollar market did not take long to grow, going on to become a major source of lending capital.

 

Post the 70s

Trading in currencies was majorly limited to large multinational corporations until the early 1970s. Much of the trading focused on individual stocks and commodities, and trading for investment was not quite in vogue. By the early 1970s, high inflation levels and a looming energy crisis caused a rapid rise in the price of gold, which did not do any good for the value of the U.S. dollar.

When Nixon did away with the gold standard linked to the U.S. dollar in 1971, it led to free-floating exchange rates and resulted in the over-the-counter (OTC) market that we see in this day and age.

 

OTC and Exchange Based Trading

After the end of the gold standard, the value of free-floating currencies depended on market conditions and a bunch of other factors. The foreign exchange market as we know it today started taking shape in the 1970s. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) was the first exchange to offer currency trading, with the launch of the International Monetary Market (IMM) in 1971.

Now, this market is divided into multiple access levels, with the interbank foreign exchange market at the top. This includes some of the largest banks as well as securities dealers. Interbank spreads, or the difference between bid and ask prices, are rarely disclosed to the outside world, and non-banking entities usually need to pay high service fees if they wish to trade in this market.

 

Market-Makers and Internet-Based Trading

Recent technological developments in different realms have led to an increasing number of brokers developing web-based currency trading platforms. These entities serve as market-makers and they provide two-way quotes for all supported currency pairs.

Several predominantly online FinTech companies now give individuals and businesses easy means to make cross-border transfers. Examples of top international money transfer companies include TransferWise, OFX, World First, CurrencyFair and HiFX. While these companies provide largely similar services, there are some differences in certain features such as “Request international funds transfer” via only email addresses. Comparing them ahead of time may lead to savings in different ways.

 

The Future

One way to send and receive funds that is gaining ground quickly is through the use of second generation mobile phones that are still commonly used in different parts of Africa, South America, and Asia. The fact that virtual cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Litecoin are gaining in popularity also leads one to believe that this medium may disrupt the forex market in not too distant a future.

Italy, Michigan Moving Towards Online Casino Progress

Elliot
-
0
Italy, Michigan Moving Towards Online Casino Progress

The world of online gambling is growing fast, with two major developments on the horizon. The first is Italy moving towards growing its online casino industry; the second, the potential for legal online gambling in the American state of Michigan.

Italy plans to open license applications for online casino operators. Online gambling is already legal in Italy, however limited numbers of licenses mean that players have a small selection of options to choose from for gaming.

According to reports from the Italian Government, up to 120 new online gambling licenses will be released to gaming operators over the near future. Analysts believe that approximately one third of these will be given to Italy’s existing online gambling operators.

The applications aren’t cheap, however. Reports state that operators interested in acquiring a license will need to pay 200 million euros (£177.8 million) to apply, with a two-month period for preparing and submitting their applications.

Licenses will be current until the end of 2022, allowing operators to participate in Italy’s online gaming market for several years. The move is viewed as a major opportunity for Europe-based online casino operators interested in expanding into the Italian market.

It could also signal an opportunity for online casino operators that primarily serve the UK, such as Casino.NetBet.co.uk.

In 2016, the Italian online gaming market generated more than one billion euros in revenue and grew its size by 25% compared to the previous year. Almost half of total revenue from gambling in Italy came from casino betting, with sports betting responsible for around 350 million euros.

The move could potentially be a significant asset for Italy, which has failed to grow its economy over the past year. According to the BBC, Italy’s second-quarter growth in 2016 was 0%, with a lack of economic progress contributing to unemployment and debt issues.

Another interesting online gambling industry developing is taking place across the Atlantic, in the American state of Michigan.

In an attempt to fuel growth and develop the state’s economy, members of the Michigan House of Representatives are discussing an online gambling bill called HB 4926, which could allow for online gambling in the state.

The bill is currently supported by the state’s former Attorney General Mike Cox, who recently testified in support of the bill. Opponents of HB 4926 include the state’s existing casino gaming industry, which has lobbied against it, and one Michigan-based gaming tribe.

Like the developments in Italy, the legalisation of online gambling in Michigan could produce opportunities for UK-based companies interested in expanding their operations into the United States.

Currently, neither measure has passed into law. It’s also unlikely that the Michigan bill will go ahead as quickly as the proposed legal developments in Italy. However, both proposals appear to be serious ones, with large-scale support and potential.

Should either pass, it could potentially create new opportunities for online casino operators both in and outside the UK interested in moving into new markets and reaching new audiences.

5 Top Training Tips For The Financial And Banking Sector

Elliot
-
0
5 Top Training Tips For The Financial And Banking Sector

The Finance and Banking sectors are very complex when it comes to training. From entry level employees, all the way to senior managers, training is vital to master the key processes of these fast paced, data driven sectors. Knowing how to implement an effective training plan is key to ensuring continued business growth and personal development. This article will cover 5 top training tips that all businesses in the financial and banking sector need to know.

1: Understand Strengths And Weaknesses

To understand who will benefit the most from financial training courses, a business must conduct an audit of their employees. This review should highlight the key strengths and weaknesses of each employee, to understand the areas they need to improve on. Providing that there are no major gaps in knowledge, this review can be informal. Ensuring that each employee understands that training is there to help them and the business grow, will increase compliance and limit resistance to training. Employees at all levels of the business should be reviewed. No matter their experience, there is always room to learn more.

2: Assess Business Capabilities

Financial and banking training can be a time consuming and expensive task. Therefore, before any decisions are made, a business must assess their capabilities. Resources including training budgets and availability of staff must be carefully considered to create an effective financial training plan. This will help identify which training methods are ideal for the situation and business goals. For example, a business with a large budget may look at hiring consultants, or sending employees on financial training courses. On the other hand, companies with smaller budgets could look at implementing mentoring or internal training processes. Logistics must also be considered. With training taking up a large amount of time, staff must be able to keep up their workloads while simultaneously focusing on their training. This will take a high level of organisation, but is worth it to implement a strong training plan.

3: Limit Resistance To Change

Resistance to change is an important part of any training plan in the financial or banking sector. Many employees, especially those at senior level, may be against further training. This can be for a number of reasons including ego, or wanting to focus on their work. It is therefore vital to limit resistance to change as much as possible. This can be managed through having those in leadership positions take the lead. With senior members of staff on board, the rest of the company will soon follow. Leading by example is extremely important to reduce resistance to change, as well as keeping up working relationships within the business. Companies can also push the benefits of training, including career advancement, technical knowledge and personal development.

4: Identify Key Added Value Opportunities

Understanding the cost/benefit ratio for financial training is very important when identifying the correct employees to take forward for training. One of the key factors to understand is that training has value beyond just increasing knowledge. By sending employees on financial training courses, the business is gaining value through increased work efficiency which will lead to better results and more revenue in the long run. However, this will only work if key employees are identified that will benefit the business the most. These are typically either lower level employees, who need the technical knowledge to improve their work processes, or those in leadership roles that need to be an authority figure on certain topics. Finding a mix of employees will ensure that the business is adding the most value possible.

5: Develop Internal Training Processes

Training and personal development should be a continuous process for any financial business. While a single training push will help the business grow, standard training processes need to be integrated into the foundations of the business. The HR department should be a key point of contact for all training needs. There should be standard training plans put in place for each department, especially for new employees that need to learn complex information as quickly as possible. While it will take time to implement these processes, it is worth it to ensure that training is an ongoing process for employees of all levels.

Overall, training in the financial and banking sector can be complex. Following these 5 top tips will ensure cost effective and valuable training for all employees for any financial business.

How thinking outside the box can bring in big bucks

ABC Staff
-
0
How thinking outside the box can bring in big bucks

Every now and again some idea that might seem crazy at first ends up being an instant hit with consumers. Thinking outside the box and seeking seemingly impossible solutions to improve our lives have paid off for many creators around the world.

Also, companies dedicated to innovation baffle us with products we never thought possible. Quirkiness sells. Finding a niche market, rather than catering to the masses, can make these less greedy entrepreneurs wealthy.

Take women for women taxi services. The trend started with Pink Ladies in London in 2006, and the concept went global. In Malaysia, the female only taxi service even got government funding. In no other city, for obvious reasons, has this service had more success than in New York.

Waitrose created the “Bag for Life” scheme, they were the first retailer to introduce this concept 10 years ago. Now the term “bag for life” has become generic and made room for more trendy alternatives.

British Accessory Designer of the year, Anya Hindmarch, wildly fashionable “I am Not a Plastic Bag” is just a simple, rope-handled, sturdy cotton shopping bag – albeit one that’s rather beautifully designed.  It got trendy young women who wouldn’t be seen alive with a “Bag for Life” doing their bit for waste reduction.

Quirky Apps that made their creators filthy rich

People love apps. We all know somebody who has an app for practically everything. Some are very useful and some save you time and worry. Then there are apps most of us mercilessly mock, yet they too have an audience.

Take Game for Cats as an example.This iPad app got press attention from the New York Times, L.A. Times, WIRED.co.uk, Gizmodo, ABC News and more. Cat owners with bored pets can download the app and buy the “mouse level”. Their feline companions get to chase rodents on the screen with their paw. An instant hit among cat lovers worldwide.

Another remarkable “problem solving” app which has made the inventors rich is the “Fake-An-Excuse: Hangup Now!” app. What this does is help you find a way to hang up when you are dying to get off the phone with somebody by inventing fake excuses for you. Not an app you want your wife to catch you using.

Crazy online casino concepts

There is a bespoke casino for you, whatever your inclinations, hobbies or preferences are. The variety of online casinos will baffle anyone who cares to check out the myriad of choices out there, from amusing to mind-boggling.

If you like to smoke a joint from time to time – there is a casino for you.

If you like cats and kittens, you will be well looked after. If you practice Voodoo – combine this with soul slots for fun. Desperate Housewives fan? You can relive it all. There are “manly men” casinos, gay and lesbian casinos, sexy casinos and so on.

You will find less exotic casinos focussed on the mobile player or the high-roller. You name it, there is a casino for you. On online casino sites like these, any player can enjoy an equally varied amount of eclectic themed slots and relax while playing.

Ocean plastic waste innovations

Sportswear made out of ocean waste? Sounds impossible. Well, good old Adidas, the German athletic gear company, started a business sustainability partnership with Parleys.

Making shoes out of ocean waste is possible today, but only with the help of forward-thinking and innovative global industries. The ocean waste shoe has taken off and is said to be as good as any other trainer.

Another product made from plastic debris is Method’s Ocean Plastic 2-in-1 Dish & Hand Soap. Innovators view this project both as a means of working to fix a major environmental problem and raising ocean pollution awareness. Method’s soap has a biodegradable formula and is great for washing both dishes and hands.

If you are still reading you are probably buzzing with other and better examples. Maybe you have an idea of your own which fills a need and has a niche audience? Thinking outside the box is not just fun – it can turn a “crazy” idea into big bucks.

Understanding the Growth of EDI

Elliot
-
0
Understanding the Growth of EDI

Today, the vast majority of electronic business transactions take place using technology called EDI, or electronic data interchange.

EDI systems have grown tremendously in popularity over the past decade, playing a major role in a wide range of industries. Recent analysis from Grand View Research states that the global EDI market specifically for health services reached a valuation of $2.7 billion USD in 2016.

So, what is it that’s driving this massive growth in the popularity of EDI systems? EDI software, such as the recently launched XEDI, can provide a wide range of benefits for small, mid-sized and enterprise businesses.

The biggest of these is an improvement in accuracy and reliability. Data shows that use of EDI systems can lead to a significant increase in data quality, with some sources noting a 30 to 40% reduction in transactions that contain errors.

Many of the errors eliminated by EDI are specifically related to human input. Most data on the benefits of EDI systems specifically note a reduction in errors from poor handwriting, lost and misplaced documents, human calculation errors and data entry mistakes.

Because EDI systems improve accuracy, they also have a measurable effect on the speed of the business cycle. By using EDI, many mid-sized and enterprise businesses are able to speed up their business cycles by as much as 61 per cent.

There are also smaller efficiency improvements made possible by EDI. Since EDI systems let businesses automate paper-based tasks and rapidly process documents, staff are freed up to spend more of their time on mission critical processes.

From a strategic perspective, EDI allows for faster, more accurate decision making, as the use of EDI technology gives management staff a greater level of transparency into transactions and ongoing operations.

Finally, there are cost benefits to EDI. EDI transactions are paperless, eliminating paper, filing, storage, printing and other costs. Logistical costs, such as postage and document retrieval, are also largely or completely eliminated using EDI technology.

Because EDI is automated, there are also significant reductions in the labour costs associated with each transaction. Many companies have noted cost reductions of 95% or more as a result of managing orders, purchases and invoices electronically.

In short, there’s no shortage of reasons for the rapid movement of businesses from traditional, manual data interchange to EDI. Unlike other cost-cutting measures, EDI improves results and produces a higher quality business, all while reducing expenses.

Until recently, EDI systems were primarily used by large businesses with the scale to notice a measurable improvement from automation. Now, EDI is rapidly becoming a key part of many small and mid-sized businesses.

Software such as XEDI, which offers EDI platform access for individuals and small businesses, is beginning to disrupt the space. Today, small and mid-sized businesses can afford to switch to EDI without being restricted due to budgetary limitations.

As a result, we expect to see the 85% of business transactions that currently take place using EDI to continue moving towards 100%, potentially at a faster pace than ever before.

How smart card cash technology is changing events

Elliot
-
0
How smart card cash technology is changing events

Universal Smart Cards (USC) revealed their revolutionary digital cash system at this year’s World Yoga Festival, held in Reading. The company worked in close partnership with the organisers, in order to trial their of digital cash solution at the event.

A carefully selected panel of volunteers were equipped with the innovative technology and agreed to pay for all of their food and drinks, purchasing only from selected vendors using ‘Universal Cash’. Each consumer using a pre-loaded smart card and amazingly, simple mobile phones were used as merchant terminals.

Cashless vending is widely used across many sectors such as education, government and health to name a few. Many enjoy the simplicity, convenience and efficiency. Organisers of the yoga festival faced all the potential issues created by an outdoor event and by partnering with USC and adopting this technology too they hoped to:

  • Reduce queues caused by slow, transactional cash handling.
  • Increase the financial control of the event.
  • Enhance the safety and security of all involved

Approximately 200 people obtained refreshments from 9 vendors. In an area with unreliable mobile coverage, all transactions had to be possible offline and onsite also top-ups had to be readily available. The challenge had been set.

Universal Cash is the future for event organisation

The volunteers had loaded a selected amount at the event onto a contactless smartcard or wristband. The wristbands were particularly suited to this kind of large event, the user feeling far more secure not carrying cash.

Authorised staff provided top-ups at the event using USC supplied generic NFC mobile devices as merchant terminals and load stations. The use of smartphone based merchants ensured no disruptions due to network outage or unavailability. Vendors were delighted by the ease and speed and were particularly pleased with reduced merchant fees. At the conclusion of the 3 day event, all redemptions were totalled and paid by direct bank transfer.

Costs were monitored all the way down to individual purchases leaving merchants asking why this isn’t available at all events.

Ramanuj Banerjee, the Co-Founder World Yoga Festival said:

“We had limited ATM facilities on site and this limited cash expenditure by festival goers with merchants that did not accept bank cards. We have therefore decided to enlarge the system next year for all festival goers by enabling all merchants with terminals. We expect this to increase turnover for our merchants. The Universal Cash system is easy to deploy and easy to use. If you are using papers coupons and vouchers you need to understand the greater convenience and control possible through the Universal Cash system being offered by Universal Smart Cards.”

With substantial queue reduction and the threat of theft virtually eliminated, our consumers felt safe and satisfied.

The marketing and sponsorship opportunities with universal cash are huge and with reduced cash handling, automated revenue and simple card management, more and more events will take the cashless option. With the ability to conduct thousands of contactless transactions over the course of a festival or event, the savings on merchant costs alone could be significant.

Offering personalised items such as branded or designed wristbands at your event, can now enable you to control attendees through access control barriers, pay for their food and drinks and top-up with credit when they spend more than planned.

As the Yogis went home with a final Namaste, the successful collaboration indicated that Universal Smart Cards leads the market in new cashless technology and will change the landscape of event management completely.

And for festival going veterans, those who spend hours waiting in the queue as coin counting individuals hold everything up, this can only be a good thing.

How to say NO to your boss

Elliot
-
0
How to say NO to your boss

I can bet, on several occasions, you have been asked to do something at work you were not that eager to do, either because you disagreed or just because you did not like the task. However, because of fear or insecurity, you do not say no. And not because you do not dare to do it, but because you do not know how to say it.

In most situations, bosses are not the ones claiming for things to be done. Workers tend to ask their bosses to clearly state what they want, and what they expect, in order to fully fulfil their requirements. On one hand, bosses want their employees to be clear and organized when performing tasks, recognize their mistakes and fulfill their commitments. On the other hand, workers want more than anything to satisfy their bosses, even if that implies doing something they dislike.

When these aspects are not met by both sides conflicts arise, making it more complicated to carry a clear line of communication. In general, bosses have the last word, but workers also have the option to propose alternatives.

Sara Lopez, teach coach in Trendhim, a Danish fashion company of men’s jewelry and accessories, such as lapel pins or bracelets, shares with us some valid arguments that you can use when you do not know how to say no to your boss:

Do not be impulsive

If you are given a task and your temper is irrational, keep calm and before exploding. Take a deep breath and calm down. Perhaps the task is not that demanding, and you are making a situation out of something that is not worth it.

What you can see as a problem, might be a benefit for your future. The best option is to study the details of the task, the effort it implies. Once this is done, take time to think about its benefits before refusing to refuse it.

Choose the right moment

Now that you have studied the pros and the cons of that specific task, and you still want to refuse it,  either because you do not like it or because it does not correspond with the abilities for which you were hired, talk to your boss during a schedule where he is not busy or performing other activities. The best option is in the morning when work begins or before lunch.

Take into account that it is not about giving a complete NO. Honestly you should make clear that you are not qualified to carry out the request, but you are willing to observe how another person performs it and maybe on other occasions you can do it.

Study the alternatives

When you are asked to make or participate in new projects is because someone believes in you. Someone has chosen you among other people to be part of a project, because you have the right skills. So even if you do not like it, or even if it seems hard, once more, think about its benefits. How can the project benefic your future? What can you learn from it? What can you do instead? Do you have other options? Whatever your decision is, do not provide negative arguments. Better propose other strategies that can facilitate your work.

Provide Valid Arguments

When you are willing to say no to your boss, study of your position in the first place, before taking risks. The secret to not having a confrontation with your boss is be assertive and not negative.

Now that you know how to say no to your boss, use these arguments as long as you have no other alternatives. But remember, it is not about complaining and denying, because after all you have been hired to perform functions which cover your professional profile.

Even if you put these arguments into account your boss does not change? Then it’s time to change your workspace. Nothing is going to change if you do not do something about it.

Sash window draught proofing to reduce energy bills and reduce carbon emissions

Elliot
-
0
Sash window draught proofing to reduce energy bills and reduce carbon emissions

Sash window draught proofing has become one of the most important factors in keep period properties warm and comfortable whilst helping cut energy bills and ultimately leading to lower carbon emissions.

You might be surprised to learn that sash window draught proofing will actually reduce energy consumption by as much as £25 per window. If you have a normal property with around ten windows thats a whopping £250 a year saved in gas, and a great deal more than that if you are heating your home with electricity still.

What is sash window draught proofing and how does it work?

Sash window draught proofing is a series of brush piles that are inserted into the original sashes. they are rebated and then glued into place. These draught seals are made of nylon so they last well, upwards of ten years in fact. Given the cost of sash window draught proofing is in the region of £200-£250 per window, a sash window draught proofing system can actually save you money long term and offers genuine return on investment. Not only is there a great return on investment, as part of the draught proofing sash cords must be replaced and therefore an overhaul of the sash window is included. This overhaul dramatically improves the smooth travel of sash windows. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of draught proofing then please take a look at the resource highlighted or find out more from Bristol double glazing.

How is draught proofing installed into my original sash windows?

Firstly your original sash windows are removed from the frame. This allows easy access to the pockets and weight cavity. The sash themselves are then taken to the mobile workshop for machining. The sashes are machined and have a brush inserted. Once the brush piles are inserted into the sashes, the parting bead and staff bead is also replaced and has a brush installed into it. The windows are then rebuilt and sash window furniture is installed to improve security as well. Normally a team of two professionals will be able to draught proof four or five windows a day depending on the condition of the sash windows. If you’d like to understand more about the process please visit Historic England for more information

If you take look at the image below you can see just how brush pile sits into parting bead.

Who installs sash window draught proofing?

Sash window draught proofing can be installed by a competent  DIY enthusiast or anyone with genuine carpentry skills. Normally however draught proofing is installed by sash window specialists that are geared up for the repair and restoration of sash windows. They specialise in refurbishing sash windows, and sometimes external doors. This specialism drives the price of draught proofing right down to the point home installation is almost not worth while. If we consider that a draught proofing kit costs at least half of normal installation price, when you factor the hundreds of pounds that need to be spent on tools it’s just not worthwhile for a one off job. London alone has hundreds of companies offering this service, while up and down the country companies are sprouting up all the time.

1...953954955...1,053Page 954 of 1,053

ABC Money 2025 - 1st Edition

Magazine - 2025 Edition

Explore the latest insights, trends, and expert analyses in finance with ABC Money 2025. Stay ahead in 2025!

LEARN MORE

Leading news network for crypto, finance and business.

More from ABC

Contact

Contact: advertise@abcmoney.co.uk © ABC Money Team @ 2006

  • bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 113,556.00 0.56%
  • ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 4,192.10 0.31%
  • xrpXRP (XRP) $ 2.91 1.39%
  • tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.02%
  • bnbBNB (BNB) $ 1,015.93 0.27%
  • solanaSolana (SOL) $ 215.12 1.71%
  • usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.999703 0%
  • staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 4,190.40 0.27%
  • tronTRON (TRX) $ 0.338607 1.07%
  • cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.826007 0.52%
  • avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 34.40 3.7%
  • the-open-networkToncoin (TON) $ 2.84 0.56%
Enable Notifications OK No thanks