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Buoyant Commodities Prices are Encouraging Scrap Metal Thefts Across the UK
July 15th, 2010Bristol July 2010
Yesterday (14th July, 2010) saw a day of action across the UK by Police forces from England, Scotland and Wales as they held a co-ordinated effort to curb the increasing instances of metal thefts. It seems that the problem has risen to such proportions that such action is not only deemed necessary but essential. The effort was controlled by the British Transport Police in response to a massive increase in the frequency and scale of these types of thefts. Many British Rail facilities have suffered major losses leading to train delays and cancellations. Other targets have been hit across the country and local Police forces have been adding their own information to the national operation.
The rise of commodity prices as the global economy starts to return to a bull market has seen the trade price for metals rise in recent months. With huge demand from overseas and in particular China, there appears to be a lucrative opportunity for anyone with scrap metal for sale. This has led some misguided thieves to start to assess their local areas for the easiest and quickest places to steal scrap metal from.
Among the targets hit so far are power and signal cables from the railways, cable ripped from power stations and sub-stations, lead work from buildings – both municipal and private, business premises and homes alike. There have even been instances of road ironwork like manhole covers and drain grills being removed presumably to sell for scrap. The problem is a particular issue for the railways as the theft of signal and power cables has led to cancellations and disruption of services.
The total cost to British business is estimated to be around £750 million per annum. One commentator put the real cost to the railway network at over £1 million pound in terms of disruption, repair and compensation. The Police have been using powers granted them under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act, 1964, to enter scrap yards and inspect materials held and records relating to the point of origin of the scrap they hold.
Many scrap metal dealers are completely unaware of the source of the scrap metal when it is presented at their yards, and for those found to be holding stolen scrap it can leave a big hole in their balance sheets when it is seized for evidence. The scrap metal industry as a whole is co-operating fully with police and most are taking extra steps to be more vigilant.
For the vast majority of vehicle scrapyards this is of less importance as they collect most of their scrap from old vehicles. For those of us with vehicles to scrap; one upside is that as the price of scrap is rising the value of that old and broken transit could very well be worth more than last month. Scrap transit prices along with all scrap van prices need to be checked with your local scrap merchant before you set out to their yard.
The owner of United Vans, Bristol, a vehicle dismantling operation on the outskirts of Bristol, commented today ‘We, in this industry, work very hard to recycle old vehicles in a responsible way. This type of news helps no one, we here at United Vans would like to assure all our customers that licensed scrap yards, such as ourselves, are very different to the unlicensed variety.’
The usual requirements of most dismantling facilities are that you own the vehicle that you are scrapping and can prove it. Once in the yard the vehicle will be dismantled and any spare parts that still work probably kept for resale in the second hand parts market and the rest of the vehicle will be separated into component materials and sent for recycling where possible. The current trend of thefts should not reflect badly on most of these businesses and consumers should continue to trust their local scrap yard unless there is evidence that they shouldn’t.
About United Vans
United Vans is a licensed vehicle dismantler and has the facilities to separate and dispose of many of the wide range of materials found in scrapped vehicles. They have an excellent reputation for the sale of second hand parts and often announce their needs for specific vehicles to break for spares with ads such as ‘Toyota Hilux wanted‘ or ‘Vauxhall Brava wanted’. They can be contacted via their website www.unitedvans.com
How will insurance taxes affect car and motorcycle breakdown cover?
July 7th, 2010As the new coalition government struggles to raise funds and close the deficit gap they have begin to look for money in odd sources. Presently they are trying to enact an increase of 100% on the insurance premium tax. This will directly affect many United Kingdom consumers who purchase car and motorcycle breakdown cover.
Breakdown cover is classified as insurance and taxed as such. One option is to lock in a deal for the next year’s breakdown cover before any potential tax increase drives the price to a point where cover is not affordable. To quickly find the best deal, perform an easy online breakdown cover comparison. Using the internet one can find out fast which company has all the features they need. Popular features for breakdown cover include, home start, tow home and European breakdown cover single trip protection.
The latter is a perfect solution for those who only occassionally travel abroad. However if you travel to the continent with your car on holiday more than twice a year you should consider pricing for full time Eurotravel protection so as to take advantage of the pretax increase price schedule. Amazingly many UK drivers assume that their cover policy protects them for any contingency. This is hardly the case as basic breakdown cover very often will not even pay to have your car brought home from a distance of 20KM let alone from southern Spain. Take a moment and read over your cover policy and if the protection you need is not detailed, compare prices for breakdown cover.
New Sky and Virgin HD box technology brings 3D programming into your home
July 3rd, 2010In the late 1950s 3D movies were all the rage. For many of us able to remember those films the reemergence of the technology came as quite a surprise. The original 3D cinema format was a mere novelty better suited to monster movies than actual entertainment. Today almost every animated film comes out in both a conventional and three dimensional format. Indeed a great deal of the success of Avatar must be attributed to ticket sales to watch the film in 3D. Almost all the Pixar films are available as such. It was only logical that these immensely popular films would find their way to our home screen in the 3D format.
Sky TV was the first to offer 3D capability built into their Sky HD box. Earlier this year, Virgin Media in an effort to keep up with the great prices and service as part of Sky TV packages announced they would be making 3D viewing available as well. The primary component needed to make this possible was the Virgin HD box which passed final testing and is now available as part of Virgin Media’s HD packaging. Bear in mind that digital photography has done wonders for 3D movie quality.
The Biangular approach of 3D was far too dark in the original format. Coordination of twin projections without the use of computer assistance left old time projectionists perplexed. Now consider that for 3D TV use all that is required is a signal that incorporates the two images and sets the pitch of the LCD pixels. More simply, 3D is easy on TV and both the Sky and Virgin HD box can bring it into your home.
Digital TV News – Michael Phillips of Digitalchoices.co.uk Comments on The Prices of BT’s Sky Sports Channel
July 1st, 2010Michael Phillips, from consumer based telecom website digitalchoices.co.uk comments;
“The coming season’s pay-TV decision for football fans has just got a lot harder. With first year cost savings of over £100, BT has priced its Sky Sports 1 and 2 with ESPN offering to warrant serious consideration from anyone looking to bundle their TV with broadband and phone. If recent reports are true about Sky looking to increase its own channel pricing then BT’s new offering could look even more compelling.
“We welcome the fact that BT has priced its broadband, phone and TV sports bundle so aggressively – Sky, Virgin Media and BT now all have genuine solutions for sports fans. However, each provider has different availability criteria so it’s crucial that consumers compare services and prices in their area.
“BT’s new Sky Sports offering is a clear winner on headline pricing as part of a broadband and home phone bundle but it is worth remembering that for those interested in programming beyond sport, it doesn’t carry Sky1 which has a history of premiering key entertainment shows in the UK.
“BT’s announcement is great news for people that don’t live in a Virgin Media cabled street since there is now a competitive alternative to Sky’s own offering. Although BT’s Vision+ box is HD ready, there is currently only one real solution for those wanting their sport fix in HD – and that is Sky.”
About Digital Choices
Digitalchoices.co.uk is a leading comparison site, that helps readers better understand the options around digital servies like Digital and Satellite/ Sky TV packages.
Reduction of phone line cancellation fees is coming soon
June 29th, 2010Say what you will about Ofcom but you can never deny that they act in the public’s interest. Until recently if you wanted to opt out, that is cancel a long term phone line contract in the United Kingdom you were certain to be charged a premium for switching landline providers. Ofcom has forced regulation upon the telecoms industry that will result in Virgin Media, BT and Talk Talk reducing cancellation fees by as much as 85%. BT will now charge customers just 2 pounds per month remaining in the contract term should they wish to cancel. Virgin will charge a higher rate of 4 pounds per month and Talk Talk will split the difference at just 3 Pounds per month remaining charged for early cancellation of the agreement. These new regulations open the door for fabulous savings by United Kingdom consumers. While it is true that every UK home phone provider clings to their monthly charge for landline connection, incentives when bundling services often can more than make up for these costs. Most UK companies charge from 9 to 12 pounds per month for line rental. Yet many offer incentives for anytime calling or home phone and broadband giving at least three months free service. The freedom to switch home phone providers without paying a premium will allow tight comparison of cost per year. Some UK phone companies are tossing in free broadband services for a full year with an 18 month sign up. Switching to such a deal is very likely to save you money.
One callout per year will make breakdown cover comparison and purchase worthwhile
June 29th, 2010Recently I had occasion to call for roadside assistance while approximately 70 Kilometres away from my home. I was a bit out in the middle of nowhere and really needed to arrange for my car to be towed safely home where I could then attempt to diagnose the problem. At the time I had breakdown cover furnished as part of my mobile phone contract. I had reasoned that because I would need to use my mobile to call for assistance, who better to use for dispatch than my mobile phone provider.
My logic fell short when I easily reached the call center but quickly discovered that the people on call were hundreds of Kilometres away from my problem. I also found out that the simplistic basic cover I had been paying 5 pounds a month for the last three years would be of no value to return my car to my home garage. The cost for that service was over and above the features of my cover policy and would be 150 pounds.
Had I done any kind of breakdown cover comparison I would have straight away learned that a comprehensive car or motorcycle breakdown cover contract would cost me half of what the tow home was going to cost me. I have since purchased a total breakdown cover package that even includes European breakdown cover single trip protection. I haven’t yet taken my car overseas, but after the volcanic ash incident I may very well decide to.
The Return of Raw Freedom’s Raw Food Retreat in Devon
June 14th, 2010Bristol June 2010
The Bristol based Raw Freedom has announced that they are holding another in their series of raw food retreats at the Well Garden, South Devon on the 1st to the 4th July 2010. The incredible success of their last one was such that they have added this new date so that more harried and overwhelmed people might take advantage of the excellent range of relaxing, rejuvenating and pampering activities that are offered.
The location, which is in an unspoilt location very close to the beach in south Devon, UK, is, as one client from last time put it, ‘breath taking’. The raw food weekend includes a fully raw diet and the opportunity to watch the food being prepared so as to be able to take this life enriching diet back home to continue the good work. The nature of a 100% raw food diet will help accomplish a raw food detox and when combined with the amazing full body massages and the special blend of yoga that is offered a state of personal relaxation and bliss can be reached.
Raw Freedom’s Saskia Fraser said “This is where the added benefit of reaching the inner you becomes possible. It is so often the case that, in our busy lives, full of obligations and commitments, we put to one side our desires, dreams and personal direction. This weekend is about achieving a state of mind that allows contact with the inner you. What is then possible is up to you, but that choice is available to all who attend and the space will be held for each and everyone to use this weekend however they feel they need to. I can only say that I can’t wait to be there to share it with you”
The current surge in the UK holiday market means many are casting around for an alternative break within the UK. What if the break that you took actually allowed you to return home more alive, invigorated and healthy than when you left? Well that seems to me exactly what this raw food retreat is offering, and by the sounds of it greater possibilities exist too. So if you are overwhelmed, underappreciated and wondering where your dreams and desires went maybe this is the perfect break, get in there fast as places are limited to allow for maximum pampering!
About Raw Freedom
Raw Freedom has been facilitating raw food lifestyles for over three years. The combination of raw food coaching, raw food detox programs and 1 to 1 coaching has earned them an enviable reputation for helping people achieve personal growth and change. Saskia is one of the UK’s leading raw food coaches and is passionate about her mission to help and guide those that wish for a helping hand with their path through raw food and personal growth.
Contact Raw Freedom
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Demand for Private Line and SONET Services Sustain Growth for the U.S. Data Transport Services Market Finds Frost & Sullivan
June 11th, 2010,
The launch of Ethernet virtual private line (EVPL) service by most leading carriers is expected to enhance market potential for wholesale E-Line services. Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) and Ethernet services are expected to ramp up market revenues. The year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth rates for these services are pegged at 10-12 percent for MPLS and 20-30 percent for Ethernet.
Private line (DS1/DS3) and synchronous optical networking (SONET) services are likely to command a major share of data transport revenues in the near future. Private line services, particularly DS1 and SONET services, have maintained a modest, but steady inflow of revenues, largely owing to stable demand from wireless service providers on the wholesale front, and the reluctance of end users to move to Ethernet unless their bandwidth needs exceed 6 Mbps on the enterprise/business front.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (ipcommunications.frost.com), U.S. Data Transport Services Market Overview, finds that the market earned revenues of over $33.0 billion in 2009 and estimates $40.0 billion in 2014.
If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an email to Jake Wengroff, Corporate Communications, at jake.wengroff[.]frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company email address, company website, city, state and country.
“Wavelength services are seeing a growth spike owing to escalating demand for higher bandwidth circuits,” says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Roopa Shree H. “Also, the emergence of Ethernet has revived the wavelength services market as a number of service providers use waves to provision Ethernet circuits, and most 1 GigE and 10 GigE Ethernet circuits provisioned today are over dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM).”
Legacy services, particularly frame relay (FR) and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), are declining at a faster pace than expected, owing to market migration from these technologies to newer IP-based ones such as MPLS and Ethernet. However, despite the market shift to these newer services, their growth in revenues are not as rapid as the decline in revenues for FR and ATM, because of the price competitiveness of IP-based services that offer more bandwidth for a lower cost.
The U.S. data transport services market (wholesale and retail) is dominated by the Tier 1 carriers. Competition is expected to intensify in the MPLS and Ethernet arena, as carriers begin to position themselves as solution providers (selling voice+Internet+data bundles with MPLS backed by hosted/managed security services, as compared to pure MPLS transport).
Bundled products such as voice + Internet + VPN for data transport seem to be seeing a great amount of success in the SMB space, as such products can save people a lot of money. Tier 2 carriers are emerging as better solution providers compared to Tier 1 participants, largely due to the focused approach they have on specific verticals and size of enterprises they go after with their solutions, thus creating a market niche.
“Large carriers are seeing a surge in demand for high bandwidth transport services – especially MPLS VPN for multipoint-to multipoint connectivity for large distributed enterprises,” says Roopa Shree H. “Also, large carriers are showing increased interest in integrating Telepresence type of solutions with MPLS, which obviously makes sense for large enterprises.”
Some interesting trends are expected to sweep over the transport services segment in the next four to five years with solution selling greatly taking precedence over pure transport or bandwidth. Business voice over Internet protocol/session initiation protocol (VoIP/SIP) trunking and hosted/managed security services bundled into transport are expected to clearly dominate the market landscape.
U.S. Data Transport Services Market Overview is part of the Communications Services Growth Partnership Services program, which also includes research in the following markets: Carrier Ethernet Services, Wavelength Services, Private Line and SONET Services, MPLS VPN Services, ATM & FR services, Business VoIP Services, Cloud Computing, Managed Services, and others. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company’s Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO’s Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents.
U.S. Data Transport Services Market Overview / N733
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BusinessWebAds.com Creates Intelligent Software to Generate Keywords
June 11th, 2010,
As a result, CPC lead generation campaigns must be thoroughly planned and continually tracked to ensure lead volume, and budget.Once campaign objectives and expectations are established, the keyword research begins. BusinessWebAds utilizes proprietary tools to create an exhaustive list of Keyword search terms. All keyword derivations, concatenations, and common misspellings are identified during this stage of the process.
This process aids in identifying niche keywords that tend to be less competitive, less expensive, and highly focused. Identifying key niche keywords drives down the average cost per lead or acquisition while simultaneously increasing the number of highly interested prospective customers.”…BusinessWebAds.com quickly determines which keywords generate leads and which keywords generate actual purchases…”Choosing the appropriate provider or search engine is key to meeting lead volume and enrollment projections.
At this point, depending upon your budget our creative team will setup a selection of flash banner ads along with several text ads. BusinessWebAds would then begin a managed campaign of the area you have chosen to target potential customers using our BusinessNetwork (we have our own network or smaller publishers) along with FaceBook, Myspace Google, Yahoo and Bing. We then will evaluate the results from your text and display ads on a daily basis using the ratio of views and impressions per clicks for each ad.
This will allow us to optimize your campaign by deleting the display and text ads that have the lowest ratio of clicks per capital spent.On BusinessWebAds.com you can access your reports 24/7 and follow the results and cost per click for each display and text ad.
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Increase in Dumped vehicles – Are Car and Van Owners Aware That They can get Cash for Them?
June 10th, 2010The reports of council responses to dumped vehicles this week in Hull and Colchester has again highlighted the public’s lack of awareness of the value of their end of life vehicles. The incidence of untaxed and just plain old abandoned vans and cars in Hull and Colchester has caused the local councils to react in two quite separate ways.
In Hull the local council has had enough of the increasing amount of dumped vehicles on its streets, last year more than 450 were found left to rot in the city. They are seen as a hazard and can even be dangerous when local hell raisers realise that they have been abandoned and set fire to them or cause criminal damage to them, both cases requiring the response of the emergency services, which takes the services away from other primary emergency functions. Having had enough of the situation, Hull Council, has announced a scheme that allows residents to have the vehicles towed and crushed for free.
In Colchester the reaction to the same problem has been slightly different in that it has decided to tow the vehicles away and chase the owners through DVLA for lack of displayed road Fund disc. The abandoned vehicles which range from Vauxhall Bravas to a Rolls Royce, once identified, have had notices stuck to the windscreen, in this notice the owners are given 14 days to respond before the vehicle is towed away. Under current legislation after certain conditions have been met the council can then dismantle, crush or sell the vehicles to cover costs. Martin Hunt the Colchester councillor that is charged with the responsibility for street waste said that “abandoned cars will not be tolerated in Colchester.” He added: “This should send a message to owners of these vehicles. The council will take the necessary steps to make Colchester a safer place to live by tackling the problems on the borough’s streets.”
In both cases it would seem certain members of the public are unaware of the current situation regarding the scrap value of old vehicles. Many van scrap yards and vehicle breakers will take old and broken vans in exchange for a small amount of cash. This situation has to be a better outcome than taking the risk of abandoning your van on the streets and hoping that no one will notice!
Owner of the Bristol based vehicle dismantlers, United Vans Ltd, said “When the vehicle you drive is approaching the end of its life it is always worth driving to a local scrap yard and having an honest assessment of its scrap value. At least then you will be aware of what you could get for it if you scrapped it before it breathed its final breath. Even if your vehicle breaks down elsewhere it is quite often still possible to get a disposal company to come and get it and pay nothing. All it takes is a phone call and a chat. Abandoning vehicles is not a very sound way of disposing of your old vehicle but also it may mean that you could be missing out on some cash!”
Very good advice from someone that knows the business and knows what he is talking about. So just before your van ort car dies, make that call or drop in to your nearest van breakers and ask the questions: How much is it worth if I drive it here?, How much is it worth if you have to come and get it? Just a little knowledge can go along way and bring in some cash that you didn’t know you had.
For Further Information Please Contact:
United Vans.
T: 01761 452177
sales@unitedvans.com
www.UnitedVans.com