Parsons Properties

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What is the best lock type for your business

Commercial security. Vital, yet a constant headache for many business owners who want to protect themselves from crime and other threats that could compromise their success.

A powerful locking system is the very first line of defence that you have against intruders and help to keep you, your property, your staff, and your assets safe from a variety of external threats.

Commercial crime is on the rise and the last thing you want to do is to suffer damaging losses simply because you installed the wrong type of lock or didn’t take your time to do sufficient research.

In this guide we will walk you through all the various types of commercial locks that are currently on the market, looking at all the pros and cons of each set-up to help you determine which is best suited to your unique requirements.

What is the difference between commercial locks and normal locks?

Without wanting to come across as sarcastic, the main difference between commercial and domestic locks is that commercial locks are designed for use in business premises rather than homes.

They are custom designed to withstand heavy impacts and allow access only to authorised individuals with permission to be on the property.

They are often fitted with biometric technology to facilitate this multi-user system or use key cards that can be programmed only to allow access to certain areas.

Commercial door access control systems are renowned for their durability and convenience and are carefully designed and manufactured by companies who have spent years developing their systems to meet the requirements of the modern commercial world.

Different types of commercial locks

Keyless entry

Keyless locks come in many different shapes and sizes, using keycodes, ID cards, or biometrics to grant or deny access rather than a physical key.

These systems are perfect for busy sites where many people require access but you don’t want to risk handing out multiple keys that could easily be lost or stolen.

Magnetic locks

Magnetic locks feature a unique locking system that keeps a door sealed using magnets and electricity rather than a physical lock. When access is granted the magnetic lock on the door will be temporarily disabled, allowing the door to be opened.

This action can be triggered in a number of ways depending on the nature of the lock, including a keypad, key card, or biometrics.

Deadbolts

When it comes to physical ‘traditional’ locks deadlocks offer the highest level of security and are incredibly difficult to force open.

These bolts are often installed alongside standard cylinder locks in commercial settings and have the benefit of being compatible with standard boreholes, making upgrading to a deadbolt relatively straightforward.

If you are unsure which locking system is the best choice for your commercial site, why not ask a local security company for assistance. These companies will be well aware of the unique security threats faced by companies in your area and will make their lock recommendation with this in mind.

7 facts you never knew about the construction industry
If you are looking to get involved in the construction industry as a tradesperson, business owner, or property developer, there are a few things you should know.

The construction industry is one of the biggest and most varied industries in the world with everything from the building of railways to skyscrapers falling into the category of construction.

Every single day the industry changes a little bit and there are many incredibly facts about the sector that most people are never aware of. Luckily for you, after reading this blog, you won’t be one of them.

The gender pay gap is relatively small

Traditionally, the construction industry is one that has been dominated by male workers. However, statistics show that whilst there is certainly still work to be done in reducing inequalities in the industry, women actually earn nearly as much as men in most roles, making the gender pay gap far smaller than in other industries.

The industry is getting old

We are not quite at the stage where construction can be called a lost art, but the average age of a worker is certainly creeping upwards. The average age of a construction worker in the UK is now over 40 years of age and there looks likely to be a serious workforce shortage in the future if action isn’t taken.

There are over 10,000 nails in the average home

Around 10,000-12,000 nails are used in the construction of the average domestic home, that’s a lot of nails!

The construction industry is one of the biggest victims of crime

The construction industry is regularly the victim of theft and vandalism due to the number of high value assets on site. In fact, a whopping £800m is lost from the industry every year in the UK as a result of these crimes and there is a whole industry built around construction site security due to the severity of the issue.

Drones are now commonplace

Technology has revolutionised construction over the past few decades and drones are now regularly used to survey sites, monitor project progress and for security purposes. They provide a unique perspective that cannot be matched by any other surveillance tool.

Falls are the biggest health and safety risk

In a world of heavy machinery, equipment, and tools, it may come as some surprise to learn that the biggest cause of accidents in the construction industry is actually falls. Falling results in as much as 4x more deaths than any other accident in the construction industry.

Concrete is the most used material

Perhaps not the most surprising fact on this list is you work in the construction industry already, but concrete is far and away the most used material in construction projects worldwide. The use of concrete actually dates back many thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians although in more recent times there have been questions over the environmental impact that the material is having on our world.

What are the different types of window glass?

Probably not a question you have ever found yourself asking in the past. However, if you are looking to install some new windows or a door with a glass design it is important information to know.

There are actually many different types of glass that may be suitable for use on your property and the ideal choice will depend on a number of factors. In this blog, we will take a look at some of the most common, examining what it is about each that makes them unique and hopefully making your decision just that little bit easier.

Double glazed glass

If you were to ask a random person to name a type of glass they would probably think you were quite weird. If they decided to answer rather than run away in the other direction, they would probably say double glazed.

Double glazed glass is a must-have in modern domestic properties, outperforming the single glazed glass it usually replaces in every possible way. The concept of double glazing really is as simple as it seems, two panes of glass installed with in the one frame. The gap between the two is usually filled with an argon gas filling that helps limit heat transfer and maximises performance. If you are looking to replace the windows in your home, double glazing Dunfermline is the bare minimum quality you should be looking for.

Triple Glazed glass

See above but add yet another layer of glass and another layer of argon gas filling. It might seem overkill but in a world where saving every last crumb of heat energy is essential the additional thermal resistance offered by triple glazing is attracting more and more UK homeowners.

Stained Glass

Stained glass is famed for its use in religious buildings such as churches, mainly for decorative purposes. That said, it is not unheard of in domestic homes and if you have a certain style in mind or a piece of your personality you wish to show off, a stained glass pane is a great way to do so.

Reinforced Glass

Most popular in commercial settings, reinforced toughened safety glass is treated with certain chemicals to make it much harder to break, even when exposed to high pressure impacts such as a hammer.

If there is a high risk of vandalism or theft in your area and you are worried about your windows being used by an intruder to force their way inside reinforced glass can provide you with welcome peace of mind.

Heat Strengthened Glass

Heat strengthened glass is another form of safety glass that is created by (surprise surprise) heating the glass to improve its durability. This process creates glass that is far better at resisting extreme temperatures as well, meaning you can be confident of great performance all year long.

If you have any questions about any of the glass types that have been mentioned in the article or would like advice on the best one for your needs, get in touch now.

What to look for when picking a skin clinic

We all want our skin to look the best it possibly can at all times. Great skin breeds self-confidence and gives you a stunning glow that is sure to bring the compliments pouring in at your next social outing.

A good skincare routine goes a long way towards protecting your skin and helping you to look your best but sometimes it just isn’t quite enough. If you are looking for that little bit of extra help caring for your skin, or want to address some imperfections that have arisen, a visit to your local skin clinic Glasgow may well be in order.

With so many different skin clinics popping up all over the country, it can be difficult to know exactly which one is best suited to your requirements. You don’t want to trust just anyone with your priceless skin after all.

From the qualifications of the clinician providing the treatment to the number of procedures that they have available and their reputation as a company, there are many different things to consider, and this article will examine them in great detail.

skin care clinic

Top 5 things to look for in a skin clinic

Experience

Long-term success in the aesthetic industry doesn’t come easy, and if a practitioner has managed to maintain a fantastic reputation over many years in the profession they are clearly doing something very right.

Everything that we mention on this list is important when picking a great skin clinic in your area, but the skills and experience of the people involved should be your number one priority. It is always worth paying a little extra for a more experienced clinician. You don’t want to be messing around with cheap skin treatment.

Reviews

Online reviews should always be taken with a bit of a pinch of salt but previous customer experience is an important consideration. Try to look at independent reviews rather than ones published on the skin clinic website or ask your friends/family for a recommendation.

State of the art technology

If a company isn’t willing to invest in the latest skin care technology this is a serious red flag. Not only will you get better results elsewhere but this indicates that they might not be up-to-date in other areas such as safety.

The latest treatments will have been carefully examined by industry experts to ensure their safety and effectiveness, giving you peace of mind when you attend an appointment.

Location

One of the best things about non-invasive skin treatments is that you don’t need to take a huge amount of time out of your day, or time off work to have them applied. Look for a clinic that is close to you and convenient.

Cost

As we mentioned above, choosing a skin clinic purely based on cost is not a good plan. However, hidden extra fees aren’t a good sign either. Look for a clinic that is upfront about the cost of the services that they provide, even if they appear to charge slightly more as a result.

Important things you might not know about security companies

Security companies protect things. People, property, businesses and many other things besides are kept safe all year long by highly trained expert SIA licensed security people and companies.

Most people know that this is the case, but never stop to think about how exactly they do it. Security guards often blend into the background, and whilst you know they are there, you probably haven’t put much thought into exactly what they are doing. You might even have thought that they were just standing around doing nothing!

The fact is, far more goes into the role of a Newcastle security guard and the services provided by a security company than most people realise and even if you don’t hire them directly, you will almost certainly have them to thank for your safety at some point over the years.

Here are just a few of the things that a security company does that protects their clients and the general public on a daily basis.

security vector

Supporting the police

Private security firms work closely with the police, fire brigade, and other emergency services, reporting crime and keeping the public safe in dangerous situations until the relevant authorities arrive.

They are also often called upon to provide evidence in court and are considered as a reliable, professional witness to events whose testimony carries a great deal of weight.

During high profile events such as sports matches, the police and security companies will often work in close collaboration to keep the public safe and ensure the smooth running of the occasion.

Counter-terrorism

Terrorists are perhaps the most terrifying of any security threat, targeting areas where there largest number of people gather in a single space.

From airports and train stations to stadia and concert halls, the places most at risk of a terror attack almost always have a security guarding presence of some kind with guards tasked with the incredibly important role of searching attendees and using their expertly trained eye to spot suspicious activity from within a crowd.

Providing job opportunities

Security staff

In order to become a fully qualified security guard that is legally required to provide guarding services in the UK, an individual must first go through an extensive training and accreditation process. Only once they have demonstrated excellence in each area will they be granted an SIA licence and allowed to begin work in the field.

For those who have a passion for keeping people safe and pursuing a career in security, counter-intelligence, bodyguarding, or in the secret service, security guarding is a great route into this world, but only for the most determined and committed of candidates.

Protecting VIPs

Security companies are often given the responsibility of protecting individuals with a significantly higher risk of harm than others.

These include celebrities, high-value individuals, politicians, royalty and more. Without the support of a team of highly trained security experts, many of these people would be unable to carry out their normal daily activities and would be in serious risk of being attacked or harassed.

Providing jobs to army veterans

Military veterans often find it difficult to gain employment once they have left active service due to the limited number of workplaces suited to their unique skillset. Luckily, security guarding is one of the industries where their skills are incredibly highly valued and many veterans make fantastic security officers.

Security companies provide an excellent stepping stone between military and civilian life and provide opportunities for those who have served their country so faithfully in the past.

Performing concierge duties

Security companies are often hired to protect offices, residential properties, hotels, and other commercial buildings with a front desk/foyer.

As this area is usually a hub of activity and somewhere which people must pass through to gain access to the property, security guards are often stationed here.

As well as keeping an eye out for suspicious activity, guards in this location will often be asked to perform some basic concierge duties such answering the phone, taking in parcels, and directing visitors to the correct area of the property.

As part of this duty, it is important that whilst security guards are imposing to criminals, they are also friendly and approachable for members of the public. After all, on many business sites the security officer is the first person that customers see when they arrive, so it is essential that they make a good impression.

In order to better fit in with the site upon which they are deployed, security guards from certain security companies will also offer a flexible uniform policy. This is particularly useful for high-end hotels and corporate events where a suit and tie is more appropriate than the standard security guard uniform that would stick out like a sore thumb.

The Benefits of Getting a Boiler Service before the Winter
CHS-Glasgow service

It’s important to get your boiler serviced every year – as otherwise you could find yourself losing your warranty or face a serious breakdown. But when should you get your boiler serviced?

The best time to get it serviced is really any time before the winter. Not only is it easier to book in an engineer during this time, but it’s often cheaper as well. In this article we’ll go over the major benefits of getting a boiler repair glasgow before the winter season.

Many boiler issues begin in the Summer

Many boiler issues begin in the Summer but only become noticeable during the Winter when we start using them again. Underuse of boilers results in clogs and blockages and can even see the pipes become damaged. This is a serious issue, but it’s not one many people are aware of.

By having a service done during the summer, it’s possible to detect these issues before they become a problem – allowing you to avoid dealing with potentially serious damage in your boiler later in the year. A boiler which develops issues in the Summer can end up suffering severe damage during the Winter when it is regularly used. This means you can avoid very costly problems emerging in the future.

Legal obligations for Landlords

Landlords are legally obligated to get boilers (as well as flues) annually serviced – as well as to secure the appropriate forms to show this been done. These must be secured from a certified gas-safe approved engineer as well.

Not only is this important for staying on the right side of the law, but it’s also important for preventing a landlord from having to deal with future expensive repairs.

The Warranty

Many warranties require that you have your boiler service every year – to ensure that the boiler is properly working. Failure to have your boiler serviced will mean the loss of the warranty – which can cause serious issues for you attempting to get repairs (or a replacement boiler) in the future. To stay on the safe side, it’s good to get the boiler serviced sooner rather than later.

It’s much more time Convenient

Heating engineers tend to be most busy during the winter. This is when most people get servicing done – but it’s also when most people are having to get their boilers repaired or fixed. Because of this, you’re more likely than not to find yourself at the back of the que when it comes to timeslots for the servicing of your boiler – as you are unlikely to be prioritised over better paid jobs like emergency repair work (not to mention pre-existing contracts for breakdowns). This means it can become a major inconvenience for you to find a time slot for boiler servicing.

On the other hand, outside of winter heating engineers tend to have a huge amount of unprofitable downtime. This means that they are much freer to perform servicing work and you will be more able to find a timeslot suited to your schedule – rather than having to work around the engineer’s own timetable.

This is also of course not to mention that boilers are used less during the summer – so if it needs to be repaired or the service takes longer, is temporary absence won’t be as noticeable.

Avoiding Christmas

Having boiler issues around Christmas can be a real nightmare – but even just getting your boiler looked at during that time can be a pain – especially if it turns out there’s issues which need to be seen to. By having your boiler looked at during the summer, you can circumvent having to deal with boiler problems around this time.

Ensuring your Boiler is ready for the winter

Boilers tend to break down the most during the winter, as it’s when we use them the most. This is a huge pain, as you’ll be having to try and track down an engineer while your home is left unheated. Many of the potential problems in your boiler can be detected early on by having the work done during the summer, meaning your boiler is fully functional for the winter months.  

It’s often cheaper

Because of how busy they are during the winter heating engineers tend to charge extra for their services. On the other hand, during downtime periods like the spring and summer engineers often provide discounts for work like boiler servicing.

The size of this discount depends on a variety of factors, such as whether the engineer is part of a larger firm or is independent and the scale of the work that ends up needing to be done.

Eight Rewiring Tips
CFS Electrician

Re-wiring is important work necessary to ensure homes meet modern safety standards as well as ensuring they can supply the power for modern gadgets and technology. But when you’re planning to re-wire your home, there’s a lot of things to consider. In this article, we’ll look at the top eight things to consider when you’re planning to rewire your home.

1. Planning the Work

It is vital that rewiring is planned from beginning to end. Electrical installation is complex, demanding work necessitating the assistance of a professional team. It Is vital the process is properly planned from start to finish, with considerations for,

  • Accommodation – since you may need to move out while the work is performed
  • Where new power points will be laid
  • Reinstatement and repairs post the rewiring work
  • ‘Future proofing’ – preparing your home for future gadgets and tech you plan to use.
  • Making everything clear

A key part of planning is ensuring everything is kept clear when you begin the rewiring process. Providing a clear floor plan for the rewiring of the property, for new sockets and the future layout, is vital – and will massively clean up the process and make it much easier. It is usually best to have 1 to 2 visits occur before any work begins on the property.

2. Making sure you make use of the right contractor

It is vital you make use of a trustworthy, qualified, and accredited contractor when it comes to rewiring.

While for a technician rewiring isn’t necessarily the most demanding or complex of work, in older properties it can be a struggle.

Always go with a professional who you know is properly qualified to provide the service, and one who has the appropriate experience in rewiring – especially if you are having an older property worked on.

3. Be ready to move out

Rewiring is demanding, complex work which often involves the removal of carpets, cutting into ceilings, lifting floorboards, and other demanding work that is often very disruptive, noisy and requires furniture to be taken out of the property or moved into free rooms. In some cases, it is advisable to temporarily move out of the property while the work is done. This is liable to make the work much easier for the electrician, who doesn’t have to worry about working around anyone as they rewire the property.

4. Quality fittings

Never compromise on the quality of the materials and infrastructure used. BS7671 British standard should always be followed in the components and products used for a rewiring job, but furthermore you should always go for the highest quality of product when rewiring a property. Lower cost products tend to fail much sooner and are likely to demand excessive attention – which in the long run may end up being far more expensive than simply going with a higher product in the first place.

A good electrician will be able to point you in the right direction for the best products on the market when they provide a quotation for their service.

5. Rewiring and Re-instatement

Post re-wiring there is the process of re-instatement – clearing up damaged plaster and other elements of the property which had to be rearranged and fixed after the process. It’s important to make sure a contractor is ready to do this alongside the rewiring – as they will be able to seal up any openings and ensure no dust is left.

6. Future Proofing

Most people re-wire their home for the serious safety benefits; older wires and cables are often not up to modern safety standards, which are vital for preventing house fires and keeping our homes secure against accidental damages. But it’s also an invaluable way to improve the use of technology in your home – allowing for the installation of additional Ethernet ports and expanding the Wi-Fi accessibility in your home. If you want more places for TVs or computers, re-wiring is a fantastic approach.

7. Future proofing provides options for

  • Additional lighting
  • Networking – improving the reliability of web connections
  • Additional TVs
  • CCTV and other security systems
  • Avoid doing the work yourself

8. Never attempt to re-wire your home yourself.

Re-wiring is demanding work for anyone who is not a qualified CFS Glasgow electrician, demanding a huge amount of effort, concentration, and necessitating a great deal of care. Making errors or mistakes is potentially dangerous, and furthermore, you’ll need to get the work properly certified. This can be expensive, demanding, and furthermore, very difficult. Work not carried out by professionals is rarely up to specification and will not receive proper certification – which means it can be very difficult to sell your home or property in the future.

Conclusion

When you’re re-wiring your home, planning is key – as is the help of professionals. Plan the project out ahead of time and ensure you enlist the help of accredited experts.

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