John - SME BUSINESS GROWTH

19th June 202419th June 2024

Lancaster University Accommodation

Lancaster Uni Accommodation For Students

Lancaster University, renowned for its strong academic reputation and vibrant campus life, offers a diverse range of Uni Accommodation options for its students. Whether you are a first-year undergraduate, a returning student, or a postgraduate, Lancaster University provides a variety of living arrangements designed to suit different needs and preferences. Here’s a comprehensive look at what Lancaster Uni accommodation has to offer.

Types of Accommodation

Lancaster Uni Accommodation is divided into nine colleges, each with its own distinct character and community spirit. Most students live in college-based accommodation, which includes the following options:

En-Suite Rooms: These rooms come with a private bathroom, providing privacy and convenience. They are a popular choice among students who prefer not to share facilities.
Standard Rooms: These are single rooms with shared bathroom facilities. Typically, a number of standard rooms are grouped together, sharing common kitchen and bathroom areas.
Townhouses: Available in some colleges, townhouses offer a more communal living experience. They usually accommodate a smaller number of students, who share a kitchen and living space, fostering a close-knit community feel.
Studio Flats: Ideal for postgraduates or students who prefer more independence, studio flats include a private kitchen and bathroom.
Family Accommodation: Lancaster University also provides accommodation options for students with families, ensuring that everyone can find a suitable living arrangement.

Amenities and Facilities

Lancaster University accommodation is designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient living experience. Here are some of the amenities and facilities available:

Wi-Fi: High-speed internet access is available throughout all university accommodation, ensuring students can study and stay connected.
Laundry Facilities: Each college has its own laundry facilities, making it easy for students to manage their chores.
Security: The university places a high priority on student safety, with secure entry systems, CCTV, and campus security teams available 24/7.
Maintenance: A dedicated maintenance team is on hand to promptly address any issues that arise within the accommodation.
Cleaning Services: Regular cleaning services are provided for communal areas, ensuring a clean and hygienic living environment.
Social Spaces: Many colleges offer common rooms, study areas, and social spaces where students can relax, study, or socialize.

Living in College Communities

One of the unique aspects of Lancaster University accommodation is the college system. Each student becomes a member of one of the nine colleges, which serve as a smaller community within the larger university. This system fosters a strong sense of belonging and identity, making it easier for students to make friends and engage in college-specific events and activities.

Colleges organize a variety of social events, from formal dinners and balls to informal gatherings and sports competitions. This vibrant social life is an integral part of the Lancaster experience, helping students to build lasting friendships and create memorable experiences.

Student Support Services

Lancaster University provides a range of support services to help students adjust to university life and thrive in their studies. These include:

Residential Tutors and Advisors: Each college has a team of residential tutors and advisors who are available to offer guidance and support on academic and personal matters.
Welfare and Counseling Services: Professional counseling and mental health services are available to all students, ensuring that they have access to the support they need.
Academic Support: Colleges also offer academic support services, such as study skills workshops and peer mentoring, to help students succeed in their studies.

Student Application Process

Applying for accommodation at Lancaster University is a straightforward process. First-year undergraduates are guaranteed a place in university-managed accommodation, provided they apply by the specified deadline. Returning students and postgraduates can also apply for accommodation, with allocations made based on availability and individual preferences.

The application process is completed online, with students able to specify their accommodation preferences and any specific requirements they may have. It is advisable to apply early to secure preferred options.

Conclusion

Lancaster University accommodation offers a diverse and supportive living environment that enhances the overall student experience. With a range of

accommodation types, excellent amenities, and a strong sense of community through the college system, students are well-placed to enjoy both academic success and a fulfilling university life. Whether you are embarking on your university journey or continuing your studies, Lancaster University provides a welcoming and comfortable home away from home.

This Article is published by SEO Northwest for Student Housing Lancaster. The Number 1 Choice for Luxury Student Housing in Lancaster.

30th June 202330th June 2023

Selling Your Home

Coast N Country Estate Agents Lancaster and Morecambe

Selling Your Home Step by Step Guide.

Selling a home in the Lancaster and Morecambe Bay, like anywhere else, involves a series of steps and considerations. Here is a general guide to help you through the process:

Prepare Your Home: Before listing your home, make necessary repairs, clean, and declutter. Curb appeal is crucial, so consider enhancing the exterior’s appearance to attract potential buyers.
Hire a Local Estate Agent: Working with a local real estate agent like Coast N Country who are familiar with the Lancaster and Morecambe Bay area can be highly beneficial. They can assist with pricing, marketing, negotiations, and legal aspects of the sale.
Determine the Right Price: Your agent will help you set a competitive and realistic price for your property. They will consider factors such as the current market conditions, comparable property sales, and the unique features of your home.
Market Your Home: Your agent will create a marketing strategy to promote your property. This may include professional photography, virtual tours, online listings, open houses, and traditional advertising.
Negotiate Offers: When potential buyers make offers, your agent will help you negotiate the best terms. They will also handle any counteroffers and ensure you understand the implications of each decision.
Accept an Offer: Once you’ve agreed on the terms with a buyer, you’ll formally accept their offer, and the sale process will move forward.
Complete Legal Requirements: Your agent will work with solicitors and handle the necessary paperwork to finalize the sale. This process includes property surveys, searches, and contracts.
Exchange Contracts and Complete: After the buyer’s solicitor and mortgage lender are satisfied with all the legal requirements, you’ll exchange contracts, and a completion date will be set. On the completion date, ownership will transfer to the buyer, and you’ll receive the agreed-upon payment.

Remember, the process of selling a home can vary depending on the specifics of your property and local regulations. Working with an experienced real estate agent like Coast N Country will ensure a smoother and more successful sale. They can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

27th June 202327th June 2023

Summer Storage Solutions for Students Belongings.

Many university students require storage solutions for their belongings during the summer months when they are away from their term-time accommodation. If your Student Housing Agency cannot assist, and you need summer storage as a university student, here are a few options to consider:

University Storage Services: Some universities offer storage services specifically tailored to their students. They may provide on-campus or nearby storage facilities where you can safely store your belongings during the summer break. Check with your university’s student services or student accommodation office to inquire about the availability of such services.
Self-Storage Facilities: Self-storage facilities are commercial establishments that offer storage units for rent on a short-term basis. These facilities allow you to store your belongings securely and access them as needed. Look for self-storage facilities near your university or your summer location, and consider factors such as size, security, accessibility, and pricing when choosing a facility.
Student Storage Services: Numerous companies specialize in providing summer storage services for students. These services often include pickup, storage, and delivery of your belongings. They may offer various package options based on the amount of storage space you require. Companies like UniBaggage, PingLocker, and LoveSpace are examples of student storage services in the UK, but similar services can be found in other countries as well.
Renting Storage Space from Individuals: Another option is to search for individuals in your area who are renting out storage space. Websites and apps like Storemates, SpareFoot, or even local classified listings may help you find people offering spare storage space in their homes or garages. It’s important to ensure the security and reliability of such arrangements before proceeding.

Before storing your belongings, take some preparatory steps:

Declutter and pack: Sort through your belongings and decide what you truly need to store. Pack your items securely in appropriate boxes or containers, labeling them for easy identification later.
Insurance: Consider insuring your stored belongings in case of theft, damage, or loss. Check if your existing insurance policy covers storage or explore additional insurance options provided by storage facilities or storage service companies.
Book in advance: Summer is a busy period for storage services, so it’s advisable to book your storage space or service well in advance to ensure availability.

Remember to remove any perishable items, hazardous materials, or items prohibited by storage facility policies before storing your belongings.

It’s essential to research and compare different storage options, read reviews, and consider factors like cost, security, convenience, and terms and conditions before making a decision.

This Article is published by Student Housing Lancaster. The Number 1 Choice for Luxury Student Housing in Lancaster.

19th April 202319th April 2023

The Best Workout Clothes for Women

The Best Workout Clothes for Women to Wear on Repeat in 2023

Oh hello, new leggings.

By Talia Abbas

Source Posted on February 21, 2023

Gym clothes have come a long way from their humble T-shirt-meets-spandex-bottoms heyday—and the best workout clothes for women today have to meet a variety of fits and needs before they can claim a prime spot in our rotation. Between lounging and working out, we ask a lot from our athleisure (not to mention our wardrobe essentials in general), so it’s essential to invest in workhorse pieces that can go anywhere, do anything, and still make you feel like your best self.

Stylish options to flex your fashion sense are obviously a must, but most of us also want workout leggings and sports bras that are comfy, functional, and supportive—especially if these are pieces you’re slipping into on a bleary-eyed morning (amirite?). Tons of brands know this, and the active and loungewear space is thriving with options right now across a range of price points and sizes.

To help you build the ultimate workout wardrobe for doing all the things, we’ve curated a list of MVP-worthy activewear brands—many of which you probably already know, love, and have shopped before. From sportswear icons like Nike to sustainable brands like Girlfriend Collective, below you’ll find a comprehensive guide to stocking up on the best workout clothes for women in 2023.

Colorfulkoala

Amazon shoppers can’t get enough of Colorfulkoala’s workout gear—and neither can TikTokers who claim the leggings are “so cute,” “so soft,” and “almost an exact dupe for Lululemon’s buttery Align leggings.” The brand doesn’t just make leggings; you can also find comfy and smoothing workout tanks, sports bras, and bike shorts.

Lululemon

Lululemon doesn’t play around with its workout gear, but you already knew that. The brand’s claim to fame is its supersoft Align leggings, which wear like second skin and are ubiquitous at workout studios, supermarket checkout lines, and cute local brunch spots alike. (Sizes run from 0 to 20.) Going for a full look? Check out its vast collection of sports bras, which range from low to medium support to high-impact—and come in styles like high-neck, longline, and racerback. (Pro tip: Keep your eyes peeled on its We Made Too Much section to score seasonal hues at a fraction of the original price.)

Alo Yoga

Alo has a loyal roster of celeb fans (Kendall Jenner! Jennifer Lopez! Kaia Gerber!) and for good reason: The brand designs workout clothes that fit like a dream, whether you’re doing a vinyasa flow in your kitchen or taking your furry baby for a stroll around the block. The brand has coined a number of technical performance fabrics like Airlift and Alosoft since its early-aughts debut, and you can find simple silhouettes as well as more on-trend styles in its lineup—think pleated tennis skirts, asymmetric sports bras, sleek long-sleeve bodysuits, and its best-selling leggings.

Girlfriend Collective

Using recycled plastic water bottles and fishing nets, Girlfriend Collective designs affordable, size-inclusive athleisure in an Instagram-friendly palette of colors like lilac, sage, and auburn. Top and bottom sizes start at XXS and go up to 6XL, with short (23.75″) and long inseams (28.5″) available for its top-rated leggings and comfortable unitards.

Nike

Workout sneakers aside, Nike makes the gear of choice for pro athletes and, well, just about everyone else. The heritage brand has a near-infinite range of leggings, hoodies, running shorts, and workout tanks for straight and plus sizes—and keeps things fresh with coveted designer collaborations that blend high-performance fabrics with fashion-forward silhouettes.

Adidas

Adidas and its iconic three stripes need no introduction. The activewear giant has been leading the charge in sustainable fabric innovation for years now, with the main mission of ending plastic waste. (It has an ongoing partnership with Parley for the Oceans to use recycled plastic debris and certified fabrics in its designs, and half of its collections are made of recycled polyester.) Adidas also has a long-standing collaboration with Stella McCartney, a pioneer in sustainable women’s wear design.

Outdoor Voices

Outdoor Voices kicked the whole athleisure movement into high gear when it debuted its pastel color-block leggings in 2014, and the brand remains a go-to for exercise clothing that’s just downright fun to wear. Cute crop tops? A mainstay. Skorts? Those too. How about a dress to dance in? As if you’d want to wear anything else.

Zella

Nordstrom carries a mix of legacy workout brands—from Sweaty Betty to Nike—that you’re probably already familiar with, but don’t sleep on its in-house label, Zella. The Nordstrom-owned brand sells everything from sweat-wicking cover-ups to nap-ready sweatpants, with shoppers unanimously obsessed with its high-waist Live In leggings. The bestseller has more than 7,200 rave reviews on Nordstrom’s site (not to mention Glamour‘s own stamp of approval) and comes in a full-length and cropped version.

Beyond Yoga

Beyond Yoga has some of the best fabrics in the game, with Spacedye arguably being the star of the show. This one-of-a-kind fabric is stretchy yet supportive, and deliciously cool to the touch. You can find it on everything from cropped tanks to low-impact bras and maternity yoga pants (which tons of stylish women swear by during pregnancies, FYI).

All Access

Bandier’s in-house brand All Access has truly nailed the trifecta of durable, stylish, and versatile activewear. The buzzy label offers a tight-knit edit of leggings, bike shorts, and sports bras available in a rainbow palette of colors and lengths, from three-inch biker shorts to capris and high-waist options with pockets. Shop items separately, or snap up one of its kits to mix and match (and save a little coin while you’re at it).

Port de Bras

Port de Bras is a relative newcomer in the activewear space, but one you should definitely have on your radar. The ballet-inspired brand gained momentum in 2020 for its unique, high-fashion approach to performance wear, with founder Clarissa Egaña prioritizing the use of traceable, eco-friendly fabrics for her pieces.

Tory Sport

Function meets form at Tory Sport, which you can rely on for high-quality essentials that go beyond your everyday lounge and studio needs. The brand has plenty of adorable tennis sets, chic golf dresses, swimwear, and glamping gear to put a luxe spin on whatever activity you’re doing.

Set Active

Get ready to live in Set Active’s lounge and workout sets. The cool-girl brand serves up sculpting styles in snap-worthy hues like mint, espresso, and sage.

FP Movement

Free People’s sportswear-focused sister line has a vast selection of onesies, sports bras, and bike shorts that look as good as they feel. Also new for spring 2023? Swim (under the name FP Beach), so add them to the list of best swimwear brands, stat.

Athleta

You know Athleta, you love Athleta. Gap’s sister brand is a mainstay for workout gear that goes as hard as you do. Beyond the essentials, it also carries a ton of everyday styles—think down jackets, cozy wraps, and comfy travel pants.

Aritzia

Come for the Super Puff jackets and Melina leather trousers, stay for Tna’s plush hoodies and sweatpants that you’ll never want to take off. Also great here? It’s white T-shirts and tank tops for throwing over anything from jeans to leggings.

Vuori

Vuori has had a loyal following for years now, but only recently did the brand go mass thanks to TikTok virality. The brand’s sherpa jacket was a top seller in the health and wellness category in 2022, according to LTK, but we’ve always loved its adjustable drawstring leggings and joggers.

Splits59

From sleek turtleneck tops and buttery-soft bras to high-rise leggings and bike shorts, Splits59 makes some of the best low-to-medium impact sportswear, which is why we love it so much. Also noteworthy: Many leggings come in cropped versions so petites can feel represented too; the flared Raquel crop is a noted editor favorite.

17th April 202317th April 2023

Lancaster and Morecambe Bay Housing Market

Lancaster and Morecambe Bay Housing Market Update: Spring 2023.

The UK housing market has been experiencing a decline in annual residential property prices, with a YoY decrease of 3.1% in March, according to mortgage lender Nationwide. This marks the biggest price drop since the financial crisis, mainly due to the uncertainty created by last year’s mini-budget in September 2022, which is still being felt. As a result, the housing market is struggling to recover momentum, with weak consumer confidence and household budgets affected by high inflation.

The housing market in the Lancaster and Morecambe Bay area is also feeling the impact of these challenges. However, we have found that transaction levels remain stable and that the volume of new properties coming onto the market is steady. Committed buyers and sellers are slowly returning as morale improves, although there is still some uncertainty about the future.

Despite the challenges, the Lancaster and Morecambe Bay housing market shows signs of resilience. For example, some flexible sellers are more likely to accept below-asking-price offers to hasten the sale of their homes, and stock levels are increasing, thereby providing more space for price negotiations. These factors suggest that the housing market is adjusting to the current challenges and is poised for a more realistic and efficient sale.

One of the factors that is likely to affect the housing market in Lancaster and Morecambe Bay is the level of demand from potential buyers. Although prices are expected to decrease by around 8% this year, bringing them back to 2021 levels, it is unclear how many buyers will be willing to purchase homes in the area. Some may be deterred by the economic uncertainty, while others may be holding out for better deals.

However, there are some positive factors that could help to support the housing market in the area. For example, the Lancaster and Morecambe Bay area is known for its natural beauty and attractive coastline, which could make it attractive for buyers looking for a second home or a retirement property. In addition, the area has good transport links to other parts of the country, which could make it appealing to commuters.

Another potential factor that could impact the housing market in Lancaster and Morecambe Bay is the level of new construction. Although the volume of new properties coming to the market is steady, it is unclear how many of these will be new builds. A significant increase in the number of new builds in the area could help to boost demand from buyers looking for modern, energy-efficient properties.

In conclusion, Lancaster and Morecambe Bay’s housing market faces challenges due to the uncertainty created by last year’s mini-budget and weak consumer confidence. However, there are signs that the market is adjusting to these challenges, with committed buyers and sellers slowly returning as morale improves. Although prices are expected to decrease this year, the future of the housing market in the Lancaster and Morecambe Bay area will depend on a range of factors, including demand from buyers, the level of new construction, and economic conditions more broadly.

We here at CoastnCountry know what it takes to sell for the maximum price and we are happy to advise on any improvements to make your home more sellable. Want to find out more? Please contact kellie or Sarah at coastncountry.co.uk or call 01524 389814.

23rd November 202223rd November 2022

Lancaster house prices rise by 1.8%

Coast N Country Lancaster Property Sales

Lancaster house prices rise by 1.8% and buck the national trend.

House prices in Lancaster bucked the national trend in September by continuing to rise.

New figures show they increased by 1.8% – more than the North West average for September,.
The rise contributes to the longer-term trend, which has seen property prices in the area grow by 13% over the last year.
The average Lancaster house price in September was £198,963, Land Registry figures show – a 1.8% increase on August.

Over the month, the picture was different to that across the North West, where prices increased 0.6%, and Lancaster was above the UK as a whole, where prices did not change.
Over the last year, the average sale price of property in Lancaster rose by £23,000 – putting the area 20th among the North West’s 39 local authorities with price data for annual growth.
The highest annual growth in the region was in Warrington, where property prices increased on average by 20.4%, to £266,000. At the other end of the scale, properties in Barrow gained 3.6% in value, giving an average price of £145,000.
An imbalance between supply and demand for properties saw house prices climb across the UK throughout the pandemic.
But typical property values stalled across the UK between August and September, which caused annual growth to slow.

Andy Sommerville, director at property data provider Search Acumen said the latest data is further evidence of “a turning tide for house prices”.
The figures are yet to reflect the full impact of the mini-budget, announced towards the end of September, which sparked volatility in the mortgage market and saw interest rates on new agreements soar.
Nicky Stevenson, managing director at estate agent group Fine and Country said: “Annual house price growth slowed in September against a backdrop of rising interest rates and shrinking disposable incomes.”

First steps on the property ladder.

First-time house buyers in Lancaster spent an average of £175,000 on their property – £20,000 more than a year ago, and £44,000 more than in September 2017.
By comparison, former owner-occupiers paid £222,000 on average in September – 27.2% more than first-time buyers.

Owners of detached houses saw the biggest rise in property prices in Lancaster in September – they increased 2%, to £343,312 on average. Over the last year, prices rose by 14.5%.
Among other types of property:
Semi-detached: up 1.9% monthly, up 13.5% annually, £211,620 average; Terraced: up 1.9% monthly, up 13.2% annually, £172,880 average flats: up 1% monthly, up 8.6% annually, £114,531 average.

How do property prices in Lancaster compare?

Buyers paid 9.2% less than the average price in the North West (£219,000) in September for a property in Lancaster. Across the North West, property prices are lower than those across the UK, where the average cost £295,000.
The most expensive properties in the North West were in Trafford.
The highest property prices across the UK were in Kensington and Chelsea.

Average property price in September.

*Lancaster: £198,963; North West: £219,005; UK: £294,559
*Annual growth to September
*Lancaster: +13%; North West: +9.1%; UK: +9.5%
*Highest and lowest annual growth in the North West
*Warrington: +20.4%; Barrow: +3.6%

First Published November 17, 2022 | Debbie Butler. @ lancasterguardian.co.uk

Kindly Shared by “SME Growth UK”

13th September 202213th September 2022

Investment Property News

Chronic shortage of private landlord homes continues to push rents higher.

Investment Property News September 2022

Renters are being pushed towards smaller properties and lower running costs in the face of higher rents and rising living costs including rising energy prices, new research shows.

According to Zoopla’s latest quarterly home rental market report, the average rent has increased by £115 per month since last year, reaching £1,051 per calendar month – and accounting for 34.4% of the average income of a single earner. This surge in rents is heavily impacted by a severe supply and demand imbalance with the stock of homes available to rent standing at just half of the five-year average – while the average letting agent currently has just eight homes available to rent.

This chronic supply shortage is also impacted by an increase in renters staying put in their properties to avoid rent hikes and landlords continuing to sell properties in the face of tax and regulatory changes. Currently, approximately 3 in 4 renters will decide to stay in their current property and although they will experience lower levels of rental growth of 4% or less – this will squeeze supply in the market as a result.

There has been an acceleration in demand for one and two-bedroom flats as renters feel the cost-of-living squeeze, and fewer renters looking for two and three-bedroom houses. Outside of London, the average asking rent is £105 lower per month for a two-bedroom flat compared to a three-bedroom house.

Renter demand shifts to 2-bed flats for better value & lower running costs

Renters making decisions about what type of property to rent will also consider running costs and rising energy prices are likely to be playing a role in the shift in demand to smaller homes.

When it comes to energy prices, the amount of gas to heat and run a purpose-built flat for a year is 40% lower than a terraced house and 25% lower for a converted flat. New-build city centre flats are also becoming increasingly appealing to renters seeking out smaller homes with lower running costs.

Rental growth has accelerated over the last 12 months from an annual rate of less than 2% in July 2021 to 12.3% today, while rental growth is out-pacing earnings growth in all regions and countries of the UK. Rental growth is ranging from 7.6% in the North East to a staggering 18% in London – however, there are signs that rental growth is close to peaking.

Despite rents in London rebounding from a low base, the pace of rental growth in London is not sustainable at current levels with average rents in London currently 7.8% higher than pre-pandemic.

In a reversal of a trend seen during the pandemic, rental growth in urban markets (10.5%) is now outpacing that in rural markets (8.5%) as strong employment growth drives demand in cities.

The strongest performing urban markets are London (17.8%). Manchester (15.5%), Glasgow (14.4%) and Bristol (12.9%) – where rental growth is standing above the UK average of 12.3%. Rents are also rising faster at the top end of the market with asking rents for 2-bed flats rising more quickly at the upper end (top 25%) of the market in comparison to the lower end of the market where demand is more price sensitive.

What is the outlook for the rental market?

There is no real prospect of significantly improved rental supply in the near term as private landlords and property investors continue to sell off homes due to tax and regulatory changes. Renters renewing their tenancies will also amplify the fierce supply squeeze and keep upward pressure on rents into 2023.

There is headroom for some renters to pay more, especially outside London and the South East, however overall, we expect the headline rental growth to slowly taper over Q4 and into 2023.

Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said: “Rents have surged ahead over the last year but there are signs that the pace of growth is peaking and set to slow into 2023. Renters are responding and looking for smaller, better value for money homes to rent with an eye on energy costs as much as rental levels.

“What the rental market needs to combat these challenges is more new homes for rent. Greater regulation has seen less new investment and a small but growing number of landlords selling up, meaning the rental market has stopped growing since 2016. There is a risk that more regulation to improve standards or potential new measures to dampen rental growth, as proposed in Scotland, may compound the supply problem which is pushing rents up in the first place. Policymakers need to tread a careful path between protecting consumers and ensuring a decent supply of homes for rent.”

Hannah Gretton, lettings director at LSL’s Your Move and Reeds Rains brands, commented: “We are experiencing high levels of demand for rental properties with homes being snapped up within hours of hitting the market. With over 270 lettings branches nationwide, it’s a picture that is reflected up and down the country with particular demand in urban areas.

“On average, we are seeing double figures of enquiries per property with a one-bedroom property in Manchester last week receiving over 100 requests to view, highlighting just how busy our branches are and the challenges renters face when it comes to finding an appropriate property”

First Published September 13, 2022 | Marc da Silva. @ propertyindustryeye.com

Kindly Shared by “SME Growth UK”

19th August 202219th August 2022

The cheapest UK cities to flip a house

Revealed – the cheapest UK cities to flip a house – Property Investment Lancaster.

There has been a significant increase in demand for move-in-ready homes and CIA Landlord Insurance has taken the liberty to research which UK cities are most cost-effective to buy and renovate a home for those looking to maximise their property’s profits.

Using the average rate of tradespeople to disclose the cheapest cities in the UK to ‘flip a home’, the study also looked at the demand for these workers and availability to show the cities that may have more access to certain trades.

London vs Lancaster

The research shows that London is £596 per day pricier than Lancaster when hiring tradespeople and renovating a home in Lancaster would total to £1,723 – a combined day rate of the 10 tradespeople essential to flipping a home.

Structural changes are of particularly good value in this area too as it has the lowest day rates for builders (£173), plasters (£158), and handymen (£56).

When the study turned its attention to London, the data shows that this would be the most expensive city to renovate a home, with the average daily rate of hiring the necessary tradespeople being £2319.

This could largely be because of the higher cost of living here, as well as the need for workers to cover the costs of any equipment, transport, and tools.

Tradespeople in demand

Based on Google search volume, plumbers are the most in-demand tradespeople in the UK, with over 20,000 searches made per month. Another 5,000 searches were recorded for electricians and nearly twice as many as gardeners.

Whilst there are differences across the UK in how much it will cost, and how long it will take to renovate a home, landlords can increase the marketability of their property by doing so making it a worthwhile, long-term property investment choice.

Article By Mine Lombard
Article Published Date: 12 August 2022 – Property Investor Today propertyinvestortoday.co.uk

30th July 202230th July 2022

morecambe woman makes 35k On Property Show

Morecambe woman stars on George Clarke's new £100,000 property TV show

Morecambe woman makes £35K on Channel 4 George Clarke’s Flipping Fast

A woman from Morecambe has the chance to win £100,000 on a new TV property show hosted by popular presenter George Clarke.

Harriet Swan from Morecambe is one of the contestants on the new property series of ‘George Clarke’s Flipping Fast’ on Channel 4 where teams battle it out to win a £100,000 cash prize.

harriet Swan Flipping Fast — Harriet Swan pictured on the new Channel 4 property show Flipping Fast

Harriet, 28, is competing against five other people or teams from around the UK in a battle to see who can make the most profit from buying, refurbishing and selling properties.

Whoever makes the most profit by the end of the series, wins the £100,000.

Harriet topped the leader board after the first episode, having bought a one-bedroom flat in Morecambe for £67,750, renovated it with the help of family members, and sold it for £99,000, making £18,807 profit after costs were deducted.

“I can’t believe it!” she said.

“I am happy and proud of myself but I do think there’s still a lot to play for.”

The series aired on Channel 4 TV.

It showed Harriet looking at and renovating properties in Morecambe, and on Princes Crescent in Bare (see above, credit George Clarke’s Flipping Fast, Channel 4).

Harriet, whose maiden name is Muckle, works as a sports journalist and TV presenter.

Flipping Fast continues on Channel 4 on Wednesdays. The programme is hosted by George Clarke, and property experts Scarlette and Stuart Douglas (below). Tune in to see if Harriet can win the £100,000!

Flipping Fast Morecambe Property with George Clark — Harriet Swan pictured on the new Channel 4 property show Flipping Fast

First Published in Beyond Radio By Greg Lambert. Thursday, May 26th, 2022

30th July 202230th July 2022

Dance Dress Code

Dance Schools Are Updating Their Dress Codes to Become More Inclusive

Catalyzed by the national reckoning on racial injustice last summer, much of the dance world began to ponder some tough questions, one being: “Who does traditional dancewear leave out?”

Brands heard the growing calls for a greater range of options and have begun producing and promoting new lines of flesh-tone shoes and tights. Meanwhile, dance schools working to become more inclusive have realized their dress codes—particularly for ballet classes, which have traditionally mandated pink tights and shoes designed to complement white dancers’ lines—are an obvious place to start.

A Wake-up Call

Like many, Darla Hoover, artistic director of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and Ballet Academy East’s pre-professional division, calls the death of George Floyd “an awakening.” “We realized that those of us who consider ourselves anti-racist need to do more,” she says.

Both Hoover and Allie Beach, the director of youth programming at Broadway Dance Center, say changing their dancewear dress codes to allow flesh-tone dancewear a year ago was an immediate and easy adjustment to make, and they regret not seeing the need earlier.

“Honestly, it’s just something we should have done a long, long time ago and didn’t because we just stayed with that colonial idea that pink is the standard,” says Beach.

Outdated practices are often excused as part of the art form’s long history. Beach says it’s time to challenge those archaic traditions. “It’s a white-supremacist ideal tied back to when Black and brown people were not represented in the ballet world,” she says.

Of course, the need for inclusive dancewear options isn’t a new conversation. Dance Theatre of Harlem first debuted flesh-tone tights and shoes in 1974. As conversations about racial equity have grown in recent years, more organizations have followed suit. Boston Ballet School, for instance, has allowed flesh-tone shoes and tights since May 2019.

Other schools are now attempting to move at a pace best suited to their students’ needs. At Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, all dancewear for performance will transition from historical pink to flesh tones at the start of the fall 2021 semester to give students time to purchase new items.

The Impact of Inclusive Dress Codes

Beach says she not only hopes the new dress code allows students to wear what authentically represents them, but that the change has broader implications: “We have a heavy responsibility in cultivating these kids and the types of human beings that they are, not just teaching them dance.”

At the Center of Creative Arts in St. Louis, Missouri, co-artistic director of dance Kirven Douthit-Boyd says the department made it mandatory for its 14- to 18-year-old advanced dancers to wear flesh-tone tights and shoes in classes and performances in 2018.

“What was most gratifying when we made the shift was seeing how they looked and how it made them feel,” says Douthit-Boyd. “To see the continuation of the line and clarity of form on their Black and brown bodies was almost like them looking at a new person.”

Douthit-Boyd says the shift is a large one for his school’s community and he didn’t want to “rip the Band-Aid off.” So the older dancers serve as an example while the younger students gradually understand and become accustomed to skin-tone dancewear, before COCA implements the same policy in its lower levels.

Embracing Gender Inclusivity

Meanwhile, in support of their LGBTQ+ students, some schools are updating their dress codes and class terminology to be more gender-inclusive.

Juilliard’s dance division simply asks that dancers wear formfitting clothes and makes no distinction in dancewear between genders. Director of dance Alicia Graf Mack says ballet classes are historically gendered, but there are ways to challenge this norm. Alongside a growing number of schools, Juilliard no longer uses the term “men’s class” and instead offers an “allegro class” to all students. Pointe classes are open to all dancers.

The University of Southern California Glorya Kaufman School of Dance made similar changes after one of its nonbinary students suggested a gender-neutral dress code and classes based on technical focus rather than gender.

“We do not want to be this ivory tower that doesn’t change with the times and is not open to understanding the multitude of people and identities that exist,” Mack says.

The Way Forward

While dancewear dress-code changes can serve as a starting point, school directors acknowledge there is more work to be done. Hoover says her next mission is making dance training accessible to young dancers from all backgrounds. “It has to start in the beginning,” she says, “so we can develop more dancers in the first place to be hired into companies who will then move on to be teachers and directors.”

Originated & First Published by Breanna Mitchell April 26, 2021 in dancemagazine.com

Shared by Dincwear Dancewear on SME Growth