Business

Why Quality Construction Tools and Equipment Matter

Published

6 months ago

July 14, 2024

As the construction industry continues to rally in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, more and more firms are starting to crop up – from smaller domestic renovating crews to larger-scale commercial-construction heavyweights. Though there is a lot separating different contracting teams and construction companies, there are some key fundaments that they all share, and some key truths for them to bear in mind.

One such truth relates to the importance of quality equipment in the carrying-out of a given project. Whether extending a kitchen or raising a high-rise, high-quality equipment can be the difference between various iterations of failure and the singularity of success. Here, we’ll examine some of the key reasons for which this is the case, from personal safety to cost-effectiveness.

Enhanced Site Safety

The primary reason for which quality tools are a key provision on construction sites is safety. Cheaper tools may help the short-term bottom-line for a given project, but they are much more dangerous than their higher-quality counterparts, being more likely to become faulty in a potentially-dangerous way. Cheap or old power tools run the risk of failing electrically, while well-used or inexpensive hand tools risk shattering under pressure or strain.

Boosting Productivity

Quality tools are also inherently better at their tasks than cheaper, mass-produced fare. Higher-quality wood-cutting tools can make short work of cutting material down to size, more so than less-expensive equivalents which can often be blunt and ineffective. This higher effectiveness makes for a more productive construction site, as more work is done per man-hour.

Long-Term Cost Savings

This productivity has short-term cost benefits, saving labour costs and potentially even reducing material costs – lower-quality tools can increase the risk of damage being done to materials, causing additional wastage and raising costs as a result –, but the real cost benefits stretch out into the long term.

For one, the improved productivity created by better equipment stacks across projects and over time. For another, higher-quality equipment needs replacing fewer times than cheaper equipment, which is more prone to premature breakage and failure; the old saying ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ holds fast here. Of course, equipment needs maintaining regularly in order to operate optimally, but the cost of such maintenance is far lower than the cumulative costs of dealing with cheaper tools.

Regulations and Compliance

Lastly, we come to the most pragmatic reason for which investment in quality tools and equipment is necessary: regulatory requirements. Building regulations are there to keep us safe, as are health and safety laws. There are requirements in both, with which construction companies and sites must be compliant – and some of which relate to tools and equipment.

Business

Authentic Turkish flavours come to Haverfordwest with exciting café opening

Published

3 days ago

January 1, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A DREAM is set to become reality for Hatice Eltan as she prepares to open Turkish Kitchen Café on Quay Street, Haverfordwest, on February 1, 2025, at 10:00am.

The café promises to bring the vibrant and authentic tastes of Turkish cuisine to Pembrokeshire, offering carefully crafted dishes, aromatic coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere. Open daily from 9:00am to 3:00pm, the café aims to become a hub for both locals and visitors.

Hatice, who moved to Pembrokeshire five years ago with her daughter Eliza and son Deniz, described her excitement: “I’ve always had a passion for cooking and catering, and opening my own café has been a long-standing dream. Pembrokeshire deserves a place where people can experience traditional Turkish food. Many locals love visiting Turkey on holiday, and I want to bring a piece of that experience here.”

The launch event will feature a special food-tasting experience, giving visitors a chance to savour traditional Turkish delicacies such as savoury gözleme, sweet baklava, and refreshing Ayran — a classic yoghurt-based drink. Complimentary samples of Turkish coffee and tea will also be available.

In addition to the tasting, the café will run a raffle where one lucky winner will enjoy a free meal for two, and the first 50 guests will receive a special gift voucher.

Hatice will be joined by her brother-in-law Mustafa Eltan in running the café. Together, they plan to create a warm and inviting space that celebrates Turkish culture and cuisine.

Looking ahead, Hatice has ambitious plans for the café:

“If all goes well, I hope to expand Turkish Kitchen into a full restaurant with extended hours. I already have the necessary licensing to remain open until 3:00am, and I’m excited about the possibilities for the future.”

Hatice, originally from London with Turkish heritage, spoke about her love for Pembrokeshire: “We first visited Pembrokeshire on a weekend trip and instantly fell in love with the community, the beaches, and the slower pace of life. Moving here was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my family.”

Turkish Kitchen Café aims to offer more than just food; it promises an experience — a journey through flavours, tradition, and heartfelt hospitality.

For more information, visit turkishkitchencafe.co.uk.

Business

Welsh firms expect brighter profits in 2025

Published

5 days ago

December 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MORE than three-quarters (79%) of Welsh businesses expect greater profitability in 2025, a significant increase from 69% recorded in December 2023, according to Lloyds’ Business Barometer.

The survey also revealed that 73% of firms anticipate a rise in turnover next year. Of those, nearly a third (32%) predict revenue growth of between six and 10%, while over a quarter (26%) expect even higher gains.

Profitability remains the top priority for 55% of businesses, followed closely by staff upskilling (43%) and productivity improvements (33%). Additionally, 17% of firms aim to enhance their technology, including automation and AI, while 18% are focused on improving environmental sustainability.

To achieve these goals, more than a third (35%) of Welsh businesses plan to invest in staff training, with 29% allocating resources towards research and development (R&D) of new products or services.

The Lloyds Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and has been running since 2002, provides valuable insights into regional and national economic trends.

Sam Noble, Regional Director for Wales at Lloyds, said: “Welsh businesses are looking ahead to the new year with ambitious plans. While uncertainties remain, these strategies will help them achieve growth and strengthen their resilience against potential challenges. As they move forward, we’ll continue to stand by them with our support.”

Business

Three daily sailings from Pembroke to Ireland from January 7

Published

6 days ago

December 29, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has confirmed it will facilitate a third daily ferry sailing from Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal on a temporary basis from 7th January 2025. Irish Ferries vessel the ‘Isle of Innisfree’ will call at the Port in addition to the twice-daily scheduled call of the ‘James Joyce’.

There will now be two sailings to Rosslare and one to Dublin from Pembroke Dock, daily.

Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, Tom Sawyer, said: “Since the temporary closure of Holyhead Port, the Port of Milford Haven has been working in close collaboration with the Department for Transport, Welsh Government and Irish Ferries to identify ways in which it can support the national effort to move freight and passengers between Britain and Ireland.

“As the UK’s largest energy port responsible for the facilitation of around 20% of the UK’s energy needs, we have had to look carefully at how we can support additional ferry traffic without impacting vital UK energy supplies.

“After careful analysis we have identified that we can accommodate an additional daily ferry sailing from Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal on a temporary basis. This third sailing of Irish Ferries vessel ‘Isle of Innisfree’ will be in addition to the usual twice-daily sailing of the ‘James Joyce’. However, whilst the James Joyce will be departing from Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal at its usual timetabled slots of 02:45 and 14:45, the Isle of Innisfree departure time will be dependent on other traffic movements, although we will be aiming for a departure time of 0600 where possible.

“Thank you to all our customers for their patience and understanding whilst we have taken time to identify ways to support all traffic movements on the Milford Haven Waterway. Finally, thank you to the community of Pembroke Dock who have endured additional traffic through the town throughout this period.”