Google to Acquire Nest

Posted on by Posted in Home improvement

nest_round_thermostatNest’s mission is to reinvent unloved but important devices in the home such as thermostats and smoke alarms.

Since its launch in 2011, the Nest Learning Thermostat has been a consistent best seller–and the recently launched Protect (Smoke + CO Alarm) has had rave reviews.

Larry Page, CEO of Google, said:

“Nest’s founders, Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers, have built a tremendous team that we are excited to welcome into the Google family. They’re already delivering amazing products you can buy right now–thermostats that save energy and smoke/CO alarms that can help keep your family safe. We are excited to bring great experiences to more homes in more countries and fulfill their dreams!”

Tony Fadell, CEO of Nest, said:

“We’re thrilled to join Google. With their support, Nest will be even better placed to build simple, thoughtful devices that make life easier at home, and that have a positive impact on the world.” 

Nest will continue to operate under the leadership of Tony Fadell and with its own distinct brand identity. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals in the US. It is expected to close in the next few months.

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Big Foot Systems Rebrands & Launches Marketing Campaign

Posted on by Posted in Plumbing Industry News
bigfigsystem
Big Foot Systems has launched a new look company brand and a marketing campaign entitled ‘Simply a Better Way’ to help promote its innovative rooftop building services support systems.

Despite the downturn in the construction industry, the Sussex company has doubled its core business every year for the last four years. Set for further growth, it hopes that the new look branding and marketing campaign will highlight its non-penetrative support solutions which it says offer huge benefits when compared to traditional methods.

The new marketing campaign includes the launch of a new brochure and website at http://www.bigfootsupport.com/. The website also features a new corporate video.

Big Foot Systems’ commercial manager, Dan Rushton, said:

“We are launching the ‘Simply A Better Way’ marketing campaign at Big Foot Systems to promote the benefits of our non-penetrative frameworks. Many in the construction industry use traditional support solutions for rooftop building services unaware of the time, materials and labour savings our products can offer. Not only that but our systems reduce the risk of roof leaks and thermal bridging both which have a cost implication for the building owner.”

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Brits waste money over heating

Posted on by Posted in Heating

worcesterWorcester, Bosch Group has commissioned a survey to reveal the UK’s heating habits. 

The study revealed that 32% of Brits tend to turn the heating thermostat above the recommended level of 20°C and 21°C and are, therefore, incurring unnecessarily high fuel bills.

Research found that homeowners willing to turn their thermostat down by just one degree can make savings of up to ten per cent a year on fuel bills. With the average household heating bill expected to reach £1,400 next year, the benefit of keeping the thermostat down soon adds up.

The research also revealed there are regional differences with how the UK handles the thermostat. Residents in Northern Ireland were more likely to turn the thermostat up above the recommended level, with over 36% admitting to setting it to between 22 and 25° C, this was closely followed by 28% of Scots.

Despite it often being considered as colder than the south, heating habits in the North East were found to be the best, with almost 57% setting their thermostats between the recommended temperatures, closely followed by London (49%) and the North West (48%). Those in the Midlands were most likely to set the dial at 18°C, with 14% feeling most comfortable at that temperature. On the flip side, the south east was most likely to enjoy a cooler temperature, with 16% setting the temperature at a frugal 15-17° C.

Martyn Bridges, director of marketing & technical support at Worcester, Bosch Group, said:

“We are all guilty of having our own heating habits and this prompted us to take a closer look at the different preferences around the country.

“With many installers being asked by their customers how they can reduce their heating bills, we hope this research reinforces the message that education around how to optimise the use of heating controls remains the best solution.

“Ultimately, the importance of heating controls must be explained to the homeowner. The improved awareness of heating control and their use can make a big difference to the way individuals heat their homes for less.”

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TrustMark numbers soar

Posted on by Posted in Renewable Energy

trustmark2TrustMark, the government endorsed quality mark for tradesmen, has recorded its greatest year to date for tradesmen details displayed on the website. 

In 2013 more than five million (5,277,705) search results were provided to homeowners who used TrustMark’s website and telephone helpline to find local tradesmen to carry out work on their homes or gardens.

During 2013, the average number of details displayed across all trades rose by 36% compared to the same period in 2012. Solar panel installers (131%), installers for cavity, internal and external wall insulation (92%) and window installers and glaziers (70%) saw the largest rise last year, primarily due to homeowners wanting to reduce their rising energy costs. Heating engineers and plumbers increased by 55% during 2013, with October and November having the largest searches carried out by homeowners.

Stuart Carter, head of PR & marketing, said:
“Soaring energy prices coupled with extreme weather have been key contributors for homeowners seeking out our tradesmen last year. We are delighted to see such high figures as it shows that consumers are searching for qualified and reputable tradesman to do their work rather than looking on any ‘find a trader’ websites, which carry out little or no checks on the firms they are listing.
 
“TrustMark tradesmen’s details have been increasing year on year and this considerable success has been a result of a number of increased marketing initiatives carried out during 2013, improved website activity and working closely in partnership with government departments, our member firms, scheme operators and key consumer organisations such as Citizens Advice, Age UK and the Trading Standards Institute who are all signposting people to TrustMark.”
 

All TrustMark firms’ technical skills have been independently checked through on-site inspections to ensure a high quality of workmanship and trading practices.

TrustMark continues to expand its database of over 14,500 individual firms in the UK, providing national coverage with more than 21,000 licensed trades searchable on its database.

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Bathroom air lock music.

Posted on by Posted in Humour

This is brilliant!

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