What is the Future in Using Technology To Maximise Retail Sales and Manage Inventory?

Amanda Howse
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What is the Future in Using Technology To Maximise Retail Sales and Manage Inventory?

The rise of the online marketplace and omnichannel retailing

Selling directly through marketplace websites and social media platforms like Ebay, Etsy, Instagram and Facebook is commonplace in 2021. Buying directly from social media sites has risen even further in popularity since the first lockdown was announced in the UK a year ago. It is very convenient for the consumer as a way of purchasing and spending. Online ‘bargains’ and ‘treats’ can come in the form of planned purchases or  impulse buys.

Aspirational purchases can be an intuitive experience for teenagers, men and women alike. Exciting accounts use influencers who use videos, messages, photographs and filters to highlight the latest hobbies, fashions, home interiors, books and much more.

Portable devices and smart phones mean that these sites can be accessed by a buyer or seller anywhere and at any time of the day or night. Selecting specific items for home delivery can be influenced by friendship group choices. It is not necessary to travel, park, queue, social distance or wear PPE when ordering from the comfort of home, work or anywhere a shopper happens to be located.

PayPal and other automatic debit card services linked to an individual’s phone or device means they can place an order in a second or two. Equally the seller can receive a request for their products almost instantly, using the latest internet banking connections. Both small and large companies then use specialised apps and smart technology to keep tabs on what is ordered, purchased, stored, displayed and sold.

Efficient packaging systems decrease impact on the environment 

Sustainability in packaging is an essential practical consideration for any shop, says Molly Park at Papier stationery and cards. An example of good practice is “using the original product packaging” says Bryony Sheridan at Liberty. This ensures the materials that the supplier initially sent the product to the warehouse wrapped in, get reused without any additional waste. (1)(3)

Minimising waste is better for the environment as well as being an effective way to reduce unnecessary costs. Supermarkets and florists always focus carefully on this aspect, as many of their goods are perishable. Carefully controlling waste is important to any business especially if there is a fashion or seasonal aspect to the range. This is because the value drops so sharply after a particular calendar event, holiday or even when the weather changes. The demand for seasonal ranges often suddenly decreases or are not wanted at all now by anyone as different products then become in vogue. Tracking stock digitally helps to avoid holding surplus or out of date stock.

Technology is now automatically detecting, tracking and analysing stock

Molly Park at Papier also highlights how using technology to manage inventory is crucial to running the business efficiently. Most retailers have been using a computerised stock management system for the last 20 years. Large organisations like Marks and Spencer and John Lewis have been automating their warehouse operations using tags and scanners, barcoding, web based systems and robots for more than two decades. (5)(6)

This gives managers accurate data about what stock they are actually storing which translates into what they can actually sell. This is especially necessary when running a physical and an online store simultaneously. Clever inventory management includes situations such as  quantifying any purchased items that are awaiting delivery. This information can help manage costs and prevent expensive mistakes or undeliverable expectations. It can also highlight where a promotion is desirable in order to move slower selling lines before they become ‘old hat’. Achieving competitive pricing and planning ahead for seasonal sales is also directly influenced by maintaining accurate and detailed stock management data.

The supply chain consultancy Paul Trudgian defines an ‘integrated inventory management system’ as a process that “holistically tracks inventory across all the different channels of retail.” (7) The logistics experts describe how active systems can “detect, track and analyse automatically”

The level of technology used in retail stores and online businesses varies according to the needs of both the seller and the buyer. Organisations with less customers who offer a higher level of personalised and customised service, may only have a very basic level need to monitor their inventory and ensure sales information is recorded. An example of this might be a classic car manufacturer. Designers and makers may still use inventory systems to record and control the manufacturing process and supply chain information. Alternatively a market stall, coffee stand or pop up shop may choose ‘analogue’ systems for simplicity, especially if operating in an environment where the internet is unavailable.

If a company sells many different products and ships to a multitude of different clients each year then an automated system is essential to avoid a mountain of paperwork and extra administration. Most supermarkets, fashion boutique owners, home furnishing chains and DIY stores have at least one digitised selling and stock management system.  Often several systems are operating at the same time and there are software companies that specialise in amalgamating and optimising the efficiency of these digitised programs.

Technology can boost customer loyalty

By automatically recording the buying behaviour of customers through loyalty schemes and delivery records managers can gain insight into what their patrons likes and dislikes are and what products and services they are likely to want in the near future. Experienced retailers will know their clients personally and sometimes even hold their own ‘customer books’ of people they have developed a good relationship with, as they fulfill their clients wishes over time.

This information can then be used to suggest and market new items and the latest collections to consumers via all sorts of communication such as newsletter emails, advertising and invitations to events. Automation can mean this activity can be carried out on a grand scale whilst ensuring specific factors are taken into consideration such as age, gender, lifestyle, location and other preferences.

Digital and Health Passports 

Some experts predict knowing who has and has not received the latest vaccines to protect against Covid-19 will become important to all forms of life including retail businesses. Companies are likely to take into consideration some sort of ‘vaccine passport’ when booking services that include travel and physical events in the future. Scanning a barcode on an app much like the current NHS Covid-19 app may be required to access all kinds of services and could become part of standard ordering procedures.

Knowing the vaccine status of members of the public may affect who receives which marketing messages and which customers are most likely to visit a shop in person, or purchase a given selection of merchandise such as luggage for example. Knowing which followers have visas for travel to states in the European Union or beyond may also be vital information over the coming months for any enterprises who have a global aspect to their venture.

Personalisation

People’s expectations of a seamless customer service experience throughout the delivery process is growing, as online shopping continues to increase in popularity. Keeping it personal throughout the process is likely to continue to be very relevant according to W2 Solution, who are a Japanese eCommerce company. They advise “simply personalising the checkout procedure or email correspondence is a great place to start. Customers respond well to personalisation, it adds value to their purchasing process and increases the likelihood of repeat purchases.” (8)

Maximised user capacity at busy times

Big holidays and special events such as Black Friday mean that websites have to be able to potentially handle many thousands of requests for web page information at the same time, without any loss of speed or unexpected site crashes for their visitors. Technology providers will continue to innovate in this area, to give their clients confidence that they will not miss any valuable sales enquiries.

Cash deskless shopping and locating equipment

This month the first Amazon store without a cash desk opened in London. This innovative grocers allows shoppers to put items into their baskets and just walk out of the store confident that their smart phone app has recorded and paid for their selections. Many CCTV cameras and the latest tracking technology means that merchandise is monitored to ensure everything is sold correctly. Honing in on the exact location of reusable storage pallets, bins and equipment in ‘realtime’ can create an even more sophisticated stock inventory process that is ready for the 21st century.

Managing team resources and recording extra data

Roberto Michel at Modern Materials Handling reports how keeping costs low is still a key consideration when choosing which radio, bluetooth or web based inventory monitoring devices to invest in. Richard Stewart at HighJump Software recommends users “dynamically manage inventory on the fly”. This can include recording all sorts of information about warehouse resources and the traffic and location of a warehouse team and other key assets in order to be able to introduce efficiency improvements. (9)

Voice directed picking can assist new employees in finding the right stock location within an unfamiliar commercial premises. Scanners can also be used to find out temperature which is especially useful when dealing with cold chain goods. In the future mini computers inside scanners could easily monitor sound levels or check colours, types of materials and potentially a whole host of other attributes, that a supplier might want to know instantly.

Artificial intelligence improves the picking process

Robots are increasingly used in large warehouses to pick orders. Ruthie Bowles at Logiwa writes about how some new robots are learning how humans pick objects like oranges perfectly, with just the right amount of pressure. Predictive picking helps larger retailers prepare the stock that they are extremely likely to want to have ready to ship quickly. This can significantly increase sales during busy times, holidays and when running special promotional offers. (10)

Making returns a breeze for customers

Despite clearly stating the best descriptions and outlining the clearest sizing policies both online and physical shopping will always have a proportion of sales which will be returned by the customer for one reason or another. How simple and straightforward the returns are handled will influence how likely it is for a person to repurchase again quickly.

Marks and Spencer and John Lewis are famous for establishing a comprehensive returns policy which has helped to build trust that supports their business success over several generations. Amazon has introduced ‘return centres’ with orange ‘hub lockers’ at busy places in communities on both sides of the Atlantic and this is a trend that is set to continue.

Sustainable policies such as ‘repairing’, ‘reselling’, ‘buying back’ ‘swapping’ or providing opportunities to donate preloved objects to charity will likely be expanded across many sectors of the economy. Optimising the reuse and recycling of materials in order to respect and conserve our eco-systems is crucial, as we all work towards reducing the retail industry’s energy consumption. Mending and alteration services may also form part of the vision for returns as will close attention to the expected product lifecycle, during the designing and buying phases. (11)

Printing barcodes on home printers enables consumers to easily pop packages into their local post office or out on their doorstep for a hassle free collection. These methods are bound to continue to be incorporated by many other modern companies going forward. Just as GPS systems and cardless payments are part of everyday living in 2021, further developments in wearable technology and virtual reality are bound to provide further innovation possibilities in both the ordering process and inventory management in the future.

 

(1) Bryony Sheridan, Buyer, Liberty Ltd.,11 March 2021  Bryony Sheridan, Buyer, Liberty on LinkedIn

(2) Bryony Sheridan, Buyer, Liberty Ltd.,11 March 2021 Bryony Sheridan, Buyer, Liberty Ltd.

(3) Molly Park at Papier, Stationary, Cards and Gift Retailer, 11 March 2021  Molly Park at Papier, Stationary, Cards and Gift Retailer

(4) Molly Park at Papier, Stationary, Cards and Gift Retailer, 11 March 2021  Molly Park at Papier, Stationary, Cards and Gift Retailer

(5) John Lewis Partnership, 11 March 2021 John Lewis Partnership

(6) Marks and Spencer, 11 March 2021 Marks and Spencer

(7) ‘The Advancement of Technology in Inventory Management’ Paul Trudgian, Supply Chain Consultancy, 11 March 2021 ‘The Advancement of Technology in Inventory Management’ Paul Trudgian, Supply Chain Consultancy

(8) ‘Understanding Customer Experience – Where are you going wrong?’ W2 Solution, E-Commerce, 11 March 2021 ‘Understanding Customer Experience Where are you going wrong?’ W2 Solution, E-Commerce

(9) ‘The Future of Inventory Management’ Roberto Michel, 22 January 2020 ‘The Future of Inventory Management’ Roberto Michel

(10) 7 Inventory Trends Retailers Should Know’ Ruthie Bowles, 17 November 2020 7 Inventory Trends Retailers Should Know’ Ruthie Bowles

(11) ‘Looking Ahead: The Future of Inventory Management’ Melanie at Unleashed 11 March 2019 ‘Looking Ahead: The Future of Inventory Management’ Melanie at Unleashed

(12) Mero Wings Hornbeam range of outdoor furniture (image photo by A Howse) Mero Wings Hornbeam Ottoman outdoor furniture

(13) Packaging Chimp UK Packaging Chimp

5 Reasons Why It Is Smart To Focus On Building A Strong Brand

Amanda Howse
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5 Reasons Why It Is Smart To Focus On Building A Strong Brand
  1. Word of mouth recommendations are still relevant

Developing a strong brand is as important as ever this year. Talitha Lofthus is Marketing Manager at RetailNext and she recommends word of mouth marketing as still being the most essential element in promoting any company. Hearing great things about a business from people you know is very powerful and that hasn’t changed with the digital revolution. The  significance that comes from a great personal reference has transferred naturally onto a wide variety of social media platforms. Simple customer reviews carry a lot of weight and these are joined by the emergence of influencers and brand advocates who can help any venture build more awareness. (1)

Not everybody agrees that social media and online communication is vital to generating a dynamic name and massive following. Interior Designer Martin Brudnizki of Martin Brudnizki Interior Design has focused on letting the work speak for itself with its timeless beauty and high quality. The organic publicity that follows receiving multiple design awards has also contributed to his firm’s stand out success.

Speaking at the UK retail industry’s Spring Fair recently, Brudnizki explained how the studio process is key to achieving his aims. Martin maintains an emphasis on how “each project is individual” whilst also leading his design teams cosmopolitan signature style, through an academic approach and taking inspiration from old and historical books. (2)

2. Creating a community is cool

When it comes to branding the idea of forming a community is integral to creating a strong impression. Human beings like to be part of a group or pack and they will support organisations to whom their admired contacts show loyalty. Paulin Karpis at Forbes magazine suggests that “people are craving community now more than ever.” Engaging followers to share content and spread good news about a business’s latest collections takes creativity. The engagement can involve sharing activities, extra information, merchandise and competitions for example. Karpis suggests that companies need to go further than simply just selling a product or a service and they need to “provide support and (add) value for members.” (4) “Create a community and let them run it” declares Bob Novogratz of US based design team The Novogratz.

3. Keep a sense of humour and enjoy your life

Novogratz also enthuses how customer service and “a sense of humour” is essential when running a retail business. This is particularly true when managing returns and complaints which are an inevitable part of any organisation that sells physical objects. (4)

Bryony Sheridan a senior Buyer at Liberty reveals that a sense of humour can also be crucial to the success of an up and coming brand. Humour can be a Unique Selling Point (USP) that sets an artist or maker apart from the rest. In an interview at Spring Fair last month Bryony tells Fiona McCarthy, Freelance Writer & Contributing Editor at Vogue Living how “identifying things that are different and special” is a focus for her work. Ms. Sheridan explains how conveying a “playful art and youthfulness” are covetable attributes that positively add to an artisan’s image. “Take it (work) up a notch and keep it fun” is her expert advice when it comes to growing a small business.(5) (6)

4. Instagram is the new shop window and influencers are the new sales assistants

“Being innovative, new and good” on social media can help make your “products amazing” remarks Bryony Sheridan who chooses the brightest and the best for her wonderful range of home interiors at the famous Liberty department store in London. Video posts and using hashtags to signpost followers to your latest products has become part of the way that we all purchase everyday and special occasion items and services now. (6)

Traditionally all established stores will invest significant amounts of time on training for their selling teams, as they understand the value of ‘knowing everything there is to know’ about a particular range or commercial department. Bryony Sheridan shares how important traditional sales assistants are in bricks and mortar stores like Liberty. She points out that brilliant product knowledge can be key to giving confidence to customers to purchase luxury items for their home. Knowing how and where the pieces are made it vital to the modern consumer. Heritage and sustainable manufacturing mean a lot to the public, who have had time during the lockdowns to reassess their priorities and what they want from their homes.

The ‘micro influencer’ is important to increasing demand for most online retailers now and photos and reviews from socal contacts can really drive future sales. Molly Park at Papier stationery and cards describes how 100% user generated content really works. When someone ”in the friendship group puts it on instagram, my friends buy it” says Ms. Park enthusiastically. (7)

There is still a place for big budget TV advertising and the celebrity endorsement of well known stars if your budget allows it. Holly Willoghby is a great example of a popular TV presenter who easily commands a strong fashion and beauty following.

Peter Cross, John Lewis Partnership Customer Experience Director warns about a “darker side to influencers”. He outlines how it is essential to maintain “authentic endorsement, their trust has to be won.” Influencers have to be real and believe in the brand so they want to endorse a company or product. It is possible that online accounts can be faked and digital followers bought. This could easily negatively affect a small business if they incorrectly believe they are genuinely spending money on marketing with influencers who can help promote their reputation and it turns out to be a scam. Personally vetting all influencers before working with them is a smart way forward. (8)

5. Strong brands are powerful and get results 

Nat Schooler is an entrepreneur who believes in the ‘personal power’ of an individual’s brand. Nat outlines in his podcast series the importance of creating a business brand with clear communication about ‘what you do’. “Solidifying your personal message can attract new clients and grow your business.” Mr Schooler advises positively. (9)

Brands do not have to be too bold and masculine when it comes to making an impression. Many household names such as WalMart have been rebranded to appear more appealing to women. Lorraine Carter at Persona Design describes how the well known toiletry brand Old Spice was redesigned to target wives and girlfriends who were actually buying the products. This is because women are responsible for more than 70-80% of purchasing decisions in the home. Ms. Carter advises to “Look for more innovative, intelligent, creative and appealing ways to satisfy your female audience, and your brand will flourish.” (10)

There are many great branding companies in all the major cities around the world. Collaborating with an established professional can help your association stand out. They say you have to ‘speculate to accumulate’. Feeling confident in your brand can bring rewards both online and in the physical workplace and when meeting potential new clients at events. Hiring a marketing agency can deliver results and ensure your corporation is the best it can be.

(1) ‘Six Powerful Tips to Build Your Retail Brand with Brand Advocates’ Talitha Lofthus, RetailNext, 2 November 2020 6 Powerful Tips to Build Your Retail Brand with Brand Advocates’ Talitha Lofthus, RetailNext

(2) Martin Brudnizki Design Studio MBDS, Interior Design,  3 March 2021 Martin Brudnizki Design Studio MBDS, Interior Design

(3) ‘Why Building Community Is Critical To Your Brand’s Success’ Paulina Karpis, Forbes, 29 November 2018 ‘Why Building Community Is Critical To Your Brand’s Success’ Paulina Karpis, Forbes

(4) Bob Novogratz Founder of The Novogratz Interior Design and Interiors Retailer, 3 March 2021  Bob Novogratz Founder of The Novogratz Interior Design

(5) Bryony Sheridan, Buyer, Liberty Ltd., 3 March 2021 Bryony Sheridan, Buyer, Liberty on LinkedIn

(5) Bryony Sheridan, Buyer, Liberty Ltd., 3 March 2021 Liberty London website

(6) Fiona McCarthy, Freelance writer & contributing editor, Vogue Living’s London editor, 3 March 2021 Fiona McCarthy, Freelance writer & contributing editor, Vogue Living

(7) Molly Park at Papier, Stationary, Cards and Gift Retailer, 3 March 2021 Molly Park, Papier on LinkedIn

(7) Molly Park at Papier, Stationary, Cards and Gift Retailer, 3 March 2021 Molly Park at Papier, Stationary, Cards and Gift Retailer

(8) Peter Cross, John Lewis Partnership Customer Experience Director, 3 March 2021 Peter Cross, John Lewis, LinkedIn

(8) Peter Cross, John Lewis Partnership Customer Experience Director, 3 March 2021 John Lewis website

(9) Nat Schooler Entrepreneur and Trusted Advisor, 3 March 2021 Nat Schooler Entrepreneur and Trusted Advisor

(10) ‘Branding For Women: Why Women are Redefining Brands and Branding’ Lorraine Carter, 7 January 2015 ‘Branding For Women: Why Women are Redefining Brands and Branding’ Lorraine Carter

Eating Disorders Awareness Week, 1-7 March 2021: What is Binge Eating and How Do You Cure It?

Amanda Howse
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Eating Disorders Awareness Week, 1-7 March 2021: What is Binge Eating and How Do You Cure It?

Food supplies and England during the pandemic

We may have all heard many of our friends talk about the urge to eat and drink more frequently than usual because of the boredom, stress and the proximity to the refrigerator, as many folk are working from home and ‘staying indoors’ again this season. This is because of government issued guidance to create social distancing in order to avoid the spread of Covid-19.

Anxiety inducing news stories coupled with social, work and family life plans that have all been turned upside down in the last year, mean millions of households have serious problems to worry about, often affecting more than one aspect of their life. So it is not surprising comfort eating, for those that can afford to, has been a tempting little cushion that has softened an otherwise unsettlingly difficult period in all our lives.

Like many lifestyle factors eating too much and reaching for foods full of fat and sugar too often can be a habit that happens at different times for different people. Some men, women and children may overeat just once in a while when they are ‘having a bad day’ or perhaps they will put too much on their plate on a red letter day like Christmas, just for fun. The occasional celebration feast is a perfectly normal occurrence in our culture and that of many cultures around the world. However there are those that overindulge several times a week or on a daily basis which can create health issues. Lots of intelligent adults really struggle with controlling their calorie intake, in the western world.

With many of the usual clubs, gyms and recreational pursuits becoming impossible as they are closed, it is possible that some citizens have been building up a potential health crisis in their future, whilst they have been trying hard to stick to the rules and to keep themselves and others safe from coronavirus. Lockdown restrictions have meant solitude and isolation for millions of people who live alone. These individuals may have a special ‘bubble’ person but they may not have them living close by and able to visit them frequently.

A person who is usually happy living by themselves might be really struggling without their social clubs and their usual meetups. Loneliness and boredom have been a really tough part of the sacrifices that millions citizens across the country have been making, to do their part to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The restrictions were first announced by the UK government shortly after the outbreak of coronavirus in Europe in March 2020. Initially there were problems with a massive rise in consumer demand for all sorts of their favourite provisions. Panic buying ensued and some foods like flour and yeast became impossible to purchase. The nation wanted to stock up their cupboards in case they didn’t want to or couldn’t go out of the house. Since then the supermarkets have worked closely with their suppliers to get back on track. Those that were in the fortunate position of being able to, filled up their larders with store cupboard essentials. Thankfully the availability of food has not been a major issue in the UK in recent months, despite the gridlock at the ports ahead of Brexit which happened at the end of December 2020.

Cooking has become a very popular pastime as nearly everybody has a kitchen they can use and time to prepare delicious meals if they are ‘staying at home’. Getting creative and trying out new recipes can be interesting and relaxing and is usually fun for all ages as something to do. Most people balance enjoying freshly cooked and baked delicacies quite easily with their daily walk, run, cycle or a stroll around the supermarket when the need arises. However not everyone has a healthy relationship with food and controlling portion sizes can also be difficult to get right.

Understanding what is binge eating all about

According to the NHS binge eating can be defined as an eating disorder that “involves regularly eating a lot of food over a short period of time until you’re uncomfortably full”. Eating when not actually hungry, consuming food very fast, eating alone or secretly can be all signs of binge eating. The NHS guidance also explains that someone finds it difficult to stop eating when full may feel depressed, guilty, ashamed or disgusted after binge eating.

How can you get better and stop the binge eating cycle

“Binge eating is a serious mental illness that can affect one in 50 people.” say the organisation BeatingEatingDisorders which is based in the UK. This means more people suffer from binge eating than anorexia and bulimia which are eating disorders that are more well known. BeatingEatingDisorders offers a ‘Sanctuary’ which is an online chat room and also a helpline to support both those suffering with the condition and their family or close friends who may be trying to care and help their loved one get to a better healthy eating place in their lives. (4)

The good news is there is lots of help online and also through talking to a GP who may then recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The causes of binge eating can vary from person to person but it is thought that it can usually start from the teenage years upwards and often has a psychological cause. If you have been abused or have battled with addiction this can be a major factor. Being overly focused on weight and having worries about body image can also bring on the symptoms of binge eating. (2)

Different people need different types of therapy to recover from binge eating. These may include dealing with any personal body image worries and concerns. From teenage years onwards there can be pressure for males and females from social media to look a certain way. Online accounts such as Facebook and Instagram feature ‘feeds’ and ‘profiles’ that often portray unrealistically perfect figures or lifestyles in their updates.

Coping with change and anxiety can be a big trigger and many men and women may need help to manage their eating, as some things may look very different now this spring. As the restrictions slowly lift and the way forward becomes clearer, the options for what is available to Brits in the near future for their housing, education and career opportunities may be modified substantially.

Building increased resilience through exercise, talking therapy and finding ways to relax and positively distract somebody who suffers with binge eating may really help improve their well being. BeatEatingDisorders recommends a memorable technique for positive visualisations to feel better when a person is Bored, Lonely, Angry, Stressed or Tired which they call BLAST for short.

Finding a way to express your feelings positively can be key. Writing thoughts down, painting, listening to music, crafting, reading or learning a new skill can be really helpful for recovering from binge eating problems.

The ‘Mind over Body’ Approach

Glenn Livingstone Ph.D suggests a straightforward “Mind over Body” approach to eliminate overeating behaviours. He proposes that the solution is to understand that our brains are hardwired as part of the evolutionary process to give us the urge to crave foods as often as possible in order to follow the principles of the ‘survival of the fittest’. This goes back in history to a pre-industrialised world where we all had to physically hunt and gather for many hours to be well fed.

In the 21st century our societies have changed beyond recognition with fully stocked freezers, the availability of relatively cheap groceries and take-aways for sale on almost every street. Livingstone asserts that we need to consciously control our basic functioning inner ‘Lizard brain’ that tells us to quickly munch on more unhealthy snacks.

We need to take a few moments to think with our more sophisticated ‘Higher self brain. The ‘Higher self brain’ knows that binge eating is wrong and not good for us. Glenn Livingstone Ph.D states he has “treated more than 1000 people” and he has written several books on the subject. His book is also available on Audible as a download. “Eating by Design” he says “will retrain your brain in 7-14 days and make your craving much less severe.” (5) (6)

This method puts the emphasis on planning, what, where and when a person eats so they take control of their diet and calorie intake. Livingstone’s system means people previously susceptible to binge eating know they will be having a few treats during the week and when they will be. This helps overcome the urge to consume the wrong ingredients in the wrong quantities at the wrong times of day. (5)

Other books that are also available as audiobooks on Audible include ‘The Binge Code’ by UK based nutritional therapist Ali Kerr which focuses on “freeing emotions” to unlock binge eating. (7) In Kathryn Hansen’s book ‘Brain Over Binge’ Hansen explains “Why I was bulimic, why conventional therapy didn’t work, and how I recovered for good.” Kathryn Hansen also focuses on how the way our brains function automatically can hijack anyone’s well intentioned relationship with mealtimes.

This ‘Eating Disorders Week’ is a chance for all of us to think with consideration about our eating and how those around us that we care for are coping in these extraordinary times. There is lots of support out there for anyone who needs it. Nobody is perfect and we are all unique individuals. According to the experts the skills to develop more healthy eating habits can be practised and learnt by anyone who is affected by binge eating.

(1) ‘Does Skipping Fast Food Restaurants Prevent Obesity’ HotEnough.com, 6 May 2020 (1) ‘Does Skipping Fast Food Restaurants Prevent Obesity’ HotEnough.com

(2) ‘Binge Eating Disorder’ National Health Service Guidance, 26 February 2021 ‘Binge Eating Disorder’ National Health Service Guidance,

(3) ‘Eating Disorders Week’ 1-7 March 2021, Beat Eating Disorders, 26 February 2021 (3) ‘Eating Disorders Week’ 1-7 March 2021, Beat Eating Disorders #YouMightKnowMe

(4) ‘Eating Disorders and Coronavirus’ Beat Eating Disorders, 26 February 2021 (4) ‘Eating Disorders and Coronavirus’ Beat Eating Disorders, 26 February 2021

(5) ‘Never Binge Again’ NeverBingeAgain.com, 26 February 2021 (5) ‘Never Binge Again’ NeverBingeAgain.com, 26 February 2021

(6) ‘Never Binge Again’ Glenn Livingston Ph.D. on Audible (an Amazon company) 26 February 2021 ‘Never Binge Again’ Glenn Livingston Ph.D. on Audible

(7) ‘The Binge Code’ by Ali Kerr on Audible (an Amazon company) 26 February 2021 ‘The Binge Code’ by Ali Kerr on Audible

(8) ‘Kathryn Hansen’ Brain Over Binge on Audible (an Amazon company) 26 February 2021 ‘Kathryn Hansen’ Brain Over Binge on Audible

England’s ‘Roadmap To A More Normal Life’ Plan Goes Live

Amanda Howse
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England’s ‘Roadmap To A More Normal Life’ Plan Goes Live
  • The Aim:

All current lockdown restrictions to be lifted by the 21st June 2021 if the following Conditions below are met.

8 March – Stage One Part One

All current lockdown rules apply plus :

  • All schools and colleges will reopen with testing of pupils
  • Face coverings for staff and parents in primary schools
  • Face coverings for secondary school students
  • Universities open for practical courses
  • Wraparound childcare to return for vulnerable pupils
  • Where needed for parents to work, support groups, seeking medical care
  • Two people from different households can meet outside for recreation, eg coffee & park bench picnic meetups is ok combined with exercise
  • One nominated person can visit care homes
  • Will need PPE, lateral flow test needed, physical contact to a minimum
  • Weddings attended by up to six people can take place

29 March – Stage One Part Two

All current lockdown rules apply apart from the restrictions above which are lifted, plus:

  • Up to six people can meet outside which can include one other household
  • Stay at home rule to end but stay in if you can
  • Outdoor sports centres and outdoor sports clubs to reopen including golf, tennis, basketball
  • Parent and children groups to reopen up to 15 people outdoors
  • Indoor groups reopen for vulnerable children and when parents need groups to go to work

4 April – Stage One Part Two

Easter

  • All other university courses to open again – exact date to be announced.

12 April – Stage Two Part One 

All current lockdown rules apply apart from the restrictions above which are lifted, plus:

  • All shops allowed to open including hairdressers
  • Restaurants and pubs to open for sitting in outdoor areas, with alcohol
  • Gyms and spas can open for individuals and households
  • Indoor play activities open for children with up to 15 parents or guardians
  • Zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas open
  • Libraries and community centres open
  • Weddings up to 15 people can take place

17 May – Stage Three

All current lockdown rules apply apart from the restrictions above which are lifted, plus:

  • Up to 30 people can meet up outdoors
  • Six people or two households can meet indoors
  • Pubs, restaurants and cafes can seat customers indoors
  • Up to 30 people can meet at life events like weddings or christenings or attend funerals
  • All remaining outdoor entertainment can open
  • All indoor entertainment including museums can open
  • Adult exercise classes and sports groups indoors can open
  • Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can open
  • International travel and flying abroad can open
  • Large events indoors up to 1000 people or half capacity, whichever is lower
  • Large outdoor events up to 4000 people or half capacity, whichever is lower
  • Large venues more than 40000 capacity: up to 10000 people can attend
  • Driving lessons can resume

21 June – Stage Four

All current lockdown rules apply apart from the restrictions above which are lifted, plus:

  • All legal limits on social restrictions lifted
  • No limits on large gatherings, expect Covid-19 testing in order to reduce social distancing need
  • Nightclubs can open

Conditions that need to be met for restrictions to be lifted:

  1. Successful vaccine program roll-out continues
  2. Vaccines are reducing the number of people dying or becoming hospitalised with Covid-19
  3. Infection rates do not cause a rise in hospital admissions
  4. New variants do not cause excessive risk when restrictions lifted

England’s Roadmap plan – the outlook

There are 5 weeks between each step to give scientists and ministers time to confirm whether they want to proceed to lifting the next step of restrictions. The government may add in an additional delay period if necessary, to fulfill the ‘conditions that must be met’.

“Cases rising so high that the NHS risks being overwhelmed would lead to a pause” stated The Telegraph on Twitter last night. The Prime Minister spoke of the threat of new variants posing potential delays to progressing through the stages. Lewis Goodall remarked on twitter how Johnson warned that “we cannot rule out imposing local or regional restrictions of evidence suggests they are necessary.” (3) (4)

We all need to “play our part” to wear masks, get the vaccine when contacted by the NHS and follow the guidelines for everything. This is in order to be able to reopen again and social contact to resume outside our own households, according to this new timetable set out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night.

“Cautiously but irreversibly” is how Boris Johnson described his approach. “There is no route to a zero Covid world” and he described this plan as a “one way road to freedom”.

“A first dose to every adult by the end of July” the Prime Minister promised cheered by recent good scientific data news on the positive impact the 17.5 million vaccinations that have now been completed are having on infection rates.

“Spring and summer should be ‘seasons of hope’ from which “we will not go back” announced Johnson last night in Westminster.

 

(1) ‘What’s the roadmap for lifting lockdown?’ BBC News 23 February ‘What’s the roadmap for lifting lockdown?’ BBC News

(2) ‘Covid-19: Everyone ‘has to play their part’ in lockdown easing, says Hancock’   BBC News 23 February ‘Covid-19: Everyone ‘has to play their part’ in lockdown easing, says Hancock’ BBC News

(3) The Telegraph on Twitter @The Telegraph The Telegraph

(4) Lewis Goodall on Twitter @LewisGoodall Lewis Goodall, Journalist and Author

Small Business Owners: How To Stress Less During Lockdown

Amanda Howse
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Small Business Owners: How To Stress Less During Lockdown

Acknowledge Anxious Feelings

This month Roo Davies, founder of The Mojo Coach gave a fantastic presentation at Spring Fair which is the largest trade show for the home and gift industry in the United Kingdom. Roo talked about how easy it is for any professional to “feel overwhelmed” when there is so much happening which is “out of control.” (1)(2)

The last year has been an emotional roller coaster for millions of folk whatever their living situation happens to be. People who run companies of all sizes have had to adjust to enormous changes. Government ordered store closures, social distancing, working from home, cancelled events and travel disruption are amongst many other unexpected adjustments that have all come into force, in quick succession.

Acknowledging that feeling upset and overpowered at times is entirely understandable is the first part of the process. Most of us have experienced a serious impact during the pandemic, in almost every aspect of our lives. Having responsibility for our own families and other employees financially, can contribute to stress too.

Time for a Cunning Plan

Roo recommends remembering this SPARK acronym which stands for “Structure, Progress, Accountability, Realistic, Kindness. This memorable phrase can help anyone organising a business to regain fresh confidence in their way forward:

Structure – Take time to plan ahead

Progress – Review the achievements so far

Accountability – What support can you expect and who has responsibility for what areas?

Realistic – Set achievable goals to avoid demotivation

Kindness – Avoid self sabotage, re-energise, recharge, reset

This idea is similar to a SWOT analysis which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats which also be used to gain clarity of almost any sized project or current plan quickly.

Choose Where To Focus

Ms Davies advises asking yourself “how many hats do you wear?” and this is a useful exercise. Identifying all the different roles that we play in our lives both at work and at home and as part of the community is enlightening. It can reveal how valuable time can be directed into the activities and commitments that we feel are most important to us in our lives.

“Keep calm and carry on” has been the mantra for many in the commercial world during the last 12 months. Life has been about focusing on working hard and taking care of the core needs of the business in order to keep the cash flowing in as best as possible.

Survival for other organisations has been about reinventing the fundamental vision and model of their companies as changes in the market and customer behaviors have dictated. For example market traders and family business T&T Fruits have set up a new website and now offer a full fruit and vegetable box delivery service. They even have a new range of extra general store groceries that can be ordered to arrive at the doorstep, within a certain radius of their new warehouse’s location. (3)

Positive Thinking Transforms Our Perspective

Keeping a positive mindset is crucial to defining the future strategy of an enterprise in 2021. This can be a conscious process and Roo suggests its key to “flip your vocabulary” into a more positive version of any negative feelings that a leader might be experiencing. Reframing any anxious thoughts into phrases that give us an option to influence outcomes or take practical action gives us a new perspective on our difficult emotions. So being worried becomes about being curious how things will turn out. Any nervousness can be altered in the mind to represent feelings of excitement instead. (2)

Brett Steenbarger writes in Forbes magazine about turning negative emotions into positive motivation by explaining how he was “socially reticent” in his teenage years. Steenbarger managed to transform this weakness into a strength when he used his competitive drive to succeed at unexpectedly becoming Social Chairperson at university. He was able to transform his reticence into “becoming a different person” who was “socially engaged” by using his urge to compete to complete his mission and overcome his unsuitable appointment. (4)

To live life to the full it is key to continue to “dream big” and brainstorming can be part of this creative process. Channeling any fears constructively can help us to identify the steps we need to take in order to accomplish our objectives and get closer to our aspirations. Focusing on what we ‘can do’ as opposed to what is currently impossible is crucial at this extraordinary time.

Accept Limitations and Keep Going

Understanding our own entities ‘money, time and resources’ position will define what options we have in terms of delivering products and services and investing in the right premises or new team members over the next year or two. Hopefully in a year or so the vaccine program will have rolled out almost everywhere and most countries will be back to a near normal way of life.

It is likely that this most unusual time is temporary but will have to see when the economy slowly gains momentum again (or if it bounces back) and how the virus containment program progresses. Whatever happens it is best not to dwell on any elements outside of our authority that we cannot alter. It is smarter to be determined to make the most of what we know is actually possible in our own areas of supervision, during the coming months.

In order to embrace the opportunities that are available in our industries right now it can be a good idea to be aware of the possible limitations, setbacks, pitfalls and regulations that could hold us back due to Covid-19 and Brexit. Then creating a step by step strategy that can propel us forward, in a way that works well for this month and also the next few seasons, will mean we can still achieve our ambitions.

Be Your Best You and Celebrate Small Wins

As a person juggling many tasks and responsibilities it can be hard to allocate energy for meal planning and making sure you have enough healthy drinks on hand to see you through the working day. When the pressure is on it is even more important to look after your gut health and clean eating and getting enough sleep is vital for maintaining a strong immune system. The old adage about looking after yourself first, so you can look after everyone else properly, is not just an old wives tale.

If your schedule is unavoidably packed, find out where you can make ‘me time’ by declining non-essential meetings and ordering online deliveries rather than shopping. Getting more external help, hiring a cleaner and recruiting an assistant for simple tasks such as administration can be life changing. Roo Davies suggests delegating social media communication can be another awesome timesaver. If daily cooking is not a joy then signing up with a company that provides individual lunches and dinners through the post, can simplify your day and keep you on track.

As small business owners it is easy to forget everything that you and your assistants have achieved over the previous quarters. Celebrating small wins with lots of personalised treats can be a real game changer when it comes to your overall mental health. Big gains, jobs completed or tricky problems solved all call for proper presents from the wish list. Alternatively rewarding yourself with some extra time to spend on your favourite activities is the way to go.

Taking at least half an hour every day to do whatever makes you feel revived, happy and grounded will help you mentally weather any storms. Something lovely to look forward to every day gives managers mental space for the right sort of thinking to have fabulous creative ideas which help reach those tricky targets. Scientists have proved that the microbiome in natural environments are very powerful for improving healthy gut bacteria so go to the garden, countryside and beach as often as you can to get an immunity and mindfulness boost from being outdoors.

Remember you are not alone! The British Chambers of Commerce operate in almost every county in England and have a global network of international contacts and events too. A quick google can reveal local networking clubs where you can attend virtual seminars and meet up events once the restrictions have lifted again in a few weeks time. Industry specific facebook groups and forums are really good sources of support from others in the same boat. There are lots of small organisations dealing with the same sort of challenges right now, like efficiently shipping into Europe post Brexit and so on. (5)

The current phrase ‘be kind to yourself’ is used a lot at the moment for an excellent reason and keeping a reasonable balance between your work and family lifestyle is always important. Nurturing yourself and resting as much as your career allows will give you the strength to relax, enjoy the journey and continue to grow a thriving business in the long term, however frustrating all the current constraints may be this year. The physicist Albert Einstein died in 1955 but his quote “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity” is definitely a wise mantra to remember today. (6)

(1) ‘Spring Fair at the NEC’ National Exhibition Centre Birmingham, 16 February 2021 Spring Fair at the NEC

(2) ‘Helping you rediscover your mojo and create change’ Roo Davies, The Mojo Coach, 16 February 2021 Roo Davies The Mojo Coach

(3) Welcome to T&T Fruits community fruit and vegetable provider since the 1930’s, Tony Fruits, 17 February 2021 T&T Fruits Community fruit, veg and groceries, Sussex

(4) ‘Turning Negative Emotions into Positive Motivation’ Brett Steenbarger, Forbes, 31 Jan 2019 (4) ‘Turning Negative Emotions into Positive Motivation’ Brett Steenbarger, Forbes

(5) ‘Coronavirus, Brexit Trading and Beyond’ British Chambers of Commerce, 17 February 2021 ‘Coronavirus, Brexit Trading and Beyond’ British Chambers of Commerce

(6) ‘Albert Einstein German-American physicist’ Britannica, 17 February 2021 ‘Albert Einstein German-American physicist’ Britannica

Covid & The Vaccine Program: Can We Prioritise our Police Officers?

Amanda Howse
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Covid & The Vaccine Program: Can We Prioritise our Police Officers?

Successful Vaccination Roll Out in UK  

‘Surprisingly impressive’ is a good way to describe the vaccine development and roll out in England so far. This is thanks to the dedication of the scientists, the Department of Health and Social Care, doctors and medical staff across the country and a small army of volunteers who have been working tirelessly, on behalf of their communities.

Today over 16 million citizens have been vaccinated so far in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK is at the top of the fortunate few when it comes to delivering a national vaccine program to fight the spread of Covid-19 when compared to dozens of other countries around the world. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford AstraZeneca products have been successful in generating immunity within our senior age groups already, BBC radio 4 reported yesterday.

Police Officers Have Been Exposed to Covid-19 For One Year 

Unfortunately in the UK we have also seen one of the worst sets of figures globally when looking at the number of people who have sadly died with coronavirus. Despite some optimistic news about a drop in case numbers and deaths this week, the virus is still very much ‘out there in the community’ as one nurse put it simply. The new variants have added to the complications with lifting the current strict lockdown, as more tests need to be done to fully understand when our most vulnerable residents will be safe to return to a more normal life.

During the pandemic our frontline workers and emergency services have risked their lives in order to continue to assist and protect the folk in their area.

PC Tom Van Der Wee said on Twitter on the 10th of February that “Just had news from a colleague that another policing team is having to self isolate because they have dealt with someone who has had #Covid.” (1)

“The officers may be ‘healthy’ but they are now potentially incubating the virus whilst living amongst possible vulnerable family members.” (1)

This week the BBC reported that Zoe Wakefield, chair of the Hampshire Police Federation said her colleagues were “being spat at, bitten and contracting the virus” whilst on their work shifts. Wakefield said the government was “blatantly ignoring” the need for officers to receive jabs.” (2)

On the 9th of February The Telegraph confirmed that Matt Hancock the Health Secretary announced that “officers would not be given priority” for the life saving inoculation, despite “weeks of lobbying by police leaders.” (3)

This week it is very positive news that the supply of the new pharmaceutical packs are remaining good. Those aged over 65 are being called to receive their first vaccinations as the NHS distributes the precious vaccines to health centres in every county across the land.

Current Plan is Vaccinate Police in Phase 2

Yesterday Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi told viewers on Good Morning Britain that “the second phase of the roll-out will focus on professions, with those who are most likely to come into contact with Covid-19 given priority.” (4)

Most NHS frontline staff, care home residents and workers, and those aged over 70 have now been vaccinated in England. The over 60’s and those with certain health conditions and adult carers as well as younger adults in care homes are also due to receive their jabs this month.

All the over 50’s in England are scheduled to be invited to attend their appointments for either the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford AstraZeneca or the newly approved Moderna vaccine (which is due sometime this spring) from early in March. This means the rest of the adult population is expected to be offered a Covid-19 vaccination this summer and “by the Autumn” ministers have promised. (5)

Police Constantly Provide Emergency Health & Social Care Support

This means that many police officers who are under 50 years old and without other health complications will be left exposed until much later this year. In the meantime they deal with members of the public with drug, addiction and extreme mental health issues on a daily basis. Underinvestment in social services over many years of austerity means it is widely accepted that there is a crisis in mental health provision in the UK. Men, women and young people are not always able to receive the support they need to maintain their mental health, at the exact time they develop new urgent problems.

Our local ‘bobbies on the beat’ are often the first on the scene to deal with Brits of all ages with severe and complex psychological problems that affect their behaviour. This puts police constables at great risk of either inadvertently or deliberately contracting an unusually large dose of coronavirus, which can cause severe illness in adults of all ages.

Criminals intent on getting away from or harming policemen and women who are responding to crimes that have been committed don’t care about giving our blue line heroes a dose of Covid-19. Those breaking the law can be aggressive towards authority and completely disregard the fact they may be putting the health of police team members and also their families in danger.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised that priority should be given to “frontline health and social care workers” in the first phase of the vaccine program. There is an argument for stating that our police officers fall under this categorisation because they pick up the people with a wide variety of acute problems that fall through the normal health and social care system.

Police in all parts of the country work closely with hospitals and other organisations in social care to help folk to get the assistance they need in their times of crisis. This is especially true as domestic violence and neighbourhood disputes are on the rise. This is because of the pressures of lockdown and other extra stresses that households everywhere are dealing with, caused by changes in work and home life due the pandemic. (6)

Time To Thank, Value And Reward Our Brave Police Officers Properly

We are all grateful for the efficient and timely distribution of the vaccine program which will help to create a good level of immunity throughout the population. Last year the NHS were given a pay rise but the police service were not in a move that the Police Federation of England and Wales said “was nothing short of a disgrace” This year the force is on track to receive a 2.5% pay rise but this does little to make up for many years of budget cuts. We now have an opportunity to show our police professionals that we understand and value their incredible contribution to society during these exceptionally demanding times. (7)

We know that the elderly are particularly adversely affected by Covid-19 and it is great we have protected nearly everybody over 70 in England now. Many would argue that offering the vaccine should be a priority for Matt Hancock and his team. Another benefit of quickly vaccinating officers is reduced time off and sickness leave because our emergency service personnel are self isolating or recovering from illness. When one person in the force’ team tests positive for Covid-19 all members of the team have to self isolate for a number of days.

Many voters feel that giving the vaccine to our police men and women as soon as possible is essential, even if this is in front of other ordinary citizens ‘in the queue’. This is because many residents under 70 even if they have a mild disability or health complication can easily just stay at home with support from their families and out of any harm’s way for a few more weeks.

Being in control of a safe environment and maintaining appropriate social distancing is a luxury that our brave police officers and their families are unable to control. For this reason it makes sense for the government to review and if necessary alter the JCVI guidelines accordingly. This is to ensure that our security forces are prioritised correctly and protected by the wonderful new vaccines as they strive every day to keep our communities safe.

 

(1) PC Tom Van Der Wee, Twitter, 17 February 2021 PC Tom Van Der Wee on Twitter

(2) ‘Covid: Police ‘furious’ for not being given vaccine priority, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, BBC News, 12 February 2021 Covid: Police ‘furious’ for not being given vaccine priority, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, BBC News

(3) ‘Police accuse government of betrayal over vaccine snub.” Martin Evans, Crime Correspondent, The Telegraph, 9 February 2021 ‘Police accuse government of betrayal over vaccine snub.” Martin Evans, Crime Correspondent, The Telegraph, 9 February 2021

(4) ‘Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi rules out vaccine passports for our domestic economy’ Good Morning Britain, 16 February 2021 ‘Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi rules out vaccine passports for our domestic economy’ Good Morning Britain

(5) ‘Covid: When will I get the vaccine?’ Philippa Roxby, BBC News, 15 February 2021 ‘Covid: When will I get the vaccine?’ Philippa Roxby, BBC News, 15 February 2021

(6) ‘UK Covid-19 vaccines delivery plan’ Department of Health and Social Care, 11 January 2021 ‘UK Covid-19 vaccines delivery plan’ Department of Health and Social Care, 11 January 2021

(7) ‘Pay freeze is ‘nothing short of a disgrace’ says Federation, Police Professional, 25 November 2020 ‘Pay freeze is ‘nothing short of a disgrace’ says Federation, Police Professional, 25 November 2020

The Candle Brand Wins Gift of the Year in the Top Drawer Award Ceremony

Amanda Howse
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The Candle Brand Wins Gift of the Year in the Top Drawer Award Ceremony

Last week the innovative ‘Top Drawer on Demand’ event took place online. Usually Kensington Olympia is the prestigious location for the UK’s business, networking and buying fair for the creative fashion and home furnishings industry. This season in the UK the government’s lockdown restrictions continue, in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19. To ensure social distancing and embrace the need to work from home, this February’s bi-annual extravaganza was held using video calling technology.

Pips Taylor from Top Drawer presented a wonderful interview via webcam with Christina Brand from The Candle Brand on Friday 29th January. We joined Christina as she demonstrated one of her top sellers ‘the flower diffuser’. A glass jar containing beautifully scented liquid holds sola wood reed wicks which come complete with sculptural wood flower tops. The light coloured posy cleverly distributes fragrance automatically, thanks to the reed wicks and a cotton rope.

The reed takes up the delicate juice from the jar ready to transform any space with pretty floral, fruity and herbal scents, depending on which of Christina’s tempting flavour combinations is chosen. This attractive spray of blossoms has no ‘nasties’ and is eco friendly with sustainably sourced ingredients. Her UK made items are reasonably priced too as the flower diffusers are £21.99 and the bottles are £12.

The Candle Brand flower diffuser
The Candle Brand flower diffuser

The Candle Brand is based in Norwich close to the beautiful Norfolk countryside on the east coast of England. Christina started her company in 2018 after going on a candle making course while she was on maternity leave. “I have always been creative so it all just made sense.” she said with happiness about the lifestyle transition she has bravely made along with her husband Colin. Mrs Brand’s commercial experience includes banking, property consultancy and animal welfare so she is well placed to manage a new business, with all the different skills that this challenging role requires.

Minimising the impact on the environment is key to the company’s philosophy. “We make our products by hand using traditional manufacturing methods, and with high quality materials. We make conscious decisions about every part of the business – from the materials we work with, to the eco-friendly packaging we use.”

Coconut, soy and rapeseed wax and family safe fragrances are examples of the botanical vegan friendly ingredients in the hand poured candles. The Candle Brand website confirms that all the items are non-toxic and are free from phthalates, palm oil, beeswax, dyes and synthetic additives.

Christina recommends her invigorating eucalyptus and lemon fragrance is a “good all rounder” place to start when choosing from the 14 scents available. The Candle Brand’s selection includes a ‘pick and mix’ option which comes with cotton bags full of squares mini melts.

The magic encapsulated in these wax melts is formulated using coconut and all of the packaging is biodegradable. It is intended that small ceramic burners can be used with tealights to gently warm and release the melting wax scents into the air slowly. The traditional burners can be purchased from this thriving British small business. Mrs Brand also reveals that an electric powered wax melt burner is also available soon.

‘The Burn & Bloom 20 Hour Candle’ is another product in the range which comes in a variety of fragrances such as ‘Lavender with Clary Sage’ and ‘Norfolk Gin. The attention to detail is impressive particularly considering the £11.99 price point. The labels on the candle jars can be planted as they contain wildflower seeds. Larger 35 hour and 55 hour candles are also best sellers and good value at under £21.99. Four different gift sets in stylish wooden boxes are offered for under £40 each, so there is something to suit everyone’s tastes.

It was announced this week that The Candle Brand’s flower diffuser has just won ‘The Gift of The Year’ prize in the Top Drawer awards for the gift category. The judges loved the ’20 Hour Burn and Bloom’ which makes an ideal present for a friend or loved one.

This innovative group venture involves Colin Christina’s husband and Kirsty who is Christina’s sister in law. Two generations work together as Kim Colin’s mother is also part of this hard working and close knit clan. Ellie is Christina’s sister and part of the family at The Candle Brand. Ellie writes about “scent escapism” being the perfect way to calm and relax at home at this time where all our lives have been touched by the extraordinary events in the world. People of all ages are looking at ways of supporting their local makers and manufacturers this year.

There is a real demand for interior objects that bring spiritually uplifting vibes into our houses at the moment. Our properties have become everything from offices and restaurants to spas during the lockdowns. Filling rooms with inspiring and comforting aromas is a great way to support mental health and wellbeing. Warming scents can transport any household to a more peaceful ‘hygge’ place. We sense that The Candle Brand can look forward to many bright years ahead and the Brand team will continue to blossom and flourish in the future.

‘The Flower Diffuser’, The Candle Brand, 10 February 2021 ‘The Flower Diffuser’, The Candle Brand

‘On Demand 2021’ The Candle Brand at Top Drawer, 10 February 2021 ‘On Demand 2021’ The Candle Brand at Top Drawer

Why the vaccine program is the light at the end of the lockdown tunnel

Amanda Howse
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Why the vaccine program is the light at the end of the lockdown tunnel

The vaccine program currently being rolled out in England is part of Boris Johnson and his government’s plan to break the cycle of lockdowns we are currently experiencing. This massive project is due to the high number of coronavirus cases we have across the nation.

The vaccine will protect older and more vulnerable people in our society

When older and vulnerable people in our society have all received the vaccine we can be more confident that Covid-19 will be unlikely to cause severe illness. Mass immunisation will avoid citizens getting so sick that that may need hospitalisation and possibly intensive care. This will give us all the freedom to start safely meeting up again in the near future when the number of cases of the disease has fallen to much lower levels than we have in this country today. This month frontline medical staff in England are also being given the vital jab to protect them and their families against becoming extremely ill with Covid-19.

The vaccines are medically approved and are here in the UK now

The UK government ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech inoculation after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved the vaccine for use in the UK in the first week of December 2020. (1) The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has also been approved for use. The Pfizer/BioNTech product requires refrigeration at ultra low temperatures. The advantage of The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is that it is comparatively easy to transport and deliver.

People will be invited to receive a vaccine in order of priority this spring, summer and autumn

The Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have advised a ranked prioritisation of the vaccine. This means that care home residents and their carers have been the first to receive the jab. Those over 70 years of age including clinically extremely vulnerable individuals are being called to make appointments for their shots by their GP clinic administrators this month. Over 7 million adults in England have now been vaccinated.

The next groups to join the vaccinators queue over the next few weeks will be those aged over 65 and then everyone over 16 with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality. Clinically high risk groups include those with respiratory heart, kidney, liver, neurological disease and diabetes. Those with immunosuppressant disorders, morbid obesity, severe mental illness and those with learning disabilities in care or with sickle cell disease are amongst those who will be prioritised as clinically at risk.

Then the remaining age groups in increments of 5 years will be offered the jab until all men and women over 18 have been given the option to protect themselves from the severe effects of Covid-19.

The vaccines can protect people from the new Covid-19 virus strains

Experts believe that the Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines which are currently available will help protect recipients from all the strains of Covid in the UK at the moment. New variants such as the Brazil and South Africa versions have prompted scientists to begin “adapting their existing vaccines to increase the (vaccines) efficacy against the variant. The Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (VMIC) in Oxfordshire, begins manufacturing an approved vaccine at massive scale.”

The Telegraph reported today that Moderna announced that its “Covid-19 vaccine produced virus neutralising antibodies against new coronavirus variants found in the UK and South Africa.” (3) It is common practice to produce a new flu jab each year to protect against the most recently developed strains of influenza. In the same way it is anticipated that small scientific modifications over the coming months will ensure that the Covid-19 vaccines give excellent levels of protection against the latest strains, as the virus continues to evolve.

The vaccine will minimise the impact of transmission by asymptomatic people carrying Covid-19 unknowingly

As about 20% of patients remain asymptomatic throughout an infection it is very hard to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the general population. This is because it is not possible to detect if a person is sick with the contagion without a medical test.

Therefore getting the vaccine when it is offered is a way of protecting any adult while they are carrying out their normal daily activities from inadvertently catching the pathogen and becoming so sick they might need treatment in a hospital with a respirator. “Progression of disease, multiple organ failure and death will occur in some individuals” says the UK government’s report outlining the facts about the virus and the vaccines. (2)

The vaccine can protect people from all ethnic groups

The number of people in England who have sadly died with Covid-19 increases tenfold in the age groups over 45 years. The figures show that men are more susceptible becoming gravely ill with the infection and those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups are disproportionately negatively affected. So if you are in your middle years or older or of BAME ethnicity it is especially important to book an appointment for the jab when you are contacted by your local surgery. Thankfully it is extraordinarily rare for children to contract the new coronavirus and become extremely ill.

The vaccines have been tested rigorously and meet the highest safety standards

After more than more than 50,000 people tested the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine it was demonstrated that those over 16 years received a 95% efficacy rate once they had received their second dose. We can be confident of the safety of these carefully developed medical solutions. The new Pfizer BioNTech and AstraZeneca preparations are based on all the knowledge and expertise gained by scientists when successfully developing vaccines for many other diseases such as Ebola and other SARS epidemics.

Out of the 7 million adults now vaccinated there have been very few problems. “There was no signal to suggest that prior vaccination led to enhanced disease with only 1 case of severe COVID-19 in the 8 vaccine failures.” There have been a few people who already had a medical history of severe allergic reactions who have been adversely affected by the latest vaccination against Covid-19. The government experts recommend considering using the AstraZeneca option for people with a high level of allergic sensitivity as it is a more suitable option in this case. The patient’s doctor would be able to advise them further in this rare situation. (2)

The vaccines cleverly utilise the body’s natural immune system to create protection against the Covid-19 virus

The Pfizer BioNTech vaccine uses the pathogen’s genetic code to program host cells in the body with a spike protein which stimulates an immune response against the viral invader. The vaccine is designed to be administered in 2 doses a minimum of 21 days apart.

Tests of 11,000 people showed that receiving 1 AstraZeneca dose provides 10.4% protection against severe disease. This vaccine is designed to be administered in 2 doses a minimum of 28 days apart. “AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine uses a replication deficient chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAd) as a vector to deliver the full-length SARS-CoV2 spike protein genetic sequence into the host cell…this then leads to translation of the target protein which acts as an intracellular antigen.” (2)

A more detailed explanation on how the vaccines work can be found in the government’s Greenbook publication below (2).

Administering the vaccine is simple, quick and relatively painless

A simple injection into the upper arm with a fine needle is all that is needed. The UK government aims to ensure that everyone has a vaccination centre within 10 miles of their home. This month senior officials are working closely with the NHS, Armed Forces, Asda and Boots and other private pharmaceutical companies to provide convenient facilities for residents all over the country. (3)

The vaccines are classified as safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women

The way that the vaccines work in the body means that they are safe to be used by expectant mothers and ladies who are breastfeeding. “Since inactivated vaccines cannot replicate, they cannot cause infection in either the mother or the fetus.” However because of the newness of the immunisation to be on the cautious side doctors are recommending that women complete their pregnancy before booking an initial or if appropriate second vaccination appointment.

Vaccine protection starts after 2 weeks and lasts for at least several months

The immune system takes time to generate a response to the vaccine so 12-14 days after the jab is when protection starts. Medical researchers are looking at the data so far from all the vaccines already given. The experts are still yet to confirm for how long the vaccines give protection from Covid-19. Current reports indicate this barrier to infection lasts for at least several months. Health officials expect a repeat vaccination may be offered in time, perhaps even annually. The British Heart Foundation advises that “The second dose is more important for longer-lasting protection, so it’s really important to go back for your second dose when you are invited for it.” (4)

The vaccines help to protect the community

All the vaccines that are available today prevent individuals from getting extremely sick with the disease. Therefore it is logical that vaccinated people can prevent the spread of the disease as they will be less likely to become sick and then unintentionally spread their germs to others. In this way communities with vulnerable people who are medically unable to have the vaccine themselves, for whatever reason, will be protected by others who have had their jabs.

The vaccines do not contain any animal products and are approved by religious leaders.

The Church of England and the Catholic church have approved the vaccine on moral and ethical grounds. The BBC have reported this week that Muslim leaders from the British Islamic Medical Association recommend the currently available vaccines and have confirmed they are halal. Jewish leaders are also advising their communities to have the vaccine and Pfizer, Oxford and Moderna vaccines have already been used extensively in Israel to vaccinate the population there. (4)

When it come to vaccines the more the merrier 

“The more people getting vaccinated means the greater a success it will be.” says Sam Wood at the University of Kent. (5) All vaccination programs work by creating a ‘herd immunity’ through the process of immunising as many people as possible.

The light at the end of the tunnel

This week the UK reached the grim milestone of losing more than 100,000 of its citizens to Covid-19. The next few months will inevitably see many more, much loved family members die too soon because of the health complications that can occur especially in older adults after contracting the virus. However there is now hope on the horizon that we will be able to minimise the impact of this awful contagion. When mass immunisation has occurred then a few weeks later it makes sense that the Prime Minister will feel confident enough to approve the cautious easing of the current lockdown. Then the country can begin to return to a new normal and economic recovery. (6)

It is likely that some restrictions will still be in place after Easter and possibly for a year or more in the future. We will all need to be vigilent and follow set procedures when meeting in person for example. However if all goes to plan around 15 million British people will have been immunised and the pressure on the NHS services will be decreased to much more manageable levels in March.

Consequently with the warning that case rates will have to continue to drop and the data will need to be carefully monitored, The Prime Minister announced today that “the Government will provide its plan to bring the country out of lockdown on Feb 26.” (7) If all goes according to plan children will be able to go back to school in March. For a lot of families that is definately some much needed light at the end of the tunnel.

(1) ‘Everything you need to know about the UK’s Covid-19 vaccination programme’ Carolyn Wickware, The Pharmaceutical Journal, 11 Jan 2021 ‘Everything you need to know about the UK’s Covid-19 vaccination programme’ Carolyn Wickware, The Pharmaceutical Journal

(2) Greenbook Chapter 14a Covid-19 – SARS-CoV-2, Gov.UK, 25 January 2021 Greenbook Chapter 14a Covid-19 – SARS-CoV-2, Gov.UK

(3) ‘8 reasons the UK leads Europe’s coronavirus vaccination race.’ Christina Gallardo, 14 January 2021 ‘8 reasons the UK leads Europe’s coronavirus vaccination race.’ Christina Gallardo, Politico

(4) ‘Heart Matters’ British Heart Foundation, 27 January 2021 ‘Vaccine Questions Answered – Heart Matters’ British Heart Foundation

(5) ‘Ten reasons why you should get a Covid-19 vaccine, Sam Wood, University of Kent, 10 December 2020 ‘Ten reasons why you should get a Covid-19 vaccine, Sam Wood, University of Kent

(6) ‘Covid-19 variants: Are new mutations more deadly, and will vaccines work against them?’ Paul Nuki Global Health Security Editor, Anne Gullard, Jennifer Rigby, Sarah Newey, The Telegraph, 27 January 2021 ‘Covid-19 variants: Are new mutations more deadly, and will vaccines work against them?’ The Telegraph

(7) ‘England’s lockdown rules – and when restrictions could end.” Jordan Kelly-Linden, Chris Graham, Lucy Fisher, Harry Yorke and Charles Hymas, The Telegraph, 27 January 2021 ‘England’s lockdown rules – and when restrictions could end.” Jordan Kelly-Linden, The Telegraph

10 Tips for Producing Top Home Improvement Projects in Spring 2021.

Amanda Howse
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10 Tips for Producing Top Home Improvement Projects in Spring 2021.

Get ready to build your dream home

Although millions of low income families are suffering financially due to the health crisis, many UK residents now have both the time and some spare cash to upgrade their properties. In the March 2020 Budget Boris Johnson’s government announced “a £12 billion plan to provide support for public services, individuals and businesses, whose finances are affected by COVID-19.” (1)

A lot of working and retired people have cancelled all their holidays over the last year and the majority of individuals will not be confident in booking any expensive getaways until at least this coming autumn. So many folk have a budget available to customise, update and expand the home that they have been spending nearly all their time in recently.

Tip 1 – Research resources

It is clever to ask the manager at your local builder’s merchants for some advice on what current products are in good supply and easy to purchase in bulk this season. Working out what materials are convenient for your depot to stock makes sense. Often you will need a few more items in addition to what you have originally ordered. Therefore knowing the popular best sellers are at your nearest ‘builders yard’ is an advantage for achieving a smooth running project.

Calling your local timber or building suppliers and asking what their recommendations are for the best choice of materials to build with at this moment, is time well spent. Knowing what products the merchants have good supplies of ensures that you can consistently receive the same wood grains or tiles for example. This means you can keep your project both easy to build and also visually consistent.

Tip 2 Special offers make budgets go further

Find out what products are in promotional offers this month in each of your nearest building merchants. Ask the sales assistants to highlight what is on sale at the moment and if there are any future deals on new products or existing lines that are just about to happen. Concentrate on researching the most expensive investment pieces for your design, which could be the timber for example.

Tell the showroom team members about the project you are planning and they may know of some returned stock from an incorrect order or some discontinued products that may be perfect for your scheme. Commonly a manager can offer you a special price on some excess stock to clear their stockroom. Involving your local distributor could save heaps of time, effort and money in the long run.

Recycling where possible is a cool idea and is a chance to respect the environment and grab a second hand bargain. Find out who might be dismantling any old properties nearby as they might have good quality wood, metal, fireplaces and lots of other building components like doors and windows that can be repurposed quickly. Facebook local, Gumtree and Ebay are great resources for finding ideal pieces for your project. Ebay has a search filter where you can select results based on the travel distance from your location.

Tip 3 Compare delivery costs

It is worth looking at online delivery charges for a variety of stores. Find out which companies can offer you a trade discount and what their minimum spend is to qualify for free delivery. There are a lot of changes taking place for all businesses at present so it is wise to check if a supplier’s service charges will be the same price this year as it was last year.

Tip 4 SMART plan facilities,

While we are all trying to stay at home and not mix with any other households in order to stop the spread of Covid-19 it is a good idea to ask yourself if this project is S.M.A.R.T. This means considering if your home improvement plan is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Given the seriousness of the pressure on the NHS ‘timely’ is a key element here. Is it possible to complete your DIY idea without any risk of anyone inadvertently passing on the virus on to anyone in the team or in your family? Would it be better to postpone this renovation mission until a later time when flu season is over and all the adults have had a vaccine?

Many designs in 2021 will focus on expanding living space to more easily incorporate the changes of activity related to preventing Covid-19. Home study offices, home schooling areas, quiet garden studios, separate bathrooms and bedrooms for those who may be shielding or self isolating may be essential for the smooth running of households of all ages. Adding new indoor rooms like gyms and yoga retreats can be brilliant for maintaining health, well being and keeping fit whatever the weather, especially during a national lockdown.

Adding decking adds value to your property as well as providing the backdrop for an ‘outdoor living room’. Choosing a major garden make-over was very popular in the UK in 2020 and will most likely be fashionable again in 2021. An exterior focused job that can be done outside in the fresh air is a briht decision in terms of avoiding any unnecessary household mixing indoors this spring.

Tip 5 Managing the build to keep everyone safe

According to Westminster’s new lockdown rules in England tradespeople can still be employed during this period where we are all staying indoors and social distancing as much as possible. It is important to follow the government guidelines and keep everyone safe. The construction industry is used to managing personal protection equipment as part of their usual work tasks but it is critical to make sure that everyone has the masks, gloves, antibacterial gel etc. that they need on site at all times.

Common sense will guide as to whether your contractors can access your garden or yard easily. Not having a separate side gate or driveway to your property could be a good reason for waiting until everyone has had the vaccine and the virus levels have decreased substantially before embarking on any new team efforts to add any extension or similar scale project.

A makeshift tea room kitchen area can be set up in a garage or workshop for example. Every individual will need their own eating and drinking equipment set and care must be taken to steam clean and disinfect all the facilities every day.

Mobile portable conveniences for contractors personal comfort needs can be hired and delivered to your garden to help keep everyone correctly socially distanced from each other. This can be a way of making it easier for householders to stay at home while tradespeople are working on the project all day.

Tip 6 Hire the best and most reliable people

If your exciting enterprise requires more than straightforward amateur technical drawing with a plastic scale ruler and some pens and paper, then it is time to consult an architect. The fee that hiring a professional at the inception stage incurs can be quickly justified by adding the opinion, ideas and experience of a qualified expert. They will help ensure any construction meets building regulations. An architect’s advice can make the most of all the available space that you have. Architect’s know how to achieve a stunning finish with the most appropriate materials and this is why it is an intelligent investment to hire a design consultant right from the start.

In the south east of England it has been hard to find builders who are available at this time. Local design agencies are sending emails to everyone on their mailing list to try and find builders for their clients this month. This is due to many people taking advantage of the fact that they are not allowed to go away on holidays this year and focusing on renovation projects instead. In addition many experienced builders have contract work in the commercial construction industry which has been continuing to fulfill several national infrastructure projects.

Some skilled builders are choosing to scale down or postpone taking on projects with new clients this month. Seasoned construction professionals may be conscious of their own age or individual health conditions and they may prefer to wait until they have had a vaccine before taking on work in new places. This means that those who are still happy to take on new plans to build are in demand this season.

Beware of picking professionals based solely on internet searches even if they are recommended with online ratings. It is much more preferable to get a recommendation from somebody you know. It can be a good idea to agree to complete the first part of a project, e.g. pouring concrete foundations for example before promising to give a whole project to a particular company. Approaching it this way means if it goes well you can ask them to carry on with the next stages. However if there are any problems you can settle up and call it a day for now, without too much stress.

It is a sad fact of life that some disreputable companies in the building and decorating trade can take advantage of and even financially threaten women, senior citizens and other vulnerable homeowners in order to make money without doing all the work they promised. Take time to research thoroughly and obtain detailed quotes in order to avoid any financial loss, heartache, stress and delays later.

Tip 7 Plan labour and payment type

Depending on the type of work that you are doing will affect whether it is a good idea to agree to pay contractors by the hour, day or when they have finished a specific stage of work. Some trades people have a particular way of working. It is important for you to agree between you based on the tasks required how you will engage financially and what the expected timescales are.

Often unexpectedly events unfold which means it is not possible to just work with one person and their team all the way through a build. Therefore it is prudent to think ahead about how you can positively settle up and pay for the work done so far to date and then round off the engagement politely. Then you can easily move forward with instructing another company to begin work on your project if your original contractor is suddenly unavailable for whatever reason.

For the purpose of getting several smaller property maintenence jobs done, a day rate agreement is ideal. For larger builds agree in advance the 3 or 4 stages in the project where you can pay for the labour given at specific points. Make sure you have a written quote to refer to that clearly outlines these goals. Developing a good working relationship with a few knowledgeable and trusted professionals, who will happily go the extra mile to help you achieve your dream home vision is the aim. This strategy will be infinitely preferable over calling the cheapest inexperienced outfit, who is free in a hurry.

In 2021 the most common way to research a future do it yourself task is to look at YouTube videos. It is really helpful to see professionals and enthusiastic amateurs attempting to complete any given handyman or woman repair or upgrade around the house. Reading website forums set up for tradespeople offers a homeowner valuable information for when deciding between purchasing different paints and other products that can be expensive and technical.

Tip 8 Modernise rather than totally renovate to keep it simple

Upgrading some rooms in your house like kitchens and bathrooms can be an expensive and chaotic process. In order to transform these important functional zones on a budget it is worth looking at the option of modernising just the cabinets and the flooring for example. This less invasive scheme can create the effect of a freshly fitted contemporary abode at a fraction of the price. Adding trendy finishes and fittings to the latest surfaces can give the effect of sprucing up your pad without the need for calling in a whole band of contractors.

Unless you have a traditional period style cottage or townhouse it could be time to ditch the old fashioned cooker and white goods. Urdesign online magazine advises that in 2021 “you should also consider replacing old kitchen appliances with newer, more energy-efficiency models. This will improve the overall appeal of your kitchen and save you money on energy bills” (2)

Tip 9 Add Green Home Improvements

It is a great time to think about how environmentally friendly your home is and what steps you can take to improve its energy efficiency. We have just mentioned the sense of installing ultra efficient appliances and the same principle works throughout the home for all the equipment we use every day.

Hiring a specialist to replace an old boiler with the latest energy efficient model might be possible to do whilst still maintaining social distancing depending on the layout of your property.

Replacing old light bulbs with LED’s is a very sensible low cost swap. Fitting low flow showerheads and toilets can minimise water usage considerably.

Setting up a network of solar panels on unused roof space can suit some houses particularly for homeowners who live in sunny locations which make the potential of ‘selling energy back to the national grid’ especially attractive.

Adding extra insulation and draught proofing reduces energy usage and heating bills. Putting in new uPVC windows and doors that have a high level of thermal performance can really help to create a cosy home even as temperatures plummet.

In England the government is offering grants of up to £5000 towards assisting residents in installing low carbon heating and insulating solutions until 2022. Emily Folk from GreenMatch recommends prioritising your eco friendly changes by picking the best ideas that will add value to your dwelling too. (3)

Tip 10 Review your overall layout plan

It is vital before embarking on any new project that the functionality of the layout is reviewed. The activities of most families have changed with everyone living with the restrictions and lockdowns. It is smart to think about how everyone can have the right facilities to meet their needs with the flexibility of privacy when they need it. Quiet working time and often noisier leisure time pursuits are now often taking place simultaneously in the same building. More and more homeowners have discovered that open plan living isn’t for them anymore. “Many homebuilders have reported over the last few months that buyers are having second thoughts” about open plan floor layouts, says Rachel Brougham at Bob Vila home advice. (4)

It is relatively easy to create an extra school work study, fitness work out zone, home office or games room and so on by putting up stud wall partitions that feature stylish internal doors. These sound reducing elements can enhance the function of any busy dwelling. These recently added activity pods can then be fairly swiftly taken down in the future if needed if adults change their minds later or when children are old enough to leave home. The best residences will continue to evolve as technology advances and life returns back to a new normal.

(1) ‘Budget 2020 policy paper’ HM Treasury, Gov.UK, 12 March 2020 ‘Budget 2020 policy paper’ HM Treasury, Gov.UK,

(2) ‘Smart home improvements to consider in 2021’ Urdesign online magazine, 16 December 2020 ‘Smart home improvements to consider in 2021′ Urdesign

(3) ‘12 Home Improvements that can add value to your property’, Emily Folk, Green Match 13 January 2021 (2) ‘12 Home Improvements that can add value to your property’, Emily Folk, Green Match

(4) ‘21 Home improvement projects to put on your to-do list for 2021’ Rachel Brougham, Bob Vila home advice, 22 January 2021 (3) ‘21 Home improvement projects to put on your to-do list for 2021’ Rachel Brougham, Bob Vila

Covid-19: Construction supplies back in stock after demand surges and panic buying hits DIY market

Amanda Howse
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Covid-19: Construction supplies back in stock after demand surges and panic buying hits DIY market

Many DIY products are selling well and some sold out

Office furniture suitable for home use and outdoor fencing and gardening products sold unexpectedly fast in the spring and summer of 2020. Consumers have been remodelling their homes to accommodate a change in routine with working from home and spending more leisure time in their own properties. Internet accessories flew off the virtual shelves. Webcams sold out speedily as millions of households unexpectedly needed to set up their new virtual offices in their least used or spare rooms.

Gardening became a popular activity for all ages after the 1st lockdown and so any related items have been very popular purchases. Garden centres quickly ran out of seeds and items like canes that support plants. Seeds, bulbs and plant sales grew by 48% and these precious gardening essentials were very hard to get hold of during most of last year. The most popular garden varieties were being snapped up quickly in the first lockdown in the spring of 2020.

Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) chief executive John Newcomb explained that there was  some panic buying among contractors in the industry in the spring of 2020 which has exacerbated the low stock situation that DIY wholesalers faced. Newcomb told Lem Bingley at Construction News in July 2020 that for “Any external product, like fence panels, fence posts, decking, timber-composite products in particular, we’re seeing somewhere between 150 and 300 per cent increases in demand” (1)

In March 2020 “online sales of home improvement and gardening retail products grew almost by 50 percent compared to the same period the year before.” (2) reported Statista this week.

Dulux rationed paint products over the unusually hot and dry summer months as UK customers used the fine weather and official requests to ‘stay at home’ for an opportunity to do some simple redecorations both inside and outside. Statista also stated that in 2020 sales of building materials for the residential market rose by 31.4%. Paint sales increased by a remarkable 47% in 2020, compared to the same period the year before. (3)

Amazon and other online companies have expanded during the pandemic. Amazon lists silicone sealant, dehumidifying equipment, insulation, heaters, step ladders and LED torches as best sellers this year. These items demonstrate how adults in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have all been doing all those ‘little jobs on the list’ around the home to maintain their precious premises while they have the opportunity. (4)

Tradesperson visits into residential homes postponed

It is common in England for home improvement and maintenance jobs that are more challenging to be given to experienced contractors. Those who are older or less physically able or people who are ‘time poor’ due to their professions or family commitments all employ trades people to get important tasks around the house done. A high proportion of these home visits have been postponed or cancelled during the last 12 months. Across the country new appointments for interior trades people have not been arranged in the usual way, since the coronavirus restrictions first started in the UK.

Residents in all counties continue to avoid organising workmen and women to come into their homes to do home improvements unless it is urgent, to prevent the spread of Covid-19. However private builders have still been in demand. Extra individually designed spaces situated both internally and externally are now required for homeschooling activities, home gyms and adult study rooms. Many of these building projects involve working out in the fresh air so social distancing by a team of workers can still carefully take place while the latest extension to the household’s residence is constructed.

Some DIY product shortages seen in 2020

Spring 2020 has seen a national shortage of plaster as people refinished and added new walls to divide and increase their usable space. Millions more homeowners and renters than usual are taking on fresh decorating schemes to brighten up their abodes during the ongoing lockdowns. Suppliers hadn’t anticipated the unexpected rise in demand so their stocks were limited. This was further frustrated by problems with a lack of production in the industry.

After the rush on gardening essentials in England some of the major hard landscaping suppliers closed which affected lead times for paving and stone supplies.

Damon Schunmann at Construction News reported in April how plasterboard, bricks, mortar, internal doors, steel lintels and concrete have all been in short supply since the outbreak of the virus. Manufacturers stopped making these vital building components for some time during the first lockdown which added a lot of extra pressure for anyone involved in creating original buildings. Plasterboard was commandeered for the Nightingale hospitals which meant private builders were left looking for alternative solutions to finish their walls. (5)

Government supports industry and future supplies look good

The construction industry has been prioritised by Boris Johnson’s government as essential and so it has been allowed to continue to carry out its operations just with some extra safety restrictions. The Sector Deal for construction “aims to strengthen the partnerships between government and industry.” and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has helped to collate data on product availability and share trends across the country to optimise the delivery of the resources and supplies needed. Despite some difficult times in the first 3 financial quarters of last year, this adaptable sector has managed to get back up and running. There have been some delays to most projects but generally the industry has been able to weather the storm to ensure the timely flow of materials to where they are required in the depots and warehouses nationwide. (6)

Today it is possible to order all the major components for fabricating all sorts of structures both for both interior and exterior usage on the B&Q website for home delivery without any problems.

Sales advisor Tom who works for Travis Perkins, the biggest building material store in the UK, said that this afternoon that currently “we have good supplies of everything needed. There was a slow down initially due to Covid. The infrastructure and supply chain is very good so there are no problems now.” (7) This is great news for anyone thinking of updating their dwellings in 2021.

It is early days in terms of keeping up a consistent building supply chain availability across all  departments following Brexit. The introduction of additional bureaucracy will lead to further changes and costs that started from the 1st of this month when the UK formally left the European Union. With a lot of continued support from the British government to overcome the logistical challenges faced by Covid-19, we are confident that this sector which is built on teamwork and professionalism will take any manufacturing and transportation hurdles in its stride, so we can all carry on building a better future.

 

 

(1) ‘Materials check: tackling supply shortages and ‘panic buying’ of plaster’ Lem Bingley, Construction News, 14 July 2020 ‘Materials check: tackling supply shortages and ‘panic buying’ of plaster’ Lem Bingley, Construction News

(2) ‘Online gardening and DIY sales growth during the Coronavirus outbreak in the UK 2020’, Statista Research Department, 12 Jan 2021 ‘Online gardening and DIY sales growth during the Coronavirus outbreak in the UK 2020’, Statista

(3) ‘UK plaster shortage leaving builders and DIY fans frustrated’ Rebecca Day and Sarah Hughes, Cheshire Live, 4 July 2020 ‘UK plaster shortage leaving builders and DIY fans frustrated’ Rebecca Day and Sarah Hughes, Cheshire Live

(4) ‘Amazon best sellers in building supplies’ UK Amazon 20 January 2021 ‘Amazon best sellers in building supplies’ UK Amazon

(5) ‘11 materials, products and services in most short supply’ damon Schunmann, Construction News, 20 April 2020 ‘11 materials, products and services in most short supply’ Damon Schunmann, Construction News

(6) ‘Industrial Strategy, Construction Sector Deal’ HM Government, 20 January 2021 ‘Industrial Strategy, Construction Sector Deal’ HM Government

(7) Travis Perkins website, 20 January 2021 Travis Perkins website

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