Day: May 19, 2024

How to keep cool in the car this summer

Motorists are being warned to keep their cars cool at all times during the hot weather else risk breaking the Highway Code.

Insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have named six tips for drivers to keep their vehicles fully ventilated throughout summer.

Under rule 237 in the Highway Code, drivers should keep their vehicles fully ventilated at all times to avoid drowsiness and danger behind the wheel.

If caught and charged with dangerous driving, motorists could face two years in prison, unlimited fines and have their licence revoked.

Anyone getting behind the wheel this summer needs to ensure they have a fully ventilated vehicle for the whole journey but with the ever-increasing cost-of-living crisis, running the AC for the entire journey is not an option for many motorists.

Fuel usage can be increased by 10% by switching on the air con even for short journeys.

Internal temperatures of cars can reach dangerous levels – studies have measured vehicles reaching over 50°C, even on a cooler summer day.

Yet with the rise of petrol prices in the UK, many drivers are reluctant to turn on their air con, opting to save fuel and money.

However, there are several other ways drivers can keep cool this summer without having to switch on the air con.

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said:  “It’s important to make sure the car is fully ventilated throughout hot journeys or risk going against guidance from the Highway Code – putting drivers in danger of drowsiness behind the wheel and risking big penalties.

“For those with cars that do not have air con, or if they want to save fuel by not switching the cold air on, there are several cost-effective ways to ventilate the vehicle and stay cool in the car as temperatures continue to soar.

“Drivers can buy relatively inexpensive solar-powered fans to attach to the inside of vehicles or reflective screens to line the windscreen, keeping the heat out and reducing the temperature in the car before they set off.

“Drivers can also freeze water bottles to use as ice packs and to help them stay hydrated with the ice-cold water when they melt, or hang damp cloths over the vents to cool down the air.

“If motorists are hiring a car or in the process of buying a new one, the colour of the car itself can actually make a difference too, white cars reflect the heat and also tend to cool down quicker than cars of a darker colour, so worth bearing in mind.”

Here are Quotezone.co.uk’s tips on keeping cool and making savings this summer:

  1. Choose your spot wisely

Watching where you park will help to stop the interior of the car getting too hot throughout the day. Leave your car underneath trees and overhanging bushes or find a large van or lorry to park beside.

  1. White is right for keeping cool

If you’re buying a new car or hiring one on holiday, the colour can actually play a part in helping to keep the car cool.  White cars reflect the heat and can actually cool down quicker.  Lighter coloured seat covers can also help.

  1. Invest in some cooling accessories

Drivers can purchase relatively inexpensive items such as pocket-sized fans to attach to their dashboard to stay cool and help ward off drowsiness. Sunshades can be bought to reflect the sun rays to reduce the vehicles interior temperature. It’ll also reduce the dashboard temperature and steering wheel by blocking out the hot sun – both accessories can normally be found for under £10.

  1. Keep yourself cool and hydrated

Pop a water bottle in the freezer overnight, and in the morning wrap it up in a towel to stop any drips – it will help you keep cool and once melted, drivers will have ice-cold water to drink. Staying hydrated is vital on long hot journeys, dehydration can cause drowsiness – which is dangerous behind the wheel.

  1. Plan ahead and take a break

Plan ahead and avoid the hottest parts of the day if possible, normally between 1-3pm. If the trip can be made early or late in the day it’s best to do so and play it safe. Also don’t drive for more than 2 hours without taking a 15 minute break to recharge, as recommended by rule 91 of the Highway Code.

  1. Utilise what you have

Draping a damp cloth over the vent will make the air blowing through much cooler. Remember to take the rags out of your car afterwards to prevent mildew building up.  Leave the windows open if you’ve parked up for a summer picnic or doing some jobs in your front garden where you can keep an eye on your car.

For breakdown cover or to compare car insurance prices, Quotezone.co.uk can help.

Childhood books that could be sitting in your home worth money

For many, books are more than just sources of knowledge and entertainment; they are cherished possessions, often passed down through generations.

While most books hold sentimental value, some can also be worth a considerable amount of money. If you have a collection of old books gathering dust on your shelves, it might be time to take a closer look.

You could be sitting on a goldmine without even realising it.

Joanne Williams, a book expert from Awesome Books tells us some types of books that might be worth a small fortune.

First Editions

First editions of classic books are highly sought after by collectors. These are the initial printings of a book, often produced in limited quantities. If you have a first edition of a well-known work, it could be worth a significant amount. Look for first editions of classic literature, such as:

J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby

George Orwell’s 1984

Signed Copies

Books signed by the author are always in demand, especially if the author is well-known or the book is a classic. The value increases if the signature is accompanied by a personal inscription. Keep an eye out for signed copies of works by famous authors like Ernest Hemingway, J.K. Rowling, or Stephen King.

Limited Editions and Special Prints

Books that were published in limited numbers or special editions can be particularly valuable. These editions often feature unique bindings, illustrations, or forewords not found in the regular editions. Examples include:

Limited edition versions of *The Lord of the Rings* trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

Special illustrated editions of *Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland* by Lewis Carroll

Collector’s editions of *The Catcher in the Rye* by J.D. Salinger

Antiquarian Books

Books that are over 100 years old can be highly valuable, especially if they are in good condition. Antiquarian books can include anything from early printings of famous works to rare and obscure titles. Key factors that affect their value include the book’s condition, rarity, and historical significance. Look for:

Early editions of works by Charles Dickens

Rare printings of Shakespeare’s plays

Historical documents or first-hand accounts of significant events

Out-of-Print Books

Some books become valuable simply because they are no longer in print and hard to find. These can range from children’s books to academic texts. For example:

Original Goosebumps books by R.L. Stine

Certain vintage children’s books like The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Out-of-print works of poetry or niche academic subjects

 Unique or Unusual Books

Books with unique features, such as misprints, rare bindings, or unusual content, can also be valuable. Collectors often seek out these anomalies because they represent something different from the norm. Examples include:

Misprinted editions of popular novels

Books with unique or rare bindings, such as leather-bound copies

Books with controversial or historically significant content

Potential Value of Books

On average, Brits could be sitting on books worth hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds. The value of collectible books can vary widely, but here are some general estimates:

First Editions: Depending on the book and its condition, first editions can range from £100 to several thousand pounds. For example, a first edition of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* has sold for over £50,000.

Signed Copies: Signed copies of books can add £50 to several thousand pounds to the book’s value. A signed copy of Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea might fetch £1,000 or more.

Limited Editions and Special Prints: These can be worth anywhere from £100 to several thousand pounds, depending on their rarity and condition.

Antiquarian Books: Values can range from £50 to tens of thousands of pounds. An early edition of Charles Dickens’ *A Christmas Carol* can be worth over £10,000.

Out-of-Print Books: These can range from £20 to several hundred pounds, depending on their popularity and rarity.

Unique or Unusual Books: Prices vary widely, but unique features can significantly increase a book’s value, potentially adding hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Tips for Determining the Value of Your Books

Research: Use online resources like AbeBooks, eBay, and specialised rare book websites to compare prices and see what similar books are selling for.

Condition: The condition of the book greatly affects its value. Books that are in pristine condition, with intact dust jackets and minimal wear, are worth more.

Consult Experts: Consider reaching out to a rare book dealer or appraiser for a professional assessment. They can provide insight into the book’s rarity, demand, and potential value.

Joanne Williams, a book expert from Awesome Books says: “Your bookshelf could be hiding more than just great stories; it might contain valuable treasures waiting to be discovered.

“By taking the time to identify and research your collection, you could unearth books that are worth a significant amount of money.

“Whether you decide to sell these valuable books or keep them as prized possessions, knowing their worth adds a new layer of appreciation for your literary collection.”

Black Sheep Coffee open new site in Haymarket Square

Black Sheep Coffee, the Robusta rebel of the coffee world, is proud to announce the opening of its newest site in Haymarket Square. The latest Black Sheep Coffee is bringing its signature blend of passion and rebellion to Edinburgh.

The new site is set to become the go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking an unforgettable coffee experience from Edinburgh’s best baristas in a laid-back, welcoming space.

From carefully crafted coffees, to refreshing smoothies, to an indulgent selection of pastries and waffles, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With Edinburgh being a creative hub in the UK with a famously rich culture, the city is very special to the brand.

The new opening is a demonstration of the incredible recent growth for the Black Sheep Coffee family, as it spreads its wings further across the UK, with over 90 stores – and nearly 40 opened in the last year alone.

The pioneering coffee group is rapidly expanding, through combining a passion for coffee and a mission to take down the big corporate chains, along with harnessing support and funding from their loyal customers and those who believe in the values of the company.

Renowned for unapologetically bold flavours and an unrivalled commitment to quality, Black Sheep Coffee are innovators in the space – by sourcing the first specialty-grade 100% Robusta coffee, they went against the market trends and became the ‘Black Sheep’ of the coffee world.

With a commitment to sustainability and ethically sourced beans, every cup of Black Sheep Coffee is a statement of rebellion against the ordinary. The coffee shop group also achieved another world first with the launch of their Lion’s Mane Latte, which is made up of Lion’s Mane, ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea extract & B12. 

Black Sheep Coffee is not just a space to grab your morning coffee, it’s a community hub where rebels, misfits, and free spirits come together to celebrate individuality and embrace the extraordinary. 

Gabriel Shohet and Eirik Holth commented on the launch: “We’re so excited to be launching our newest Black Sheep Coffee site in Edinburgh and creating another coffee haven for those who dare to be different.

“With Edinburgh’s rich culture of creativity, we feel that this is a perfect new spot for us to open in.”

Leave the herd behind and brew some positive change at Black Sheep Coffee Haymarket Square.

Thrifty renews partnership with MND charity My Name’5 Doddie Foundation

Thrifty Car & Van Rental – powered by Scot Group Ltd, the UK’s largest privately owned car and van rental business – has renewed its commitment to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation charity for a sixth consecutive year.

The My Name’5 Doddie foundation raises funds to aid research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and to support fellow sufferers. The charity was set up in 2017 by rugby legend Doddie Weir shortly after he was diagnosed with the disease.

To date, Thrifty has raised over £300,000 for the cause through its fundraising activities. The business has provided regular donations, auction prizes, event fundraising and also supplied logistics support vehicles for MND events.

Last year, Thrifty UK Managing Director Martin Wilson joined Kenny Logan’s Edinburgh to Paris cycle ride to support the foundation.

Martin explains how the charity partnership came about: “I met Doddie more than 25 years ago when we were both playing for Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club.

“When Doddie was diagnosed with MND he faced it with such determination, setting up the incredible My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. It’s a cause close to our hearts at Thrifty and we’re very proud to continue our partnership supporting the mission to create a world free of MND.

“This year, we’re excited to be adding to our fundraising power by getting Scot Group’s new vehicle rental brand Switch involved too.’

Thrifty is highly focused on its corporate social responsibilities. The business aims to make a significant difference to thousands of lives through its charitable giving programme, which also supports Hospiscare, an adult hospice charity based in Devon.

Over 26,000 extra construction workers required in Scotland by 2028 to meet demand 

  • Industry faces ongoing need to match growth with workforce
  • Recruitment and retention are key opportunities for sector resilience 

The annual industry forecast from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) highlights the continuing persistent gap between what Scotland needs to keep up with demand and the workforce available to meet the challenge.  

CITB’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) 2024-28 report reveals that in Scotland:  

·         Construction output is set to rise by 2.1% annually between now and 2028 

·         26,100 extra workers (5,220 a year) will be needed in order to meet the continued construction growth expected over the next five years 

·         The major opportunities are in: 

o    Repair and maintenance 

o    Public non-housing 

o    Commercial. 

Despite the industry managing to recruit around 200,000 people every year UK-wide, in 2023, an average of 38,000 vacancies were advertised per month. For almost a third (31%) of construction employers, finding suitably skilled staff remains their key challenge, particularly with more older workers retiring and not being replaced. 

Although the UK construction industry welcomed 200,000 new workers, it saw the loss of more (210,000 workers). With the ongoing difference between the predicted need for construction work and the available workforce, CITB’s forecast shows how important it is for the industry to tackle the issues with effective recruitment and training to replace those leaving and better prepare for the future, as well as to take advantage of key opportunities such as productivity improvements and meeting net zero retrofit targets. 

In response to the challenges, CITB has invested £267m to help the industry improve diversity, quality and productivity as well as making construction a more attractive career choice for future generations.

Among the areas this investment will directly support are three expanded initiatives:  

·         New Entrant Support Team (NEST) – helping employers to better navigate the recruitment process, access grants and suitable training, when and where needed 

·         Industry Impact Fund – making direct funding available for employers to design and test new solutions for talent recruitment and retention challenges 

·         Employer Network – rolling this out across Great Britain, to enable local employers to set their own funding priorities and meet area-specific skills needs. 

CITB Scotland Engagement Director, Ian Hughes, said: “Construction is an essential sector for our regional and national economic prosperity. We anticipate continued industry growth in Scotland, but we need to meet demand with more people in the workforce with the right skills.  

“CITB’s CSN report highlights how Scotland employers can address the challenge by recruiting and developing a skilled, competent and diverse workforce that is able to meet current and future needs. 

“Scotland has a number of construction investments supported by City Region Deals, Regional Growth Deals and Green Freeports. 

“These wide-ranging projects include the proposed debris flow shelter for the A83 at Rest & Be Thankful, the £25m hydrogen demonstration network in Fife, and £200m towards the mains replacement for Scottish Gas Networks.

“Works are underway for the £91m Clyde Waterfront & Renfrew Riverside development, with a new River Clyde Bridge as part of the Glasgow City Region Deal. Dunfermline’s £250m Learning Campus is due for completion on a purpose-built low carbon site in the eastern expansion area.

“Meanwhile, proposals for the £250m revamp of Charing Cross would bring student accommodation and healthcare facilities followed by mixed-tenure residential, office and leisure space as well as the creation of a new gateway into the city.

“We are committed to ensuring that the skills system is fit for purpose to deliver on the great opportunities across Scotland, now and in the future.

“The industry has shown particular resilience throughout what has been an undeniably tough few years. Here at CITB, we have a crucial role to play in supporting its growth through recruitment, training, development and upskilling.” 

ctb1003_csn-rep_regional_scotland_awDownload