Craig Upton - owner - iCONQUER.com

Webtool Cutter Development: Bespoke Products for High-Demand Applications

Craig Upton — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 00:35:27 +0000

At Allspeeds Limited, we are always on the lookout to showcase both our adaptability and the established engineering excellence of our team.

When we received a request to take the standard design of our Webtool cutter and adapt it to suit a specific application, we were more than happy to comply.

Recently, we received two such requests from customers in need of modifications to the standard design of our Webtool cutter; both of which had new and extremely high-demand applications in mind for their respective tools.

One of Our Smallest and Lightest Designs to Date

The first request came from a new customer, who was recommended to Allspeeds Limited by an existing user of our cutters. Their requirement concerned a downhole application, which presented unique physical constraints that would prove problematic for our standard Webtool cutter.

For this requirement, our Webtool cutter would need to be modified so as to fit within an internal bore of 8.25” (210mm), while retaining its capacity to slice through a steel wire and two hydraulic lines in a single cut.

Incorporating a double acting cylinder, the resulting cutter had a total weight of less than 6.5kg and measured just over 17 centimetres (or 6.7 inches) in height. This made it one of the smallest tools of its kind our team has ever engineered, which we are proud to have added to our extensive portfolio of specialist wire cutting products.

Understandably, the customer was keen to emphasise how important it was that this small yet critical aspect of the overall tool design was as robust and reliable as possible. This is why they were recommended to Allspeeds Limited by one of our existing customers, having been more than satisfied with our capabilities and expertise.

Backed by more than 30 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of hydraulic cutters for the offshore, subsea, nuclear and defence industries, the Webtool brand is considered the gold standard for these kinds of applications.

As always, the bespoke tool we engineered was extensively tested at our facility in Clayton-le-Moors, Lancashire, prior to being delivered to the customer in Scotland.

A Bespoke Emergency Disconnect Tool

While we were working on this custom design, we received a second request for another modification on the standard Webtool cutter design. In this instance, the customer needed to integrate a powerful yet compact cutter into a winch system, in order to provide an emergency disconnect function.

More specifically, the cutter would need to be able to cut through a fibre rope with copper and fibre optic conductors as quickly as possible in an emergency situation, when the rope would be taut but stationary.

A standard cutter from our existing range was initially offered to the customer, but the decision was subsequently made to create a bespoke cutter to suit their exact requirements. Our team set about putting its knowledge, skills and expertise to the test to come up with the perfect tool.

Following extensive testing and quality verification at our Lancashire facility, the final product was shipped to the customer. Who was, much to our satisfaction, absolutely delighted with the result.

Call Anytime For a Chat…

These are just two examples of dozens of instances where the Allspeeds team has been called on to innovate and engineer something truly unique. Upon request, we are always delighted to take a standard design of cutter and engineer it to suit the specific requirements of the customer’s application.

Our commitment to quality and engineering excellence has earned us an important place across subsea, maritime, renewables and nuclear markets alike. For more information on any of our products or to discuss the development of a bespoke product for a specific application, contact a member of the team at Allspeeds Limited today.

You can also browse our full range of Webtool cutters on our website.

The Biggest Benefits of a Garden Office in the Winter

Craig Upton — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 00:59:10 +0000

A garden office can be an absolute dream at all times of year, it can be somewhere to escape from the chaos of everyday life, even if only for a few hours.

During winter, the benefits of a garden office really show themselves. For those still on the fence about whether or not to invest in a garden office, here are five reasons you will be glad you did this winter:

1. A garden room is quicker and cheaper to heat

Heating a garden room to comfortable temperature is so much faster and cheaper than heating an entire home. An electric heater combined with energy-efficient insulation can add up to a warm and cosy interior in a matter of minutes; far better than wasting energy and money on firing up a far less efficient central heating system. All the warmth and comfort you need, while at the same time doing your bit for the environment.

2. No distractions for enhanced productivity

During the warmer months of the year, you can at least count on the kids and pets spending some of their time outdoors. When the weather takes a turn for the worse, the whole family spends far more time indoors. This is something that can add up to wall-to-wall distractions, which is not conducive with productivity. By providing yourself with a secluded outdoor space, even just a few steps from the home, you can work in complete peace with no distractions whatsoever.

3. You get to enjoy your garden

Gardens have the potential to be particularly beautiful during the winter; frosty mornings, hazy afternoons, enchanting days that follow overnight snowfall – all uplifting and inspiring. When working from a garden room, you get to enjoy the best of the indoors and outdoors at the same time. In addition, a garden room can be designed to absorb as much natural light as possible, making for a far more enjoyable place to work.

4. It can be used for more than one purpose

This is perhaps the single most appealing aspect of owning a garden room – multi-functionality. It may serve primarily as a practical workspace, but it can also be used for overwinter storage, as the perfect place to hide kids’ Christmas presents. Not to mention, a welcome relaxation space away from the home, for the times when a short break from chaos is needed.

5. You can decorate it any way you like

Your outside office is yours to decorate exactly as you see fit. For some, the last thing they want is an office decked out with thousands of Christmas lights and decorations. For others, there is nothing more appealing than an ultra-festive office that oozes festive charm. You may have little to say as to how your family decks the halls indoors, but your garden room is yours to do as you please with.

Buying Land in the UK – The Basics

Craig Upton — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:52:37 +0000

Building a new home from scratch has become an increasingly popular option for ambitious newcomers in the UK.

With average house prices hovering at all-time highs, the self-build option often has the potential to prove more cost-effective.

There are unique challenges associated with building a home from scratch that must be considered carefully. The most important of which is that of selecting and purchasing an appropriate plot of land.

Finding Land to Buy in the UK

Enlisting the support of an experienced bridging loan broker at the earliest possible stage is essential. Your broker will help you find and secure the land you need, negotiate affordable funding on your behalf and provide invaluable advice along the way.

Searching for land can be simplified by using one of the major land listing agencies in the UK, which are:

Onthemarket
PlotBrowser
Potten
Plotfinder

Standard real estate sites like Rightmove also feature land listings, though not as prominently as those above.

Greenfield vs. Brownfield

There are two primary categories of plots you encounter during your search, Brownfield and Greenfield:

Brownfield Land – This type of land is often in a comparatively poor state of repair, usually having been built or developed on in the past. The easier of the two types of land to find and the cheaper to buy, but typically requiring more work to have it cleared and prepared.
Greenfield Land – A more difficult type of plot to track down, which has not been developed and is more unspoiled. Often set in open countryside, Greenfield land is more expensive and can be notoriously difficult to receive planning permission to build on.

Assessing the Land

You will need to hire a chartered surveyor to inspect the land you intend to buy in order to note for any potential risks or issues. Examples of which include the following among others:

Flood risks
Pollution
Shared boundaries
Accessibility
Trees and vegetation
Soil quality
Existing structures
Nearby power lines

Planning Permission

Assessing whether or not you are likely to be granted planning permission before purchasing a plot of land is also essential. An issue your chartered surveyor and broker can advise on, as there may be restrictions with regard to what can be built on the land, and to what kinds of specifications.

You should therefore already have a good idea in mind of the type of home you intend to build, before setting your sights on a suitable plot of land.

Calculating Costs

Land prices vary as wildly as property prices, in accordance with a long list of factors. Examples of which include the condition of the plot, its location, local topography, accessed nearby services, neighbouring developments and so on.

When shopping for land, it is essential to factor in the additional costs associated with building your own home. The most prominent of which include:

Architectural fees
Legal fees
Material costs
Contractors
Surveys
Project management
Structural engineering
Landscaping

Your broker will negotiate on your behalf to help you find an unbeatable development finance deal from a reputable lender. Broker support will also be useful in determining a realistic budget and timescale for the project as a whole. For any advice or help regarding purchasing land in the UK, get in contact with UK Property Finance, who are happy to help at every step.

7 Best Practice SEO Essentials for Small Businesses

Craig Upton — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 23:06:20 +0000

Contrary to popular belief, SEO is just as important for smaller businesses as it is for bigger brands.

In fact, effective SEO provides smaller businesses with the best possible chance of standing shoulder to shoulder with their more established competitors.

At the cornerstone of every successful SEO strategy lies a series of simple yet effective best-practice essentials. With this in mind, here are the seven most important SEO fundamentals all smaller businesses or an SEO agency should prioritise:

1. Perform Keyword Research

The keywords you choose will form the basis of your SEO strategy; therefore you need to research carefully. Tools like GoDaddy Search Engine Optimisation can help, enabling you to find the most relevant primary and secondary search terms of relevance to your audience. Smaller businesses are also advised to focus on longer-tail search terms where possible.

2. Populate Your Site with Quality Content

Quality should always be prioritised over quantity where website content creation is concerned, everything you publish needs to be relevant, current and of genuine value to your audience. It also needs to be authentic, true to your brand and 100% unique with just the right proportion of keywords included.

3. Use Meta Titles and Descriptions Properly

These are the short snippets of content that appear in the SERP rankings if and when your page appears; they are also the main make-or-break factors that will determine whether your link is clicked, or just another entry in the list. Keep your Meta titles shorter than 60 characters and your Meta description between 150 and 160 characters.

4. Make Your Website Mobile Friendly

Google has been stressing the importance of mobile-friendliness for some time, indicating its intent to prioritise pages that put the mobile user first. This therefore means that every aspect of your website needs to look great and work flawlessly across all types of mobile devices. Under no circumstances should mobile visitors be short-changed, with a diluted and disappointing approximation of your desktop site.

5. Avoid Duplicate Content

Contrary to popular belief, duplicate content will not result in a Google penalty. It is not nearly as harmful as many have come to believe, but it is completely devoid of any value. Google is engineered to simply disregard duplicate content, meaning it adds no benefit whatsoever to your SEO strategy. In which case, it is best avoided at all costs.

6. Build Quality Backlinks

Google’s John Mueller recently made it clear that one quality backlink is worth more than a million low-quality links. Backlinks from sources of questionable quality simply do not factor into the considerations of the major search engines. Quality links from authoritative sources hold immense power and appeal, and should therefore be the only links you focus on.

7. Speed up Your Website

Overall website performance has been a major ranking signal for some time now. Google in particular makes all possible efforts not to recommend sites that are slow, sluggish or susceptible to performance issues. However small and humble your website may be, it needs to deliver a smooth, seamless and super-speedy experience for every visitor, without exception.

How Does a Smart Light Switch Work?

Craig Upton — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 23:58:51 +0000

With the way things are today, it is difficult to picture a time when smart technology did not exist, increasingly our daily lives are being transformed by a growing range of smart devices, designed to communicate with one another.

From smart locks to smart thermostats to smart switches, automating almost everything around the home has never been easier; all with the comfort, enjoyment and safety of the user in mind.

How exactly does the smart lighting work, and what are the benefits of installing a smart light switch?

Smart Switches: What Exactly Are They?

A smart switch is a piece of wireless connected technology which can be exchanged for a traditional built-in switch around the home, it provides the same basic on/off functionality as a traditional switch but also opens the door to more precise control over interior illuminations.

Not to mention, the opportunity to control any number of other hardwired appliances remotely.

Smart switches are controlled via an accompanying smartphone app, from which a wide variety of features can be accessed at the touch of a button.

What Are the Benefits of Smart Lighting?

As touched upon above, smart lighting is all about taking more precise control over your homes lighting.

Just a few of the benefits of upgrading to smart lighting technology are as follows:

The ability to control your lighting system with simple voice commands, when connected to a smart speaker like Amazon Echo or Google home.
Smart dimmer switches can be programmed to gradually increase the level of illumination in the bedroom, making for a more energised and enjoyable morning.
Using the mobile app, you can control all aspects of your home’s lighting anytime and from anywhere in the world.
Time-based schedules can also be created to turn the lights of specific rooms on and off while away, in order to deter intruders.
Creating the right mood with smart lighting is easy, with a range of pre-set and customisable settings for relaxation, reading, or watching movies and so on.
Motion sensors can be connected with smart lighting controllers to automatically turn on lights when movement is detected inside your home.
Where the mood takes you, there is always the option of taking things back to basics and using the simple on/off functionality of a traditional switch.

A smart switch has the capacity to boost the convenience, comfort and practicality of almost any home. It is a small change in principle, but one that can nonetheless make a real difference.

Smart homes are truly revolutionising how we live.

What are the Difference between Smart Switches and Smart Bulbs?

Though often confused as the same, smart switches on smart bulbs are entirely different products; with a smart bulb, you can take control of colour temperatures and the level of illumination in a room by adjusting the settings on the bulb itself. It is are installed in the same way as a regular light bulb is and can be controlled with a conventional switch.

A smart switch offers more extensive and precise control over your homes lighting. A single switch can be used to control a full network of lights, appliances and connected devices around the home. A smart bulb is simply a bulb, whereas a smart switch is effectively a smart control centre for your connected technology.

How Do Smart Switches Work?

Smart switches work in one of two ways; the traditional approach has been to connect a series of devices via a standard 2.4 GHz home Wi-Fi network; a convenient option as most homes already have a 2.4 GHz network but has the potential to slow down Wi-Fi speeds.

The smart switches connected to a standard 2.4 GHz home Wi-Fi network are dependent on the home’s central router. In the event of a Wi-Fi outage, the whole system is rendered inoperable.

The alternative is to opt for a cutting-edge ‘mesh’ Wi-Fi network, which can simplify the process of installing and using smart devices. Zigbee and Z-Wave are the two most popular dedicated smart home wireless protocols on the market.

Both Zigbee and Z-Wave differ from the conventional Wi-Fi option in that they create their own independent communication network with the devices integrated. All devices communicate independently with one another, with no reliance on a central Wi-Fi hub.

Best of all, smart lighting controllers like the EVVR In-Wall Relay Switch (IRS) are not dependent on a neutral wire. As millions of homes built or refurbished before 1980 lack a neutral wire, choosing smart devices with no neutral wire required is often the only realistic option.

Find Out More about the EVVR Zigbee Light Switch

The EVVR In-Wall Relay Switch (IRS) provides the perfect entry-point to smart lighting technology regarding homes with or without a neutral wire. A Zigbee 3.0 no neutral wire smart switch can be installed and activated in no time, with absolutely no minimum load requirements, no size limitations and no need for a neutral wire.

Our innovative IRS has been engineered with Smart Relay and Smart Switch Sub-Assembly, making it easy to connect it with your existing lighting system and install additional smart lighting technology around the home.

For more information on the EVVR In-Wall Relay Switch (IRS) with no neutral required, visit our product page or contact a member of our customer support team today.

Building Industrial IoT from edge to cloud

Craig Upton — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 23:01:06 +0000

Next generation distributed I/O and Control open new possibilities for connected infrastructure

WHAT’S THE GOAL?

End users would like the IIoT to create a cohesive system of devices and applications able to share data seamlessly across machines, sites, and the enterprise to help optimize production and discover new cost-saving opportunities.

Sharing process data has long been a goal of industrial automation but traditional operational technology (OT) architectures are poor at scaling, priced prohibitively and demand complex configuration and support.

So, what is changing to achieve this new, more ambitious goal?

Much as consumer hardware and software technologies have shifted to improve ease of use and connectivity, industrial products and methods are following the same trend. By adopting information technology (IT) capabilities, they are making it easier to connect industrial equipment with computer networks, software, and services, both on premises and in the cloud.

This article discusses how a more distributed global architecture is enabling connectivity from the field to the cloud for sensors and actuators, and for the input/output (I/O) systems and controllers linked to them.

UP AND DOWN ARCHITECTURE

Industrial automation architectures generally address data processing from a hierarchical perspective, as with the classic Purdue model. One good feature of this hierarchy is the clarity it provides regarding where the data can originate, be stores, undergo processing, and be delivered.

However, the task of transporting data and processing it in context is often difficult, because so many layers of equipment are required to connect devices and applications.

For example, the illustration shows a traditional method of acquiring temperature data from a facility equipment and moving it to a back-end client, like a database.

The lowest level of automation architecture is made up of the physical devices residing on process and machinery equipment: sensors, valve actuators, motor starters and so on. These are connected to the I/O points of control system programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs), both of which are well suited for local control but less useful for advanced calculations and data processing.

However, using industrial communications protocols, these low-level devices can respond to data requests from upstream supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems where it might be historized or made available to corporate level analytic software. Sharing data within multi-vendor systems, however, often requires additional middleware, such as OPC device drivers to translate the various industrial protocols.

More advanced site manufacturing execution system (MES) and overall enterprise resource planning (ERP) software also reside at higher levels of the architecture hosted on PCs or servers on site or in the cloud where the cloud is defined as large-scale, internet based, shared computing and storage.

Information generally flows up to higher levels to be analyzed and used to optimize operations, but the middle layers area required in order to interpret, translate, filter, and format the raw data produced by low-level devices and protocols.

Since the low-level devices typically lack protection against cyber-intrusion, a clear division must also be maintained between high-level systems exposed to external networks and low-level systems.

Developments over the past decade are significantly altering this traditional hierarchy, flattening, and simplifying it to a great extent.

DISTRIBUTED I/O EVOLVES

Field data can be raw I/O points connected at the edge or derived calculation values. Either way, the problem with traditional architectures is the amount of work it takes to design, physically connect, configure, digitally map, communicate and then maintain these data points. Adding even one point later may require revisiting all steps.

To create more scalable, distributed systems, some vendors are making it possible to bypass these layers between the real world and intermediate or top-level analytics systems.

With enough computing power, all the necessary software for enabling communications can be embedded directly in an I/O device. Instead of requiring a controller to configure, poll, and communicate I/O data to higher levels, I/O devices can transmit information on their own.

This kind of edge data processing is becoming possible also due to a proliferation of IIoT tools, for example:

MQTT with sparkplug B – a secure, lightweight, open-source publish-subscribe communications protocol design for machine-to-machine communications, with a data payload designed for mission-critical industrial applications.

OPC UA – A platform-independent OPC specification, useful for machine-to machine communication with legacy devices.

Node-RED – A low-code, open-source IoT programming language for managing data transfer across many devices, protocols, wen services and databases.

Today’s smart remote I/O, also known as Edge I/O, takes advantage of these technologies and combines them with standard IT protocols like TLS (transport layer security) encryption, VPN (virtual private networking) for secure remote connection and DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol) for automatic addressing. Rather than requiring layers of supporting middleware, edge I/O devices are first-class participants in distributed systems.

Another obstacle to scalability for IIoT systems based on classic I/O hardware is the work required to provide power, network connections, and the right I/O module types. To address these issues, vendors are taking advantage of new technologies to make distributed I/O more feasible and flexible.

Power Plus networking

One example is power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, which uses an Ethernet network cable to simultaneously supply low-voltage power and network connectivity.

When PoE is embedded into an edge I/O device, it can even supply I/O power, simplifying electrical panel design and saving money on additional components and labor.

EDGE CONTROLLERS BRING IT ALL TOGETHER

As with traditional I/O hardware, traditional industrial controllers are limited in scope and require intermediary systems to connect process data to the rest of the organization. Like edge I/O, modern edge programmable industrial controllers (EPICs) leverage new technologies to assimilate more automation functions than previous generations could.

With industrially hardened components, secure networking options, multi-language programming, and multi-core processing, edge controllers can deliver traditional real-time I/O control while also hosting communications, visualization and even database servers.

In case of IIoT applications, edge controllers can use this flexibility to communicate with an array of data producers, transform their data in meaningful ways and deliver it securely to data consumers.

Edge controllers like Opto 22’s groove epic combine sensing and control of traditional I/O, intelligent device fieldbus protocols, and modern edge I/O. They can also host OPC UA servers like Ignition Edge for Inductive Automation to communicate with a variety of networked devices, making then uniquely efficient at bridging disparate automation networks.

Then, with support for IT-compatible MQTT and REST interfaces and a variety of networking options, EPICs can securely connect OT networks to IT systems while reducing the layer of middleware required to do so.

The combination of edge I/O and edge control leads to a new distributed data architecture.

NEW ARCHITECTURE OPTIONS

So, what new architectural possibilities are available to industrial automation designers using modern edge I/O and edge controllers?

With edge devices making local data available to computing resources at the edge and at higher organizational levels, the local hierarchy can be flattened even as geographical distribution is expanded.

Here you can see some examples of new information architectures that are becoming possible for use in places like remote equipment installations, commercial facilities, campuses, laboratories, and industrial plants.

Shared Infrastructure with edge data processing.

Where field signals are distributed over large geographical area of multiple sites, edge devices can facilitate data transmission to networked applications and databases, improving the efficiency and security of local infrastructure, or replacing high-maintenance middleware such as windows PCs.

For example, area 1 in the image shows edge I/O (groov RIO) placed at multiple remote sites with an edge controller (groov EPIC) at another site integrating data from existing PLCs. Two of the edge I/O modules are sourcing, processing, and communicating field data directly into a central corporate database, using Node-Red. The EPIC and other edge I/O exchange data for local control while also transmitting data to a central SCADA over MQTT. Data processing is distributed throughout the edge network, allowing central systems to ingest data more efficiently.

The combination of smart hardware and software closes the gap between OT and IT systems, creating a unified data network that is scalable and centrally managed.

Legacy device integration with edge controller as IoT gateway.

Edge I/O can form a basic data processing fabric for existing equipment I/O in brownfield sites and work in combination with more powerful edge controllers and gateways using OPC UA to integrate data from legacy RTUs, PLCs and PACs. This approach improves security and connectivity without interfering with existing control systems.

The example in area 2 demonstrates this pattern. An edge controller acts as a secure gateway for legacy devices, allowing them to interact with cloud hosted IoT platforms, SCADA, or MQTT clients while protecting them against unauthorized access from external networks. At the same time, edge I/O is used to integrate facility equipment (pumps, blowers, temperature sensors) and new equipment skids into the same network. The groov Epic may control the grove RIO modules, aggregate, and buffer their data in an embedded database, or simply transmit data to external systems.

Direct-to-Cloud I/O network

Engineers can also design simple, flat, data processing networks using only edge I/O devices (without controllers or gateways), expanding as needed to monitor additional field signals. A distributed I/O system like this can process and report data directly to cloud-based supervisory systems, predictive maintenance databases, or MQTT brokers.

In our example area 3 of the image shows two groov Rio modules reporting data from its factory directly to the cloud, via Node-RED or MQTT. There is no need for intermediary control hardware because each module provides configurable firewall and data encryption settings as well as a data processing engine to combine, filter, and format data. Since each edge I/O module is independent the network can grow incrementally, reducing capital project expenditures required to integrate new equipment.

Many-to-Many MQTT infrastructure

Edge devices with embedded MQTT clients can publish field data directly to a shared MQTT broker/server or redundant MQTT server group located anywhere the network reaches: on premises, in the cloud or as part of a regional fog computing resources. The broker can then manage subscribers to that data – any number of interested network clients across the organization, including control systems, web services and other edge devices.

Area 4 of the image shows this architecture. Both groov RIO and groov EPIC have embedded MQTT clients allowing any other architectures to be combined into an efficient data-sharing network. Two of the edge I/O modules in this example are publishing to a regional server group. The other two are communicating with an edge controller at another site which is using the edge modules as distributed I/O and publishing their data into the MQTT network. Once data is published to the broker, devices and services that need that data can subscribe to it from wherever they are on the network.

SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY IS POSSIBLE

Seamless connectivity is now a reality, thanks to technologies that make ubiquitous data exchange possible. New hardware and Opto 22 software products enable interconnectivity among physical locations in the field, at the local control room, in the front office, across geographical regions and up to global data centers.

Distributed edge I/O, edge controllers and associated networking technologies support data transfer through the edge, fog, and cloud portions of an industrial architecture. Using this approach, you can erase former boundaries between IT and OT domains and get the data you need to optimise operations. – data provided by systemdevices.co.uk

What is a neck lift?

Craig Upton — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 23:06:03 +0000

Neck lift surgery has been growing in popularity across the UK for some time.

One of the most commonly performed female and male cosmetic surgery, the neck lift has the capacity to completely transform the smoothness, suppleness and even the shape of the neck and jawline.

Thinning and sagging of the skin along, loss of adequate tissue support and excessive collection of the fat under the chin are natural parts of the aging process, which often manifests as an aesthetically unpleasant neck with loss of jawline.

Various facial cosmetic surgery options are available to reduce or even eliminate these common signs of aging, which in all instances are tailored to individual requirements.

What Happens During Neck Lift Surgery?

The logistics of the procedure will be determined by the type of surgery being carried out and the requirements of the patient. Your surgeon will help you choose from the options available during your consultation, in accordance with your preferred outcome, your age, the severity of the issue being treated and so on.

Neck-lift surgery can be performed under general or local anaesthetic, with procedures lasting 1 to 3 hours. During which, your surgeon will address issues with excess fat and tissues beneath the surface of the skin, surgically remove excess skin from the neck, tighten up the muscles and stitch the remaining skin back in place for a smoother and more even appearance.

An overnight stay at the clinic or hospital may be needed.

What Types of Neck Lift Treatment Options Are Available?

Every neck lift surgery is unique, tailored to meet the exact requirements of the patient in question. Some of the various different types of neck lift treatment options available include the following:

Liposuction : Performed to remove excess fat deposits under the surface of the skin.
Neck Lift : The ‘conventional’ neck lift procedure involves the removal of excess skin and tightening of the remaining skin for a smooth and even look.
Submentoplasty : Performed to enhance the angle between the chin and the neck for a more defined jawline, involving excess fat removal and anterior neck muscle modification.
Chin/Jaw Surgery: An adjunct in achieving optimal results in neck rejuvenation, which may incorporate bone restructuring, soft tissue adjustments and the use of implants.

Your surgeon will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each available option during your consultation, in order to help you make an informed decision.

What Can I Expect After a Neck Lift?

A certain amount of bruising, swelling and tenderness is inevitable in the days that follow a neck lift. Your surgeon will provide you with pain relief medication and any topicals or supplementary products you need to care for the area operated on.

Light activities can usually be resumed after a few days, though most surgeons recommend avoiding anything strenuous or intensive for at least three weeks. The full effect of a neck lift is usually visible within three months, though this varies in accordance with the nature and intensity of the procedure carried out.

Are There Any Risks Involved with Neck Lift Surgery?

Cosmetic surgery isn’t for everyone, and it’s the responsibility of every reputable surgeon to fully discuss risk and suitability with prospective patients. Your surgeon should make all potential risks and side effects clear at the earliest possible juncture, while under no circumstances pressuring you into making a decision.

Risk varies in accordance with the nature of the procedure being performed, along with the age, health and physiological characteristics of the patient undergoing the procedure.

Mr Mattine has designed a highly effective technique to specifically treat excess fat and skin in the neck, improve the jawline and create a more defined and youthful looking neck.

Why you need professional window shutter installation

Craig Upton — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 23:29:26 +0000

Is it possible to install window shutters yourself? The short answer is yes – plantation shutters for kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and so on can all technically be installed using the DIY approach.

But does this mean it is advisable to install plantation shutters (or any other types of window shutters) yourself? Unless you have extensive knowledge, experience and access to commercial-quality equipment, the answer is no – professional installation is the way to go.

What appears to be a relatively straightforward installation process on the surface often descends into an unmitigated nightmare. From damaged window frames to uneven window coverage to broken slats and panels, shutter installation can go wrong in a variety of ways which is precisely why we always recommend professional shutter surveys and installation, rather than simply making things up as you go along.

Here are just a few of the major benefits of professional window shutter installation, as an alternative to the DIY approach:

Save Time

Window shutters can be surprisingly complex and time consuming to install. This is why professional shutter installers always work in teams, comprised of experienced individuals who know exactly how to get the job done. Professional window shutter installation saves hours (or even days) for a quick and easy installation process.

Save Money

DIY shutter installation is only possible if you have all the high-quality tools and equipment needed to get the job done. If not, you could be looking at the elevated additional costs to pick them up. Professional installation brings the bonus of not having to pay a penny for any additional tools or accessories, which the installation team will already have access to.

Health and Safety

Hanging window shutters isn’t the most dangerous job on earth, but nonetheless presents the usual health and safety risks. All of which can be eliminated entirely, by handing the job over to the professionals. Professional installation also brings the advantage of long-term safety, in the form of expertly fitted shutters that aren’t going to fall or fail at the worst possible time.

Flawless Presentation

There’s nothing more frustrating than stepping back from a DIY project, only to realise it’s not nearly as straight or even as you would have liked. Expert shutter installation can protect you from years of dissatisfaction, with slanted and uneven shutters that frustrate and annoy you on a daily basis.

Guaranteed Quality

Last but not least, any shutter installation team worth working with will back the work carried out with an extensive warranty for total peace of mind. If anything goes wrong during the project or while the warranty is valid, it will be corrected with total attention to detail at no extra cost. Something of an insurance policy you simply do not get when going about the project alone.

If you’d like to discuss the benefits of professional installation in more detail or have any questions about the products or services we provide, contact a member of the team at Riverside Shutters today.

First time behind the wheel? Here’s what you need to know

Craig Upton — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 23:01:27 +0000

Those very first driving lessons can be nerve-racking at the best of times.

Whether opting for standard driving lessons or an intensive driving course, it’s natural to be apprehensive when taking the wheel for the first time.

On the plus side, the whole thing can be made slightly less daunting with a little proactive preparation. With this in mind, here’s what you need to do and prepare for your first driving lesson:

Study the Highway Code

First and foremost, this is basically the road safety ‘rulebook’ for the United Kingdom. By getting to know as much of the Highway Code as you possibly can, you’ll be in a much better position to drive safely and confidently when that time comes. You’ll need to learn and practice for your theory test too, www.zutobi.com can assist.

Wear Something Practical

Don’t make too much effort to look good – comfort and practicality are more important when dressing for driving lessons. Hence, flip flops and high heels should be avoided at all costs!

Remember Your Glasses or Contact Lenses

Your eyesight will be tested before you’re allowed anywhere near the vehicle, so be sure to take your glasses or contact lenses along for the ride.

Ask Plenty of Questions

If there’s anything you aren’t sure about, feel free to ask as many questions as you like. There’s no such thing as a ‘silly’ or ‘pointless’ question where road safety is concerned.

Learn the Cockpit Drill

This is something you will need to perform prior to moving off each time you get behind the wheel. It’s a basic series of checks that includes making sure the doors are closed, ensuring your seat is in an appropriate position, fastening your seatbelt, positioning your mirrors appropriately and so on.

Learn Which Pedals Do What

Obvious but important nonetheless, try to clearly memorise which pedal is which and what they do. This is less important if you’re learning to drive in an automatic – way more important where there’s a clutch involved. The good news being that after just one or two lessons, the whole thing will become second nature.

Observation is Everything

Try to remember that in the eyes of an examiner, observation is just as important as practical aptitude. Roughly translated, you need to make sure you’re aware of your surroundings at all times and make it clear to your instructor/examiner you’re looking for potential hazards in all directions.

Ask for More Time

You’ll initially be taken to a quiet road to get to grips with the basics. If your instructor wants you to progress to a busier road but you’re not quite ready to cope with driving on main roads feel free to ask for more time.

Last but not least, don’t forget that your instructor will have access to dual controls on his/her side of the car. This means you don’t need to panic too much about making a mistake, or putting yourself in harm’s way.

For more information on any of the above or to discuss any aspect of driver tuition in more detail, contact a member of the team at Manchester Driver Training today.

What counts as a financial mis-selling?

Craig Upton — Sun, 20 Sep 2020 23:24:39 +0000

Facing up to the prospect of having been mis-sold a financial product is never easy. Establishing whether you have fallen victim to mis-selling can be difficult, given how the term is thrown around so freely.

If you suspect you may have been sold a financial product through false pretence or pressure tactics of any kind, it is important to take action at the earliest possible stage.

What Exactly is Financial Mis-Selling?

A financial product is considered to have been mis-sold when any of the following apply:

You were provided with inaccurate or misleading financial advice
The service provider withheld key information
You were not made fully aware of the risks by your provider
You were sold a product that was clearly unsuitable for you
Pressure tactics were used to persuade you to buy the product
Your provider sold you a product you clearly cannot afford

Purchasing a financial product and subsequently losing money does not necessarily indicate mis-selling. Instead, it is the nature/process of the selling process itself that indicates whether or not you may be entitled to compensation.

What Does Financial Mis-Selling Look Like in Practice?

Some financial products are mis-sold more often than others, but almost any financial product can be mis-sold. From loans to pensions to savings plans to insurance and mis sold CFDs or mis sold shares, anything you’re coerced into buying that isn’t suitable for your needs could constitute mis-selling.

Your case may be considered valid for a financial compensation claim if there is any evidence whatsoever that the financial products were sold to you without your best interests being taken into account. It could be that you were sold a product you’ve no use for, a product you cannot afford or a product you do not fully understand.

Cases involving mis-selling become increasingly difficult to resolve with the passing of time. It is therefore important to take action at the earliest possible stage, if you believe you have fallen victim to mis-selling.

What Should I Do if I Have Been Mis-Sold a Financial Product?

There’s a structured sequence of actions that should be taken, if you believe you have been mis-sold a financial product of any kind:

Contact your Provider. Depending on the nature of your complaint, it may be possible to reach a mutually amicable resolution with your provider. Ensure you have a valid argument and can support your claim with sufficient evidence.
Complain to the FOS. If you are dissatisfied with your provider’s response, your complaint can then be escalated by taking it to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS has up to six years from the product’s date of sale to respond with a decision.
Seek Independent Advice. If a swifter resolution is preferred, seeking independent advice at the earliest stage is recommended. Speak to a specialist who can help you establish whether or not you have a case.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the validity of your case or would simply like to discuss financial mis-selling, in more detail call anytime for an obligation-free initial consultation.

What are the differences between commercial and residential bridging loans?

Craig Upton — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 23:43:01 +0000

Borrowing activity across the United Kingdom is once again heading for an all-time high.

Bridging finance is proving a popular alternative to conventional loans, both among private applicants and business borrowers but what are the main differences between residential bridging finance and a commercial bridging loan?

Comparing Residential and Commercial Bridging Finance

For the most part, the difference between the two financial products is largely self-explanatory. What is important to note though is that the distinction between residential and commercial bridging loans does not actually refer to the purpose of the loan. It instead refers to the type of property held as security i.e. the property you use to secure the loan you are applying for.

A bridging loan secured against a residential property is classified as a residential bridging loan, whereas the use of commercial property as security means it is a commercial bridging loan. Most lenders are willing to secure bridging loans against residential properties, but fewer lenders accept commercial or mixed-use properties i.e. flats with shops below.

FCA regulated or not?

Whether a property is formerly classified as FCA regulated or unregulated is determined by the proportion of the property used for residential living. For example, if 40% of the property or more is used as a dwelling, it will usually be classified and accepted as a regulated residential property.

The same also being true in reverse i.e. if 60% or more of the property is used for commercial purposes, it is classified and accepted as unregulated commercial security.

Should I Choose a Commercial or Residential Bridging Loan?

Choosing from the various types of bridging finance available means considering your requirements and preferences, alongside your budget. Though there are exceptions to the rule, residential bridging loans are typically offered at lower rates of interest and with lower overall borrowing costs.

This is why it is important to conduct a detailed like-for-like comparison of the various options available, with the help and support of an independent broker.

What Can Commercial and Residential Bridging Loans Be Used for?

One of the most appealing aspects of bridging finance in general is the way in which the funds can be used for almost any legal purpose. Irrespective of whether you apply for a commercial or residential bridging loan, there are no specific limitations placed on how the funds can be used.

The amount you will be able to borrow will be determined by the value of the property you use to secure the loan against and your wider financial circumstances.

Compare the Market with UK Property Finance…

If considering an application for bridging loans for any purpose, the importance of comparing the market in full cannot be overstated.

You can compare all the bridging loan lenders online to make the best decision.

Contact a member of the team at UK property finance anytime to arrange a whole of market bridging finance comparison, free of charge and with no obligation to go ahead.

Speed bumps and humps for a safe back-to-school season

Craig Upton — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 23:39:45 +0000

The back-to-school season is one of inevitable chaos for millions of families across the UK. It’s also a time that combines congestion on the roads with unpredictable weather.

There’s no escaping the school run, which inevitably means busy roads, crowded car parks and generally chaotic conditions for drivers.

This is precisely where the potential value of speed bumps, speed humps and speed ramps comes into the mix. At a time when road safety matters most, the installation of just a few simple (and affordable) traffic calming measures really can make all the difference.

Why Install Speed Bumps for Schools?

Truth is, you can’t always rely on motorists to drive slowly and carefully in the vicinity of schools. Even with the best intentions, a simple lapse in concentration for a few seconds is all it takes to pose a major risk to the health and safety of those nearby.

This is where the installation of speed bumps and other traffic calming measures can help, offering a wide variety of benefits for such simple road safety features. Just a few examples of which include the following:

Prevent Accidents and Collisions

Research has shown that the likelihood of a vehicle being involved in an accident or collision where speed bumps are present is much lower than on roads with no traffic calming measures. This is primarily due to the fact that most speed bumps reduce the speed of traffic to around 5mph to 10mph, giving drivers much more time to observe their surroundings and react to risks.

Reduce Risk of Injury

Kids of all ages can’t always be trusted to be as sensible as they can when walking to and from school. There’s always the risk one or more children will simply walk out into traffic at any time – often appearing out of nowhere from between two parked cars (or any other visual obstructions). In such instances, a car travelling at 10mph is far less likely to seriously injure the child than a car going 30mph on the same road.

Evidence has shown that when speed bumps and traffic calming measures are installed around schools, children and pedestrians are significantly less likely to be injured.

Helps to Ease Traffic

Last but not least, speed bumps and humps can also play a direct role in easing traffic and reducing congestion. They help ensure drivers move at a consistent speed, while at the same time deterring drivers who don’t need access to the school from using these roads entirely.

Contact Street Solutions…

Here at Street Solutions, we offer an extensive range of premium quality speed bumps and traffic calming products for use around schools. If you have any questions regarding the installation, use or legality of speed humps and bumps for traffic calming, call anytime for an obligation-free consultation.

Alternatively, email a member of the team at Street Solutions with details of your query and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How quality photography makes for great digital marketing

Craig Upton — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 23:43:30 +0000

We’re quickly entering an era where almost everything that takes place on the marketing landscape is digital. Traditional marketing tactics and mediums are being shelved by small and large businesses at record pace.

Replaced instead with digital alternatives, which may lack physical form but have the potential to take the customer experience to an entirely new level.

The importance of exceptional product photography and packshot photography has never been greater. Now more than ever, the average web user is demonstrating scrutiny and selectiveness on a quite extreme level.

The simple fact of the matter being that unless you blow them away in an instant with your product photography, they may do business with someone who can.

The Importance of Imagery in Digital Marketing

One of the biggest obstacles that’s always stood in the way of online businesses is the way in which they cannot present their products and services in a tangible manner. Instead, it’s a case of using product photography and imagery to convince customers to make a purchase.

Get it right with product or packshot photography and the results can be quite remarkable. Check out the following facts and figures:

Articles with images relevant to the content generate 94% more views on average
A press release with a relevant image generates a 15% more engagement and interaction
60% of all online consumers prefer businesses with photos in their listings
70% of ecommerce shoppers place heavy emphasis on products and packshot photography

The simple fact of the matter is that describing your products in intimate detail just isn’t enough. In fact, bombarding consumers with block after block of unbroken text is pretty much the worst thing you can do.

Research suggests that when a web user lands on any of your web pages, you have no more than three seconds to grab their attention. This includes individual product pages, as well as primary landing pages, blog posts and so on.

Three seconds isn’t nearly enough to read more than a word or two – precisely why it’s down to your pictures to do the talking.

Why Professional Packshot Photography is a Must

All of the above provides a relatively clear indication as to why professional product photography is becoming a must. Unless you have the knowledge, skills experience and equipment needed to present your products in an appealing and convincing manner, you risk losing ground to your competitors.

An investment in professional packshot photography or even 360 product photography represents an invaluable long-term investment in your business and its reputation. One with the potential to generate an outstanding ongoing ROI.

For more information on any of the above or to discuss your requirements in more detail, contact a member of the team at Freshpack Photo for an obligation-free consultation.

The difference between bridging finance and development finance

Craig Upton — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 23:15:23 +0000

Bridging finance and development finance are often confused as one and the same thing.

But despite the fact that both represent viable funding options for property development projects, there are differences between them that must be taken into account.

Before applying for development finance or a commercial bridging loan for any purpose, here is what you need to know about these two alternative funding options:

When is Bridging Finance Used?

In most instances, commercial bridging loans are used in time critical situations where deadlines are tight. Funds raised via bridging finance can often be accessed within a matter of days, making it great for covering urgent expenses and completing projects as quickly as possible.

Bridging finance is therefore considered the ideal option in such situations as:

Purchasing properties below market value at auction
Quickly renovating and improving properties before selling
Raising funds to cover urgent business expenses.

In short, bridging finance is ideal in any situation where the applicant needs to access the money in the shortest possible time.

When is Development Finance Used?

One of the biggest differences with development finance is the way in which the funds raised must be used exclusively for property development purposes. There are no upper-limits with regard to how much can be borrowed, though the application and subsequent release of funds isn’t quite as quick as with a commercial bridging loan:

Development finance is therefore considered a suitable option in the following scenarios:

When planning or in the midst of a major construction project
To cover construction and development costs in part or in full
When repurposing or extending existing property developments

Whereas a bridging loan can be used for almost any legal purpose whatsoever, development finance is designed exclusively for established developers working on construction and property development projects.

Loan Terms and Release of Funds

Another key difference lies in the way the funds are released with these two funding options. With a bridging loan, the funds are released in full just as soon as the application has been approved, often being transferred into the bank account of the applicant within a matter of days.

With development finance, specialist providers usually release the funds in instalments, in accordance with the requirements of various stages of the project. Once any given stage has been completed and signed off by a surveyor, the next stage begins, and the subsequent instalment is released.

Bridging loans and development finance can both be flexible in terms of loan duration, though bridging finance will almost always be repaid sooner. The average life of a bridging loan is typically no more than 6 to 18 months, whereas a development finance agreement could continue for several years.

Talk to a Broker…

As there will always be instances where both commercial bridging finance and development finance are viable options, it is important to consult with a broker before deciding which way to go. By comparing all available options from specialist lenders across the country, you will find yourself in a much better position to make an informed decision on the ideal funding option for your project.

Contact a member of the team at UK Property Finance anytime for an obligation-free initial consultation.

What kinds of businesses use stickers and labels?

Craig Upton — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 23:01:17 +0000

No matter what kind of business you work in, printed labels could play a part in whatever it is you do.

From marketing to brand recognition to simply making those you work with feel valued and appreciated, printed labels and custom stickers can be surprisingly versatile.

Here are just a few of the different types of businesses, services and sectors that use stickers and labels on a regular basis:

Schools & Nurseries

Let’s be honest – no school or nursery setting would be the same without a whole bunch of colourful stickers all over the place. Stickers can be personalised with a school name and logo, or picked up blank to then be edited and used for a wide variety of reasons. Recognising good work, inspiring creativity in kids and generally brightening up classrooms.

Stickers can be a surprisingly effective incentive, when looking to motivate kids to give it their all in an educational setting.

Healthcare/Dentistry

The healthcare industry has made good use of all different types of stickers for generations. It may be a relatively small gesture, but giving kids a ‘Top Patient’ sticker after a visit to a doctor or dentist can make the whole experience significantly more rewarding.

There’s also limitless marketing and branding potential for those running private practices, who can use branded and personalised stickers to advertise their businesses. Stickers are also routinely used to brighten up kids’ waiting areas, paediatricians’ offices, kids’ wards in hospitals and so on.

Public Buildings and Spaces

Of course, it’s not all exclusively fun and games where stickers and labels are concerned. They’re also a popular choice and an important medium for local councils to be used in public buildings and spaces. Emergency exit signs, directions, warnings and important information – all displayed colourfully and prominently using affordable stickers.

Waterproof stickers in particular can be fantastic as a form of affordable and eye-catching outdoor signage, which is both comprehensively weatherproof and easy to apply/remove.

Building and Construction

The highest quality waterproof labels can be just the thing for use in heavy duty outdoor environments where conditions are demanding. From electricians to builders to security offices and more, quality labels can be used to convey almost any information and can be positioned just about anywhere.

Warnings of electrical currents, directing traffic, confirmation of CCTV coverage in the area – all possible with nothing more than a bunch of affordable stickers.

Contact Mercury Labels…

These are just a few examples of the types of businesses and sectors using stickers right now. When you think about it, the applications for personalised stickers that can withstand surprisingly harsh treatment are literally endless.

It’s simply a case of using your imagination – contact a member of the team at Mercury Labels anytime, if in need of a little inspiration!

How to Become a DJ: An Introductory FAQ

Craig Upton — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 23:47:55 +0000

The journey from aspiring amateur to pro DJ is as exciting and rewarding as it is downright daunting.

From buying your first DJ mixers to funding major DJ equipment purchases with specialist DJ finance, there’s quite a lot to take into account.

With this in mind, here is a brief introductory FAQ any aspiring amateur looking to go pro may find insightful:

What kind of training is required to become a DJ?

In terms of formal training, the answer is none at all. This is the kind of trade where practice makes perfect and creativity is everything. Still, there’s much to be said about the potential benefits of DJ workshops, online tutorials and more formal training courses. Training isn’t mandatory by any means but could accelerate your progression towards pro status.

Do I need a licence or endorsement to work as a DJ?

No – there are no licensing or certification requirements whatsoever to work as a DJ. It’s more a case of building the kind of authority and reputation to ensure you’re taken seriously, rather than amassing paper-based accolades and endorsements.

How long does it take to go pro?

How long is a piece of string? It’s an impossible question to answer, as every pro DJ’s journey is 100% unique. Some find overnight fame and fortune, other have to hack away at the sector for years before making any real progress whatsoever. Being realistic with your expectations is therefore essential, as short-cuts to the top are few and far between.

How much does the average DJ earn?

This again differs significantly from one DJ and type of DJing to the next. In the case of a self-employed mobile DJ who plays clubs, weddings, parties and so on, fees can vary from around £100 to more than £1,000 per appearance. It all depends on how good you are, the DJ equipment you use and how much demand there is for your services.

How much should I charge at first?

If you’re simply looking to showcase your talents, make your presence known and begin establishing your authority, playing shows for free at first isn’t a bad idea. The reason being that you can’t realistically start charging a premium for your services without first showing people what you are capable of.

How much should I spend on equipment?

However much you can comfortably afford to. Taking things to extremes as an amateur DJ is unnecessary but selling yourself and your talents short with low-grade equipment can have disastrous consequences. If you’re serious about getting into DJing as a trade, consider affordable DJ finance options to spread the costs of larger purchases such as state of the art DJ mixers.

What are the job prospects as a DJ?

In most instances – shy of a global pandemic – the entertainment industry is bulletproof. Come what may, there will always be people who need entertainment and are simply out for a good time. Precisely why talented DJs with a solid track record enjoy extraordinary long-term job prospects.

How can I find a job as a DJ?

Contacting promoters, club owners and event organisers directly is a good place to start. As is reaching out to established performers in your area, who may be able to point you in the right direction and/or put in a good word on your behalf. Take every opportunity to network, as this is the dictionary definition of an industry where who you know matters more than what you know.

Vinyl labels: How to make your products stand out

Craig Upton — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 23:12:48 +0000

When launching a new product online or in a traditional store, the importance of a memorable first impression cannot be overstated.

Precisely where the visual impact of the product’s packaging comes into the equation, which in many instances will be determined by the effectiveness with which it is labelled.

Long story short – making quality label design and printing an afterthought when launching a new product can be a recipe for disaster.

Capitalising on Your Investment

When the time comes to design and print your product’s labels, chances are you’ll have already invested vast amounts of time, effort and money into its research and development. You’ll also be investing heavily in a promotional campaign and/or marketing strategy for your new product, in order to ensure it gets off to the best possible start.

Cutting corners on labelling and packaging quality (such as using cheap labels rather than specialist glass labels for such a product) at such a late stage is inadvisable. Instead, it’s important to capitalise on your investment to date by ensuring your product has maximum visual value and sends a strong message to your target audience.

Both online and offline, visuals carry much more punch than any other type of marketing content. Whether or not anyone takes the time to read your product’s packaging in full and consider buying it will often be determined exclusively by the extent to which its visual appeal attracts their attention.

How to Make the Most of Your Product Launch

If approaching the launch of a new product and looking to make an immediate impact on your target audience, here are a few tips and guidelines you may find useful:

Ensure it reflects your brand

Above all else, it’s essential to ensure that the packaging and labelling represents an accurate reflection of your brand. Think about the way you present the rest of your products and your brand as a whole, bringing clear and characteristic elements into your labelling and packaging decisions.

Stand Out from the Crowd

Product packaging that’s generic and uninspiring never carries a strong message. Precisely why it is important to make your packaging as distinctive as possible – something to distinguish your products and your brand as a whole from your competitors. Don’t be afraid to be bold – whatever it takes to grab their attention.

Get Creative

When designing and printing custom printed labels for your product packaging, a little creativity can go a long way. This applies to all aspects of the labels’ print – their shape, design, size, combination of colours and even how you affix them to your products (or packaging). Consider how your competitors are packaging/labelling similar products and think how you can do things better.

Focus on the Hook

It is essential to ensure that your product packaging features some kind of hook. That being, one clearly identifiable quality, characteristic or snippet of information that makes the customer want to learn more. Consider what the most appealing/defining characteristic of the product itself is, making sure it becomes the primary focus of your packaging or labels.

For more information on effective product label design or to discuss any of our label printing services in more detail, contact a member of the team at Mercurylabels.com today.