Green Party supports VAT cut on housing repairs

Posted on by Posted in Construction, DIY

green-partyThe Green Party has pledged to cut VAT on housing repairs and renovations.

Currently, the VAT rate on repairs and renovations is 20% but, with the UK housing stock in desperate need of improvements such as insulation, a coalition led by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has been calling for a reduction to 5% – the lowest level allowed by European rules.

The latest independent economic research from Experian shows that a reduction in VAT on housing renovation and repair from 20% to 5% could create 42,000 extra full-time equivalent jobs in construction from 2015 to 2020 and an additional 53,000 jobs in the wider economy over the same five-year period.

Tom Chance, Green Party Housing Spokesperson said:

“This VAT cut would be a real boost for green jobs and warm homes,”

“It comes at a time when we desperately need to be investing in a nationwide home insulation scheme, to cut bills and end the scandal of fuel poverty.

“This Election presents Britain with a chance to vote for change. This VAT cut – just one of an array of bold policies from the Green Party – demonstrates our commitment to building a Britain of warm, comfortable homes.”

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said:

“A VAT reduction on housing renovation and repair work will empower homeowners to contribute to growth, jobs and greener homes. There is no other proposal that will help the UK achieve so many of its economic, environmental and social aims with so little cost to the public purse.”

He added:

“The Green Party is the latest political party to commit to a VAT reduction on housing renovation and repair and we are delighted they see the enormous value of this policy.”

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Electrolux enters the bathroom market

Posted on by Posted in Bathrooms and Kitchens

electrolux-showers-newElectrolux has expanded into the bathroom market with the introduction of a range of Electric showers.

The new range brings style and energy efficiency into the bathroom, providing the ultimate in water comfort and style, says the company.

Available in three different styles, with a stylish shower head and range of spray patterns, consumers can personalise a shower to their needs. Easy to use controls also means that the temperature can be adjusted with ease.

Electrolux says it has drawn upon the technological expertise used to create its efficient washing machines and dishwashers and used this to design and create the new shower range. The electric showers are based on the same heating process that the existing domestic cleaning appliances use.

Jason Turze, Electrolux Home Comfort UK & IRE product manager said:

“Drawing on the brands trusted innovation and technology; we have created the new shower range to the same expert level expected from Electrolux. Consumers can be confident that their electric shower will be efficient and powerful, providing an enjoyable showering experience.”

Electrolux showers come with a range of safety features including overheating protection, plus they have been awarded BEAB Care Mark certification.

Available in three different styles and with a range of installation options, these showers offer great flexibility to both consumer and installer. Quick and straightforward to fit, Electrolux showers feature multiple entry points available from the back, top and bottom, to the left and right sides of the unit.

All Electrolux Electric Showers in the UK and Ireland are guaranteed for two years and the Electrolux Service Force network provides parts, maintenance and repair. Genuine Electrolux parts and accessories are stocked in the UK and available to order.

www.electrolux.co.uk

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Fuel tax freeze could save van drivers almost £1,000

Posted on by Posted in Useful Resources

fuel-tax-freezeChancellor George Osborne’s recent Budget announcement to scrap a planned increase in fuel tax will save the typical tradesperson almost £1,000 this year alone, according to findings by UK van leasing company Vanarama.

The average Ford Transit driver does 12,000 miles per year at 34mpg. The original proposed fuel increase would have put the cost of petrol at 172.26p per litre, resulting in an annual fuel spend of £2,763.92.

Based on the current price of petrol, freezing the rise in fuel duty will save van drivers £866.43 for the next 12 months.

For those tradesmen who were anticipating this price increase, news of the freeze means more cash, which they can spend on their business, on new equipment, and on new hires.

Andy Alderson, managing director of Vanarama said:

“We’ve had many of our customers talking about their desire to drive their businesses to next level, and this welcome news from Mr. Osborne provides tradesmen with the incentives they need to make this a reality, providing extra cash to put plans into place.”

“This is great for the whole trade industry, as builders, joiners, plumbers and plasterers will all benefit from this extra money in the economy,” he continued. “Many of the tradesmen we work with are eager and excited to use this saving to expand their business, which will no doubt provide further support to a range of local companies.”

The fuel duty escalator was due to increase the price at the pumps by 54p per litre from September.

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Thameslink contract renewed for Sweett

Posted on by Posted in Construction

thameslinkSweett Group has been re-appointed to provide commercial management and estimating services to Network Rail on the £6.5bn Thameslink programme.

Sweett has been involved with Thameslink since 2006 when it was first engaged to provide support to Network Rail’s programme and project teams in the form of pre and some post contract commercial management services.

For the newly awarded four-year commission, Sweett is one of several firms appointed to continue the provision of this support for a number of Thameslink schemes.

These will include the remodelling of the operational infrastructure in the area of London Bridge between Waterloo East, Blackfriars Junction and New Cross, New Cross Gate station and South Bermondsey station;  rebuilding of London Bridge Station to cater for the expected passenger growth and the increased train service; infrastructure changes in the outer areas on the Peterborough, Cambridge, and Sussex routes to allow for the introduction of 12 car trains and an increased train service;  introduction of automatic train operation (ATO) between St Pancras and London Bridge.

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Neolith by TheSize at MDS 2015

Posted on by Posted in Bathrooms and Kitchens

neolithNeolith by TheSize, winner of the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2015, will present its new design-led decors, finishes and formats at KBB London, part of the May Design Series (MDS) event at ExCeL London on 17-20 May.

Its stand will feature surfaces for the kitchen and bathroom environments, including worktops, sinks, wash basins, wall and furniture cladding and flooring.

Neolith significantly increased its range – from 34 to 44 different decors – across its six collections, providing kitchen and bathroom designers, interior design professionals and customers with even more choice to create luxurious environments.

Neolith’s stand will feature a kitchen and a bathroom that will showcase the award-winning Neolith Calacatta, a manmade design that mirrors white marbles from Carrara, as well as metallic decors that bring a strong visual appearance to any project, and wood decors perfect for creating an authentic and warm environment.

Neolith says its material is ideal for the kitchen and bathroom areas; it has near-zero porosity, preventing the absorption of liquids and making the product hygienic, stain resistant, easy to clean and impervious to chemicals.

The product is lightweight and easy to install and is also resistant to heat, scratches, abrasion, and wear and tear, making Neolith suitable for any interior surfaces. Furthermore, Neolith slab’s sizes – 3.20m x 1.50m and 3.60m x 1.20m – allows for a wall to wall application, minimizing the number of joints, creating a seamless surface that further enhances the hygienic properties of the surfaces.

www.neolith.com

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