• A new study has found that real estate is one of the most stressful industries in the UK
• Human health and social work ranked first, while public defence is in second
• HSE data was examined to find the number of self-reported stress illnesses per 100,000 workers 

New research has revealed the most stressful industries in the UK, with the human health and social work industry taking the top spot.  

The study, conducted by personal injury experts at Claims.co.uk, analysed HSE data to examine the number of stress-related illnesses caused or worsened by employment per 100,000 workers from March 2022 to March 2023; the highest number of stress illnesses determined the ranking.  

The human health and social work industry ranks first on the list; the study found that 3,530 people per 100,000 workers have been impacted by stress at work. However, this industry has one of the largest average salary ranges, between £17,000 to £63,000, and includes jobs such as doctors, therapists, and nursing home assistants.  

Public defence, which has an average salary range of £18,000 to £31,000, is revealed as the second most stressful industry. For every 100,000 workers, 3,260 reported a stress-related illness, meaning that security guards and prison officers are highly likely to suffer from work-related stress.  

The education industry is third on the list, which has an average salary range of £28,000 to £40,000. For every 100,000 workers, 2,720 people reported work-related stress, which is an overwhelming figure of almost 3 in 100.  

Ranking fourth on the list is the professional, scientific, and technical industry, which includes jobs such as solicitors and barristers, and has an average salary range of £25,000 to £48,000. The study revealed that for every 100,000 workers, 2,310 have suffered from work-related stress.  

The finance industry ranks fifth on the list, with 2,140 workers reporting a stress-related illness per 100,000 people. However, the finance industry has a high salary range, ranging from £28,000 to £54,000, where job roles include accountants and bankers. 

The real estate industry ranks sixth on the list, which has an average salary range of £26,000 to £54,000 and includes jobs such as estate agents and property managers. The study reveals that for every 100,000 workers, 2,070 reported a stress-related illness.  

The information and communication industry places seventh on the list, which has an average salary range of £24,000 to £44,000 and jobs such as IT workers and graphic designers. The study found that for every 100,000 workers, 1,870 people reported stress-related illnesses.   

The arts and entertainment industry is eighth on the list; for every 100,000 workers, 1,820 people reported a stress-related illness. The industry includes jobs such as art directors, makeup artists, and background actors, and has an average salary range of £25,000 to £47,000. 

Ranking ninth on the list is the wholesale and retail trade industry, where 1,530 people per 100,000 workers suffered from work-related stress. The average salary range is this industry is £19,000 to £34,000 and includes jobs such as sales administrators and retail cashiers. 

The accommodation and food service industry is tenth on the list, which includes jobs such as bar staff and restaurant workers and has an average salary range of £14,000 to £45,000; 1,430 people in this industry suffered from work-related stress per 100,000 workers. 

Tips On Making a Personal Injury Claim for Stress 

#1. Identify The Cause of Your Stress 

The most common causes for stress at work often arise from heavy workloads, lack of employer support, and workplace bullying. When starting a personal injury claim for emotional harm, it’s crucial to identify the cause of your stress. Legally, employers owe their employees a duty of care in the workplace, so it’s important to recognise when they have harmed your emotional health.   

#2. Make a Note of Your Emotions 

In order to identify the cause of work-related stress, it can be useful to make a note of your emotions on a daily basis. This can help you keep track of your emotional health and can allow you to determine whether your mental health has significantly worsened during your employment. These notes can also be a helpful source during GP appointments.  

#3. Speak to Your Employer About Any Concerns 

Before starting a personal injury claim, it can be helpful to vocalise your concerns to your employer where possible. Perhaps the situation could be mitigated through negotiation, such as requesting a lighter workload; however, if your employer refuses to consider your mental well-being when distributing heavy workloads, this could be a potential cause for a personal injury claim.  

#4. Keep Track of Any GP Appointments 

It’s crucial to keep track of any GP appointments and maintain these medical records – many personal injury claims have to be submitted within three years of when the injury/emotional harm occurred, so these records can help speed up personal injury claims.  

A spokesperson from Claims.co.uk,commented on the study: “We are currently living amid a mental health crisis, which means that it’s essential for us to look after ourselves and recognise when our mental wellbeing may be at risk, particularly in the workplace.” 

“It’s fundamental for employers to protect their employees’ mental health. One of the main ways this can be done is to regularly check in with employees, aiming to create an open environment to discuss thoughts and feelings.” 

Some people may assume that personal injury claims are limited to broken bones and cuts, but they also extend to what people can’t see, such as mental, emotional, or psychological harm; so, if you have experienced stress at work, it is in your best interest to speak to a legal professional.” 

This information was provided by personal injury experts at Claims.co.uk

New contemporary business space has been released in Dalmarnock by Red Tree, one of Glasgow’s most established collaborative workspace brands, adding to their locations in Bridgeton and Magenta business park in Rutherglen.

With interior design provided by commercial specialists Bell & Swift, Red Tree Eastworks is one of the premier office spaces available in Scotland. 

The innovative new workspaces have a range of options for tenants, ranging from hot desking to dedicated suites, recognising the need for spaces that suit the hybrid way of working.

The site is set within a former Victorian era gas purifier shed. The structure was recently retrofitted as part of the EastWorks development by Clyde Gateway and opened by the Deputy First Minister, Shona Robison MSP.

EastWorks is the fourth development for Red Tree which has been providing high quality workspace in the east end of Glasgow and Rutherglen for almost 15 years.

The Grade A flexible work spaces range from 322 sq ft to 3,448 sq ft, meaning there are spaces for up to teams of 50. There are a range of work solutions available including business club membership providing hot desking and a business address. There is a premium dedicated desk rental option, and dedicated flexible suites are also available for rent.

Red Tree is operated by Clyde Gateway, Scotland’s largest regeneration company, which has been developing numerous commercial and industrial spaces in the east end of Glasgow and in Rutherglen as part of its wider regeneration programme.

Lisa Miller, Project Manager at Clyde Gateway said: “Clyde Gateway was proud to regenerate this derelict site and Red Tree can now offer collaborative work spaces suited to the modern hybrid work environment, bringing more jobs and investment into the east end of Glasgow.

“Red Tree at EastWorks is beautifully designed and provides a superb experience for employees and businesses, with excellent amenities on site. Through our other Red Tree offerings in Bridgeton and Rutherglen, we understand the current market and we know these sorts of workspaces that are well connected and of very high quality are hugely desirable for businesses and organisations of all sizes.”

Craig McKie, Creative Director at Bell & Swift who provided interior design for the new space, added: “We wanted this space to provide a modern, collaborative workspace, yet recognise the Victorian roots of the building and the industrial heritage of the local community. The bold colour palette takes inspiration from Glasgow’s heritage of turkey red dye, as well as the weaving industry that was once such a key part of Dalmarnock.

“Ultimately, we wanted to provide a space that can be enjoyed and be a place where people want to spend time. Alongside Red Tree and Clyde Gateway, I believe we have transformed a derelict structure into a workspace that rivals any in the city, whilst ensuring the building doesn’t lose any of its charm.”

• Gold is the most sought-after personal investment
• Silver is the second most popular, closely followed by oil in third
• The overall average search volume for all types of personal investments is 3,195,381 across America

A new study has revealed the most popular personal investments, with gold taking the top spot.

The study, conducted by financial publisher The Lazy Trader, used Google search data to examine the number of searches for each type of personal investment; each of these was combined with terms such as ‘investment tips’ and ‘tips’ to discover which ones had the highest search volume overall, thus determining the ranking.

The most popular personal investments are as follows:

The most searched personal investment in the US is gold, with an average monthly search volume of 1,191,827. Gold is a commodity that trades based on supply and demand; the ratio between supply and demand determines the price of gold at the time of the investment. With the elevated interest rates and the continual concerns of a recession in the US, gold can be a reliable long-term investment and outperform other assets like properties and different equities as it is easier to liquidate. There are also tax advantages in gold investments; gold prices have increased considerably in 2023 and have shown stability compared to other markets.

The second most searched personal investment is silver, with an average monthly search volume of 677,527. Silver is a valuable, hard asset when it comes to investments and is cheaper to invest in than gold, while still fighting inflation. Silver mining has gradually decreased since 2015, making it a valuable asset to invest in before it becomes a rarer raw material. Silver is used for many different purposes from machinery to medicine, and the global demand is constantly increasing the value of the commodity overall.

In third, with an average monthly search volume of 588,808, is oil. Oil is an essential commodity and is used globally every day. Due to the high demand of fossil fuels, oil supplies are decreasing while the demand remains high, resulting in oil becoming a more valuable resource. Oil has huge potential for big profits and positive return on investments (ROI).

Ranking the fourth most popular personal investment is natural gas, with an average monthly search volume of 150,880. Natural gas is another fossil fuel that comes with its investment advantages. It is environmentally friendly and more affordable than coal and gas. With growing concerns about global warming and ways to make the planet greener, natural gas is already used in replacement of coal to reduce fuel emissions into the atmosphere (ROI).

In fifth place is forex, with an average monthly search volume of 85,112. Forex is a foreign exchange market that operates globally, 24 hours a day, five days a week. As well as its convenient operating hours, forex has low transaction costs as its trading has lower fees than other financial markets. The market has high liquidity, meaning you can buy and sell different currencies without affecting the price, which is more appealing to investors as it reduces the chances of a loss in profit.

Coming in sixth place is real estate, with an average monthly search volume of 81,397. Investing in real estate can be an easy money maker with incomes from rent and profit generated by certain business activities that take place on the invested property. It is a reliable investment in terms of generating steady cash flow, which only strengthens over time as you pay down your mortgage, resulting in more equity.

Copper is the seventh most sought-after personal investment, with an average monthly search volume of 69,468. Copper is a popular commodity, and due to the coronavirus pandemic, mining has slowed down; companies could even struggle to mine at all if the price of copper drops. Copper can be a risky investment as it is recyclable and is less precious than other metals, yet it is used in many different industries, from building industries to automobiles. Copper is key in renewable energy and will be essential for protecting the environment, which suggests a reliable investment in the long term.

In eighth place is options, with an average monthly search volume of 51,448. Options trading is the act of buying and selling a stock or ETF at a certain price within a set timeframe. Options give you more control over your investments and can therefore be less risky than equities as they require less financial commitment.

Ranking as the ninth most popular personal investment is penny stocks, with an average monthly search volume of 41,351. Penny stocks are very low cost in comparison to other forms of investments, which makes them accessible to investors with both low and high capital. They often show great potential for high returns if the penny stocks maintain substantial growth. Stocks that have lost value or become dormant may be big money-makers in the future, meaning a small investment could go a long way.

The tenth most sought-after personal investment, with an average monthly search volume of 34,533, is platinum. Platinum remains valuable and in demand across all industries due to its non-corrosive properties and diverse use across different industries. Platinum is an easy investment to liquidate to get cash quickly instead of stocks or bonds, which is a longer process.

Robert Colville, CEO of The Lazy Trader commented on the findings:

“When it comes to choosing the right personal investment for yourself, it can be difficult weighing up the pros and cons. It is important to be well educated on where you invest your money, as some methods will be more successful than others; make sure you have conducted extensive research and remain aware of what your choice of investments will entail.”

“It is interesting to see which investments Americans are most eager to try and learn more about. With an unpredictable economy and the constant changes in prices of stocks and commodities, people should be warier of fluctuations in these environments and ensure they put their money into a reliable form of personal investment.”

• Gold is the most sought-after personal investment
• Silver is the second most popular, closely followed by oil in third
• The overall average search volume for all types of personal investments is 3,195,381 across America

A new study has revealed the most popular personal investments, with gold taking the top spot.

The study, conducted by financial publisher The Lazy Trader, used Google search data to examine the number of searches for each type of personal investment; each of these was combined with terms such as ‘investment tips’ and ‘tips’ to discover which ones had the highest search volume overall, thus determining the ranking.

The most popular personal investments are as follows:

The most searched personal investment in the US is gold, with an average monthly search volume of 1,191,827. Gold is a commodity that trades based on supply and demand; the ratio between supply and demand determines the price of gold at the time of the investment. With the elevated interest rates and the continual concerns of a recession in the US, gold can be a reliable long-term investment and outperform other assets like properties and different equities as it is easier to liquidate. There are also tax advantages in gold investments; gold prices have increased considerably in 2023 and have shown stability compared to other markets.

The second most searched personal investment is silver, with an average monthly search volume of 677,527. Silver is a valuable, hard asset when it comes to investments and is cheaper to invest in than gold, while still fighting inflation. Silver mining has gradually decreased since 2015, making it a valuable asset to invest in before it becomes a rarer raw material. Silver is used for many different purposes from machinery to medicine, and the global demand is constantly increasing the value of the commodity overall.

In third, with an average monthly search volume of 588,808, is oil. Oil is an essential commodity and is used globally every day. Due to the high demand of fossil fuels, oil supplies are decreasing while the demand remains high, resulting in oil becoming a more valuable resource. Oil has huge potential for big profits and positive return on investments (ROI).

Ranking the fourth most popular personal investment is natural gas, with an average monthly search volume of 150,880. Natural gas is another fossil fuel that comes with its investment advantages. It is environmentally friendly and more affordable than coal and gas. With growing concerns about global warming and ways to make the planet greener, natural gas is already used in replacement of coal to reduce fuel emissions into the atmosphere (ROI).

In fifth place is forex, with an average monthly search volume of 85,112. Forex is a foreign exchange market that operates globally, 24 hours a day, five days a week. As well as its convenient operating hours, forex has low transaction costs as its trading has lower fees than other financial markets. The market has high liquidity, meaning you can buy and sell different currencies without affecting the price, which is more appealing to investors as it reduces the chances of a loss in profit.

Coming in sixth place is real estate, with an average monthly search volume of 81,397. Investing in real estate can be an easy money maker with incomes from rent and profit generated by certain business activities that take place on the invested property. It is a reliable investment in terms of generating steady cash flow, which only strengthens over time as you pay down your mortgage, resulting in more equity.

Copper is the seventh most sought-after personal investment, with an average monthly search volume of 69,468. Copper is a popular commodity, and due to the coronavirus pandemic, mining has slowed down; companies could even struggle to mine at all if the price of copper drops. Copper can be a risky investment as it is recyclable and is less precious than other metals, yet it is used in many different industries, from building industries to automobiles. Copper is key in renewable energy and will be essential for protecting the environment, which suggests a reliable investment in the long term.

In eighth place is options, with an average monthly search volume of 51,448. Options trading is the act of buying and selling a stock or ETF at a certain price within a set timeframe. Options give you more control over your investments and can therefore be less risky than equities as they require less financial commitment.

Ranking as the ninth most popular personal investment is penny stocks, with an average monthly search volume of 41,351. Penny stocks are very low cost in comparison to other forms of investments, which makes them accessible to investors with both low and high capital. They often show great potential for high returns if the penny stocks maintain substantial growth. Stocks that have lost value or become dormant may be big money-makers in the future, meaning a small investment could go a long way.

The tenth most sought-after personal investment, with an average monthly search volume of 34,533, is platinum. Platinum remains valuable and in demand across all industries due to its non-corrosive properties and diverse use across different industries. Platinum is an easy investment to liquidate to get cash quickly instead of stocks or bonds, which is a longer process.

Robert Colville, CEO of The Lazy Trader commented on the findings:

“When it comes to choosing the right personal investment for yourself, it can be difficult weighing up the pros and cons. It is important to be well educated on where you invest your money, as some methods will be more successful than others; make sure you have conducted extensive research and remain aware of what your choice of investments will entail.”

“It is interesting to see which investments Americans are most eager to try and learn more about. With an unpredictable economy and the constant changes in prices of stocks and commodities, people should be warier of fluctuations in these environments and ensure they put their money into a reliable form of personal investment.”

• The company has taken 6,000 sq. ft. of office space on the top floor of 110 Pinehurst Square at Farnborough Business Park

Frasers Property UK has secured Zurich Insurance for a new 6,000 sq. ft. 10-year lease at Farnborough Business Park, Hampshire. 

The company, which insures local authorities, housing associations, charities and voluntary organisations, and the education sector, will be relocating its Zurich Municipal team from Geneva House in Farnborough. They are joined by colleagues from Claims, and the Customer Office, along with IT and Finance teams. The latter will be in great company at Farnborough Business Park, which has also recently seen leading technology company Lenovo take up residence. 

Amy Brettell, Managing Director, Zurich Municipal, Zurich Insurance, said: “We are delighted to move into our new Farnborough office space. Sustainability is such an important focus of our business, as it is for our customers, and so we wanted to find an office that supported our commitments. The office is BREEAM certified and provides some fantastic facilities to help our team make sustainable choices when commuting to work, including electric vehicle charging points, bike racks and bikes for hire.”

James Nicholson, Chief Claims Officer, Zurich Insurance UK, said: “We’re really excited to offer our staff an attractive place of work that fits with hybrid-working patterns. Break-out areas, a café and outdoor space give people the opportunity to collaborate as a team or focus independently when they need to. Zurich Insurance has had a strong and longstanding presence in Farnborough for many years and we’re excited to continue the next chapter in our new office.”

Christina Cosgrove, Senior Asset Manager at Frasers Property UK, said: “We know that the built environment plays an integral role in helping our occupiers create communities, social cohesion, wellness and more inclusive spaces for their staff. We are delighted to welcome a renowned, household name like Zurich Insurance to Farnborough Business Park; an estate that champions a rich, sustainable environment for all its occupiers. We look forward to building on our partnership with Zurich to develop a new environment where all their staff can work and thrive.”

Farnborough Business Park forms part of the asset portfolio of Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust, and is a high-quality business park located in Farnborough, Blackwater Valley. Spanning 46.5 hectares, the business park comprises 14 commercial buildings, including nine office buildings, two car showrooms, a mixed-use office and industrial building and two cafes. Frasers Property UK, which supports Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust in the asset management of Farnborough Business Park, was represented by Hollis Hockley and CBRE. Zurich Insurance was represented by JLL. 

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE), the global network of premier real estate firms, has announced the addition of 36 new international members to its professional community.  

The new member firms to have joined LeadingRE’s network last year include property businesses from the UK, Europe, United States, Canada, Latin America, Caribbean, Asia the Middle East, and Africa. This remarkable expansion brings the firm’s worldwide membership to 550, representing a network of more than 138,000 real estate associates in more than 70 countries worldwide. 

As an invitation-only business-to-business real estate community, LeadingRE interconnects top local and regional real estate firms across the world and supports their success with best-of-industry assets, like referrals, exclusive events, elite training and education, marketing and technology resources, and support.  

Chris Dietz, President of Global Operations at LeadingRE, commented: “Last year we experienced some global economic uncertainty and challenges including interest rates rises and unforeseen fiscal fluctuations. Real estate is a people business and by connecting professionals around the world, we can enhance our understanding of property markets – both locally and internationally. We are delighted to see such diverse new members from APAC, EMEA, LATAM and North America join our ever-expanding community of leading professionals. We look forward to continued growth in 2024 as we embrace another exiting global real estate market of opportunity.” 

Selected companies in the LeadingRE international network are recognised for their expertise and superior knowledge of both local and global markets. All LeadingRE members are vetted, not just for performance, but a continued commitment to quality customer experience.  

A full list of new LeadingRE member firms can be found below:  

Asia-Pacific: 

Cambridge Real Estate (Cambridge, New Zealand) 

Lodge Real Estate (Hamilton, New Zealand) 

Richmont’s (Sathon, Thailand) 

Canada: 

MacKay Real Estate (Wolfville, Nova Scotia) 

Real Estate Centre (Taber, Alberta) 

Team PowerHouse (Prince George, British Columbia) 

Boldt Realty Inc., Brokerage (St. Catharines, Ontario) 

Europe, Africa and Middle East: 

Boulevard Group (Nice, France) 

Castelhana Real Estate (Lisbon, Portugal) 

Ismail and Partners (Lagos, Nigeria) 

Maior Capital (Olbia, Italy) 

Oria Advisors (Lisbon, Portugal) 

Philip & Frank (Prague, Czech Republic) 

San Patrik Real Estate (Zagreb, Croatia) 

Savoir Prive Properties (Dubai UAE) 

Strand Properties (Marbella, Spain)  

The London Broker (London, United Kingdom) 

Latin America and the Caribbean: 

CENTRAL MAXRE SRL REAL ESTATE (Buenos Aires, Argentina) 

Dominican Properties (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) 

Panama Sovereign Realty (Pedasi, Panama) 

Peters & Romero Real Estate (Mexico City, Mexico) 

Propiedades Cancun (Cancun, Mexico) 

Vida & Co. Ltd. (San Ignacio, Belize) 

United States 

Chisum Realty Group (Angel Fire, New Mexico) 

Christie’s International Real Estate Bluegrass (Lexington, Kentucky) 

ClearView Realty, LLC (El Paso, Texas) 

Denovo Realty (Melbourne, Florida) 

DiPietro Group Real Estate (Windham, New Hampshire) 

DJ & Lindsey Real Estate (Saint Augustine, Florida) 

Galles Properties (Pagosa Springs, Colorado) 

Hogan Associates Christie’s International Real Estate (Middletown, Rhode Island) 

Homepage Realty (Louisville, Kentucky) 

Huntington & Ellis, A Real Estate Agency (Las Vegas, Nevada) 

Liz Moore & Associates (Williamsburg, Virginia) 

Meservier & Associates (Auburn, Maine) 

St. James Properties (St. James, North Carolina) 

Wallace Real Estate (Knoxville, Tennessee)

A North East developer is marking a decade in business by targeting ambitious plans to deliver 200 homes per annum by 2025 and promoting its Development Director to Managing Director.

With over 30 years in the industry, Richard Bass (54) and from (Whitley Bay), takes on the role at Consett based Amethyst Homes, having previous experience in similar regional roles for two other major housebuilders.

He said: “I am delighted to take on this role and new challenge, having been with Amethyst Homes for the last three years, I have enjoyed contributing to the company’s continued success. 

“Starting out in construction at 18, as a Junior Quantity Surveyor, I have been lucky to experience so many different aspects of the sector, as well as a number of outside challenges – recession, housing crashes, skills shortages and most recently, operating during a pandemic.

“I think what makes Amethyst Homes different is its approach. As a small regional business, it is committed to recruiting and retaining good, highly skilled people, adaptable and well equipped for the job in hand.  Over the last three years we have been establishing a sound business model to deliver our future growth plans and are now looking forward to where we want to be in the next three to five years’ time.”

“Vital to our success, our growth plans will be built around our core principles of health and safety, customer service and quality – which are embedded in our business.”

Amethyst Homes started its journey in 2013 with just three members of staff. It has grown to now employ 25 and has delivered over 500 homes across five developments – two based in Consett and three further sites in South East Northumberland, Newcastle and at Stillington, Stockton on Tees.

Coinciding with Richard’s promotion, Mark Short (57) and from (Consett) has moved across to the new role of Executive Director of Amethyst Homes and will continue to oversee the company’s strategic and operational development and relationship with external organisations/partners, land owners, clients and associate companies of the Dysart Group.

Mark brings significant experience having worked as part of the Dysart Group of companies for over 15 years, and having been involved in the initial creation of Amethyst Homes Ltd.

He said: “This is an exciting time for Amethyst Homes.  Through careful and considered Senior Management changes over the last three years, we have established and continue to develop what I now consider is an energetic, focused and dedicated team within the company.

“We will continue to instil and adopt the positive ethic, professionalism, quality, health, safety and welfare and customer focus which were our key aspirations when our then small team established the business over 10 years ago now.”

In its eleventh year of trading, Amethyst is projecting a turnover of £11 million this year and plans to invest £5 million in future development schemes.

Richard added: “This year has been one of transition, with old schemes completing and new projects starting. We have started work on 48 homes at The Pastures, in East Sleekburn,– following success at our popular Sleekburn View development in the village. Meanwhile, in Newcastle, we will be building 45 properties on a key regeneration site in the west end of the city, to be known as Vallum Heights.

“We also have a further three developments in various stages of planning – which if approved – could create a further 500 homes in the region.”

Amethyst is committed to the communities in which it builds, having donated over £10,000 to local charities – including Willow Burn Hospice – and providing over £35,000 of sponsorship for North East sporting teams, including Consett Cricket Club, Blyth Town FC and Consett Rugby Club, that play at Amethyst Park.

Amethyst’s live development – Regents Park, Consett and its completed site, The Meadows, Stillington – won Premier Guarantee, Quality Recognition Awards (QRA) in 2021, 2022 and 2023 for the high standard of homes delivered. Regents Park achieved further recognition, recently honoured with a coveted national Premier Guarantee Excellence Award for the Best Development of the Year (of over 101 plots) in the North.

Last year, Amethyst recruited nine new members of staff, trained two apprentices, and invested over £3m into local jobs, training, and the supply chain.

Testament to its commitment to customer service, Amethyst has also been awarded the Gold Standard by In-house Research (an independent analytics company) for its recent customer satisfaction surveys, with 94% of those surveyed saying they would recommend Amethyst Homes to friends and family. *For more information about Amethyst Homes, please visit: www.amethysthomes.co.uk

Touchstone Education celebrates a century of its most popular course by giving away prizes worth over £100,000

The business grew by almost a third in 2023

Touchstone Education, a leading property investment education firm based in Doncaster, is celebrating the start of the year with a major milestone, having delivered its 100^th Wealth Through Property event. 

The milestone comes off the back of what has been a very successful year for the business, which grew by almost a third (30%) in 2023. Built on the founders’ 42 years of property investment experience, this is the business’ 9^th consecutive year of growth during its 9-year history, as more and more people seek support and education around investment in a difficult socio-economic climate.

Touchstone Education’s ever-popular Wealth Through Property (WTP) programme is a two-day event designed to empower individuals to achieve financial freedom and has become a cornerstone in Touchstone’s commitment to providing expert guidance and strategies for property investment success. 

Last year alone, the WTP event welcomed over 7,000 individuals, more than a tenth (14%) of which went on to become permanent members of Touchstone’s Wealth Academy programme. 

In celebration of this remarkable achievement, more than £100,000 worth of fabulous prizes were given away to seven lucky attendees during the two-day event. The first five of these lucky winners received a Golden Ticket for a one-on-one coaching session with Co-Founder, Aniko Smith, renowned for her insights into mindset and wealth creation. Two additional attendees received the exceptional grand prize, which included a mentoring session with both of the founders Paul Smith and Aniko Smith, plus an unforgettable all-expenses-paid private jet trip to Monaco. 

Paul Smith and Aniko Smith, co-founders of Touchstone Education, commented: “Despite the urban myth that 2023 was a challenging year in property investment, we successfully showed thousands of people that building real wealth through property is not only possible but that many of our Wealth Academy members are doing just that. We know that building wealth is a choice because we both started from very modest backgrounds. Enabling people to create a life for themselves and their loved ones, irrespective of their background, class, or race, is something we are incredibly proud of. The fact that we’ve just reached this milestone is testament to the value and impact of our offering. Critical to our success in helping others build wealth are our amazing coaches who have all done it themselves. Here’s to our next 100 events and continuing to support our community!” 

One of Touchstone Education’s first students, key speaker, and now a successful entrepreneur herself, Abi Hookway also adds: “The success stories are a testament to the Wealth Through Property event. Celebrating 100 events is a remarkable achievement, marking moments of reclaiming lives and redirecting individuals toward their true callings.” 

For more information on Touchstone Education, head to https://touchstoneeducation.com/

Lochview Guest House is now available for acquisition at an unmissable reduced price of Offers Over£550,000.

A testament to Highland living, this remarkable property offers a unique blend of elegance and functionality, boasting breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Broom and the Beinn Dearg mountain range.  

Key features include:

• 7 Ensuite Guest Bedrooms
• Self-Contained Owner’s Accommodation with two Double Bedrooms, Lounge, Kitchen, downstairs toilet, Utility and Garage 
• Gift Shop or Office
• Captivating Views of Loch Broom from Guest Lounge/Conservatory
• ¼ Acre Private Garden with Right of Way Access to the Loch
• Ample Parking for 9 Cars
• Step Free Access

TURNKEY OPERATION: A fully furnished and equipped establishment, Lochview Guest House stands ready to operate as a very successful going concern in a popular holiday destination. Alternatively, it could become a spacious family home, offering real flexibility to the discerning investor.

EXCELLENT LOCATION: Situated on the popular North Coast 500 route and in proximity to local attractions, Ullapool’s vibrant community and the ferry to the Outer Hebrides, Lochview Guest House serves as an ideal base for exploring the wonders of the Scottish Highlands. 

GREAT REVIEWS: The property has garnered acclaim from previous guests, with positive reviews showcased on our website, Google and TripAdvisor. The promising trajectory of 2024 reservations points towards a lucrative future for potential owners.

The decision to reduce the price to Offers Over £550,000 is motivated by the current owner’s commitment to pursue a new business venture in Inverness, creating a rare chance for astute investors or individuals seeking a premium business and/or residence.

Seize this unparalleled opportunity to own such a prestigious property at a compelling price. The 2024 market demand for such a gem is expected to be high and we anticipate a swift response from those who recognise the value of this prime investment.

Your Highland haven awaits!

Interested parties are invited to contact Simon Fraser for comprehensive details and to arrange a private viewing.

Eczacıbaşı Group’s VitrA Tiles has been applauded for its innovative use of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, becoming the first ceramics producer to join the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network, highlighting its pioneering role in 4IR adoption.

VitrA Tiles, the leading ceramics division of Türkiye’s Eczacıbaşı Group, is the latest member of the Global Lighthouse Network (GLN), recognised as a Factory Lighthouse among 21 new additions. This induction into the World Economic Forum’s initiative underlines their leadership in manufacturing innovation.

At the Davos Summit on January 15, 2024, CEOs Atalay Gümrah of Eczacıbaşı Group and Hasan Pehlivan of VitrA Tiles gave speeches at the award ceremony. They discussed the strategic scaling of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies across their production networks and the role of tech-enhanced operations in their success.

VitrA Tiles being the first in the ceramic tile sector to be acknowledged by the World Economic Forum for its use of 4IR technologies marks a significant industry landmark.

Innovation and Growth in Response to Challenges

Atalay Gümrah, CEO of Eczacıbaşı Holding, shared his joy on this achievement, stating, “We are thrilled that our Bozüyük Production Facility has been selected as one of GLN’s Factory Lighthouses, in recognition of the leadership we have shown in deploying Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Confronted with manufacturing disruptions from climate change, financial volatility, and geopolitical crises causing energy price fluctuations in Türkiye, this accolade emphasises our approach to transform these challenges into drivers of innovation and growth, leveraging 4IR to strengthen our operational competitiveness.”

The GLN consists of manufacturing leaders who have excelled in applying 4IR technologies to transform their factories, value chains, and business models, achieving remarkable financial and operational benefits. The Factory Lighthouses are testament to how manufacturing innovations have improved performance and enabled companies to navigate market volatility successfully.

Notable Achievements from Digital Transformation Initiatives

VitrA Tiles’ Bozüyük facility, following its digital transformation agenda focused on intelligent process and production controls, recorded a 19% increase in Overall Equipment Effectiveness, a 56% drop in scrap, a 14% reduction in energy usage, and a 43% increase in recycled material use in the past year.

Reflecting on this progress, Hasan Pehlivan, CEO of VitrA Tiles, remarked, “While our solutions might be unique, the challenges we face are global, and we recognise the importance of a global community in addressing these challenges. The future of manufacturing hinges on uniting global efforts to tackle significant challenges. The GLN is a vital part of this journey, and I am excited about this latest initiative from the World Economic Forum.”

AI and Machine Learning Revolutionising Global Manufacturing

As the world grapples with swift technological changes, geopolitical uncertainties, and climate challenges, Global Lighthouse Network members are adopting avant-garde technologies for enhanced productivity and sustainability. Employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, these Lighthouse factories are pioneering a global manufacturing revolution. Notably, 85% of Lighthouse factories experienced under a 10% revenue decline during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating a resilience not common among other manufacturers.

These Lighthouse factories are redefining global manufacturing standards, integrating innovative solutions across their networks, and leading the way towards a sustainable future and a new era of transformative change. This strategic emphasis on innovation is revolutionising the manufacturing landscape, demonstrating the impactful role of advanced technology in solving current global issues.