Ben Virabi

My local council is introducing selective licensing in a section of my investment patch. What is selective licensing? Basically, you will have to obtain a licence per property to be able to rent it out. The property must meet certain standards such as having an upto date CP12 and EICR having an EPC between A and E. The property must be in a good state of repair. The idea behind selective licensing is to improve the area by forcing the bad landlords and tenants out. If it works or not, it is debatable, but I will soon find out This particular area, in my opinion, is the worst area of Blyth. But the area has improved massively without any intervention from the council. The biggest problem has been investors who don't live locally purchasing properties in this area, putting anybody in them and not maintaining their properties. I have had all my properties in this area inspected by the council so I can obtain 6 licenses for 6 properties. All my properties were absolutely fine and I will get a licence. Now the council wants £2970 for doing what I am supposed to do and has always done as a landlord I asked the council a couple of questions, and one of their responses made me believe this is just another money-making scheme for them. My question- If I purchase a property in this area that already has a licence, will I inherite the licence when I purchase the property as the licence is for the property, not the owner? Their response - The license for each property will be non-transferrable - this is stated in the Housing Act, so we are unable to change this. A licence will cost £650 per property and £495 per property if you are an accredited landlord. What do you think? Is selective licensing a good thing or just another money-making scheme?

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Morning all . Normal service has resumed. Apologies regarding my normal everyday reading share . Yes knackered today as yesterday was my first day of manual graft for over 2 years . Ok I call it graft but basically running round after builders in my own home . Up early and got to do it all again . It will all be worthwhile in the end . The amazing thing is 2 years ago I wouldn’t have been fit and able to help out . I deep into a 12 week bender that brought me to my Rock Bottom . To have a wife and children having to look after me , put up with my abusive , shit , dishonest behaviour today make me in my eyes the most honest , respectful person I can be . And it’s down to , acceptance , humility, love , serenity and the 12 step programm of recovery . Yes you may think 12 step programm do that and I’m fixed for life . THINK AGAIN . You need to understand the program is for life , your higher power is for life the spritual principles are for life , Gods will is for life . After 40 years of what I now know is addiction why the hell after doing a 12 step program would I think that’s it I’m fixed . I’d be fcking as stupid as I was back then . When you make this commitment it’s for life it’s my medicine. Todays reading How long do I have to go August 18 "How long do I have to go?" The way to remain a productive, responsible member of society is to put our recovery first. Basic Text, p. 106 = The meetings have been great! Each night weve attended, weve gathered with other addicts to share experience, strength, and hope. And each day, weve used what weve learned in the meetings to continue in our recovery. Meanwhile, life goes on. Work, family, friends, school, sport, entertainment, community activities, civic obligationsall call out for our time. The demands of everyday living sometimes make us ask ourselves, How long do I have to go to these meetings? Lets think about this. Before coming to Narcotics Anonymous, could we stay clean on our own? What makes us think we can now? Then theres the disease itself to considerthe chronic self-centeredness, the obsessiveness, the compulsive behavior patterns that express themselves in so many areas of our lives. Can we live and enjoy life without effective treatment for our disease? No. Ordinary people may not have to worry about such things, but were not ordinary peoplewere addicts. We cant pretend we dont have a fatal, progressive illness, because we do. Without our program, we may not survive to worry about the demands of work, school, family, or anything else. NA meetings give us the support and direction we need to recover from our addiction, allowing us to live the fullest lives possible. = Just for today: I want to live and enjoy life. To do that, I will put my recovery first. Love and peace to all 🙏❤️💪 Jay

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THE RESULTS ARE IN AND MINDBLOWING! So….What is the % of adult working age males with a criminal record? 👀 Well many of you said 11%….. that’s a big number! But it’s actually a whopping 33%….. according to the MoJ! (Report dated 2010 - post edit) Mind blown! 🤯 You’re probably currently working with someone who’s progressed through our prison and probation service, without even knowing it! ROTL (Release on Temporary License) Programmes help rehabilitate prisoners, who are often very grateful of the opportunity. Many businesses can deliver REAL social value through engagement like this….. Reds10 will deliver their share, and happy to share our experiences so far…. #construction #mmc #socialvalue

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🚧 Construction Activity on the rise for the second month in a row 🚧 Its great to see that the Construction industry output has grown for the last two months on the bounce. Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that 7 out of 9 construction sectors are in growth with most of the sector confident that this will now continue. The biggest challenge is going to be addressing the labour shortage issues so that companies can increase capacity and absorb the influx of new orders. What is your company doing to prepare and address the labour shortage around the UK? #construction #build #skillsshortage #thornbaker #constructionindustry #growth #peopledevelopment

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NVQ’s in scaffolding. Now, I believe the highest is level 3, which is the equivalent to 2 A-Levels. An Advanced Scaffolder (who’s fully completed their training) will be a Level 3. Gooooogle search: “The NVQ level 3 is for site supervisors or advanced craftspeople who are experienced in their role. This qualification is reserved for those with significant and relevant experience in their chosen sector.” ******************************************** Scaffolding structures up to literally any size, loadings, location, and complexity are able to be built, managed and inspected by someone with the equivalent of 2 A-Levels. We all know that the current training system is outdated and basically a revolving door/cash grab, in need of major overhauls. But, is it time that the management side has their own updated training - far exceeding an NVQ Level 3…? NVQ Level 6 - NEBOSH National Diploma takes months to complete, and goes through all the important legal regulations required to know. We have nothing like this in scaffolding. Question: Should we? Will it make a difference to safety, procedures and raising the profile of the industry? … don’t be shy, the last post go some really good conversations going. 💪🏻

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Today, I completed and passed my final assessment for my NVQ Level 6 Construction Site Management course. Completing this alongside my every day work duty’s aswell as the purchase and full renovation of my first home hasnt always been easy. But all is now complete, so onto my next challenge! #NVQlevel6constructionsitemanagment #Construction #Housebuilding

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This Mental Health Awareness Week, we are 'Wearing it Green' at TClarke Manchester We all know someone who's been affected by mental health challenges, whether it's a colleague, a friend, or even ourselves. It's a reminder that behind the hard hats and the work boots, there are real people facing real struggles. Today, as we wear green to raise awareness, let's not just change our attire but our mindset too. Let's open up conversations, check in on each other, and create a culture where it's okay not to be okay. The construction industry, with its stereotypes, has its own battles with mental health. Suicide rates among construction workers are alarmingly high, highlighting the need for change. So, let's not just wear green; let's be the green light for change. Let's create environments where asking for help isn't a sign of weakness but of strength. We can build a future where everyone feels supported and valued. Let's wear green, spread awareness, and most importantly - let's be there for each other. Megan Killick Liam Hardwick #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #WearItGreen #ConstructionMentalHealth

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The second of two July completions coming to the final stages #newbuildhousing #sitemanager #teamwork

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You complete with outfits that don’t employ there staff, they don’t have an office, there partner does there accounts and is the admin team, how are you expected to compete with these guys, it’s so hard to explain to someone that your a completely different product and outfit. #leedsbestbuilder

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Right fellas ( ladies are excused this one ) not to put a downer on your weekend but have any of you over the age of 45 had a PSA test to check for prostate health? I was diagnosed with stage 3 local advanced prostate cancer in March 23…..a late diagnosis due to my ignoring symptoms for a long time. Another month or two of ignoring it may have seen me up a Cul de Sac. I’m undergoing treatment and I have another 6 months of waiting to see if we’ve managed to stamp it out. Following radiotherapy and hormone treatment (luckily no chemo has been mentioned) I should make a full recovery, so I’ll be around a while yet, screwing up your tender return dates. Get yourself checked lads, just ask your GP for a test….. they shouldn’t refuse. Getting an appointment should be straight forward too if you explain symptoms like difficulty passing urine, seeing blood in it (although this may not be visible to the naked eye) frequent toilet trips through the night. I had twinges of sharp pain, but this is not always the case. PSA test is not definitive, just an indicator something may be wrong. My level was 15 and I have S3. A lad I know had a level of 29 but only had BPH which is benign…an enlarged prostate. A figure below 4 should be normal. Examination if needed is only slightly embarrassing, so don’t be put off. JUST GET CHECKED OUT!

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Been here since 5:22am… Crawley, carrying out my “Thursday” inspections as usual. It’s handy having all the right experience, insurances, training and equipment in place, as Ultra Access does, as well as being able to build great relationships with all our clients site management, so that we are trusted enough and permitted to start earlier than others might be. We have nurtured a confidence in the people we meet each week on our “rounds” that’s really invaluable. It also helps that our SISAR reporting system includes safety features and assessments that are simply not integrated into others’ inspection reports. We deliberately created it this way. And, it’s nice to grab a coffee afterwards, with management or to simply “chew the fat” and further improve the working relationships (and promote my own clients further), to said Principal Conttractor management - in the aid of continued work for all. … but, it does get increasingly more difficult to inspect on darker mornings. Time to rethink our strategy. 😉

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"Get busy living, Get busy dying" 💭 This time last year I was in the process of interviewing for my new role as Head of Learning & Development for Domis Construction. ✍ Reflecting on my previous job, it was safe, secure and comfortable but eventually when a trajectory starts to slow down we all have a choice to make. It's been a while since I've watched Shawshank Redemption but I recall the line in my head that was driving my decision at the time was "Get busy living, Get busy dying". 🔨 🏗 The construction industry wasn't something I actively pursued, but once I learnt more about the company and spoke with the Directors it was clear that what set Domis apart was the culture and desire to be the best. Domis do things differently and the output is world class. 🌍 💯 I believe that growth happens outside your comfort zone. In my experience, the best things can happen when you trust in your ability and back yourself to succeed. I was open to learning and focused on where I could add value. Seek first to understand. The culture and people are really what sets Domis apart. I've been lucky enough to have support from and work with some brilliant colleagues since joining and have been been able to: 📌 Redesign and deliver the Group Onboarding to do justice to the company and shape new starter journeys for the better 💰 Improve training cost efficiencies across the group by centralising our approach which also fosters cross-group understanding and collaboration 🎓 Create more engaging learning experiences through identifying core partners and working together to create interactive sessions (Thanks to our partners at 3B Training) 📈 Increase core competencies across the group by 40% to ensure colleagues have the right skills to deliver and develop in their roles 📱Digitise our site induction process to reduce time to induct and increase productivity whilst reinforcing standards and behaviours 👷‍♂️ Shape our apprenticeship scheme to nurture talent and provide pathways and learning opportunities to strengthen our talent pipeline With a brand new head office soon to be ready (equipped with gym, sauna, free canteen, games room and more!) there's never been a better time to be on the Domis journey. 🏢 🏋‍♂️ 🎮 Oh, and the fact that we're currently delivering world class projects and have the largest high-rise residential build in Europe in our pipeline only adds to the excitement 🎯 Engagement is always high, off to the races in June 🏇 but this week it's the Domis World Cup ⚽ where our group and partners come together for an annual 5 a side tournament. Apparently it can get a bit tasty so I'll have to find my shin pads 🤣 Don't settle and find an environment where you can 'Get busy living' ✅

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Alot has happened since Galliford Try built homes as Galliford Try Partnerships and Linden Homes, buying Strategic Team Group in 2019 to form a larger Galliford Try Partnerships. They then sold their housebuilding arm to Bovis Homes forming a 3-pronged super-business building affordable homes as Galliford Try Partnerships and open market units as Bovis and Linden Homes - this was rebranded Vistry. THEN Vistry decided to merge with Countryside Partnerships forming Vistry Partnerships and creating the biggest housebuilder in the UK - encompassing all bought before them including Galliford Try Partnerships, Strategic Team Group, Bovis Homes, Countryside Partnerships and Linden Homes. Whilst all that KERFUFFLE was going on, Galliford Try concentrated on their core construction, rail and commercial business, excluded from building residential as part of the deal with Vistry Group. BUT........now that exclusion time has finished they're back in the market and guess what, looking to build AFFORDABLE HOMES once again. May I suggest a name? I'm thinking........Galliford Try PARTNERSHIPS. Simples. If there's any takers who want to buy our Herrera Homes business for millions as long as I can set up again as Herrera Homes in a few years, just give me a tinkle. Please visit https://lnkd.in/dJ97rtQ for all the up-to-date vacancies at Herrera Homes or call John Kirkham on 07766 557554. https://lnkd.in/erVjc4TD

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Top tip, Did you know that you can get a council tax exemption while your property is undergoing renovation works. Now every council has different guidelines when it comes to this but my local council Northumberland county Council will grant you an exemption from paying council tax for up to one year I believe if your property is classed as uninhabitable. For your property to be classed as uninhabitable, it has to be slightly buggered 😄. If the property has no functioning bathroom or kitchen, or has rotting floor or ceiling joints, has damp issues or structural issues, then your property will qualify for the exemption. The full list and criteria will be on the council's website. This can save your hundreds or even thousands of pounds while doing a refurbishment. Every property I purchase is absolutely buggered so I take full advantage of this.

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is this Technique part of your Roads and Pavings Method Statements? included in your ITP Inspection and Test Plans what is the Technique titled? Are there HSE implications for Site Operations? are there Liability obligations for Employers on their Employers zliabilities or Workmens Compensation Insurances? Should it be banned? Credit to Steve Calvert

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Good morning all and I hope you are all well . As you can see I’m still hospitalised until Monday when I have my surgery 😀. What an eye opener it is and how very lucky we are to have the NHS . How the staff put up with some folk is commendable. Todays reading is ( Keeping Recovery Fresh ) Well believe me , my recovery has grown whilst being in here . I’ve had to work my programme more than ever . 1 thing I cannot do is get complacent. Whilst I’ve been laid up I’ve connected with other patients sharing my story and listening to there’s . Recovery comes first and if I stick with recovery I will continue to get well Love and respect to all 🙏❤️💪 Jay June 29 Keeping recovery fresh Complacency is the enemy of members with substantial clean time. If we remain complacent for long, the recovery process ceases. Basic Text, p. 84 = After the first couple of years in recovery, most of us start to feel like there are no more big deals. If weve been diligent in working the steps, the past is largely resolved and we have a solid foundation on which to build our future. Weve learned to take life pretty much as it comes. Familiarity with the steps allows us to resolve problems almost as quickly as they arise. Once we discover this level of comfort, we may tend to treat it as a rest stop on the recovery path. Doing so, however, discounts the nature of our disease. Addiction is patient, subtle, progressive, and incurable. Its also fatalwe can die from this disease, unless we continue to treat it. And the treatment for addiction is a vital, ongoing program of recovery. The Twelve Steps are a process, a path we take to stay a step ahead of our disease. Meetings, sponsorship, service, and the steps always remain essential to ongoing recovery. Though we may practice our program somewhat differently with five years clean than with five months, this doesnt mean the program has changed or become less important, only that our practical understanding has changed and grown. To keep our recovery fresh and vital, we need to stay alert for opportunities to practice our program. = Just for today: As I keep growing in my recovery, I will search for new ways to practice my program.

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Morning team hope all are well ✅🧩☘️ Follow on part 2 of the video I’ll scream it I’ll shout it and I’ll scream it some more because some just do t want to hear it 🤔 If you buy land or a property where the sold ppsm( price per square meter) is £€2,400 and you whack an extension on or build the new home and the build cost is £€2,400 you do understand that you have added value to the property just not for you ,you’ve added the value for the buyer as they haven’t to go through the pain of the build Plus and there is always a plus your borrowing costs ticking away eating away at that 25% so you see learning from a builder is key to reducing build costs to increase your percentage ratio less on build more on margin 👌🏻 In order to make profit as a developer it all has to start with the numbers, but I’m seeing clients bring sites/houses to me for review and the numbers have it dead in the water before we label the spread sheet with the site address It’s so simple to understand once you know what your looking for here goes Your build cost is £€2,400 Your development area wants to be selling for at least £€3-3600 building in a min this giving you your min buffer of 25% witch then help you getting your money out upon refinance or making your profit for sale and it is that simple yo understand when at the laptop doing your due diligence,you’ve have heard you make your money when you buy well you also make money when you don’t buy Some of the best deals are the ones you don’t do as you will lose your shirt at it when you don’t understand the elements that come after getting the keys that’s when the real work start Keep pushing the deals are there don’t massage the numbers ✅🧩☘️ If you need help understanding or sticking deals Please reach out Lorcandonaldson.com

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Today is #WorldSuicideDay 💚 Kier Construction have been delivering Toolbox Talks across the South as part of our commitment to improve and raise awareness on Mental Health. Workers in construction are at some of the highest risk of suicide. In 2021, 507 construction workers died by suicide, which equates to an average of 2 workers a day. That is why we start these conversations and we raise awareness. By starting conversations we can stop the stigma and encourage people to talk more openly. I'm standing with Samaritans this #WorldSuicideDay 💚 Only 45% of people are comfortable talking about suicidal thoughts - it's time we change that. Find out more about how you can be part of this change 👉 https://bit.ly/34sfcMK

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