The study scored cities across the country on salaries, demand for trades, the number of active construction firms, and business survival rates. Bristol came out top overall, followed by London, Coventry, Edinburgh and Belfast. 

Top 5 cities to start a construction business: 

1. Bristol 

1. London 

1. Coventry 

1. Edinburgh 

1. Belfast 

London leads the way when it comes to pay, with construction workers earning an average of £60,892 a year. The capital also boasts the largest number of construction businesses, with more than 61,000 currently operating. 

Coventry shines on job opportunities, posting the highest number of listings per 1,000 residents. This points to a particularly strong demand for skilled trades in the city, from plumbers and electricians to carpenters and tilers. 

Belfast takes the crown for business survival. Just 7.9% of construction firms in the Northern Irish capital closed, compared with much higher death rates in other parts of the UK, suggesting it offers a stable environment for start-ups in the sector. 

A spokesperson at Travis Perkins said: 

“Construction is the backbone of our economy, and it’s encouraging to see cities across the UK where the trade is thriving. For anyone thinking about starting out, this research highlights the areas with the strongest balance of demand, opportunity and long-term sustainability.” 

Picking the degree you want to pursue at university is no easy task. It will determine the city you’ll move to, it will influence the modules you can study, and it will affect your future career opportunities. No wonder it’s such a difficult, overwhelming choice.

However, there is no need to worry, as there are plenty of degree possibilities out there that are likely to tick all the right boxes. And once you’ve identified the perfect course, you will finally find yourself living in a friendly uni accommodation in Leeds, Newcastle, or elsewhere in the country.

Abodus Student Living, the expert in providing homely student flats across the country, shares some precious tips on how to identify the degree subject that best suits your goals and ambitions.

Think about your interests

One of the first things to keep in mind is that, when enrolling at university, you are signing up for a course that will last at least three years.

Although it may not seem much, spending all this time studying a topic that doesn’t tickle your curiosity can take its toll on your motivation and general well-being. This is why Aaron Kirkwood, head of sales and marketing at Abodus Student Living, suggests opting for a subject that you have an interest in.

“Thinking about what you enjoy doing on a day-to-day basis can provide you with an initial clue on what degree subject is tailored to you.

“If you’re a wiz at coding or solving technical issues, Computer Science might be a good shout. Or if you’re keener on writing stories and reading literature, an English course could be more up your street.

“Some students feel like they need to pick a degree that’s more likely to secure them a profitable job after graduation. But while we understand the logic, a head-over-heart decision isn’t always necessarily the most sensible solution.

“Studying something you’re passionate about can bring an unmatched sense of personal fulfilment and satisfaction. Not to mention that you’ll feel more motivated to succeed and do well, which in turn will positively impact your academic performance and overall university experience.”

Do some online research

As with all big decisions, research is key. Some people are lucky enough to know exactly what they want to do. Others, instead, need a bit more inspiration to find a course that takes their fancy.

Online research can be a useful way to discover what various universities across the country have to offer, from modules and course structures to programme requirements and placement years. Consulting digital handbooks is a great idea, too, as they are likely to offer a breakdown of the compulsory and optional subjects you can expect to study.

Remember that you don’t necessarily have to stick to traditional subjects that most people go for. By searching the web, you might find a less conventional degree option that speaks to your soul.

For example, if you would like to work with animals in the future but don’t have the stomach to be a vet, you could consider Animal Behaviour and Psychology. Or if a combination of art and science is what makes you tick, then Horology – the study of time measurement – could be a niche choice that will make you stand out in the professional world.

Ask for advice

While the final decision should always be yours, there is nothing wrong with asking parents, friends, teachers, and loved ones for some initial inspiration.

For instance, your school tutors might be a first port of call. Teachers might be able to point you in the right direction as, based on your academic performance and exam results, they will have a sound idea of what your strengths may be.

Likewise, friends and family could draw your attention to personal skills and abilities you’ve ignored. If they see you as a calm, rational, and logical person, a science-based subject could be a solid choice to match your personality.

What’s more, if you already have a specific goal industry in mind, you might want to get in touch with a professional who works in the sector. As well as asking for general advice, you could ask them what they studied at university and what modules they did to specialise in a certain field.

Preferred learning style

Another factor to take into consideration is your preferred style of learning. Do you thrive reading manuals and writing essays? Or do you like getting messy and creative with more practical work?

Depending on your preferences, you might be able to spot what degree subject is more in line with your favourite approach to learning.

For example, subjects such as History and Philosophy might involve spending hours leafing through books, memorising facts, dates, and notions from the past.

But if being sat at a desk is not your cup of tea, and you’d rather crack on with lab experiments or videomaking, practical courses will float your boat a tad more.

Choosing the perfect university course can cause a few headaches. If you’re stuck and are unsure about what steps to take next, don’t worry – you’re certainly not the only one.

The good news, however, is that there are plenty of things you can do to clear up your mind. From doing extensive online research and asking loved ones for advice to following your interests and passions, there are several factors that will provide you with a good, enlightening clue.

Sources

https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/students/table-52

https://www.savethestudent.org/extra-guides/10-most-unusual-uk-university-degrees.html

Lynne Fisher, Associate Director at Cliverton, experts in dog walkers’ insurance, say: “Exploring with your best friend doesn’t have to be difficult. There are plenty of moderate walking opportunities across the UK that are perfect for both pet and owner.

“Getting some fresh air is not only good for you, but it can also be an enrichment tool for your pets. Whether you are exploring expansive countrysides or hill ranges, each walk offers their own opportunity for adventure.”

Here, we will explore the top three dog walking spots according to AllTrails, a site which has over 30 million users worldwide.

Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove

This location sits in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and offers some incredibly scenic views of high cliffs and waterfalls as you hike this medium trail.

This 4.9-mile walk should last you just over two hours, although it is always best to take routes at your own speed – you might enjoy a leisurely stroll or even a jog.

Taking this route will loop you around the scenic views, letting you start where you finished so you don’t need to worry about getting back at the end of the trail.

However, if you are looking for a shorter walk then you might want to only explore Janet’s Foss to Gordale Scar.

Parking, pubs, and toilets can be found in Malham. The full route does include a bridge so if your dog is afraid of these, or even heights, it might be best to cut the route short or to choose a different trail.

Ambleside to Stockghyll Force

For those in Cumbria, or avid walkers looking to travel, the Lake District National Park has one of the best short walks for you to try. This is a great route for anyone with a passion for birdwatching too as you explore wooded areas, leading to a 70 foot waterfall at the end.

This is a short walk and should only take you just under half an hour – but the beauty of the waterfall might leave you staying for longer! 1.4km of paths, roads, and woodland walkways makes this an easy journey and a slight difference to your usual dog walk. There are some steps on this route.

There are plenty of carparks within Ambleside, with some short and long stays depending on how long you would like to explore for. For those with an interest in history and historical architecture, then the old mills of this area with some being used as shops and other facilities, provide the perfect start to your journey.

This journey is perfect for calmer dogs who love to explore leafy areas. But remember to take a car boot or seat cover for those messy pup paws after this walk as they are guaranteed to step in some muddy tracks along the route.

Loughrigg Fell Circular

Or for the Lake District lovers wanting a longer walk with wider views, the Loughrigg Fell Circular could be the best course for you and your furry friend. This route is 5.19 miles long and will take somewhere between two and three hours to complete.

However, for the best views of this location, and there are many views to take in, it is recommended that you take three to four hours to complete.

This is a great route for dogs full of energy. As the walk can be a long one, it is good for dogs with high levels of stamina who enjoy exploring the great outdoors.

For older dogs who might have mobility issues, you can take the route at a slower pace or make sure you have a dog buggy available for later stages in the walk.

Walking your dog doesn’t have to be a chore. Instead, you can find stunning locations to take your pet where you can both enjoy the journey.

Whether you are looking for woodland spaces that open into waterfalls or cliff views staring over stunning greenery, the UK could have the perfect walk for you. Some other top-rated dog walks in the UK include the Peak District and even Seaford to Eastbourne in Southdowns National Park.

Sources:

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alltrails-celebrates-1-million-paid-subscribers-301214556.html

https://www.daleswalks.co.uk/walks/janets-foss-from-malham/

https://www.visitcumbria.com/amb/stock-ghyll-force/

https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_132.html

https://www.hikingphotographer.uk/2020/06/loughrigg-fell-walk-via-grasmere-windermere-rydal-water-lake-district.html

https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/england/dogs

The true cost of electric charging is the question on everyone’s mind, but the answer is anything but simple. This can depend on multiple things, including whether or not the charging station is public or private.

Here, with the help of Northern Powergrid, we take a closer look at the price of charging an EV.

How much does it cost to use public charging stations?

Let’s start with public charging stations. These are spread across the nation, but you might be able to use some of the standard charging stations for free, whereas Rapid or Ultra Rapid might require a fee for use.

Free public charging stations

According to figures collected at the end of April 2022, there are a reported 5,715 free public charging points in the UK. These are placed in a number of handy spots, such as supermarkets. In fact, Tesco is home to 600 free charging stations across 300 locations. The National Trust also offers several free electric chargers, and a two-hour top-up on their 7kW chargers takes you about 56 miles. Not bad!

It’s all well and good having thousands of charging stations around the nation, but how do you know which locations are near you? Your local council might provide free chargers to the public, such as Leeds and Woking. As only 21 councils are doing so, you might have to pay to charge your electric batteries. This is where it becomes a little tricky…

Priced public charging stations

One in three people agree that the price of electric charging stations makes them nervous about buying an electric car. This resonates with the rising cost of Rapid electric charging. Recent research has shown that prices have soared by 21 per cent between September to May 2022. This is a 7.81p per kWh or 2p per mile of travel increase.

But don’t let these figures get you down. The price of fuel, whether you drive a petrol or diesel car, is also increasing. In fact, it is higher than ever, averaging at 183.16p (petrol) and 188.82p (diesel). This means you might still be saving money on car maintenance if you switch to electric, despite the rising cost of electric charging.

The price of charging an electric vehicle also varies depending on your location. It can cost up to 10 per cent more to use the cheapest council chargers in the South (32p per kWh) compared to the North of England (29p per kWh). The West Midlands (20p per kWh) is the cheapest location without a doubt.

On average, public charging stations charge 50p per kWh. This can amount to around £1600 per year. This is higher than petrol (£1272) and similar to diesel (£1683), but you can always save money by charging your electric car at home.

How much does it cost to use home charging stations?

It’s possible to install your own electric charger in your own home. The average price for this is £950, although this might change depending on the model you pick. In fact, every new home built after 15^th June 2022 will have an electric charger, so they’re becoming more and more commonplace by the day.

Just like any public charging stations, using Rapid or Ultra Rapid chargers can be more expensive than standard fuel prices. To avoid this, you can use standard charging stations and apply for an EV charging infrastructure governmental scheme, which can reduce the cost of installation by 75 per cent.

Research has shown that charging your electric car at home can cost half of the amount of using public chargers, resulting in a £600 cost per year. This means that an £18 charge can take the driver 204 miles in one journey! The price can change depending on the tariff you use, so it’s always best to check beforehand. Then you know what you’re forecast to spend.

It looks like electric vehicles are good for more than saving the environment. If you choose to ahead with EV charger installation within your own home charger, you can half the amount it costs to either use fuel or public chargers. Not to mention how convenient it will be to recharge in the comfort of your own home! But to reduce carbon emissions, people need to be ready to change to electric vehicles or consider hybrid cars as a middle-ground for hesitant consumers.

Sources

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/content/features/how-green-are-electric-cars

https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonreid/2022/04/20/fifth-of-uks-electric-vehicle-charging-points-still-free-to-use/?sh=76cdd7e17fb5

https://www.centrica.com/media-centre/news/2022/the-electric-car-charging-postcode-lottery-drivers-in-21-council-areas-can-plug-in-for-free/

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/358088/rapid-electric-car-charging-cost-rises-21-cent-eight-months

https://heycar.co.uk/blog/latest-fuel-prices

https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/cheap-car-insurance/average-cost-run-car-uk

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1583508/electric-car-law-changes-home-ev-charger-regulation-june-2022

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-grants-for-low-emission-vehicles#:~:text=The%20EV%20chargepoint%20grant%20provides,EVHS%20)%20on%201%20April%202022

Investors and entrepreneurs alike are recognising Dubai’s economic potential, ranking Dubai as the number one country for foreign direct investment (FDI) and technology transfer in the AI and robotics sector. They are embracing the future of tech and contributing to Dubai and UAE’s investment and technological ecosystem, which benefits the whole world.

Today, we look at how Dubai is driving its smart evolution forwards.

Expo City Dubai: the future of sustainable smart cities

Dubai has been a popular destination amongst tourists for quite some time now with their state-of-the-art architecture and shopping hubs.

Dubai boasts smart city projects that fuse the Internet of Things, modern architecture, and sustainability to become greener global destinations for urban living, business, and innovation.

With eyes on the future, Dubai has developed its Expo City Dubai, which opened on 1^st October 2022 with a spectacular show titled “Awakening of Al Wasl” . The show is free to visit and will be on display five evenings a week (Wednesday to Sunday). Dubai Expo City is the legacy plan of Expo Dubai 2020 and is a part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The Expo City Dubai will feature iconic attractions, such as Al Wasl Plaza and the Garden in the Sky observation tower, as well as a number of offices and leisure facilities.

“It will be a city that embodies the dream of every city, and one which continues to bring joy to our children, our families, and all those we love,” commented His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Expo City Dubai is set on bringing sustainability to the city. As His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “Expo City Dubai will be an environmentally friendly city, one friendly to families, to the economy, and to future generations”. The city will be free of single-use plastic and will retain 80% of its already existing infrastructure, including 123 LEED-certified buildings.

Dubai attracting tourists the smart way

Expo City Dubai definitely played a role in boosting the country’s tourism. Over the course of six months, it attracted over 24 million visits.

Dubai has been implementing forward thinking into its tourism sector to create bountiful opportunities for economic growth, and the figures attest to that. Data from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) shows that between January and June 2022, Dubai attracted 7.12 million international overnight visitors, which is more than 183% growth in visitors compared to the same period the year before.

But what’s attracting tourists to Dubai? Certaintly, its grandiose projects that embrace innovation and are mesemerising to the human eye have something to do with it.

The country is home to many of the world’s tallest structures: Burj Kalifa (world’s tallest building), Gevora Hotel (world’s tallest hotel), Ain Dubai (world’s tallest Ferris), and the Palm Fountain (world’s largest fountain).

To take things further, Dubai has brought snow to the desert by building the largest indoor ski slope in the world. Located in the Mall of the Emirates shopping centre, it has 22,500 square meters of indoor ski area and a snow park. Ski Dubai is also home to its very own colony of King and Gentoo Penguins. If you’ve completed your ski instructor course, then Ski Dubai should be the next destination on your bucket list to put your skills into practise. This is an opportunity of a lifetime tо experience skiing in the largest indoor ski slope in the desert and explore the foreign lands of the Middle East, while revelling in futuristic urbanism.

Recent improvements and investments in Dubai have shed light on the country’s economic potential. Tourists are flocking to witness the grandiose innovations, while more and more people are considering the country for long-term residency. Its smart city initiatives provide align with sustainable living, while its well-developed leisure establishments promote well-being and entertainment.

Sources

https://www.visitdubai.com/en/business-in-dubai/why-dubai/city-of-innovation#:~:text=City%20of%20innovation%201%20Visionary%20plans.%20With%20its,…%209%20Global%20hub%20for%20business%20growth.%20

https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/heritage/2022/10/01/expo-city-dubai-official-opening-free-attractions-tickets-and-transport/

https://www.expocitydubai.com/en

https://www.dubaichronicle.com/2022/06/22/expo-city-dubai-opens-october/#:~:text=The%20new%20city%20is%20an%20ideal%20global%20destination,of%20Expo%20City%20Dubai%2C%20this%20coming%20October%202022

https://www.dubaitourism.gov.ae/en/newsroom/press-releases/h122visitors

https://www.dubaitourism.gov.ae/en/newsroom/press-releases/h122visitorshttps://www.introducingdubai.com/ski-dubai

However, knowing how you can make your laundry eco-friendlier could benefit the environment as well as your pocket. With energy bills set to hit up to £2,500 annually, there is no better time to start reducing your energy and water waste.

Here, we will run through how you can promote environmentally friendly practices in the workplace.

Methods for eco-friendly laundry routines

Heat

Washing your laundry at 40 degrees Celsius is the most common temperature in the UK. However, this is not necessary. 30 degrees is considered the most cost-effective, as well as efficient, temperature to wash your clothes. Some clothing can even be washed at temperatures as low as 20 degrees.

Which? found that reducing your laundry temperature to 30 or 20 degrees can save you up to 38% and 62% of energy respectively – benefiting both the environment and your energy bills. By reading the manufacturing label to know which temperature is best for your clothing, you can effectively complete your laundry while reducing your impact on the environment.

Time

The amount of time you let your washing machine run can impact your energy and water usage. While the average wash lasts 50 minutes to an hour, you can reduce this time to as little as 15 minutes, depending on your needs. A few uniform items, for example, would not need the same hour-long cycle as a full load including your bedsheets. Adjusting your wash-cycle temperature, speed, and duration can be the best way of doing your laundry cost-effectively.

Reducing the frequency of your washes can also help. On average, an individual will do one to three washes a week, with some people loading up their washing machines more frequently. Aiming to do larger washes less frequently will save you energy and water waste.

Detergent type

The detergent you choose can have vastly different effects on the eco-friendliness of your laundry. Your weekly laundry could be pushing out chemical pollutants regularly. Harsh detergents and bleach can cause both damage to the environment as well as potential skin irritation. Choosing gentle detergents can be just as effective for cleaning your clothes without the negative impact. You can even choose products such as a laundry egg, which can wash clothes for up to three years without the need for any detergent.

Research your machine

Understanding your machine’s capabilities can help improve the efficiency of your washes. The most common washing machine drum size is between 7–8 kg. Overfilling your machine might jeopardise its functioning – meaning your clothes will be dirtier and damper than you expect. As a result, further washes and spin cycles will be less efficient, which will drive up your energy costs and produce further carbon dioxide emissions.

Equally, outdated machines might be less efficient in saving you energy and water. As such, upgrading or purchasing a new model could be beneficial as modern machines incorporate more energy-efficient features. Understanding the maintenance of your machine can also make your washes eco-friendlier, – routine cleaning and proper water reserve maintenance will help your machine stay as efficient as possible. This will mean your clothes will be cleaner quicker, rather than potentially needing multiple washes to remove one stain.

How to promote eco-friendly practices in your workplace

Training sessions in climate change

Promoting environmentally friendly practices within the workplace is important to education and facilitating healthier lifestyle measures. By encouraging your employees to consider their impact on the environment, you can have an impact in the fight against climate change.

Educating your employees on the rising concerns of climate change and the small lifestyle changes they can make to affect climate change. While there is no guarantee that employees will change their laundry techniques, delivering classes or lunchtime learning sessions opens the discussion for more sustainable practices among your people.

An incentive can be to offer company-provided samples of environmentally friendly laundry products, as well as explain the monetary benefits of going eco-friendly.

Use sustainable manufacturers

Choosing manufacturers who are dedicated to sustainability can help reduce your company’s carbon footprint. Choosing work uniform suppliers who manufacture sustainable clothing and use environmentally friendly methods of production and transportation can offset the negative environmental impact of laundry.

Lisa Cunningham-Sherret, Design Sustainability Officer at Jermyn Street Design states: “Finding sustainable ways to provide uniform can make a bigger difference than you think. For workers, uniforms make up a substantial portion of our week, So they need to be comfortable. For businesses, uniforms should represent our values and personality. Choosing sustainable uniforms and processes can establish you as an environmentally conscious business.”

Choose uniforms which are kinder to the environment

However, there are steps you can take to improve the eco-friendliness of your employee’s laundry. Uniform design, fabric, and even colour could change the impact each wash has on the environment. Depending on your industry, you may be able to swap synthetic materials for natural fibres, which are kinder to the environment from their creation as synthetic materials are a by-product of petroleum. Synthetic fibres also release microplastics into the air when being laundered, increasing the risk of respiratory harm to your employees. Equally, choosing uniform manufacturers who use natural dyes over chemicals can mean that employee washes are producing less polluted water as a product of their weekly laundry cycle.

Six per cent of all UK carbon dioxide emissions are due to laundry. The energy needed to power large domestic items, such as washing machines, has a substantial impact on both the environment and your electricity bill. However, minor changes to the way you do your laundry, as well as to the uniform you choose for your employees, can help reduce both personal and corporate carbon footprints.

Sources:

Energy bills to be capped at £2,500 for typical household – BBC News

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/techtalk/washing-machine-capacity-guide/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20sizes%20are,often%20you’re%20washing%20it.

https://cleanhomeguide.co.uk/environmental-impact-of-laundry/

https://inthewash.co.uk/laundry-and-ironing/how-many-loads-of-laundry-average-person/

https://inthewash.co.uk/laundry-and-ironing/what-temperature-should-you-wash-clothes-at/

https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/change-this-laundry-habit-and-help-cut-co2-pollution-by-400000-cars-aVQXA7B7HxFx

https://www.itv.com/news/2022-07-08/cost-of-living-uk-energy-bills-could-hit-more-than-3300-a-year-this-winter

https://inthewash.co.uk/laundry-and-ironing/15-minute-wash-cycle-enough/

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200326-the-hidden-impact-of-your-daily-water-use#:~:text=It%20accounts%20for%206%25%20of,CO2%20emissions%20in%20the%20US.

https://homedetoxing.com/are-new-washers-and-dryers-more-energy-efficient/

Did you know that approximately 83% of houses in the UK have a garden, with the average adult spending £690 on their garden in 2021?

However, the coming months could pose problems for keen gardeners as winter takes hold. Here, we will explore factors that could impact your business, as well as ways of maintaining a competitive edge in the market throughout winter.

Heading into the end of 2022, your garden centre may need some extra help to continue bringing in customers and, in turn, profit.

The winter months bring their own challenges, and the cold weather necessitates a transition for everyone.

During the cost of living crisis in the colder months, garden centres, like most retail outlets, could face a downturn in profit. Customers are likely to spend less and perhaps don’t have as much time or inclincation to enjoy leisure activities such as gardening. Maintaining a competitive edge, not only over other garden centres but also supermarkets, can be difficult.

A great marketing tool is to show off a glorious floral display. Keeping your product looking bright and healthy is the best way to draw in customers.

Tailor to the festive season

As winter approaches, so does the festive season. Tailoring your garden centre to accommodate the demand for Christmas cards, decorations, and other assorted gifts could benefit your business. Using a quality card supplier is a great way to offer something unique and stylish to your customers.

You should also host events such as Santa’s grotto or wreath-making classes. This will attract families with young children to come to your garden centre, those who are looking for Christmas-based activities. Offering photograph opportunities could be a chance to increase your income too.

Think about sustainability

Reputation is important for every business and a garden centre is no different. Choosing partnerships aligned with a sustainable nature can benefit your business.

Maintaining sustainability standards could promote your garden centre as an environmentally conscious venue. Amid the climate change debate, with 81% of people claiming they’d rather buy products from sustainable sellers, this could be very important. Consider working in partnership with a sustainable card supplier or food manufacturer.

Equally, garden centres are full of time – and season – sensitive stock, so consider promoting reuse and recycling of products alongside seasonal sales.

A gardening masterclass

Offering gardening masterclasses can help encourage customers to make regular trips to your centre. Teaching customers how to care for their plants and pass on other areas of expertise could establish your garden centre as a hub of education and for gardeners of all levels.

As the cost of living crisis makes the price of products increase, reducing food bills through sustainable, home-grown methods is becoming more popular. Tapping into this could give you a competitive edge. Selling books on how to grow your own food at home, as well showing off examples of what is possible and a wide range of seeds and bulbs to start the process off, could be a good way of introducing your garden centre as an alternative option.

Sources:

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/business/notcutts-garden-centre-reports-growing-turnover-9226034

https://www.gardenpatch.co.uk/gardening-statistics/

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2022/may/07/how-to-grow-your-own-fruit-veg-cut-food-bills

https://www.recyclinglives.com/news/general/report-reveals-81-people-prefer-buy-sustainable-sellers#:~:text=Report%20reveals%20that%2081%25%20of%20people%20prefer%20to%20buy%20from%20sustainable%20sellers,-An%20independent%20study

https://www.patchplants.com/gb/en/read/plant-care/root-rot-how-to-spot-it-and-fix-it/

This shows that there’s still work the UK must do to improve safety for construction workers. But even with room for improvement, it makes us wonder where some of the best places in the world are for workers in the industry.

In this article, with some insights from van leasing company, Van Ninja, we look at the best places to work in construction, where some of the worst locations are, and what those countries towards the bottom of the safety pile should be looking to change to improve their placing on the list.

Construction around the world: breaking down the best and the worst

Workwear Guru, who supply construction clothing and apparel for sites and companies, conducted a survey in 2021 that looked at the best places to work in construction. These countries were ranked based on the average salaries available, the cost and quality of living in said country, and the safety of working conditions on these sites.

From the findings of the survey, we can see that the top 10 best places for the industry is dominated by countries located in and west of Europe. Switzerland takes first place, followed by the UK in second, and then Belgium. However, this is the overall score and the country with lowest incident rate for accidents is Poland with just 4% of workforce reporting injuries while working. Singapore similarly has a low incident rate of 5%, and the UK also has a relatively low rate of accidents at 8%.

On the opposite end of the scale, the list for the 10 worst places to work in construction features locations all over the globe. The worst place in the world for workplace safety is reported to be Myanmar in Asia with an incident rate of 58%.

On-site safety: safety practices that can be implemented

With shocking statistics like over half of construction workers in Myanmar – formerly known as Burma – reporting potentially fatal workplace incidents in construction, it shows that globally more attention can still be paid to improving the on-site safety.

Incidents and accidents often happen due to a lack of awareness and preparation. This is why, before even beginning projects, workers should be adequately trained in safety practices that can be implemented to improving job site safety. These should include sections on awareness of the tools they are working with, the cleanliness of the site, and identifying potential hazards before they occur, as well as sections on communication with other members of the workforce to prevent potential hazards forming.

The training shouldn’t just be down to those who’ll be operating equipment either. Site managers could benefit hugely from extra training focusing on proper supervision, monitoring, and reporting of the sites and any potential incident dangers or those that have occurred. Proper management of documentation and administrative processes around the safety of the workers should be reviewed to make sure they are of an appropriate standard.

Having quality equipment to work with, both in terms of machinery to operate and protective clothing, is crucial to ensuring worker safety. If you’re on a site where a drill is required but the drill bit or body is of poor quality, there is the possibility of the operator of the equipment getting put in harm’s way.

Similarly, there should always be the appropriate equipment for jobs. For example, if you have a lot of heavy goods that need transporting, exploring van leasing options can prove the ideal solution rather than stretching your current equipment thinner.

Industry experts are predicting that construction will continue to grow into the new year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that the value for new orders was up 22.8% in only the first quarter of 2022. With more projects for companies to work on, an extra emphasis must be placed on worker safety to avoid any potential incidents that could not only injure your workforce, but subsequently slow down progress.

Sources

https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/fatalinjuries.pdf

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https://www.designbuild-network.com/comment/uk-construction-expands-challenges/#:~:text=The%20industry’s%20growth%20in%202022,at%20the%20time%20of%20writing).