The former IYLO Croydon makes all of the wonders of London attainable

It's not exactly a secret that London is a heaving metropolis, and an epicentre for all manner of culture and recreation. What's much more of a mystery, however, is how it can be accessed for the great numbers of those who aren't generally able to afford the city's luxurious skyline living. Is there alternative living accommodation within the boundaries of London that is of a high standard and in a genuinely up-and-coming area, while also being attainable?

Given the capital's ever-spiralling rents, one would imagine the answer to that question to be "no". It seems at times that any area of London that could possibly be gentrified has already been gentrified, and that many who aspire to reside in the capital are effectively locked out. There is, however, a genuine alternative, and in a part of London that is surprisingly familiar. That is, of course, a reference to the simply stunning IYLO Croydon - or as it is now known, ISLAND.

Indeed, the 'IYLO' name doesn't conjure up the most palatable images for some. It was this project, after all, which following its announcement and the beginning of construction in 2007, was to suffer a series of misfortunes that threatened its entire future. Problems began in 2009 with the slide into administration of the project's funding source, HBOS, and while building work did recommence between late 2010 and June 2011, the construction company then entered administration itself.

It seemed that the structure that had looked so remarkable in the initial plans - towering some 20 storeys and sporting an eye-catching elliptical form, comprising two equal halves 'sliding' past one another - would never become as formidable 'in the flesh'. With graffiti long daubed on the hoardings surrounding the site, any form of redemption seemed unlikely - and yet, that was precisely what happened when the then IYLO Croydon was passed into the ownership of Regency Homes Ltd.

By 2013, construction had again restarted, but even better news came in late 2014, when it was confirmed that by late November 2014, building work would at last be complete. Already, the structure's apartments and penthouses are filling up fast with those wanting to make the most of a limited-time-only chance to clamber not just onto the London property ladder, but a potentially very lucrative rung of that ladder.

The truth is that with Croydon set for a series of ambitious regeneration projects throughout the coming years, it is a firmly up-and-coming area, making investment in the penthouses and apartments of the former IYLO Croydon a true must-not-miss opportunity.

5 great reasons to buy or rent at the former IYLO in Croydon

The recent news that the stunning 20-storey ISLAND complex in the heart of Croydon in London will finally be ready for residents to move into by late November 2014 was news that so many locals in this unsung part of England never expected to hear.

That's because, in its previous guise as IYLO, this project at one point seemed doomed to graffiti-sprawled failure. That this hasn't turned out to be the case is to the immense credit of the hardworking men and women behind the scenes of this vital source of high quality but affordable housing in the English capital.

Here are just five reasons for interested parties to enquire now about one of the rapidly diminishing number of apartments and penthouses that remain available as part of the ex-IYLO in Croydon.

1. An astonishing global city

So many people merely dream about living in London, with its such strongly-documented strengths in all aspects of recreation and commerce. Those who put down a deposit for one of the apartments or penthouses of the former IYLO in Croydon actually get to experience it all, first hand.

2. A rejuvenated Croydon

However, no prospective resident of the erstwhile IYLO in Croydon should also underestimate the appeal of the much closer vicinity, a part of London that has had its detractors in the past, but which is truly beginning to flourish with ambitious regeneration efforts and the associated creeping 'gentrification'.

3. An amazing events calendar

Being on the doorstep of possibly the greatest global metropolis of all does have certain other benefits - such as the fact that it's almost impossible to have nothing to do on one's spare weekends or evenings. From film festivals and art fairs to Bonfire Night and New Year firework displays, Croydon and wider London really is where everything goes on.

4. Living quarters of stunning specifications

The wait for construction of the one-time IYLO in Croydon to be completed has been truly worth the wait. It means that lucky residents can take in such remarkable specification features in their penthouse or apartment as underfloor heating, engineered wooden flooring, multimedia network cabling and fully-fitted quality carpets.

5. House prices are going only one way... up

There aren't too many areas of London remaining that haven't yet been gripped with the fever of 'gentrification', sending property values through the roof. Not only is the area immediately surrounding the former IYLO in Croydon perfectly hospitable now, but with regeneration efforts continuing apace, it will only become more and more desirable - meaning that the value of your living space will shoot up here, too.

There could barely be a more convincing set of reasons to get in touch about ISLAND's remaining apartments or penthouses today.

6 ways to be creative with your recruitment ads

You're likely to spend a lot of time and money on your recruitment advertising in Ireland, so what's the point of making your next ad indistinguishable from the competition? The truth is that you need to attract attention - the right kind of attention - and there are many great ways of doing that.

It's not just about the text, but the visual content too. Have a go with the following creative ideas.

1. Give your candidate a challenge

Does your job require a good standard of written communication? If so, why not insert misspellings in your ad and challenge the candidate to find them when replying to you? You could do a similar trick if you require someone good at mathematics, for example.

2. Show them what they could be

Contrast what your target candidate may be now, and what they could be. Show that even an ordinary person like them could be extraordinary if they take your job. A good example of this was a recent NHS advert with the text Change your career. Work as a Healthcare Assistant.

3. Make good use of humour

Who doesn't want a candidate with a good sense of humour? If so, why not appeal to that with your recruitment ad? At worst, it'll probably raise a chuckle in your candidate, and will certainly make your company seem like a fun place to be.

4. Mention the negative stuff

It seems counter-productive, but it's also worked for many companies. Referring to the worst aspects of the job - such as the rushing deadlines and demanding colleagues - will certainly cut down on those less serious applicants.

5. Be honest about the job

More than a few writers of recruitment ads are sick of mutton being dressed as lamb. If you're the same, you might write an ad full of no-nonsense humour and personality, stressing that it's a no-nonsense role - not the position of CEO at a major multinational.

6. Play on their present unhappiness

It's no secret that many people in this world just aren't content with their job. So why not draw attention to that, while suggesting where your role could take them?

Get in touch with Webrecruit Ireland now to get better results from your recruitment advertising in Ireland.

How the right recruitment software can shorten your hiring cycle

It seems obvious that you want to hire the right people, quickly. But how much are you doing to truly make that achievable? So many firms report taking four to eight weeks to recruit someone - maybe even longer.

Thankfully, there are many reasons why the right recruitment software can make all the difference to aligning your hiring ambitions with your actual hiring practices - just check out our own highly rated WR-Fusion package.

Why does it take so long to hire someone?

If you're still dependent on passing around paper covering letters and CVs, is it any surprise that information can be misplaced or the whole hiring process delayed? This simply allows the competition to snap up your target candidates before you've even got to interview them.

Or maybe you aren't getting applications from genuinely suitable candidates? You may be spending huge amounts of time manually posting adverts to job boards, and you might not know the best job boards for your particular industry and vacancy.

You'll also need to get your target talent on-site for an interview with minimum delay, instead of the 'phone tag' between hiring managers and applicants that can often lengthen the process.

Get better results by utilising technology

Compare this to the situation if you invest in the right recruitment software, such as Webrecruit's own WR-Fusion solution. We offer a simple but comprehensive Applicant Tracking System (ATS), allowing you to manage all of your applicants from one place - without any of those printed CVs or cover letters getting in the way.

Nor do you have to worry about picking the right job board with our recruitment software, as it incorporates its very own that can be accessed from your careers site. Indeed, we bring you the complete branded corporate site that best allows you to communicate your employer values.

You can also spread awareness of your vacancies with our software's optional social media modules, only paying for that extra functionality that you actually need. It further helps that we offer a fully mobile-optimised  version of WR-Fusion so that 'on the go' job hunters can not merely search for vacancies with you, but also save and apply for them.

All of these functions help to significantly streamline your hiring cycle and ensure that you get the right person's feet under your office desk in double-quick time. Talk to Webrecruit now about what our recruitment software can do for you.

Discover the delights of Cotswold Water Park holidays

Although we are greatly proud of all of the lakeside accommodation that we can offer here at Waterside Breaks, we do have a particular love for the Cotswold Water Park. It is not, as its name may imply, a water fun park, but instead the United Kingdom's largest marl lake system. The 40 square miles that make up the Cotswold Water Park encompass some 147 numbered lakes, created over the last five decades by the extraction of glacial Jurassic limestone gravel.

However, much more important for those who take our Cotswold Water Park holidays is the wealth of exciting things to do in this naturally stunning part of the UK. You might choose to get involved in highly physical activities like angling, shooting or paintballing, or your tastes may tend towards the more sedate charms of this mix of lakes, rural villages and holiday accommodation, such as bird watching or the finest food and drink.

Naturally, with this being a water park, water sports are another major draw, the full range of popular activities in this category including swimming, canoeing/kayaking, wakeboarding, waterskiing and windsurfing. The Cotswold Water Park is found south of Cirencester and north of Swindon, on the borders of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. Such an array of wildlife and leisure activities, coupled to its charming lakes and traditional villages, has long made it one of the UK's best-kept secrets.

Such a wide range of activities - not merely involving the water - also make our Cotswold Water Park holidays ideal for the whole family. The water park can be easily reached from such major conurbations as London, Birmingham and Bristol, and perhaps most importantly of all, also offers a wealth of attractive cottages in which to while away the most enjoyable stay.

Popular locations include the secure gated development of Isis & Windrush Lakes, with its New England style lakeside holiday cottages, as well as Spring Lake, where waterskiing can be enjoyed throughout the day. We can also strongly recommend the honey coloured, traditional Cotswold stone cottages of Mill Village, in addition to the stunningly contemporary holiday homes of the Howells Mere & Clearwater development, with its remarkable sea views.

Peruse our website now to find out the best accommodation when you next consider our memorable and well-priced Cotswold Water Park holidays.

Recent news stories highlight integral role of asbestos testing

Food for thought on the various means by which asbestos can and should be managed has come from several recent news stories concerning the substance's discovery that have prompted public concern.

With its services encompassing asbestos testing/sampling, management surveys, compliance checks, demolition surveys, refurbishment surveys and re-inspections, Trident Surveying is well-placed to ensure that any asbestos you do discover is managed in the most appropriate way.

One site where asbestos was recently found was an allotment site in Morpeth. The matter came to public notice at a meeting of Morpeth Town Council's property and asset management committee, which is in discussions about the possible transfer of the St Mary's Field plots and other allotment sites to the authority.

Although the housing association that owns the affected site has decided that it is sufficient to leave the substance in situ with regular monitoring, council clerk Gillian Turner has confirmed that any plots that it takes on will have all discovered asbestos removed - even if only a small amount of the substance is present.

A spokesman for Isos Housing commented: "Having received a report from a specialist contractor, we are satisfied that the fencing boards containing asbestos around one of the plots at St Mary's Field can remain in place, subject to continued monitoring."

A more controversial story indicating the considerable importance of the most appropriate asbestos testing was the BBC report last month that more than 3,000 students in Wales stayed in bedrooms containing the substance.

Aberystwyth, Cardiff and the University of Wales have all confirmed that asbestos material was present in some of their rooms. They added that due to the low risk that the substance was considered to pose, they did not inform students that it had been found. This sparked widespread condemnation of university officials from other bodies.

The stance was described as "reckless" by the British Lung Foundation, while Beth Button, president of the National Union of Students in Wales, commented: "We strongly encourage institutions to take this issue seriously and put the safety of students first, whilst ensuring they remain completely transparent with students about the standards of their accommodation."

Those are words that we can only agree with here at Trident Surveying. We are of the strong belief that given asbestos' status as a silent killer, with symptoms of such deadly conditions as mesothelioma potentially only emerging many years after exposure, a moral obligation exists to inform those individuals who may have been exposed, even to 'low-risk' asbestos.

Run a more secure business with CCTV accessories from Securi-Flex

Here at Securi-Flex, we stock a range of CCTV accessories designed to make your business more secure. CCTV systems are a great deterrent, but they can also make your staff feel safer and more relaxed at work.

It's commonly known that thieves are less likely to strike in places where a tough security infrastructure is in place, and what's even better is that if someone does commit an illegal act, CCTV gives you the evidence that you need to seek justice.

Securi-Flex has long supplied businesses across the United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe with CCTV products and is one of the country's best-known suppliers of cabling products. We are a leading CCTV accessories supplier.

Talk to us today if you're thinking about adding CCTV accessories to your existing set-up. We can provide you with active and passive Baluns, CCTV power supplies, surge protection products and DVR enclosures. All in all, our accessories can play a vital role in the enhancement and maintenance of your CCTV systems.

Our power supplies can help you to reduce your power consumption without loss of service and mean that you don't need to replace fuses after short-circuiting or over-voltage. This is because they use the very latest PTC fuses.

Our active baluns offer ground loop and interference rejection, while our passive baluns allow video signals to remain efficient even in the same wire bundle and telephone, datacom or low-voltage power circuits. You can expect exceptional protection from surges as well as video signals of fantastic quality.

Whatever you need from a CCTV accessories supplier, we've got it covered here at Securi-Flex. If you're not sure which products of ours best fit your desired application, simply call us and we'll provide the guidance and in-depth advice that you need. We can despatch orders to multiple addresses and deliver your products discreetly if you wish.

Our comprehensive range of cables and accessories is growing all the time and more and more businesses are choosing us over the competition, due to our expertise and willingness to go the extra mile. Allow us to exceed your expectations if you're looking for products that will enable your business to be more efficient, safer and more secure.

Get even more from your hot tub with the right accessories

If you've purchased a hot tub or are thinking of doing so, you can enhance it even further with investment in the right accessories. Hot tub accessories come in many forms and you can choose to buy everything at once or make purchases on a one-by-one basis. Here at Sapphire Leisure, we can supply you with a range of accessories for hot tubs including covers, spa hits and filters and covers to make life with your tub run even more smoothly.

Aquafinesse is one of the various highly rated hot tub maintenance products that we sell. It is used to treat the skin of the water that settles against your tubs pipes and inner walls. Bacteria can thrive in these areas but Aquafinesse is able to thwart it and prevent it from multiplying, prohibiting it from creating the unwanted 'bio-film' that it is so strongly associated with. Aquafinesse also works with your spa's Ozonator to kill any bacteria that enters your hot tub from the outside. You can even rely on Aquafinesse to soften water and fight lime scale deposits. This extends the life of your hot tub and keeps heaters and pipes in great condition by removing fur from them.

You only need to add one cup of Aquafinesse to your hot tub each week for it to do its work. It doesn't have a harsh scent, instead offering a hint of soothing lavender. When Aquafinesse is at work, the water feels softer on your skin, lessening the need for moisturising skin products and diminishing problems with dry skin and itching.

Talk to us today if you're looking for exceptional hot tub accessories. The popularity of hot tubs has taken the nation by storm. They are far more affordable than they were in the not-too-distant past, when they were the exclusive preserve of significantly affluent types. Back gardens up and down the land are now having hot tubs installed into them and people are even using them to socialise in. If you treasure your hot tub, it makes sense to get as much use and life out of it as possible by treating it with great products that will make it last for longer.