Category Archives: Home & Garden

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Tree Spraying: Keeping Your Fruit Trees Healthy

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The importance of spraying your fruit trees should not be underestimated. Spraying, along with other tree services such as pruning and trimming, protects trees against pests and diseases, thus keeping them healthy and strong and maximizing their fruit-bearing capabilities.

Tree spraying in Birmingham, AL can be done with the help of a professional tree service company, or you can do it on your own. Either way, you need to know some basic information on how to spray your trees the right way.

First thing to know are the tools to be used in tree spraying. The use of proper tools and equipment makes the job easier to do and faster. Choose a sprayer that is of excellent quality. You can visit any store that sells farming tools and inquire more about tree spraying equipment. You will not go through all the hassle if you decide to hire experts in tree spraying.

Choosing the Type of Spray

You can choose from any of the several spray products available in the market today. Of these products, the most commonly used are the organic type, usually made from mineral oil, which is good for suffocating pests. Sulphur and copper also work pretty well against fungus. But avoid using sulphur products on apricot trees. Also wait for thirty days from the time you used oil spray before using sulphur spray products.

How to Spray Fruit Trees

Tree spraying should be done during a calm weather. The spray will be blown away by wind, wasting your investment. In a calm day, you can get a thorough covering of your trees, from the tip of the branches to the trunk’s base. In spraying, cover the area under the tree. Also spray the root area. If you are spraying near a pond, make sure there will be no spray particles that drift into the water. Sprays are mostly poisonous to fish. And to protect yourself, wear glasses and gloves. Chemicals, even if you are using organic ones, may cause some amount of harm.

Choosing the time of the year to do your tree spraying is important. Expert tree spraying companies know when the best time is to do tree spraying. Check the climate in your locality. The best time to do tree spraying in Birmingham must depend on what particular part of the year that pests attack trees.

Generally, though, winter is a good time to do an oil spray because the trees are leafless and dormant, an anti-fungus spray before the opening of flower buds and another spraying after the petals of flowers have dropped.

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Tree Planting Tips: Ensuring the Survival of Your Trees

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Planning is important if you want your trees to survive after planting. Planting a tree is not as simple as digging a hole, putting a seedling in it and watching it grow. There are tree-planting techniques to follow to ensure the survival of your trees.

If you have no experience in tree planting yet, it is best that you consult any of the several expert tree service companies in your area. If you are tree planting in Durham, you also need to visit your local tree authorities for any tree planting ordinances or regulations that you need to follow and requirements that you need to comply with. Tree planting has a long-time effect on an area, and local authorities would definitely want to know about your plans.

Planning

The four basic elements needed for a tree to grow are sunlight, water, nutrients and space to grow. Here are some tips related to this aspect of tree planting:

Conduct an ocular survey on the area where you will plant your trees. Identify the type of soil. Knowing the type of soil is important because it tells you what type of trees grows best in the area. If you are tree planting in Durham, go to the local forestry office or any related agency to inquire about the types of trees that grow best in Durham. Your local authorities can also assist you, especially if your tree planting project will have an impact on the general public.

Planting

If you are planning to plant your trees in your property, choose an area with sufficient space for your trees to grow. You must know the growth potential of your trees. When fully grown, the trees must not be so big as to pose risks to power and utility lines and other properties nearby. Don’t plant your trees too close to each other, or they will compete for water, sunlight, space and nutrients, which will affect their growth and health.

Timing

Tree planting in Durham, and elsewhere for that matter, must follow the right timing. A tree is best planted when it is dormant. Most trees are best planted in the spring when the ground is free of frost and just before flower buds break open. If not, do your planting in autumn when the leaves are falling off and flower buds are prepared for the freeze-up.

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Save money by having your washing machine repaired, says 0800 REPAIR

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Appliance repairs company 0800 REPAIR has called on the UK public to consider the option of repairing their broken-down washing machines rather than replacing them.

0800 REPAIR is one of the leading repair companies in the UK, having the ability to repair all kinds of washing machine faults. This includes drum and door gasket replacements, blocked pumps, snapped belts, heating issues and spin cycle faults.

The company can also work on a number of different brands, so practically all makes and models of washing machine can be easily fixed by 0800 REPAIR. Everything from AEG to Zanussi washing machines can be repaired, and you can view the full list of brands that 0800 REPAIR can work with by looking on the official website.

0800 REPAIR employs qualified engineers that have all undergone additional training to ensure that they are able to carry out appliance repairs in line with the company’s standards. In order to save time for customers, 0800 REPAIR offers timeslot appointments for call-outs, so that customers can arrange their day around their washing machine repairs.

Paul Feek, Managing Director of 0800 REPAIR said: “We are able to provide washing machine repair throughout the UK, so no matter where you live we will be able to get an engineer out to you. Our special Code of Conduct ensures that engineers arrive on time and that they keep you in the loop concerning your repairs, as we believe this is incredibly important.

“Also, because we understand that times are tough, you can get fixed price labour from 0800 REPAIR to help you to save money in the long-run. This means that, when it comes to washing machine repair, it really is cheaper to come to 0800 REPAIR instead of rushing out and buying a new machine.”

To find out more about 0800 REPAIR’s washing machine repairs service, visit www.0800repair.com now.

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Tree removal in Overland Park: When Hiring A Professional Is Your Best Option

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As much as you hate doing it, there will always a time when you have to remove a tree because it has stand in the way of a construction, a house renovation project, or if the tree is so old and weak that it threatens the safety of people and property. If you want to do tree removal in Overland Park how to plan to go about it? Would you do it on your own or would you hire a professional tree services company?

Unless you are an expert on tree removal yourself, it ‘ s better that you get professional help with your tree removal project. You might be able to save a few bucks if you do it on your own, but the risks involved might only prove costly. At least when you hire a professional, you can be sure the job gets done quick and safe for everybody.

Your concern now is how to look for the best company who can do tree removal in Overland Park, KS. Your choice of a tree services company is important because not all companies exercise the same level of professionalism in offering their services. And it ‘ s not that easy to choose the right company. It takes more than just making calls, asking for quotes and setting appointments.

Don ‘ t Forget The Basics

Let ‘ s begin with the basic points. After you set a meeting with a tree services company, prepare some questions that you will ask to check if you are dealing with professionals and not some fly-by-night individuals. Here are samples of questions you must ask:

Does the company have insurance papers, public liability and accident coverage for its workers? How are they going to access the worksite? What are their methods of removing a tree? Are they going to use a ladder, a crane or are they going to climb it? How long will it take them to remove one tree? Are their workers experienced and skilled? What type of equipment do they use? How deep is the stump grind going to be? What happens to the debris after the operation? Do their services include cleanup?

Spend Time On Research

Different trees require different equipment and levels of expertise. Be sure to ask if they have different people who can handle various levels of tree removal work. In general, a professional tree removal company explains to its clients how they go about their work even without being asked to do so. They will also give you a detailed costing, so you will know where your money goes. There are many companies who engage in tree removal in Overland Park, so you better start your search now.

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The Best Time To Plant Trees

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Planting a tree follows a certain schedule during the year. You cannot just plant trees whenever you feel like it. Trees, especially when they are still very young, are very delicate and can be very sensitive to specific weather conditions. Knowing the right time to plant trees will increase the trees’ chances of survival.

For an expert’s advice on tree planting , you can contact a tree service Cumming, GA company nearest your place. These companies have long years of experience caring for trees. They offer all kinds of services related to trees, including landscaping , tree removal , tree planting , tree trimming , etc. You need their services especially if your tree planting project involves plenty of trees and preparing a wide area for planting.

But the existence of these tree service companies doesn’t mean you need not learn some basic information about tree planting . It’s not all the time that you need to hire the services of professionals. Tree planting, especially if it only involves a few trees to be planted in your backyard, can be simple. The first thing you should learn is identifying the best time of the year when to do the planting.

In general, early spring or late winter is the best time to plant trees. If your schedule doesn’t permit it, then your next best choice is autumn. Never plant trees on a summer, when the weather’s too hot. Growing plants are sensitive to too much heat. It’s not good to plant in full winter, too, for the sole reason that the ground will have frozen at this time. But if you did your digging before winter, then it’s all right to plant during winter. When you plant at early to middle of winter, you have to sufficiently water your plants.

While intense heat is one of the major enemies of newly-planted saplings, lack of water for their roots is a different consideration. This is one thing you need to consider during winter, which is not a dry time of the year. But still, your plants’ roots may not receive enough water. The snow’s moisture cannot seep through the soil and into the roots unless the snow has melted and the ground has thawed.

The wet and cold weather condition might fool you into thinking that your newly-planted trees are getting enough supply of water for their delicate roots. On the contrary, what happens in cold climates is that there’s some sort of a desert condition happening as far as trees are concerned. That’s why always make sure you water your plants during these cold times.

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Finding The Best Landscape Trees For Your Yard

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Choosing which type of landscape trees to use for your yard must be a product of research. You don’t just pick any tree that interests you and grow it in your yard. You need to consider their aesthetics effects they have on your yard all year round. Here is a list of landscape trees that are ideal for each season in a temperate region.

Spring

Magnolia trees are best for spring. After the snow and when everything springs back to life, there should be plenty of colors in your yard. A yard that is well-landscaped must have flowering trees of great beauty. Apple trees of different varieties are also great bloomers in themselves. When you see how they bloom, you will think their fruit is just a bonus.

Summer

While flowers are good, you need more than just colors for your yard. It means you need trees that show off their beauty during more than one season. We’re talking about dogwood trees. They bloom during spring and they grow amazing branching pattern during summer. And they are favorite of birds. Japanese maple trees are another type of trees for more than one season.

Autumn

Some of the maples in North America and Europe are equally beautiful in Autumn as they are during summer. And they are larger, too, which accentuates their color in fall. Notice that even on a cloudy day during fall, the sky seems to light up because of maple trees.

Winter

Your yard must also have blue spruce trees. We have mentioned trees that provide beauty to your yard in spring, summer and fall. But during winter when all the colorful foliage is gone, what will remain of your yard? Here is where the evergreen landscape trees come in. These trees include dwarf Alberta spruce trees, arborvitae trees, and the Nellie R. Stevens holly. Birch trees are also useful in winter because of their branching patterns and their bark that is unusually pleasing.

To mix all these beautiful trees in your backyard, you need the help of a professional tree service in San Mateo, CA. More than just offering tree planting and tree trimming services, a tree service company can also helps you get the trees that you want for your yard and work on your landscaping project. You can find a tree service company online and learn more about them and the services they offer.

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What You Need To Know About Professional Tree Removal

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Let’s face it tree removal is one of those things that most of us don’t think about until we actually need it. Then we may not know where to turn or what to do. Some of us may have cut down trees years ago but most of us haven’t.

Fortunately there is somewhere we can turn for help when a tree dies, fall down, gets sick or becomes a problem. That somewhere is professional Sunnyvale tree services. A professional tree service has all the equipment and expertise needed to remove almost any tree no matter what size.

They can take care of other problems such as getting rid of the trunk and the stump as well. Best of all a Sunnyvale tree service can give you a free estimate on the removal before they begin work so you will know exactly what it will cost.

The problem oak can be gone quickly and it can look as if was never there in the first place. Every trace of the tree can be removed by the professionals. They can even get rid of the stump by grinding it down. That means you can have that area of the yard for gardening or expanding the lawn or a building site cleared. You can even them plant a new tree to take another one’s place.

If you need more details or information about Sunnyvale tree removal simply call a tree service today. Its professionals can tell you everything you need to know including the cost and what is entailed.

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Don’t Bother Walking To The Shops To Purchase Your Carpet Stain Remover Or Hard Floor Cleaner Anymore

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Carpet stains can occur at the most inconvenient time and it is usually a mad dash to the cupboard under the kitchen sink that follows, in the hope that an effective stain removal product can be found. Generally, the internet may not be the first place you think of to buy your homecare products, people often purchase these aforementioned products when out and about shopping. As the appetite for convenience, ease and online shopping gathers pace, a completely new website, offering a quick and easy way to purchase a range of highly effective homecare and carpet cleaining products, includes solutions which tackle nuisance and stubborn carpet and upholstery stains, has just been launched by local carpet and upholstery cleaning professionals Chem-Dry®.

When you need to tackle carpet stains such as wine, food, chocolate, coffee, ketchup, soft drinks, grease and oil or alternatively undertake regular cleaning of laminate and hard floor surfaces, in-order to keep these areas free from dirt, grime and allergens, perhaps the internet is the ideal place for you to buy your homecare and carpet stain removal products in the future.

This eCommerce website allows homeowners and business owners to purchase a range of carpet stain removal products, hard floor cleaning products, carpet accessories such as acarpet rake and if you have a family member who suffers from an allergy to dust mites, you can also buy your dust mite product on the site as well. This allows you to purchase from the convenience of your PC and really lightens the load and reduce your stress levels

Chem-Dry Franchising Marketing Executive, Mark Richardson comments “With the launch of the new eCommerce website, Chem-Dry customers can feel assured that we are now able to service them directly as well as through our existing cleaning franchise network of locally based professional carpet and upholstery cleaners. Our online shop will expand the current range of digital services currently available to our customers and will provide them with a quick and completely new shopping experience in the process”.

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Chem-Dry Highland’s Investment – Promoting Healthier Indoor Air Quality And Relief For Allergy Sufferers

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With an estimated one in three people in Britain suffering from allergies at some point in their lives, indoor air quality is a topic that regularly makes the news. It is also estimated that 80% of allergy problems are often caused by the airborne dust mite, who can double their numbers in ten hours. One ideal breeding ground for the dust mite is household furnishings, carpets and bedding. However, Inverness based carpet cleaning franchise, Chem-Dry Highland have recently invested in the revolutionary CTS 330 Truckmount carpet cleaning system, which will help in the constant battle to eliminate dust mites, providing some great news for allergy sufferers.

This revolutionary cleaning technology is a fully self contained unit and is able to help protect families and businesses, better than ever from the dust and allergens that build up at home or in the workplace. The CTS 330 Truckmount cleaning system is at least five times more powerful than conventional cleaning devices and provides numerous health and safety advantages. These benefits include reduced hazards with less manual handling and fatigue placed on technicians as they no longer have to manoeuvre equipment from floor to floor and through customer’s homes.

The Carpet & Rug Institute based in the US, who are responsible for undertaking programs to test the effectiveness of carpet cleaning products and represents the carpet and rug industry, recently awarded the CTS 330 Truckmount a gold level ‘Seal of Approval’, the highest accolade for certified deep cleaning systems.

Judith McCarvel, Partner of Chem-Dry Highland, comments “If any member of your family suffers from allergies, you will understand just how important it is to maintain a good standard of indoor air quality and undertake regular cleaning to control allergies such as dust mites. As a local carpet cleaning franchise operator since 1987, I believe it is one of our responsibilities to improve air quality in our customer’s homes, neutralise the household dust mite and contribute towards providing a better standard of living for allergy sufferers”.

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Premiere Tree Services of St. Louis Calls on City to Increase Residential Tree Planting

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Premiere Tree Services of St. Louis is calling on residents and city officials alike to increase the number of trees that are planted citywide. According to Executive VP Jacob Sams, “Planting additional trees in the St. Louis area would have an enormous impact on the local environment. Planting trees is key to any city, but especially St. Louis.”

Experts agree that if each residential homeowner in St. Louis were to plant just one tree in their yard it would have an enormous impact on the environment. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, which in turn helps ease the negative effects of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the shade that trees give off helps to reduce air conditioning costs and save on electricity.

In addition to individual residential homeowners, Premiere Tree Services of St. Louis is also calling on the city government to plant additional trees on residential streets. Trees planted along residential streets reduce sidewalk temperatures in summer months. Additionally, trees cleanse the air of diesel and dust particles, and also capture storm water that reduces storm water runoff.

According to Sams, planting trees is an important first step, but proper maintenance is equally important. Both newly planted trees and existing trees in residential areas require care. Indeed, weed removal, watering, and spraying is crucial to new tree health and survival.

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San Antonio Tree Service Gives Back to Seniors

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Tree care services in San Antonio just got cheaper for senior residents. Premiere Tree Services, a tree company that has serviced San Antonio for over 35 years, has found a great way to give back to their community. For a limited time, the San Antonio tree company residents over 65 with a significant discount for tree removal, tree planting, tree trimming, stump grinding, land clearing and more.

San Antonio Tree Service Gives Back to Seniors

These days, with budgets tightening around the country, discounted services really make a difference to most customers. Some companies, like Premiere Tree Services of San Antonio, have acknowledged this. “On all services, we knock 20% off of the final price for seniors. . . . People like the discount, and it brings in a lot of business,” said Bennie Bain, the president of the company. Not only does the discount offer by Premiere Tree Services of San Antonio benefit customers, it also draws in business that may have gone elsewhere otherwise. With budget-conscious consumers on the rise, smart business practices are becoming increasingly important in nearly all industries. By providing customers with lower prices, something that all customers want, the tree company has made a very smart move that will, no doubt, continue to increase their business and their success in the San Antonio area.

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Aggressive Expansion Planned For Appliance Repair Firm

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A nationwide appliance repair company is about to embark on an “aggressive expansion plan” as it makes the most of the public’s growing make do and mend attitude, brought on by the recession.

Chester-le-Street-based 0800 Repair, which carries out work on range of domestic appliances from ovens to tumble driers, is looking to create around 150 franchise operations over the next five years. In addition, the business wants to employ a further 60 call centre staff over the next two years.

Demand for the company’s services has soared in recent months as consumers look to save money by having their old appliances repaired, rather than shelling out on new models. The firm is receiving scores of new contracts each day and its engineers will carry out anything from a cooker repair to a washing machine repair.

0800 Repair is currently taking on more than 250 domestic repairs every week, combined with around 2,500 jobs each week for retailers and insurance companies. The increased workload has led the business to project a turnover of £12m for 2009/10, rising to around £24m by 2014.

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Asthma UK Is The Perfect Partner For Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Chem-Dry

Professional carpet cleaners & upholstery cleaning and disaster restoration specialists Chem-Dry aim to raise the bar and really make a difference for asthma sufferers this year, after announcing Asthma UK as their chosen ‘Charity of the Year’ for 2010. Chem-Dry franchisees up and down the country aim to help raise significant funds through a range of fundraising initiatives and activities during 2010.

Asthma UK Is The Perfect Partner For Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Chem-Dry

In 2010, Chem-Dry is proud to be supporting Asthma UK, the national charity dedicated to helping the one in five households affected by asthma. Most people will know someone with asthma, but many people don’t realise that this condition is serious and claims three lives in the UK every day. In fact, more people die each year of asthma than cervical cancer and testicular cancer combined and sadly many adults and children with severe asthma face frequent hospital visits or can be stuck in their own homes, trapped by breathlessness.

Asthma UK provides support and advice to all people affected by asthma, through a range of projects, dedicated research and services. These can include specialised holidays for children with asthma and a popular Adviceline staffed by asthma nurse specialists.

Neil Churchill, Chief Executive of Asthma UK says: “We are really excited about our brand new partnership with Chem-Dry in 2010 and look forward to working with their staff, franchises and customers to make a real difference for people with asthma and maintain vital services such as our Adviceline”.

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From Employee to Employer, To Franchisee – The Employment Wheel Has Turned the full Circle for Alex Shurko

With various experience of the electronics & motoring industries behind him, Surrey based local entrepreneur Alex Shurko recently embarked on a new chapter of his career as he has just moved into franchising with Chem-Dry. His recent career background as an employee with Osram part of the Siemens Group and then having run his own independent MOT & Car Repair business, Alex has built a considerable wealth of business knowledge. He will benefit from his recent employee and employer working backgrounds, which will provide the perfect grounding to make his new Chem-Dry Professional carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning and disaster restoration franchise a success.

From Employee to Employer, To Franchisee – The Employment Wheel Has Turned the full Circle for Alex Shurko

Alex has forged a good working relationship and works closely with another Chem-Dry franchise Chem-Dry Gold, this was helped him build upon his knowledge of his local licence areas. It will also help with some of the technical aspects of running a carpet cleaners franchise business.

Franchisees, who have experience of running their own business, tend to possess skills such as discipline, motivation & process management skills. Due to the challenging issues they have to overcome and the driven personalities they display, ensures they are able to handle challenges as and when they occur.

Alex Shurko, Proprietor of Chem-Dry Britannia, comments “My previous employment background allows me to adapt to continuously changing working environments and as a previous business owner, I am able to make the difficult decisions sometimes franchise owners have to address. There has been a smooth transition from running my own business to running my own franchise business and its proven business model with Chem-Dry. If I ever need assistance or advice I can call upon fellow Chem-Dry franchises or Chem-Dry Franchising. The skills I have learnt as a business owner will prove handy and will be transferable”.

Mark Richardson, Marketing Executive, Chem-Dry Franchising, comments “Franchising attracts a wide diverse group of people from different backgrounds, with different skills, circumstances and business experiences. I believe Alex’s vast knowledge of running his own business will help and be put to good use as his franchise business grows and develops. We are delighted to welcome Chem-Dry Britannia to the Chem-Dry franchise network”.

Chem-Dry Britannia became part of the national Chem-Dry network in late 1992 and is an independently owned & operated by Alex Shurko since late 2009. The domestic and commercial carpet and upholstery cleaning business is evolving through the provision of exceptional service to both their domestic and commercial customers for carpets, upholstery and rug cleaning from various parts of West Surrey & North Hampshire.

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0800 Repair Announces Recruitment Drive As Demand Soars

A national repair company is to almost double the number of staff at its Dinnington call centre near Sheffield, following a surge in demand.

0800 Repair, which specialises in installing and carrying out repairs to domestic appliances such as washing machine repair, Dishwasher repair and cooker repairs, said the recession has led to a ‘make do and mend’ culture. With money tight for many households across the UK, repairing appliances rather than spending hundreds of pounds on new machines is an attractive option.

The firm currently employs 10 staff at the Waterside Business Park in Dinnington and as a result of the increase in demand for its services, plans to employ a further eight people at the site.

Paul Feek, managing director, said: “We’ll be expanding operations in the North East and at Dinnington, near Sheffield, and we’ll be needing more staff to help us achieve that.”

Over the next five years 0800 Repair intends to create more than 60 jobs nationally. Along with Dinnington, the company has another call centre in Chester-le-Street, a repair centre in County Durham, a distribution and repair centre in West Yorkshire and an IT centre in Surrey.

0800 Repair also provides employment for around 400 sub-contracted engineers and along with its network of franchisees, carries out in the region of 100,000 appliance repairs every year.

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npower Hometeam Has Released A New Study Of Homeowner’s Opinions, Which Shows That The British Public Dread Visits From Tradesmen, Regardless Of The Benefits That Their Work Can Bring

 

npower hometeam, which installs, services and repairs boilers and gas central heating systems, found that 28% of the British public, and 35% of females, dread having workers in their homes, in spite of their extensive expertise. These responses were justified by experiences including workmen smashing a new marble fireplace and being caught rifling through a client’s underwear drawer.

In true British fashion, it seems the nation’s ideal tradesman would have impeccable manners, with 65% wanting workers to be polite and friendly, one fifth requesting that they would take their shoes off at the door, and one in 14 hoping that servicemen will bring their own tea and coffee.

West Midlanders were the tightest with their tea, with eight per cent wanting tradesmen to bring their own, while true to form, Yorkshire residents were the most willing to bestow a brew to their boilerman, with just one in a hundred expecting engineers to bring their own.

Despite requiring the skills of specialist workers, 43% of women say they feel nervous about letting a stranger into their home while 60% of the public hate waiting in all day for a tradesman to arrive. Indeed, 86% of Brits (and a staggering 91% of all over-55s) would simply like their tradesmen to turn up when they say they will.

Dispelling the myth that men care less about appearances, males appear more house proud than their female counterparts. They are more worried about tradesmen looking scruffy, leaving their house in a mess, and having a white van parked outside their homes.

Chris Thewlis, head of operations at npower hometeam, commented: “These pet peeves are very common – but it may be that the British public are simply using the wrong companies. British men will be pleased to know that hometeam installers and engineers literally roll out the red carpet when servicing, repairing or installing a boiler, to prevent any mess or unsightly footprints, and our vans are red and liveried, rather than white, so they don’t worry about a scruffy van outside. Similarly, West Midlanders will be relieved to learn that our tradesmen take their own flask of tea to each appointment.

“The British public have better things to do than to wait around for us, which is why our staff always phone ahead to advise of their time of arrival. Every installer also has their first name embroidered on the back of their shirt so they feel more familiar.

“With all this in place, our next action is to investigate the secrets of Welsh tradesmen as, in our study, seven per cent of homeowners in Wales said they look forward to tradesmen’s visits.”

All figures are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,953. Fieldwork was undertaken between 20 and 23 March 2009. The survey was carried out online.

About hometeam:
The Home Energy Service from npower, hometeam installs boilers and gas central heating systems for domestic customers. It also offers a 30 point gas boiler service and boiler repair, plus a range of other products and services.

hometeam differs from its competition because of the little details it employs to make every visit as unobtrusive as possible. In addition to the red carpet, flask of tea and names embroidered on their uniform, appointments for boiler service, repair and installation are available at evenings and weekends and can be made online.

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Shop Like The Stars – Gwyneth Paltrow Loves The Handpicked Collection

Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle website ‘GOOP’, a collection of recommendations and musings from the actress herself, features an assortment of things that she considers make life special. In one of her recent newsletters Gwyneth described The Handpicked Collection as one of her favourite online shopping destinations, ‘I’ve also included some of my favourite websites that everyone can take a look at no matter where they live…for off-the-beaten-track home & kitchen things I like The Handpicked Collection.’

The Handpicked Collection’s catalogue and website is the lifestyle shopping bible, offering gorgeous gift ideas and unique products for the home and garden. From everyday essentials including Pretty Enamel Saucepans (£13.95) and the Garlic Machine & Storer (£7.95) to designer gadgets such as the Freud Stove Top Espresso Maker (£64.50) and Joseph Joseph Bread Bin With Bread Board lid (£38.95), each product featured has been vetted by an independent, expert panel of journalists, entrepreneurs and trendsetters and is endorsed with helpful editorial explaining what makes it so special.

The Handpicked Collection is perfect for finding inspiring products for your home and kitchen, as well as original present ideas – you can take Gwyneth Paltrow’s word for it.

For orders: www.handpickedcollection.com; 0845 6023578.

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Thomas Sanderson To Exhibit Across The UK

Thomas Sanderson, Europe’s largest manufacturer and supplier of conservatory and window blinds, has revealed the full scope of the home improvement shows it plans to attend throughout 2009.

Thomas Sanderson will be exhibiting all over the country this year at a wide variety of different shows including The Ideal Home Show and Grand Designs in London, RHS Chelsea, Hampton Court and Tatton Park and local events such as The Royal Bath and West show.

At this year’s exhibitions, Thomas Sanderson will be showcasing its entire collection of conservatory blinds, window blinds and shutters, with the latest range of made to measure conservatory blinds including Pleated, Pinoleum and Metal Venetian. A full selection of shutters and window blinds will also be on display, including Roman Pinoleum, Pleated, Duette, Silhouette, Wooden Venetian and Metal Venetian products. The company will also have some exclusive show offers which are not normally available, including a complementary £250 Gift Voucher and free prize draw.

Thomas Sanderson’s exhibition team will be on hand to offer advice and information on all its products and will be able to arrange a free home consultation with a Thomas Sanderson designer local to the customer.

Ian Bayne, Exhibition Manager at Thomas Sanderson, said: “Exhibitions are a great way of getting out there and presenting all the latest trends and styles in window coverings for the home and conservatory, and it’s the ideal opportunity for customers to come and talk to us about their specific needs.”

This year, Thomas Sanderson will be exhibiting at no less than 25 shows throughout the UK and Ireland.

About Thomas Sanderson:
Since 1991, Thomas Sanderson has grown f r o m a family run business to an international company offering products and services throughout the UK and Ireland. The company is Europe’s largest manufacturer and supplier of conservatory blinds in addition to supplying window blinds and window shutters.

Thomas Sanderson has remained true to its roots, offering a local service and continuing to make its relationship with each and every customer its main priority. The company takes pride in ensuring the standards of service on offer match the high standards of its products.

Established as the market leader for over 17 years, Thomas Sanderson now offers businesses the opportunity to be associated with a national company, backed by local service. Thomas Sanderson has developed ‘refer and reward’ partnerships with over 1300 home improvement specialists, allowing them to offer their customers a complete range of products that add the finishing touches to any home improvement project, and with minimum fuss.

Via EPR Network
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Consumer, Consumer Goods, Consumer Services, Home & Garden, Retail Trade, Services

Thomas Sanderson Announce Details Of The New January Sale With Up To 60 Per Cent Off Its Entire Range

Thomas Sanderson, Europe’s largest manufacturer and supplier of conservatory blinds, has announced details of its biggest ever January sale.

For a limited period Thomas Sanderson will be offering up to 60% off its entire range of products, and marks the first time a price reduction this large has been offered by the company.

Included among the many products available on the special January offer are conservatory and window blinds, and shutters. Blinds are available in a selection of hundreds of different colours and with the choice of cord, rod or remote control.

Included as part of the new January sale, Thomas Sanderson is also offering free, no obligation, design consultations to all customers. These can be completed in the comfort of the customer’s own home and will allow them to browse swatches and gain advice on potential styles and colour schemes. Windows will then be measured up so that costs can be accurately assessed and products individually custom made to fit perfectly. All items purchased in the sale will also receive a comprehensive five year guarantee alongside the same ten year buy back guarantee which is available on all the usual non-sale items.

As the New Year begins and sales abound, the combination of flexible finance options, a wide selection of made-to-measure conservatory and window blinds as well as interior shutters and up to 60% off the entire collection ensures the Thomas Sanderson end of season sale is designed to provide customers with more than just an average January sale.

About Thomas Sanderson:
Since 1991, Thomas Sanderson has grown from a family run business to an international company offering products and services throughout the UK and Ireland. The company is Europe’s largest manufacturer and supplier ofconservatory blinds in addition to supplying window blinds, shutters and patio awnings.

Thomas Sanderson has remained true to its roots, offering a local service and continuing to make its relationship with each and every customer its main priority. The company takes pride in ensuring the standards of service on offer match the high standards of its products.

Established as the market leader for over 17 years, Thomas Sanderson now offers businesses the opportunity to be associated with a national company, backed by local service. Thomas Sanderson has developed ‘refer and reward’ partnerships with over 1300 home improvement specialists, allowing them to offer their customers a complete range of products that add the finishing touches to any home improvement project, and with minimum fuss.

Via EPR Network
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Consumer, Consumer Goods, Consumer Products, Crafts, Gifts & Occasions, Holidays Products & Services, Home & Garden

Balsam Hill Introduces New Slim Artificial Christmas Tree

Thomas Harman, CEO of Balsam Hill Artificial Christmas Trees, proved last year that True Needle™ technology is the best way to create realistic artificial Christmas trees. The realistic look of the Balsam Hill trees earned kudos from the Wall Street Journal, NBC’s Today Show and Good Housekeeping.

This year, Balsam Hill looks to keep the buzz going by introducing the Fifth Avenue Flatback Christmas tree, the first True Needleâ„¢ tree with a space-saving, slim design. Priced at $399, Christmas tree stands seven feet tall with 400 lights and 1536 premium branch tips. More importantly, its half-back tree shape allows it to rest right up against any wall, saving floor space in narrow areas or tight spaces.

“It’s perfect for our customers who live in apartments in big cities or have smaller living rooms,” states Harman. “Our slender trees give you the option of taking up less floor space, while still having plenty of sturdy, lifelike branches to hang your ornaments.”

While it’s too early to tell if the new half Christmas tree will be a hit, it’s likely that demand will continue to grow. Artificial Christmas tree sales showed a 10% growth year over year in the past five years, according to the National Christmas Tree Association, with U.S. consumers purchasing 9.2 million artificial Christmas trees in that time. With the reusable nature of artificial trees, the market is likely to see even more people turning to them to celebrate the holidays as environmental concerns grow.

For more information about Balsam Hill’s slim Christmas tree please visit www.balsamhill.com

About Balsam Hill:
Credit: Jennifer Faulkner Balsam Hill’s mission is to create the most realistic artificial Christmas trees, Christmas wreaths and Christmas garlands ever produced. With over 20 different styles of pre-lit Christmas trees, pre-lit Christmas wreaths, and pre-lit Christmas garlands, Balsam Hill strives to offer a high quality product to satisfy any holiday style. To learn more about all our trees including our new slim Christmas trees, visit www.balsamhill.com.

Via EPR Network
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