If you ask most people they will tell you at some point in their life they’ve always thought about building their own home. Unfortunately, most of us although we may dream about doing it, will never actually get round to doing it. 

So what do you need to build your own house…

Budget – Well to start with the first thing you’re going to need is a small pile of cash. Building houses isn’t cheap (otherwise everyone would do it). The cost of a decent plot of land can be anywhere from £50,000 - £100,000. After the land you’ll also need money to pay for lawyers, construction materials, builders, other trade workers and tools.

Planning – Before you can even start thinking about getting the foundations underway you need to go through a number of strict planning phases. The land you’re going to purchase first needs to have planning permission, once you’ve arranged for that you will need to provide plans to the appropriate authority to ensure that your proposed build meets local and national planning regulations.

Design – Art and architecture go hand in hand, and if it’s going to be your dream home then design is key to the whole situation. Again money is really the key to this, if you have enough resources then design is really up to you, your vision and the skill of your architect. However, if you’re unable to go down the Grand Designs route then you can’t really go wrong with a 2up-2down.

Insurance – Most of us have some sort of building insurance; this is broadly split into two sections 1)Building coverage 2)Contents insurance. When you start building your dream home it’s important to make sure that the build is covered every step of the way. Once you’ve completed the build you will still need to cover the building, but as you start to fill the contents of your house you will also need to insure your items.  

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As you wander through the world of work you tend to find that the longer you get in the tooth the more you begin to worry about 'life after work'. For some this isn't really an issue, as they've been fortunate enough to build up a substantial nest egg through annuities and pension funds, but for some the mere prospect of living without a month-on-month paycheque is a daunting prospect. 

So what do you need to do and what do you need to think about as you approach your twilight years?

• Mortgages - most of us will have a mortgage and ensuring that you have a continual income to pay this off is of paramount importance. Not only does a house/flat provide you with warmth and a place to live, but it's also a potential source of revenue and equity should you come to need it later in life.
• Pension - pensions come in all shapes and sizes, some of which can be incredibly complicated, which is why a lot of people are more than a little concerned about investing in them. Another concern has always been the security of these pensions, as horror stories abound with tales of people losing the lot, after certain companies went into administration.
• Life insurance for the over 50's - The last thing you want is to leave your loved ones in a sea of debt, and in particular having had to sit through a funeral funded by state, it's not a position I would ever want to leave to my family. Ensuring that you have adequate insurance can end up paying dividends in the future, especially if your entitled to payouts due to ill health or payment protections for your mortgage.
• Bonds, ISA's and nest eggs - most people tend to mix and match nowadays, with the majority of the population squirreling their money away in a variety of different pots and plans, such as premium bonds, ISA's, property equity and savings accounts.

Remember it is essential that you research and understand the full extent of what you are signing up before you put pen to paper. Mortgage, insurance policies and pension all come with a heap of clauses and small print, each of which could have a significant bearing upon your policy. Remember if you're in any doubt seek independent financial advice on all your available options. 

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Let’s face it, when it comes to demolition, using absurd amount of high-tech equipment and making things go ‘BANG’ is what the crowd really want to see.  And indeed, why take a building apart piece by piece, when you can watch it disappear in a cloud of TNT…

Last week Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles stepped into the demolition arena with a strong contender for the ‘most elaborate V8 powered demolition award of 2011’, by yanking down a 67m high chimney in Reading, weighing approximately 140tonnes.

The mission was successfully completed by attaching 200m ropes to the back of four VW Amarok pickups. It certainly gets our vote, but can it stay the course and take the title – take a look and decide… 

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In a scheme intended to inject some lifeblood into the housing market, the government is once again trying a first time buyer revival for those locked out of the markets. However, there is a significant difference in that the new scheme is only applicable to mortgages for newly built homes, unlike traditional mortgages for first time buyers like this one from Ulster Bank, which will allow you to invest in any property as long as you meet the financial requirements.

Known as the 'FirstBuy shared equity scheme' this will act as a replacement for the Government's previous shared equity scheme known as HomeBuy Direct, which ended in January 2011. The new programme will allow first time buyers to contact and approach new-build sites participating in the scheme as early as September 2011

To enter the scheme prospective buyers will need to front up a 5% deposit, before taking out a shared equity mortgage for 75% or 80%. The remainder of the mortgage will then be funded by a shared equity loan of up to 20%. Buyers should be aware that 5% deposit can erode if the value of the property decreases significantly.

This shared equity loan is repayable on the sale of the property along with 20% of any increased value of the property.  One integral benefit of the scheme is no interest will be charged on the shared equity loan for the first 5 years, after which a low interest rate of 1.75% over inflation will be charged.

However unlike a joint ownership or shared ownership mortgage, the shared equity loans enable a first time buyer to be the sole owner of the property. The FirstBuy equity loan is offered equally between the house-builder and the Government.

First time buyers can find out more about which properties are available on this basis through their local HomeBuy Agent or any new house-building projects taking part or promoting the FirstBuy shared equity scheme.

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This week a firm from Bradford was found guilty and fined, after a lapse in training and safety standards led to the amputation of a 22yr old casual worker’s hand. According to the report the worker was told to operate the ‘press brake’, a machine used to bend plates of metal and notorious for causing accidents, but was only given 10 minutes training. Whilst operating the machine an electronic motion guard employed to stop the ‘press brake’ failed to work, the result of which led to the industrial accident.  

The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) prosecuted the company for breaching Regulation 11(b) of the 1998 Provision and Use of Work Regulation Act:

11.—(1) Every employer shall ensure that measures are taken in accordance with paragraph(2) which are effective—

(a)to prevent access to any dangerous part of machinery or to any rotating stock-bar; or

(b)to stop the movement of any dangerous part of machinery or rotating stock-bar before any part of a person enters a danger zone.  

By failing to maintain adequate safety measures resulting in an injury at work and the amputation of a worker’s hand, the firm was found guilty of negligence, fined £12,000 and ordered to pay legal costs.

In a statement Paul Newton, an inspector from the HSE, said: “The dangers of working with press brakes are well known in the industry, and there have been many instances of workers being seriously injured. That's why these machines are fitted with guards to prevent access to the danger zone. In this case, the company's failure to ensure these guards were effective had tragic consequences."

According to HSE figures there were over 7million work related accidents recorded last year, 4,000 of which were caused by contact with moving machinery and 25% resulted in major injuries. For more details on work related accident claims, pursuing a negligence case or advice on amputation claims and specialist services contact Access Legal for more details. 

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Financial recessions are always difficult to cope with. As the economy retracts, families and individuals often tighten their belts and batten down the hatches, in order to weather the fiscal storm – The decision to consolidate and hunker down is often caused by job insecurities, inflationary pressures and the general understanding that the consequences of a recession cannot be simply waved away with a magic wand or fixed overnight.

One of the sectors hardest hit by the recession has been the charity sector. During 2009 52% of the organisations interviewed said that they’d been seriously affected by the economic downturn, most of whom admitted to already implementing cost reduction plans. Yet, despite the hardships, it appears that UK citizens are still doing their best to help charities. This year Comic Relief took a record £74.3m, the highest amount reached in the charities 23 year history.

UK companies are also holding on to their charitable credentials, supporting organisations and community projects up and down the country. This week Coutts & Co, the UK based investment management firm, announced that they would be supporting Canine Partners as their charity of the year. On their website the group stated that they were committed to the sterling work conducted by the charity and intended to raise in excess of £10,000 through a number of fundraising events across the year.

The government is also continuing to support charities during these hard times. In a recent Cabinet Office post, the government announced that 183 charities and organisations would be receiving funding worth nearly £15m from the newly created Transition Fund. The scheme is reputedly part of a £107m fund aimed at helping charities face the current financial challenges. 

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Visa Information

Holidaymakers wishing to visit India must obtain a visa before entering the country. Foreign nationals entering on long term visas must register their stay at the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Officer within 14 days. 

Holidaymakers are allowed to visit neighbouring countries should they have the appropriate documentation, but after leaving India passports will be stamped and re-entry to the country is barred for the next two-months, subject to an appeal with the Indian High Commission or Consulate.

Health Information

All visitors to India are advised to carry fully comprehensive medical insurance. Hospitals outside of major cities are not up to UK standards, especially when it comes to psychiatric related illnesses.

Holidaymakers are advised to seek out GP advice before embarking on a trip to India, due to prevalence of diseases such as Malaria and Dengue. Travellers are advised to only drink boiled or bottled water. Avoid drinks with ice and salads.        

Travel Information

Despite a number of Foreign Office warnings regarding terrorism, the majority of India appears to be relatively safe to travel in. In recent weeks heightened security has been in place due to the Cricket World Cup, because of this heightened state visitors to India are advised to put aside additional time for checking in/out of hotels and airports.

Due to local and geo-politics the Foreign Office is continuing to advise UK citizens against all travel to the Jammu, Kashmir and Srinagar areas.  

The city is currently served by Hyderabad International Airport. For more information on Etihad flights to Hyderabad from European and international locations click through for more details.

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City dwellers may already know this, but on January the 3rd 2012, in an attempt to become a cleaner and less polluting city, London is set to introduce the LEZ: a Low Emission Zone, aimed at reducing the city’s carbon footprint.

The scheme initially commenced on the 4th of February 2008, but several sections of the new legislation have yet to be phased-in. However, despite rumours that the controversial Phase 3 would be delayed, it appears that the new LEZ conditions, which will involve tighter restrictions on virtually all automobiles passing into the Greater London area, is set to go ahead from next year.

In a recent statement, London’s eccentric mayor Boris Johnson announced that a number of packages and incentives had been agreed upon, with a number of prominent vehicle manufacturers, including Volkswagen UK.

In a speech the Mayor of London said: “The vast majority of people who are affected by these new changes to the London Low Emission Zone have upgraded their vehicles and need not take any action. But for those remaining people I know these are difficult times and that their vehicles are essential for their livelihoods.  I want to do all I can to help... I am pleased to announce I have secured a hefty package of deals with major van manufacturers such as Volkswagen which will help Londoners trade up their used vans for newer, cleaner models.”

Stage 3 of the LEZ will start on the 3rd of January next year; all large vans, pick-ups and 4X4’s registered as new before Jan 2002 will be subject to the LEZ charge. For more information on the LEZ and on what vehicles will be subjected to the charge, see the designated LEZ page on the Transport for London website. For more information on Volkswagen package deals see the VW website or contact your local dealership for more information.    

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Located on the banks of the Musi River and the Deccan Plateau, Hyderabad is India’s sixth most populous city. Established in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the 5th sultan of Golkonda, the city soon grew into prominence during the Asaf Jah dynasty, later gaining the moniker ‘city of pearls’, due to the expansive local pearl drilling trade.

In recent years Hyderabad has also picked up the nickname ‘Cyberabad’, after an influx of prominent IT firms, such as Microsoft, Google and Oracle, opened headquarters there. The city is also well known for biotechnology and pharmaceutics industries, due to the 600 Sq. Kms area known as Genome Valley.

Attractions

Golkonda – The ancient capital of the Golkonda Kingdom is situated 11km west of Hyderabad. The ancient city, now in ruins, was the heart of Andhra Pradesh state for centuries, until the area was conquered by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1687. The Golkonda fort is fabled for its perfect acoustic system, in which a single clap at the main gates could be heard at the top of the citadel, situated 300ft high up into the hills.  

Qutb Shahi Tombs – 1km from the Golkonda fort lays the tombs of the seven Qutb Shahi rulers. The domed tombs stand on a raised platform, and consist of a mix of Persian, Pathan and Hindu styles. The first tomb of Sultan Quli Qutub ul Mulk was constructed in 1543, the remaining tombs were constructed throughout the Qubt Shahi dynasty, and the latest royal tomb was built in 1626.  

Nehru Zoological Park – Located near the lake of Mir Alam Tank, The Nehru Zoological Park is India’s largest zoon and one of the most visited destinations in all of Hyderabad. The 380 acre park contains a wide selection of over 100 species and contains an artificial nocturnal house. 

Birla Temple, Naubat Pahad – Situated in Hyderabad, the Birla Mandir is a modern masterpiece, constructed entirely from white marble and dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, a form of the Hindu God Vishnu. The temple was consecrated in 1976 and took 10 years to build. 

Flight Information

The city is currently served by Hyderabad International Airport, built in 2008 the airport claims the longest runway in India, as well as the tallest air traffic tower. According to the ASQ, Hyderabad Airport ranks within the top 5 global airports, as voted for by passengers. A number of airlines currently operate out of Hyderabad International Airport including Etihad, the national carrier of Abu Dhabi. For more information on flights to Hyderabad from Chicago, Abu Dhabi and other European and international locations click through for more details.

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Online banking provides a number of helpful banking perks. If you happen to move home there is no need to re-arrange your billing address, or local bank details as you can log in from anywhere. Everything stays the same, regardless of location. You can also set up direct debits and pay bills online just like a traditional bank through an online only account.

If you are nervous about safety there is no need to worry. Online bank interfaces tend to be more technically proficient, user friendly, and most importantly, safer then traditional banks that happen to offer online services. Quick and [helpful banking] services are always something customers will desire, so an online only bank must have a very high standard of quality and security when it comes to online interfaces because this is their primary source of business.

However there are a few drawbacks. If you write a lot of cheques, or need the convenience of a traditional banks ATM's then it would be advisable not to consolidate all of your income into online banking. Although you can withdraw money from other banks ATM machines or the network affiliated with the online bank, there will most likely be fees associated with that withdrawal.

Usually you can set up a direct deposit with your employer, or just link the online account to the one at your main bank so you can transfer money back and forth. This might make it easer to balance the convenience of traditional banks and rates of an online only one.

If the online bank is not one you have heard of, make sure it is FDIC insured before you sign up. It's important to remember to weight to pros and cons of each system and to choose the one best suited to your banking needs.

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The Scandinavian boffins at the Volkswagen ad department in Norway came out with a great little iPhone app and feature this week for their latest print advertisement campaign. The app, which is only available at the Norway Apple App Store at present, allows users take a virtual test drive across the print ad landscape through the use of augmented reality - In layman terms this means that you can use your phone and pretend to drive the car across the ad.

It’s a nifty little piece of kit and it uses state of the art technology to make it all possible, but although it’s original and neat, it’s not exactly very practical – Still, a good little idea and one that’s caused quite a buzz across the net., though if you really want to test drive a Volkswagen van or car then hit the appropriate site or contact your nearest VW retailer.

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April is fast approaching, with it as always comes the usual ‘end of the tax year’ palaver, which this year includes over 45 changes to the benefit and tax system. As part of the coalitions budget deficit reduction scheme a number of important changes are being made this year to help scale back the country’s record debt.

Income Tax

Last year during the emergency budget the Chancellor announced that nearly half a million people will be lifted out of the tax system altogether, due to £1000 increase in the personal tax allowance. As of April the 6th low earners will now have a personal tax allowance of £7,475, instead of £6,745.

To redress the books and to aid revenue the government has also re-jigged the 40% income tax rate. According to the IFS over 750,000 will now have to pay 40% on all earnings over £35,000. This does not include the recent introduction of the 50% rate which was controversially implemented in the last Labour administration.

National Insurance will also be increased this year from 11% to 12% for all those on an income larger than £817 a week.

Benefit Changes

The benefit system is currently in the midst of a major overhaul. This year a number of benefits are either being removed, cut, reworked or rebranded in an effort to reduce spending and encourage a less benefit dependent society.

One of the major changes to the system has been the introduction of a means test for incapacity benefit. Anyone wishing to claim income support must now go through an employment and support allowance test.

Child benefit is set to be frozen for the next three years, on top of that the Child Trust Fund has been axed and changes have been made to maternity & paternity benefits.
Housing benefit has also been significantly curtailed. From April the 6th housing benefit will be capped, depending upon the number of bedrooms being claimed for.  

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Now some of you might not know who this, but let me assure you, every hippy and festival-goer under the sun worships this man – he’s the man that built the stone circle and he’s the man who introduced the world to the pyramid stage and the green fields; yes, every year for 5 days in June he arguably becomes the coolest, most loved man in the whole of Somerset (unless you happen to live nearby) – he is Michael Eavis, the owner and creator of Glastonbury Festival.

According to Eavis, the majority of letters arrived in the dead of winter and as there was little else to do on the farm at the time he decided to personally take up the cause. In a matter of weeks Mr Eavis had managed to save the store, renegotiate the shop rent with the local estate agents, as well as finding the store a private backer for the next three years. In a statement Mr Eavis said "There is a limit to what I can do but it was my quiet time in the winter as we couldn't do anything on the farm, so I thought 'this is something I can do' so I just enjoyed doing it."

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With the New York Fashion Week all finished, it’s time to look across the ocean and get yourself ready for the wave of UK designers ready to show off all their latest innovations at the London Fashion week.

Just like last season, the British Fashion Council's HQ, located at Somerset House, will be the venue for all London Fashion Week's shows, the majority showcasing in the courtyard marquee.

More unusual, creative, and potentially secretive locations are planned for the off-site catwalks however. In the previous season Erdem constructed a venue in Bedford Square, creating an ethereal atmosphere in the sunshine and greenery.

Not everyone can attend these events however, but rest assured, as fashion goers can still get a digital front row seat to the action with Live Streaming and movie updates from the event on the London Fashion Week website.

This year the event is sponsored by a host of companies, from Cannon the principle sponsor, to a whole host of others, including Coutts the investment services bank, DHL, the London Evening Standard and Mercedes-Benz.

Over the next few days you will also be able to see such designers as Jaeger London, Prorsum, Peter Pilotto and more. For the veterans to the scene, the heritage labels always worth checking out, and UK has some of the best there is.

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They’re at it again folks: Designers and artists simply can’t get enough of concepts cars, this time the boys and girls from the Volkswagen engineering department have gone all out with a collection of fresh new designs for the future.

One particular Tron like design caught my eye and that’s the new L1 Concept, a lightweight diesel-electric hybrid made out of aluminium and carbon fibre, weighing a tiny 380kg. According to the designers the “driving experience shares more in common with an aircraft than a car” due to its middle positioned front seat and steering wheel.

Another new concept from VW, Europe’s largest producer of cars and vans, is an unusual take on a family mini-van: The VW Up, according to the concept designers is a versatile little motor which attempts to make the full use of space and reduce unnecessary gimmicks. The van comes in a variety of models, including more spacious models and hybrids.

The last concept has to be my favourite and it looks like the designers have played a little too much Grand Theft Auto because they seemed to have designed the ideal BF Injection, otherwise known by the VW designers as the Concept T. This great looking buggy again has a centrally positioned steering wheel and allegedly “harmonises the fascination of a thoroughbred sports car with the variability of a true off-roader”     

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Even though it’s been three years since the 2007/08 financial meltdown, the full implications and consequences of the economic collapse are still only just coming to light.

This week the FSA (Financial Services Authority) completed a long awaited review into the practices and standards of investment and independent financial advisors. As a result of the FSA’s commission, all financial advisors must now hold accreditation as of 2013. To practice as an independent financial advisor participants must now sign an official code of ethics, as well as holding the correct up-to-date qualifications.

The result of the FSA report comes a week after Barclays Bank was fined £7.7m by the FSA for giving customers poor financial advice over the Aviva Global Balance Income Fund. Prior to the 2007 financial collapse hundreds of investors were advised to divest their accounts of retirement and savings funds, in exchange for a cautious-to-medium investment.    

During the financial crisis hundreds of investors in the fun lost 40-50% of their original investments. Fortunately for most of those involved Barclays has now paid out nearly £17m in compensation, the FSA predicts that a further £42m could be paid out as a result the ombudsman rulings.   

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What do you call an Australian with a 100 next to his name?....   a bowler.

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