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August 20, 2012
The River Thames is the most prevalent tourist spot in London considering how large it is and many visitors will end up on its shores or even on a boat trip, but they may also let their guard down because of how unsuspecting it can be in the middle of the biggest city in the United Kingdom. However recently, what with the Olympic Games come and gone, rescue services in the capital have been extra vigilant to highlight the proper etiquette when approaching the River Thames. For kids and parents alike, visiting for Thames boat trips is supposed to be one of fun and excitement but that doesn’t mean we should take precautions or at least be aware. If one treats River Thames boat trips as one would treat any trip on a boat, there should be absolutely nothing to worry about but it can be tempting to not be vigilant because the river through the city seems completely safe – after all if one were to fall in it’s a simple case to get out right?
Well conditions on the River Thames can become less than ideal as it might on any river, especially after heavy rain. Rain alone is not enough to spoil a big day on a wedding boat, but it may make for something a little more fast-paced than your average River Thames cruise. The Walton fire station ironically is the guys who get called out when things may get hairy on the River Thames; in charge of a large portion of the map and its protection should things indeed go awry you can count on the men and women of the rescue service to save the day.
The true facts about the River Thames and how choppy conditions can get are no different to any other river in the world but in urban environments with a heavy population we tend to let our guards down because we feel that little bit safer. However we should never forget that the River Thames is first and foremost a river and a pretty big one at that.
August 15, 2012
Now that the curtain has been drawn closed on the London 2012 Olympics, all eyes are now on Brazil, who is set to host the world’s greatest sporting event in 2016. Behind the success of the Brazilian Olympics team, business representatives from Brazil were also flexing their muscles in London, making valuable ties and connections with the British professionals and technicians who helped make London 2012 a success, from workers in Dickies coveralls to sports scientists in laboratory coats.
Over the sixteen days of the Olympics, politicians and business leaders from Brazil and the United Kingdom were regularly meeting to discuss sports business ties. For Brazil, these talks were geared towards gaining invaluable knowledge about preparing for a successful Brazil 2016 Olympic Games. On the same token, Britain is eager to lend expertise in exchange for investment opportunities in various sectors, ranging from construction to health medicine. The UK is already the fourth largest investor in Brazil, growing a massive 23% in 2010 and a further 9% in 2011. The Brazil 2016 Olympics, not to mention the FIFA world cup in 2014, will work together to further bolster investment.
In order to streamline delegations and as part of the Brazil 2016 Olympics preparations, Brazil House was set up in central London in order to host business leaders directly related to the Olympic Games, such as sports design and marketing, but also in areas related more to infrastructural and social development, such as housing, jobs and skills. In preparation for the Brazil Summer Olympics, massive infrastructural and economic expansions are taking place in the host city Rio de Janeiro, creating huge opportunities for investment. The UK firm Aecom has already been awarded the design of the 2016 Olympic Park Master Plan. From builders in Dickies work trousers to sports marketing teams, Britain is eager to lend a hand in the Brazil Olympics in any way.
May 14, 2012
The recent lighting of the torch has made it clearer than ever, the London Olympics are almost upon us. However an international event of this scale doesn’t just happen; the London Olympics event schedule couldn’t possibly be predicted without a through run of dress rehearsals and preparation runs. Without proper audio visual installation and staff clued up on the progress of events, there would be disaster before the torch even reached London roads. However organisers have said on Wednesday that the through and exhaustive series of dress rehearsals, dubbed the London Prepares series, has been successfully completed.
The year-long London Prepares series featured 42 test events spread across over two dozen venues both permanent and temporary; the jobs performed for the London Olympics tests dealt with audio visual displays, scoreboard calibration, stage construction and general safety procedures. Among the sponsors, Panasonic is once again an official partner for the London Olympics opening ceremony; an AV event London will not soon forget. Around 350,000 participants observed the test events which included among them a sell-out World Cup track cycling event in the Velodrome and the British Swimming Trials; these events are but a taste of the greatness yet to come. Organising committee chairman Sabastian Coe said that of the test events it was important to test the venues to the specific events they may host and to flex the muscle of the workforce behind the Olympic Games to warm up to the main event.
For many the London Olympic Games is a calendar highlight of the decade, but if there’s anything the London Prepares series has highlighted it’s that there are a few spots to wrinkle out. The BMX track was reported as being too difficult, while the Australian hockey team also raised concerns that the play surface may be too slippery. Aside from that, having London Olympics tickets won’t guarantee you won’t have to spend a while waiting in the lines to enter the venues as airport-styled security checks take place. By and by though, the London Olympics look set to stun and awe with their audiovisual displays, spirit of the Games and athletic prowess.
March 13, 2012
With less than 140 days to go before the London Olympics kick off people are getting amped up not only about what the actual games but also about the job prospects that the Olympics may bring. Job search site Adzuna has commented that there should be about 100,000 jobs created in the execution of this monumental event.
Adzuna reckons that people with jobs such as security, construction and in IT are set to earn 30% more on their monthly salaries. This is fantastic news for people seeking jobs or looking for a reason to increase their wages. Companies seem to be more positive about job prospects since the London Olympics is coming to town. Everyone who owns a pair of safety boots and has some experience in construction or security should look to taking advantage of this Olympic opportunity to earn extra cash by working during the event.
Britons want to be a part of this huge event and are making a point of pushing to be employed during the London Olympics 2012. The economic boom in jobs does however not pertain to ‘Games Makers’ who are volunteering their services free of charge for the entire month. They will check tickets, be in charge of crowd management, and event administration. All of this apart from the fact that they have to cover their own travel and accommodation costs. Obviously some are doing it simply for the love of the games.
With only roughly four months to go before the London Olympics takes off, everyone needs to get their workwear, such as Dickies workwear or alike, on for the gruelling jobs ahead that everyone, including those who are not getting paid, are looking forward to.
March 8, 2012
The Italians are heading to the UK. A latest London property report reveals that Italians have replaced Russians as the biggest financial investor group, something that hasn’t occurred in several years.
The data shows that despite the 11% rise in London property prices over the last year, sale volumes are at an astounding 85%. With all the recent real-estate developments around the UK, researchers have expressed surprise that supply has not been able to keep up with demand. It is clear however, that Central London has captivated real-estate investors. The sustained growth that has occurred since 2009 hasn’t showed any intentions of flatlining.
Regents Park estate agents have commented on the recent boom and its effect on house-owner’s attitudes and their desire to profit from the recent price hike. Prime Marylebone property has recently become available, with surges of house-owners putting their houses on the market. They are increasingly finding security in foreign cash flow, with overseas clientele flocking to the streets of London to buy real-estate. Considered a secure asset, the purchases being made by the Italians and the Russians showcase the health of the London property market.
The forecasts from last year, concerning the 5% price increase of Central London property, appear accurate; current Central London property prices and sales figures are indicative of an upward climb. With the Olympics coming up, as well as the London Sundance Film Festival and the recent influx of booking enquiries, the positive market data promises real-estate owners further growth. Celebratory parties hosted by London property agents are predicted if markets continue to flourish in this manner.
Investing in London property has always been a safe bet for both domestic and international buyers. While the property market in the rest of the UK, and indeed the world, experienced a noticeable decline in the number of sales, central London property remained popular amongst buyers. Its growth continues to exceed expectations with values having risen by 2.8% since the beginning of the year.