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Educational Legal Team at Setfords advises on a 4 site sale to Kids Planet

Legal

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12/10/2022

Educational Legal Team at Setfords advises on a 4 site sale to Kids Planet

A specialist educational legal team at Setfords led by Helen Wong MBE, PCGE has completed a strategically important sale of four nurseries in Merseyside to the fast growing nursery group, Kids Planet.

Waverton Day Nurseries is an independent family-owned group of private nurseries which are located in the Merseyside area opened in 2013. Their most prestigious nursery is located at Knowsley Safari Park with a long waiting list as well as nurseries in Wavertree, Whiston and Kirby. The ethos of the group is “Childhood is not a race to see how quickly a child can read write and count. Childhood is a small window of time to learn and develop at a pace which is right for each individual child.”

The sellers – mother and daughter, Tracey Jenkins and Cheryl Taylor have 20 years’ experience in the childcare sector and have capacity for 342 children, with one rated ‘Outstanding’ and the others rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. Tracey explained that she set up the nursery as they couldn’t find anything for her children that was the quality she wanted. She said “our nurseries care for babies and children up to the age of 5 years old.

Our aim is to provide the highest standard of nursery care in a safe, stimulating and caring environment. We pride ourselves on being able to make a positive influence on your child’s future educational, physical and social development. As I look to my retirement, who we sell to must have the same values and we entrust our legacy to them.”

They asked Sarah Ellison of Redwoods Dowling Kerr (RDK) to represent them who secured multiple bids for Tracey and Cheryl who chose Kids Planet as they liked the ethos of the daughter – father duo of Clare Roberts OBE and her father John Hoban. As well as running a large nursery group, Clare sits on policy forums with DFE, Ofsted, and the NDNA and attends APPG meetings in Westminster to discuss the support the childcare sector needs.

Tracey said: “I’ve been exploring what my next stage in life might be and this felt that the time was right for myself and family to begin a new chapter and a much needed chance to pause and reflect on all I have achieved. RDK supported myself in identifying a buyer that had similar family values and qualities as my own nurseries and I felt that Kids Planet had a synergy that I could identify with. ”

Tracey chose to use Helen Wong MBE of Setfords given Helen’s track record in the educational world. There was a lot at stake and she required a specialist solicitor to help her.

Tracey commented “I would highly recommend Helen Wong MBE of Setfords if you are looking to sell your nursery. She has unparalleled expertise in the most complicated of situations and has helped us deal with every single issue until resolved to help us sell our nursery. Usually lawyers will just wait until prodded. However, Helen is pro-active, she is technically brilliant yet very approachable, helps to explain the issues at hand. I was extremely touched that Helen got me the best deal I could have wished for – she was even thinking about the grandchildren – that’s the level of detail! That was the icing on the cake. I would also like to thank Jonathan Senior who helped on the property issues. He has been tenacious and an enormous help. I could not have sold this business without their help. They are really the best lawyers I have come across and if you are selling your nursery you must use Helen Wong.”

Helen Wong said “I wish Tracey and Cheryl and family all the best. This is a momentous transaction and a lifetime of their hard work has been protected by the sale to Kids Planet. There were a lot of complicated legal situations to untangle but we got there in the end. Running a business is sometimes so busy that the preparation to sell one’s business gets overlooked. What we had to assist with in Tracey’s instance was not just the sale but the pre-steps to prepare for sale, securing landlord’s consent, dealing with historic issues in respect of the property, so that the business was ready for sale. I want to thank Tracey and Robert (Cheryl’s husband) in particular for their commitment to the due diligence process whilst running the business. The sale process is extremely document intensive and with four sites, there was significant documentation to prepare. On top of that there is the emotional rollercoaster that a vendor feels. It is always hard to detach from a business which morphs into one’s life, but I’m glad Tracey sold on a high. It’s the right decision and I wish the family a very happy retirement. It was an absolute pleasure to assist.”

Helen Wong also noted that “the day nursery market in the UK is experiencing an unprecedented level of deal activity with owners choosing to put their business up for sale post covid-19. Deals have included the sale of nursery groups, as well as single-site operators and the demand is strong with bidding wars between buyers on numerous transactions. With economic uncertainty, spiralling utility costs, staff shortages and the nervousness of a recession on the horizon the number of seller mandates seems to be on the increase. We would be pleased to assist any other nursery operators who are looking to exit as we are approached daily by all the big groups who have appetite to buy more day nurseries and continue their rapid expansion plans.”

The Setfords educational deal team comprised of Helen Wong MBE, Jonathan Senior, Amanda Forsey, Madelaine Rugg and wider members of the team.

Vernon shares £2,000 fund between five local charities

Charity

Sam Allcock

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12/10/2022

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Vernon shares £2,000 fund between five local charities

Stockport’s Vernon has announced the five Community Stars that will share its £2,000 community fund for the third quarter of 2022.

Over 2,600 members of the public voted for the following not-for-profit groups:

The Cherry Tree Project – £700
Norbury Lacrosse Club – Girls Section – £550
Vale Jets Morris Dancing Troupe – £350
Together Trust – £250
Just 4 Dads St Chads – £150

Rachel Bresnahan, founder of The Cherry Tree Project in Romiley, said: “This money is massively important to us right now. More important than if we’d won it at any other time.

“Every penny will be spent on food – 100 meals a week that we can provide to those that need them. We cook everything ourselves, so we’ll make it go far.

“With winter around the corner, we’re concerned about people choosing between heating and eating. We can provide a warm space and a healthy meal to those who fall through the support gaps.

“It’s fantastic that Vernon supports local organisations and they have been doing this for a long time. They are genuinely committed to the local community.”

What is Community Stars?

Vernon relaunched its new community funding scheme earlier this year to help local charities and not-for-profit groups across the Stockport borough.

It offers a share of its £12,000 annual fund to Community Stars every quarter, chosen by its members, colleagues and the public throughout the year.

Tanasè Rivers, Head of Marketing, Brand and Culture at the Society, said: “Stockport has plenty of amazing groups, charities and not-for-profits and Vernon is committed to supporting them, especially during this challenging time.

“We’re delighted to provide funding to these five fantastic local organisations through our Community Stars scheme.

“It’s not too late to nominate your favourite local charity or not-for-profit group. Our fourth quarter online vote will open on the 24th October closing 30th November.

How to apply

Find out more about the awards and apply online at http://www.thevernon.co.uk/community-stars/

Staff management platform Planday partners with WorkerTech innovator Orka to give employees early access to wages

Business

Sam Allcock

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12/10/2022

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Staff management platform Planday partners with WorkerTech innovator Orka to give employees early access to wages

Planday, recently acquired by accounting software giant Xero, can now offer its 350,000 users earned wage access service Orka Pay
Orka Pay lets workers claim up to 50% of their wages as soon as they’ve completed shifts
Planday also aims to integrate Orka’s other core products into its client offering in the future, including labour-as-a-service platform Orka Works

Staff management platform Planday has partnered with Manchester-based WorkerTech business Orka Technology Group, giving over 350,000 employees access to their pay as soon as they have earned it.

Planday’s clients will be able to offer their staff access to up to 50% of their wages in advance through Orka Pay, helping them to meet unexpected expenses during the month and avoid turning to high-interest loans or credit. The partnership comes during a period of rapid client growth for both companies, and will be Planday’s first official earned wage access partnership.

Denmark-based open platform Planday provides businesses with workforce management solutions that simplify staff scheduling, allowing them to better manage payrolls and staffing needs. In March, the firm was acquired by accounting software giant Xero in its largest purchase to date, paving the way for further expansion into new markets and accelerating Planday’s partnership programme.

Through the partnership, Planday also aims to integrate Orka’s other core products into its client offering in the future, including labour-as-a-service platform Orka Works. The Orka Works platform is used by over 65,000 people in the security and cleaning sectors to find fair and flexible work, and for large employers, makes the process of filling roles and managing HR processes much easier and more cost-effective.

The Manchester-based firm, founded in 2016, is creating a portfolio of tech solutions for frontline workers and their employers, catering to the shift towards flexible employment taking place across many industries. Earlier this year, the company completed a £3m Series A fundraise with Praetura Ventures.

James Doyle, co-founder and COO or Orka, said: “This is a hugely significant partnership which will enable thousands of businesses across the UK to offer their staff more financial freedom during the cost-of-living crisis through early access to wages, helping to improve employee satisfaction and retention. As these firms continue to face global hiring challenges, this offering will also help them to stand out and attract the best talent.

“We intend to build on this by becoming long-term innovation partners with Planday and we’re very excited about the possibilities this will offer in the future.”

Planday’s Partnerships Manager Mitchell Walker, commented: “As a leading Earned Wage Access partner, and as an exciting business who shares our mission to make life easier for employers and employees, Orka’s offering is timely for our clients and will help them retain talent at a critical period in the jobs market.

“With our partnership programme evolving rapidly, we’re looking forward to building a long-term strategic partnership with Orka as both businesses continue on their very exciting trajectories.”

Power cuts and blackouts: the next big concern for employers?

Business

Sam Allcock

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12/10/2022

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Power cuts and blackouts: the next big concern for employers?

Coming hot on the heels of the challenges businesses faced over the last two years, reports that homes and businesses across England, Scotland and Wales could see their power shut-off this winter, for three hours at a time, are not what any employer wants to hear.

Although currently deemed an ‘unlikely’ scenario, the warning follows concerns over energy supplies in Europe and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Kate Palmer, HR Advice and Consultancy Director at Peninsula, says regardless of the likelihood, there are steps that employers should take now:

“Although this warning is very much a worst-case scenario situation and the Prime Minister has said we are in a good position, preparation is key. While essential businesses, including transport and NHS hospitals, would be exempt from power cuts, other businesses should start thinking about their emergency management protocol now.

“If blackouts do become a reality, households and business owners should receive at least one day’s notice to prepare.

“It may be possible to adjust working hours to accommodate the power cuts, depending on what industry a business is in. Altering shift times or changing opening hours is one way to keep things up and running and avoid too much disruption to day-to-day operations.

“Employers will also need to consider how the power cuts will affect remote or hybrid workers. It’s likely that any blackouts would be rotated to help ensure that different areas are affected at different times, but this could make it more difficult to ensure all staff are online at the same time.

“If you know employees won’t have internet access for certain parts of the day you can prepare by implementing a switch to short-hour days or bringing in a mix of shorter and longer days as needed.

“However, if you know that your workplace will not be impacted by the power cuts, you could ask staff who usually work remotely to come into work. It is important to bear in mind though that this could create issues for staff with childcare commitments or caring responsibilities, for example, and so may not be suitable for everyone.

“If you need to send employees home early because of power cuts, you will still be required to pay them. This is the case unless you have a specific clause on short time working within your contracts of employment, allowing for a reduction in pay should you be unable to provide work.

“As always, it is best to create an open channel of communication between you and your employees. Be sure to put plans in place that allow you to operate fairly and flexibly, getting the best from your employees and maintaining business productivity.”

There are also significant safety issues that could arise from power cuts in the workplace. Gavin Scarr Hall, Director of Health & Safety at Peninsula, says “You often won’t get much notice of a power outage, so planning will help ensure that work doesn’t grind to a halt if the electricity supply is interrupted.

“Take inventory of the items you need and look at alternative ways of powering them, such as generators, portable chargers, or power banks.

“Be aware that generators come with their own hazards, especially carbon monoxide (CO). Install working CO detectors in the building and ensure that all generators, and fuel, are kept outdoors, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely and carry out risk assessments and training, to be sure that employees know how to use them safely.

“Slips and trips are a major hazard in low light, as it gets harder to see obstructions and obstacles. Keep pedestrian routes clear and check your emergency lighting regularly for faults. If your workplace doesn’t have much natural light or your staff work outside of daylight hours, provide torches and battery-powered lamps for extra light.

“It’s easy to forget the health hazards associated with power outages. Talk to local authorities to check water is safe to drink – water purification systems may have malfunctioned, so keep a supply of bottled water on hand.

“Check the temperature of any fridges during and after any blackouts. Perishable foods may expire and become inedible if they’ve been exposed to temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for 2 hours or more.

“Above all, make sure you involve your employees when planning for power outages. They will have their own concerns and worries, especially if the power goes out unexpectedly. Make sure that they are familiar with the plan for how the business will respond. Knowing that an employer is prepared for power outages will help avoid any unnecessary panic or distress. This foresight could save both time and resources and prevent you from putting employees in a dangerous situation should the power go off.”

Company culture more important to Manchester employees than career development

Business

Sam Allcock

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12/10/2022

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Company culture more important to Manchester employees than career development

New research into what employees want from their workplace post-pandemic has revealed that 7 out of 10 office-based workers in Manchester would change jobs for a better company culture. The study, carried out by commercial interior design, build and delivery specialist ADT Workplace, discovered a positive culture tops the list of what’s important to employees, ranking above feeling valued for contributions and training and development opportunities.

Analysis of the data also found that only a third (36%) of people think their workplace currently has a positive culture, with fewer than 10% (6.4%) rating their workplace culture as excellent. There is no doubt that the pandemic has had an impact on the ability for organisations to create, foster and nurture culture with people working across multiple locations. In fact, 30% of those surveyed in Manchester said the pandemic has had a negative impact on their organisation’s workplace culture.

The research also explored post-pandemic working patterns, which revealed unsurprisingly that almost two thirds (60%) of people in Manchester are now hybrid working. Despite this, and reassuringly for businesses, people’s preferred working patterns still favour office-based working:

Manchester employees’ preferred working patterns: 2 days at home Vs 3 days in the office
A third (33.6%) of people want to be in the office full-time
Only 1 in 10 people want to be at home full-time

Despite the research finding that the average office-based worker in Manchester will spend around 13 days a year commuting, the majority still want to work from the office for more time each week than they want to work from home.

Respondents were also asked their views on wellbeing and sustainability with over three quarters of people in Manchester saying that having a sustainable workplace is important to them (76.8%). Almost 90% people say flexible working hours are important in supporting their health and wellbeing but fewer than half say this is currently available to them. When it comes to traditional benefits, three quarters of people view having access to an Employee Assistance Programme as important but again, fewer than half list this as an existing benefit.

Commenting on the research findings which have been collated into a new ‘Is your workplace worth the commute?’ report, David Clemetson, director at ADT Workplace, said: “The last two years have inevitably changed peoples’ priorities, but it’s great to hear that the majority of people still value spending time in the office with colleagues. That said, with the battle to attract and retain the very best talent tougher than ever, the market has firmly shifted in favour of employees when it comes to workplace demands, and their wants and needs have changed.

“The results of our research echo this, with workplace culture identified as what people in Manchester care most about, over and above what we’d traditionally expect to top the list, such as training and development opportunities. Organisations must react and raise the bar with their workplace offering if they want their business to succeed.”

Further detail can be found in a free employee insights report, ‘Is your office worth the commute?’, downloadable here.

NOW IS THE TIME TO REVIEW YOUR DEBT COLLECTION

Finance

Sam Allcock

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11/10/2022

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NOW IS THE TIME TO REVIEW YOUR DEBT COLLECTION

by Stuart Hoysted, senior associate and debt recovery technical director, Clarke Willmott

The ongoing turbulence in the UK economy means now is the time for businesses to look again at debt collection.

With interest rates rising and energy bills going through the roof, there has been a large increase in the number of corporate insolvencies. There is a very real prospect of recession and all businesses – particularly SMEs and sole traders – should be looking at their debtor situation.

It’s wise to act now before today’s collectable debt becomes tomorrow’s bad debt.

Why SMEs?

The current financial climate could hit SME and sole traders particularly hard. Increased costs and the typical customer base of these businesses mean they tend to be more exposed to the current turmoil.

Also, far too often the committed small business owner is too busy looking at servicing current contracts or preparing for the next project. There is a general mindset that the collection of older bills will wait until there is a spare moment when they can chase.

Very often that spare moment never arises, and with the current financial climate, all business owners need to put time aside to consider outstanding customer payments now.

Over the past few years there has been an explosion of resources (QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Zoho etc.) available to the smaller business owner, to assist them with the billing processes at a cost. If you use one of these software packages, you will know what a godsend they are in issuing invoices and sending overdue reminders to customers.

But what if you do not use one of these packages, or if you have reached the end of the software’s chasing process and payment is still outstanding?

A telephone call to the customer is a good place to start. This can help you to understand why your invoice(s) have not been paid and perhaps work out a solution for receiving payment.

It is impossible to list all possible reasons for non-payment, or all the tactics you should employ, but some common examples include:

Invoice (and reminders) have not been received

This could be as simple as having your customer’s email address wrong, or your customer having a filter which has placed the emails straight into their spam folder. You should be able to re-send the invoice to your customer while they are on the phone so they can confirm receipt immediately.

A dispute over the goods or services supplied

It is surprising how many disputes are not raised until you contact the customer.

Even if the dispute is totally fabricated, knowing that the customer considers they have a dispute allows you to consider your options. This might mean offering a resolution to the customer, even if it is offered through gritted teeth, just to obtain payment. Once it is received you are then free to resolve not to work with them again.

If you are not able to reach a resolution, showing you have attempted to be reasonable may help if you if you subsequently decide to issue a County Court Claim.

We are experiencing cash flow problems/I am waiting on payment from my customer

It is not your responsibility if your customer has failed in their own collection processes, but somehow your customer believes that you should suffer the consequences equally.

You will need to remind your customer of their responsibilities to make payment and ask them for more information as to when they expect to be paid. Knowing this can allow you to schedule a follow-up call to be first in line once payment is received.

As cashflow is important, it might also be worthwhile discussing with your customer a staged repayment plan, so that some funds start to come in.

We are winding up/entering bankruptcy

No-one wants to hear that their customer is entering insolvency, but with insolvencies on the rise it will become a more common response from customers.

If you supply goods, and have one as part of your contractual terms, you need to act on any retention of title clause.

In all other cases you will need to lodge the debt in the insolvency estate. Anyone who has had a customer go through insolvency will know that you may have to wait years before a distribution is made – if at all. Any payment received is only likely to represent a few pence in the pound of the actual debt.

If after calling your customer payment still does not materialise, then it is time to consider pursuing a claim through the Civil Court. If the amount concerned is under £10,000 then this can be processed through the HM Courts & Tribunals Service Money Claim Online service (MCOL), which is a relatively simple and intuitive method of bringing a County Court claim.

Alternatively, you can engage solicitors to pursue the claim on your behalf.

Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Taunton, Southampton, Cardiff and London.

For more information please visit Clarke Willmott – Specialist Debt Recovery Solicitors – Clarke Willmott

Agri digital agency wins at marketing awards

Business

Sam Allcock

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11/10/2022

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Agri digital agency wins at marketing awards

A digital marketing agency for the agricultural industry has won an award for its work introducing a start-up brand to the UK consumer market.

Hillsgreen was awarded ‘Best Small Budget Campaign’ at the 2022 Prolific North Marketing awards following its digital campaign to launch plant soil improver, Aquagrain, in the UK.

The agency, which launched in 2018 and now employs 11 people, was recognised by judges for its ‘well-structured campaign that showcased a strong understanding of the target audience and achieved fantastic results for the brand’.

Aquagrain needed to prove consumer demand in the UK to support its investment plans and this was achieved via a tactical social media campaign, customer database growth, influencer partnerships and, improved website conversion rates.

Andy Venables, Managing Director of Cheshire-based Hillsgreen, said: “Aquagrain is a great example of the role digital marketing plays at every stage of business growth. Whilst still in its infancy and needing to show a clear route to succession, a strategic approach was crucial. By working closely together, we streamlined product ranges and devised a campaign that created maximum impact in the short-term. That’s what made it so successful so we’re delighted to be recognised for this, beating very strong competition on the night.”

JP Dorgan, Head of Business Growth at Aquagrain said: “I knew that Hillsgreen would truly understand our product and the market. Being a start-up brand, our first campaign was only planned internally to be a test and learn exercise, to gather the initial response to the product. However, Hillsgreen achieved much more than this. We built a database, captured the attention of B2B prospects and retailers and proved consumer demand. It really has set us up for the future.”

The majority of Hillsgreen clients are based in the Agricultural and Agri-tech industries. Clients include the NFU, Elsoms and Cereals Events.

It is also the powerhouse behind two sister brands, Cultivate and Mission AG. Cultivate is the industry’s leading annual leadership conference and Mission AG is a ‘freemium’ B2C marketing network community for farmers.

For more information visit www.hillsgreen.co.uk.

CURATED MAKERS PARTNERS WITH JOHN LEWIS THIS CHRISTMAS TO CHAMPION LOCAL BUSINESSES

Partnerships

Sam Allcock

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11/10/2022

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CURATED MAKERS PARTNERS WITH JOHN LEWIS THIS CHRISTMAS TO CHAMPION LOCAL BUSINESSES

Opening Dates: Cheadle 18th October | Trafford 19th October | Cardiff 20th October | Glasgow 23rd October

Curated Makers, a retail concept that links local independent artists and makers with the high street, will be returning to John Lewis as a part of their Christmas Emporium; in Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff stores.
Popping up in Cheadle, Trafford Centre, Glasgow and Cardiff, Curated Makers will showcase more than 20 local independent small businesses, selling homeware, candles, clothing, jewellery and much more.

Curated Makers, a retail concept that links local independent artists and makers with the high street and will be returning to John Lewis as a part of their Christmas Emporium in three major cities; Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff. Popping up in John Lewis’s Cheadle, Trafford Centre, Glasgow and Cardiff stores, Curated Makers have carefully selected over 30 independent small businesses per Pop-Up to showcase local crafts, selling homeware, candles, clothing, jewellery and much more.

Since launching in 2017, the Manchester-based marketplace champion has hosted a series of pop-ups in large stores, including M&S, Paperchase and Next, and shopping centres including Trinity Leeds, Meadowhall and Battersea Power Station. Having received the government’s Innovate UK Young Innovators grant with an initial investment of £5,000 in 2020 and more recently with a Follow-on Fund of £50,000 in 2022, the business is going from strength to strength.

A welcome recipient of the Prince’s Trust, set up by King Charles III, Curated Makers has benefited greatly from the charity’s support for the business and the makers that it continues to champion.

John Lewis has been a long-standing supporter of Curated Makers small business journey as they face their third Christmas together to provide a much-needed platform for other small businesses during the most important season of the year.

Megan Jones, Founder & Director of Curated Makers commented; “It is a pleasure to return to John Lewis this Christmas, this platform is huge for our makers and is an invaluable source of revenue for their small businesses. The customers we meet within John Lewis branches are always so pleased to find our handmade gifts in-store and treat their loved ones to such special items. We look forward to spreading local joy this Christmas and hope to see many local people in the branch! Also venturing to Wales and Scotland for the first time ever is such a milestone for our business and those we represent, it’s a very exciting time for Curated Makers as we get to widen the reach of the impact we can have on small local businesses at such a crucial time of year.”

Chloe, the artist behind Pet Portrait Illustration, notes; “Working with Curated Makers has been one of the single best things I’ve done for my business. When they say they are ‘Small enough to care, big enough to make a difference’, I couldn’t agree more! Since joining in 2018, I’ve seen them go from market stalls to having their own stores on the high street, from supporting a handful of makers in the north to hundreds all over the country, which is pretty incredible! I feel so proud to be part of a collective of like-minded people who take pride in their work, care about their local area and help bring back a bit of individuality to the British high street … I’m currently preparing for my busiest Christmas ever and I really owe so much of it to Curated Makers.”

Temporary Building Planning Permissions Application

Thought Leaders

Sam Allcock

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11/10/2022

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Temporary Building Planning Permissions Application

Using temporary buildings for a long term, say five to ten years, requires structures that are sturdy and useful. The reason why many businesses and organizations are turning to these structures to solve their space needs is that they are affordable, time-saving, and versatile. However, you will need temporary building planning permission for structures that will be used for more than a month or when the structure is past a certain size.

Whether you are in the UK or any other part of the world, it is good to check the regulations around these structures and comply accordingly. For now, will talk about how to make temporary buildings planning permission applications.

When Do you Need Temporary Buildings Planning Permission?

As hinted, you will not always be required to apply for planning permissions when building temporary structures. Sometimes, you just rent the structures, use them for a short while, and then return the structures to the supplier.

When building your own temporary buildings for a business or organization in the UK, for example, you will need the help of a professional company such as Smart-Space. You will be required to make temporary building planning permission in the following cases:

The structures will be used for a long duration – In the UK, for instance, temporary structures to be used for more than 28 days are required to have temporary buildings planning permission, so you should apply before renting them. If you are in any other region, check with your authorities to learn more.
The structures are big – Again, those who are in the UK should apply for planning permission when making structures of more than 100 square meters. These are often large structures used in commercial companies and institutions. There are also other detailed guidelines you need to check with the authorities to get a clear picture.

How to Apply for Temporary Buildings Planning Permission

The application process differs from one place to another. However, there is a general guideline that is applicable in many regions.

Prepare the building plans – The service provider should apply for temporary buildings planning permission, but it is good for buyers to confirm that the structures are approved. First, the design and plans are needed to show the size of the structure and the engineering technology. The client and service provider’s architect should discuss and come up with the right structure design to be used in the application for permission.
Making the application – Thanks to technology, online temporary buildings planning permission applications are now possible all over the world. The service provider should use the government portal or relevant portal to download the forms, fill them out, and submit them accordingly. All modular structures are already approved, making the construction process very easy.
Submitting supporting documents – The filled forms be submitted together with supportive documents. They include the plans that you already prepared or any others that are requested by the authorities. Providing the required documents makes it easy for the temporary buildings planning permission process to go through and saves time.

Benefits of Temporary Buildings Planning Permission

The temporary buildings planning permission application is a legal requirement for structures that meet certain criteria. Failure to apply them may lead to the demolition of the structures or hefty fines.

Furthermore, these permissions ensure that the structures comply with certain standards to protect the users, especially when they are used on a long-term basis.

Lastly, the temporary buildings planning permission ensures that certain aesthetics are maintained. For instance, the pitch of large modular structures and industrial tents should be of a certain height, the color of the materials must meet certain requirements, and the overall design should comply.

Conclusion

It is essential to comply with structural standards when fabricating or buying customized temporary structures. Even as a beginner, you now know the best approach when making temporary buildings planning permission applications. This will save you time and money and ensures that your structures are compliant.

How To Plan For And Stay Sharp During Overnight Return Drives from London to Edinburgh

Transport

Sam Allcock

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11/10/2022

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How To Plan For And Stay Sharp During Overnight Return Drives from London to Edinburgh

Driving at night can be exciting and frightening at the same time. While most people would not be comfortable driving at night, a good number love overnight drives, and with a good reason. First, there’s not much activity or cars on the road at night, hence no need to worry about traffic. The risk of distractions is also significantly reduced as well. On the flip side, nighttime driving can be risky, especially when driving in new neighborhoods or if something should happen to your vehicle. You’d have to be behind the wheel when everyone is asleep. This can hugely impact your entire system, particularly if you’ve never done it before. Chances of falling asleep at the wheel are greatly increased too. For this reason, it would be advisable to plan overnight drives from London to Edinburgh well to ensure you aren’t not only alert but well-rested for the entire trip.

Are you planning your first overnight drive? Here are a few tips and tricks to help keep you safe and alert throughout the journey.

Avoid High Contrast Lights (Or A Lit Cabin)

The first rule of driving at night is never to have bright lights in the cabin. Any unnecessary lights, such as the overhead lamp and some dashboard lights, should be turned off soon after hitting the road. Any bright lights will only produce a sharp contrast with the environment outside, making it hard to focus on the road ahead. As counterintuitive as it might seem, driving in a dark cabin helps keep you awake and makes driving more comfortable at night. Avoid staring into oncoming traffic by keeping your eyes on your lane.

Maintain A Clear Head

Never take up the wheel when tired or depressed. The rule of thumb for staying safe when driving at night is to have a clear head. However bad your day was, pushing negative emotions away and focusing only on driving and getting to your destination safely would be advisable. The last thing you want is to take on the road fuming about anything. Stress and depression can be physically and emotionally draining; another reason you want to maintain a level head. The same can be true, especially when you are excited about the trip or something else. Being too enthusiastic on the road can cause you to make costly mistakes. This is one of the reasons experts recommend keeping it to yourself and, if possible, turning the radio to a very low volume (but audible) and concentrating on the road.

Careful What You Eat

While it is OK to bring something to bite (say a fruit) while on the road, you still need to be careful what you eat. For most drivers, a bag of chips, burgers, etc., suffices for a quick snack to keep you energized. Although snacks are OK, you do not want to go for anything with lots of sugar or carbs. Foods rich in carbohydrates, i.e., French fries, can take a toll on your ability to concentrate on the road. The excess sugars may overload your system, making you sluggish and sleepy a few minutes later. Greasy burgers and fried chicken should thus be out of the question, however tempting they might be. Pack and bring enough healthy foods for the trip. A well-balanced meal plan with grilled meat, fruit cup, and salad would be a wise choice for the trip. You can also ask for a healthy food option at fast food chains if you don’t have enough time to prepare a packed dinner. Foods rich in dietary fiber and low on carbs will help keep your energy levels high and boost your focus throughout the trip. Keep your car neat, tidy and clean from snack debris with car floor mats.

Grab A Cup Of Coffee

A cup of coffee will come in handy when planning for a long overnight drive. For starters, coffee is a stimulant and will keep you fresh and focused for the bigger part of the journey. Coffee will also help keep your energy levels up.

Don’t Take Too Much Caffeine

While a cup of coffee is OK for the trip, one cup is all you need for the night. Too much caffeine in the system can cause an energy crash or, even worse, make you jumpy. Anything with lots of sugars and caffeine should thus be kept to a minimum or avoided altogether.

Stay Hydrated

Always bring a bottle of water or two when going for a long drive. Sipping the water as you drive along will help keep you well hydrated, making it easier to stay focused during the entire journey. You also do not want to get dehydrated or too thirsty in the middle of the night with all shopping malls and restaurants closed.

Allow For Air Circulation

As tempting as turning up the heat in the cabin or closing all windows, you should consider keeping the temperature inside a few degrees cooler. If the truck/vehicle is too warm, the air quality inside will decline, making you drowsy and sleepy. That said, it is best to turn the AC ON, or even better, open the window a crack to allow some fresh air in. This will help keep you cool and comfortable.

Consider Some Vitamin Supplements

Although it might seem unnecessary, taking your vitamin supplements, especially vitamin D and Vitamin B supplements, can help boost your energy levels and keep you awake. You’ll also be in better shape, considering there’s no natural light at night.

Go For A Walk

Overnight drives can get lonely and tiring at times. There are times when sleep will overwhelm you even before getting to your destination. This mostly happens if you have been behind the wheel for several hours or toward the wee hours of the morning. If/when this happens, look for a safe spot to park (preferably a filling station or supermarket), switch off the engine, and take a walk. Use this moment to stock up on drinking water or to stretch your muscles. This will help restart the system, buying you a few more hours to drive.

Nap, If You Must

If you have been driving for hours and are overwhelmed with sleep, it is always wise to take a nap if all else fails. As mentioned before, you only need to look for a safe place to park and nap. Unknown to many, a 20-minute nap is all you need to allow the body re-energize and reset. Set the alarm to avoid napping for too long, as this will only worsen matters. If you’re just not able to go on then it might be best to look for a hotels in Edinburgh, London or the nearest town.

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