Portable Building Sales recently won a contract to supply two modular buildings to the Coventry Primary Care Trust.

The first modular building we installed as a temporary walk in centre, was a used 6 bay modular building.

Prior to arrival on site, jackpad foundations were used to erect the building instead of traditional concrete foundations.

Portable Building Sales have agreed to purchase the building back after the Primary Care Trust no longer have a use for the building and in addition will also purchase the jackpad foundations leaving a clear and clean car park area once again.

The Portable Building Sales “buy back” scheme ensures that the building is removed safely, professionally and to the current Health & Safety and CDM regulations. They ensure that the Primary Care Trust has no disposal problems and receives payment for the building before it is removed.

Portable Building Sales Ltd is one of the few companies in the UK to provide this type of service.

The used steel framed modular building that was supplied consists of six plastic coated steel modules which have white Upvc double glazed windows. The building also has a plasterboard lined ceiling and walls and a double thickness plywood floor.

This used modular building was decorated internally, cleaned externally and reinstated electrically to the latest regulations.

This temporary modular walk in centre building complies with the current Part L2A 2006 building regulations and is extremely environmentally friendly as it only uses 3% of the energy required to manufacture an equivalent new modular building. This is because the embodied energy is transportable and therefore can be relocated to a new site.

Also there are significant cost savings to the client and in this instance the tax payer as well, as this building was approximately a third of the cost of an equivalent new manufactured modular building.

Portable Buildings completed the installation of this building within four weeks from the date of order and to the client’s complete satisfaction.

Even though this modular building is pre-owned, Portable Building Sales still provide a 12 months guarantee with the building.

Portable Building Sales provided the Coventry Primary Care Trust with complete peace of mind throughout the process of attending meetings, submission of our Health & Safety plans, supply and installation of the used modular building, arrangement of the crane, to even organising the transportation and temporary traffic management to enable the building to be off loaded from a road adjacent to the site.

For more information please visit http://www.portablebuildingsales.co.uk or telephone 01482 656590

There are a variety of reasons why the Lake District is a great place to visit in the autumn and winter months. Starting with autumn and the colours in the landscape are simply beautiful. Browns, reds, oranges and yellows shower the roads, fields and fells. An excellent time for artists and photographers to visit the Lake District.

Moving to November and December and the Lake District is lucky to have a good share of those spectacular bright sunny winter days when the air is at its crispest. On days like these, you can see for miles and they are excellent times to go walking or to visit the area for a short break. In November especially, there are some great offers available in Lake District hotels. For those wanting a real escape and complete tranquillity, November is ideal.

January celebrates the New Year, recharges the batteries after a hectic, over indulgent Christmas and can be one of the best value short breaks you have. The Lake District is becoming a popular choice in January. There are many activities to do in the Lake District along with the possibility of snow still being on the fells. As with hotels and leisure accommodation throughout the country, Cumbria hotels and Lake District hotels have excellent rates for January as it is traditionally thought to be the quietest month of the year. This enables the consumer to enjoy short breaks in the Lake District at fabulous prices, much needed after Christmas but especially when everyone is being hit by the economic crisis.

Savvy travellers are noticing the great value deals to be had in the winter months. Holidays are quite often being thought about and planned for spring and summer but waiting until then without a break is too long. A short break in the Lake District can combine a much needed break with the chance to go canoeing, sailing, walking, mountaineering, fell running, cycling, the list goes on. The most popular, cheapest and most accessible is walking on the hundreds of fells in the Lake District. Wainwright alone walked and wrote about 214 of them but there are many further smaller fells allowing walkers of any age or ability to sample what the English Lake District is famous for.

AV stands for audio visual and is the combination of audio and visual components.

Audio visual or AV installations are on the rise with both the business and domestic market realising the benefits of bespoke AV systems. Standard systems can be installed but a bespoke system is completely tailored to the specific requirements of the customer. For domestic customers slone there are many different reasons a bespoke AV system is required such as one which is geared towards movie and film watching, focusing on music or for home office requirements.
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Situated in the southernmost part of Spain is the area of Andalucia or the Costa Del Sol as most people refer to it as, this area stretches from Nerja to Gibraltar, approximately 150 kilometres.

The climate on the Costa Del Sol is the mildest in Europe with over 300 days of sunshine per year and an average temperature of 18c. This is reflected in the number of holidaymakers that fly into Malaga airport each year, over 2 million. The 2 million visitors have a plethora of beaches to choose from the largest, Calahonda at a length of 4500 metres to the more modest El Bombo beach. It is a destination for everyone of all ages and interests which is why its popularity has continued to grow.

As with much of the Spanish coastline, the Costa Del Sol has many golf courses, around 70. Golf is a major attraction in this area with the Volvo Masters held at Valderrama and the large choice of courses to suit all abilities. The views from courses such as the Baviera Golf Club are stunning over to the sea and the mountains. Villas and other rental properties can always be found near to the golf courses making along with bars and good quality restaurants.

It was in the 1960’s that the Costa Del Sol felt the tourist boom with the introduction of the package holiday. Until then, it was either Spaniards of the rich and famous that came to this part of Spain. The package holiday made the area accessible to the. To meet with demand, the area had to be developed and large high rise apartment blocks started to spring up. The many communities within the Costa Del Sol are now very international but there are still large number of Spaniards and the real taste of Spain can still be found especially in the small hillside villages with their low rise, white washed buildings.

Short and long terms lets can be found with most Costa Del Sol accommodation providers. Properties can be found in central locations where a car is not required or for a more peaceful holiday, there are retreats away from the central locations. There are types of Costa Del Sol accommodation to suit every requirement, taste and budget from a Costa Del Sol apartment to one of the many types of holiday rentals Costa Del Sol offers. There are apartments, townhouse, villas and golf properties and these can be situated right in the heart of an area or just off the beaten track for a quieter experience.

Keswick in the English Lake District has built itself up as quite a centre for art. Keswick , over the years, has become a haven for artists and galleries. The scenery surrounding the town of Keswick makes this statement easy to understand. There are a number of artists that have made a move to the area permanently.

Keswick is in the centre of the some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK. On one side there is Skiddaw loaming over at an incredible height of 3054 feet above sea level, the fourth highest mountain in the Lake District and on the other side the tranquillity of Derwentwater. Skiddaw dominates the skyline around this area and is a sight to behold. It is not craggy like many Lakeland fells but somewhat undulating.

Over the other side and the picturesque Borrowdale valley which is dominated by the 3 mile long lake of Derwentwater. There are easily accessible points to get down to the lake with a path that runs all around the shore. It is a very popular area with lovers of all activities and it is one of the few pieces of water in the Lake District that has retained its peaceful atmosphere. Watercolour and oil enthusiasts alike are drawn to this area.

Visitors to Keswick that stay in one of the many hotels in Keswick can look around one of the many galleries in Keswick or its surrounding area which is always useful as Keswick is one of the wettest places in the UK!

Conferencing is a high revenue market within the hotel industry. It is an added business avenue which also brings in revenue during the day through day delegate rates. It also brings guests in throughout the week days which can be of great needs for some hotels which are heavily weekend orientated.

The Lake District is known for its peacefulness, tranquillity and scenery so what better place to hold a conference or even more so, a team building event. The Lake District is geared up for team building activities with a good choice of companies that hold day and week events. The events range from full on outdoor pursuits such as abseiling and mountaineering to strategic and theoretical activities so they can be held both indoors and outdoors which helps should the weather not be favourable. These events can also be held at hotels Lake District. All these factors can really make a difference to a team building or conference event and bring the best out of employees. Some companies also hold group interviews in the Lake District conference venues.

With the soaring cost of fuel, any saving for a business is welcome hence this article explaining the plus points for using fuel cards.

Some people think they should not get a fuel card if they have a credit card. Even if there might be similarities, the fuel card is not a credit card and has its own use and benefits. The similarities pretty much stop at the way they both look and at the fact that the need for having cash is eliminated.

The first and most obvious benefit of fuel cards would have to be the possibility of buying petrol, diesel or other fuel at a discounted price. This is important especially because of the ongoing rise of the fuel. If you have a transportation business or your company has several cars for the employees, then the fuel card is the way to go. You do not have to give your drivers cash and all the invoices come with tax shown individually. This is important for your business because it smoothes the progress of tax recovery.

Fuel cards can be programmed in such a way that one can use them to buy one type of fuel or more depending on your needs. Because the fuel cards use Smartchip technology the number of fuelling transactions can be limited. These and other advantages make the fuel card more and more popular for both business and particular use.

Further benefits are listed below:

1. Simplified administration with itemised drawings in easy format in one invoice;

2. Simplicity of VAT reclaim even for European fills;

3. No home fuel tanks with security, monitoring and insurance implications;

4. You pay for actual drawings in arrears without necessarily needing to buy in bulk;

5. You pay for exact fuel amount used;

6. Costs are negotiable and often creditworthy businesses can agree a wholesale tariff cheaper than pump price;

7. A driver can fill on the road in Europe and take advantage of cheaper fuel provided that facilities fall within the card network;

8. In the event of fraud or misuse, cards can be electronically and quickly stopped;

9. Some card companies offer individual limits on each card for even greater control;

10. Returning drivers can fill to capacity when leaving EC ports and maximise cheaper prices of fills.

The Lake District Hotels Group is still attracting strong demand for wedding bookings despite the effect of the recession.

The recent wedding fairs at The Lodore Falls Hotel and Inn on the Lake attracted over 650 of mothers and ‘brides to be’ – which only goes to highlight the importance of the Lake District as a wedding venue.

Kit Graves, Director of Lake District Hotels Group said “We decided to hold a Wedding Fayre at the Lodore Falls Hotel because it gives us the chance to show off the venue and is real opportunity for our Chefs to show off their culinary skills; offering taster samples from our wedding menus and displaying some of THE most temptingly delicious deserts. Chef Nigel Harper was the most popular man on the day – in charge of the tasting sessions and there were queues for one to one chats.

With such a large turnout of mothers and brides to be, there is no doubt that Lake District Hotels are still a firm favourite for Lake District weddings – despite the current climate  There were over 40 different stall holders at the event – all of whom received serious enquiries from couples marrying in the next couple of years.

Sophie Kings, Wedding Co-ordinator at the Lodore Falls Hotel said “Winter weddings are becoming ever more popular and for those that married in the ‘Lakes’ last winter, the snow made their weddings picture perfect. With difficult economic times it is even more important that brides are sure they choose the best venue for their wedding – that’s why we created a Winter Wedding Offer which includes extras, focusing on adding value and saving £100’s to make your winter wedding budget go further. The Wedding Fayre was an ideal time to launch the Winter Fairytale Wedding Offer which allows couples to try the venue for free. They stay for two night’s dinner bed and breakfast and we will refund the cost when they book their wedding with us.

Couples receive even more added value when booking  Winter Weddings – we will also include a FREE top table for up to 8 guests, free chair covers to match their colour scheme and reduced winter room rates too that’s a saving of £100’s.*

Visitors to the Wedding Fayre were certainly left with a true flavour of how we make each wedding day extra special and unique. There was a real buzz and a fantastic atmosphere. With over 40 different stall holders the event was described as a fairytale sweet shop for brides to be!

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Winter Wedding offer or looking for a venue should contact Sophie Kings at the Lodore Falls Hotel on 017687 77285 or visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/weddings

The advance in technology and invention over the years has aided disabled drivers immensely.
Technology and invention combined has enabled any car to become disabled friendly. The devices available on the market today range from wheelchair lifts and person lifts to hand controls enabling a disabled driver to drive the car themselves giving much appreciated independence.
There are various devices and models available, of which here are some examples:

Independent Wheelchair Lifts
Wheelchair lifts are extremely beneficial for disabled drivers with manual wheelchairs who wish to be independent. They fit most cars and operation is easy. These wheelchair lifts offer enclosed protection from the elements, for the wheelchair and the cost of transferring it to your next vehicle is minimal.

Wheelchair and Scooter Lifts
Wheelchair and scooter lifts are designed to lift manual wheelchairs and scooters and can be fitted to hatchbacks, estate cars, 4 x 4’s and MPV’s. When not in use, these devices store neatly away and can be transferred should a new car be purchased. The wheelchair and scooter lifts come in various models depending on the weight of the wheelchair or scooter, typically around 40 to 150kg lifts.

Person Lifts
Person lifts are for lifting people from their wheelchair into a vehicle and out again. Some models enable the person to stay in their wheelchair which then becomes the car seat. These devices are extremely practical and useful and can be bought for use in the home or the car. It makes the lifting of people effortless and with complete comfort for the disabled person.

Swivel Seats
Swivel seats for cars are a quick and easy way of making getting in and out of cars much easier. Pulling a simple lever allows the seat to be manually swiveled through approximately 90 degrees, making it easier to either stand up or doing a sliding transfer onto a wheelchair or scooter. Each swivel seat usually come with glide rails to enable the user to position the seat for optimum comfort when travelling. The seat can be used on either the passenger or driver side. When used on the driver side, there may be limited rotation. There are even special swivel seats available for MPV’s and 4 x 4’s which can also be utilized on mobile homes. These seats swivel out but also lower the person as well.

Hand Controls
There are various push pull hand controls available for installation in to cars. These devices can be for a single control use or can multiple controls for example integral indicator switches. There are devices that operate secondary functions at the touch of a button can also include:

• Indicators & hazard lights
• Headlights
• Horn
• Windscreen wipers (front and rear)
• Windscreen washers (front and rear)
• Fog lights
• Other functions may be possible, e.g. Radio on/off, heated windscreen, etc

Should a person not be to operate the foot pedals in an automatic car then there are push pull systems that can be fitted which enable them to do so. The rods connecting the controls and the pedals are fixed within the steering column for safety and ease.

Other devices that can be fitted are steering wheel balls for one handed steering, easy release mechanisms for handbrakes and one that enables the switching of the accelerator operation from left to right.

Car covers have evolved in recent years and are now made of technological advanced materials and are available to specifically fit each model of car.

All cars need to be looked after and sheltered from the elements and damage but of course, the more expensive the car, the greater the emphasis is on keeping it under cover and protected. There are a huge number of houses that do not have a garage or a driveway. Cars then have to be parked on streets where rain, dirt and the risk of damage is extremely high. Most outdoor covers are 100% waterproof and made of a lightweight breathable material making them very easy to quickly put on to a vehicle.

Car covers are mainly associated with the protection of cars when they are outside. Cars stored inside are still in need of protection and now special indoor covers are available manufactured from a soft breathable material that is designed to protect vehicles from dust, bumps and knocks, and scrapes and scratches. There are of particular use should a car be going into storage for a length of time. Even if just covered in a domestic garage, a car cover can protect against dust, dirt and grime and especially scraps and scratches that all too often occur. Half covers are very useful where you only need the roof of your vehicle protecting against garages with leaking roofs or to protect your vehicle from frost or ultraviolet rays in summer.

Living by the sea is a huge draw for many people, the views and fresh air. It is not such an idyllic situation for cars. Airborne sea salt is highly corrosive both on outer paintwork and inside the body of a car. Salt corrosion can result in nuts and bolts and even fuel injector pipes corroding. Well fitted car covers can eliminate this.

Buying the correct cover for your car is important to get the most protection. There are now car covers available to fit most makes and models of cars. For example, should you have a Porsche there are Porsche car covers available including Porsche Boxster car covers. Should here not be a cover suitable for a particular model of car there are companies that can manufacturer bespoke car covers individually hand made to order. It may be that a cover is required for a very specific reason too which would require a bespoke cover to be produced.

The Peak District is spans an area of over 500 square miles lying mainly in Derbyshire but also stretching into the counties of Cheshire, Staffordshire, South and West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. The Peak District was Britain’s first national park, designated in 1951 and is the fourth largest National Park in the UK.

It is a hugely popular national park due to its location with an estimated 20 million people living within a one hour drive. Being on the doorstep of Greater Manchester and Sheffield, this isn’t a huge surprise.

The region is divided into sections known as The Dark Peak, The White Peak, The Staffordshire Moorlands and the Derbyshire Dales. The highest point in the Peak District is Crowden Head on Kinder Scout at a height of 2070 feet above sea level. Kinder Scout is located in The Dark Peak area and can be accessed from Edale which is also the start of the Pennine Way. Most of the region is over 1000 metres above sea level but unlike the craggy Lake District and Snowdonia hills, the Peak District hills soft and rounded.

Self catering in particular has risen in popularity in the Peak District and throughout the whole of the UK. Some operators recording a 50% rise in bookings on the same period last year. The appeal of a self catering holiday is growing. A self catering holiday can give a greater freedom and more space for families and allow multiple couples or friends to go away together, splitting costs and creating a good value holiday. Cottages in the Peak District can be found in many villages as well as off the beaten track should a totally “get away from it all” holiday be required. Peak District cottages can be found in an abundance of styles from unique character properties to spacious, luxury holiday cottages fitted with all the latest gadgets and conveniences.
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A warm and friendly welcome awaits you at Firgarth Guest House in Windermere. Firgarth is an elegant Victorian house built in Lakeland stone around 1875, with views to the rear over Wynlass Beck.

Firgarth Windermere Bed & Breakfast has the advantage of car parking, and is situated just a short walk from Windermere centre, with its many shops and restaurants and rail/bus station. We make an ideal base for touring, walking or just a relaxing break at any time of year.

Just take a 15 minute walk through ‘Millerground’ to the shores of Lake Windermere or alternatively climb to ‘Orrest Head’ from where stunning views of Lake Windermere and Morecombe Bay can be enjoyed.

Firgarth offers eight bedrooms comprising of double, single, four poster and king size double which are all ensuite. All rooms are centrally heated and decorated in a combination of modern and traditional design, all have colour TV, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer and a range of toiletries.

Borwick Fold Cottages are situated in Hawkshead, near Ambleside at the heart of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, high above a tranquil, pastoral valley, with superb panoramic mountain views. Surrounded by fells, lakes, tarns, woodland, ancient hamlets and villages and with its land managed for wildlife, it offers a superb base for many outdoor activities, and in which to unwind. Our visitors return again and again.

Three rather special Ambleside cottages have been imaginatively converted from the barn and stables of our 17th century farmhouse. The Hawkshead cottages are set above a quiet country lane [National Grid Reference: 33420,49970] on the edge of Black Fell [a ‘Wainwright’ fell] close to Tarn Hows, near Hawkshead.

Each of the Hawkshead cottages has its own individual character and is centrally heated for all year round comfort. Benches outside the cottages and on the fell side, as well as the al-fresco dining area and barbecue, make an ideal location in which to absorb the peace and tranquillity of the area whilst enjoying the views and abundant wildlife.

The conferencing industry is a market worth billions of dollars worldwide. Conferencing is offered in far more locations now from hotels and halls, even churches. Conferences are not just held by large multi-national companies anymore. Conferences for smaller numbers and smaller businesses are now very common and expectations of a conference have also moved on.

Now there are integrated audio visual, or AV, installations that can really make a difference at a conference, meeting or pitch to a prospective client. There are various audio visual and sound system installation packages available, many of which are tailor made to each specific requirement. For example, a large conference room can have 3 separate audio visual installations enabling the room to be divided into three, acoustically isolated rooms for hire to individual groups. Such installations can be operated completely independently but also have the ability for all of the projection systems to display the same image when the main hall is completely open for large delegations.

To further engage delegates and in addition to an audio video installation, interactive whiteboards can be used to energise presentations and motivate learners. Interactive whiteboards combine the simplicity of a whiteboard with the power of a computer and engages students and audiences. The touch-sensitive display connects to your computer and digital projector to show your computer image. You can then control computer applications directly from the display, write notes in digital ink and save your work to share later. And what is a huge plus point with these interactive whiteboards is that if a person can use a computer, they can use one of these systems.

Holidaycottagescumbria.com are pleased to announce the addition of Hardcragg Hall to their portfolio of Lake District self catering properties.

Hardcragg Hall is the latest addition to Holidaycottagescumbria.com Cumbria portfolio of 5 individually owned luxury Lake District holiday cottages. Hardcragg Hall is the pinnacle of 5 star luxury self catering accommodation and can facilitate large groups of up to 14 guests with its 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. This stunning Elizabethan manor house makes an excellent choice for luxury family holidays, short breaks, celebrations, special occasions, wedding guests, parties, large groups or for a get together of family or friends.

Hardcragg Hall is steeped in history and dates back to 1563 and this grade II listed country manor house is reputed to be the oldest building in the local area. There are several spacious reception rooms that all interconnect, including the dining room, drawing room, bar area, breakfast room, library, the oak panelled entrance hall area with its roaring log fire and the snug lounge with patio doors leading out into the landscaped gardens and grounds. The recently furnished farmhouse kitchen is superbly equipped with everything you will need to cater for large groups or couples alike and boasts a four oven Aga.

This large Lake District self catering accommodation sleeps 10+ is ideally located in Grange-over-Sands on the Southern edge of the English Lake District. Grange over Sands is one of Cumbria’s secret gems and is the Lake District’s principle sea side town. This is an ideal location for scenic fell and woodland walks, together with a mile long, traffic free promenade overlooking the sands of Morecambe Bay.
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