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Office maintenance mistakes that can hurt productivity and profits

Helen Greaney
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Office maintenance mistakes that can hurt productivity and profits

The physical maintenance of your office space easily becomes an afterthought when the
focus is on processes and profit, but you ignore issues at your cost.

Small issues can have a big impact on staff productivity and run up unnecessary expenses that eat into revenue.

Common office maintenance mistakes are often easy to avoid and can help ensure employee well-being and support long-term business success.

1. Dismissing temperature issues

Dispute over a couple of degrees on the thermostat might seem ridiculous, but temperature
can have a real impact on employee comfort and concentration. Too warm, and you risk
sending staff to sleep.

Too cold, and you’ll find that teams are dismal and distracted, sitting in coats rather than looking polished. Neither of these gives a good impression if customers or prospective clients come for a walk around.

If your heating system is outdated, it could be worthwhile doing an overhaul.

Look at new boilers from leading brands and a smart thermostat for greater precision when setting the temperature.

Smart systems can accurately assess the temperature in real time and make minor adjustments to maintain consistency. You can also set up zones and have different target temperatures in locations across the office, allowing you to tailor conditions to the purpose of each space.

Modern systems are more energy efficient too, saving you money while ensuring stability.

2. Ignoring small repairs

Minor maintenance issues rarely stay small for long. A leaking tap or cracked floor tile may
seem harmless at first, but if neglected, it could become a lasting problem or larger expense,
and a potential safety issue that could cost you thousands in legal expenses.

Employees use the office the most, and so are in the best position to spot issues. Encourage
staff to stay aware of their surroundings and set up a reporting system, so they can easily
flag potential problems to the right people.

When issues are raised, investigate as soon as possible, especially if there’s a risk to health and safety. If you don’t employ in-house maintenance staff, take the time to research local companies and develop a good relationship with reliable contractors who will provide trustworthy advice and work at the best price.

3. Forgetting employee impact

Office maintenance directly affects wellbeing, even when problems appear routine. Poor lighting or a flickering bulb causes eye strain during screen-heavy tasks or can spark
migraines that pause work completely.

Noise from faulty air conditioning units or gurgling pipes can gnaw at concentration throughout the day, losing you more time than you might imagine. This ultimately leads to less work being done and unhappy staff, which can contribute to high turnover and reputational damage.

Run regular surveys about the office environment, requesting feedback and ideas for
improvements. While you don’t have to implement every suggestion, addressing common
complaints and upholding sensible ideas will win you much respect and help you maintain a
healthy, happy relationship with employees. Even minor changes can have a major impact
when they demonstrate that you’re listening to staff views and taking an interest in wellbeing.

4. Overlooking sustainability

Many companies still treat sustainability as a branding exercise instead of a priority, but the
fact is that you need to be considering it in every aspect of your business to stay competitive.
That includes your physical workspaces.

As part of the government’s target to hit net zero carbon emissions by 2050, rules around commercial property energy efficiency are being tightened, and clients and investors are keen to see that they’re partnering with companies with strong sustainable values.

Outdated buildings with inefficient internal architecture will contribute to a bigger carbon
footprint, interrupting your efforts to be more green. Something as simple as switching to
LED bulbs will noticeably reduce energy use over time. Larger projects could include
upgrading heating setups to renewable energy options like heat pumps or solar-powered systems.

 

Author Reed Lovac publishes new collection of dark fiction short stories

Helen Greaney
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Author Reed Lovac publishes new collection of dark fiction short stories
Established author Reed Lovac has released a new book comprising four short stories centred around an ancient item of clothing, exploring themes drawn from life events and dark fiction.
The Goatskin Coat is a selection of stories centred around a mysterious jacket, made from the skin and hair of Angoran goats, with strange ancient symbols on it.

It soon becomes clear that it was once worn by a terribly, evil being and is steeped in the blood of innocent souls. The wearer of this artefact becomes shrouded in an evil force and they are capable of creating utter devastation.

The gripping stories cover everything from Devil worship, soul gathering and blood soaked escapades and are told over a span of 21 years.

Lovac, also known as Nat Coverdale, has targeted his latest release at those aged 18 or over. He has been writing since 2008 and has published four books so far.

The 56 year old said: “My writing comes from years of experiencing events that have shaped me as a person, and I wanted to share this with others through these stories.

“The latest book is called The Goatskin coat. It covers four short stories surrounding an ancient item of clothing. A thing so powerful it grants your hearts desire and also corrupts you into doing evil things to people.

“There are four main characters, loosely based on pieces of people I have met in the past.”

Explaining where the idea of the book came from, Lovac added: “I had already written three stories in long format called The Mortal Dean Trilogy. I wanted to show that I was capable of writing in both long format and short format styles. The result turned out to be a very capable piece of work that I am extremely proud of.

“I asked a question. Why as a good person, does it take forever to get what you pray for? When it seems bad people get an immediate response to their evil actions. Almost always with devastating consequences.

“I asked this question and then wrote these stories. So, as the characters wore the coat, the answers would be found within these stories. That is how The Goatskin Coat came to be.”

The Goatskin Coat is designed by White Magic Studios and published by Maple Publishers, a UK-based publishing company. It is now available to purchase from major retailers such as Amazon.

Scotland’s Jane Mann writes first children’s book for grown-ups

Helen Greaney
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Scotland’s Jane Mann writes first children’s book for grown-ups
Drawing on a life-long love of the mysteries of the natural and folkloric world, Jane Mann has released her first children’s book for group-ups.
Readers of Together in Electric Trees will dive into the hidden world of a small Scottish hill – home to faeries, ghosts, ancient trees and beasties.
As a child, Jane, who was born in Aberdeenshire, voraciously read anything she could find on nature, the unexplained, folklore and the supernatural. She has always believed we live in a magical world full of the miracles of nature.
The 55-year-old’s debut book is a heart-warming tale designed to make readers fall in love with the woodlands again. The story follows the adventures of a neurodivergent girl named Anna and her shy attempts to save the world, one tree at a time.
While Anna plants an apple tree by a haunted holy grove, we also follow Earthworm Jimmy and his band of beasties on an incredible, perilous journey across a construction site.
Devastated by the global destruction of nature for profit, Jane is on a mission to encourage a new generation of introverted “Eco-warriors” – young or simply young at heart – to take the initiative to help nature locally. She said: “Even a small act of kindness can mean life instead of death to a fellow creature.”

Together%20in%20Electric%20Trees%20by%20Jane%20Mann Front%20Cover
Jane’s unique, pun-laden style offers a whimsical entry into the world of rewilding. She said: “Scotland is said to be the world’s most haunted country.
“I wanted to explore our lost history and mixed religions through the medium of ghosts. Our history has been dark at times, and I wanted to lighten that mood with humour.”
“Written in an accessible style to accommodate neurodivergent readers, Together in Electric Trees is easy to read—but very difficult to put down.”
Jane mulled over a very basic idea for a book for a couple of years before taking the plunge. Having graduated from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen in early December 2024, Jane felt she should do something with her Degree in Media and began researching her book idea by Christmas.
After four months of research and planning the story line, she took another eight months to write. “It was as if it had been sitting there waiting to be written and I could not write quickly enough as it poured from my head faster than I could type,” said Jane. “It was the most fun thing I’ve ever done and I am already researching my next book,” she added.
The next book will focus on the twelve days of Yule, set on ‘Mither tap’, part of the Bennachie mountain range in Aberdeenshire, where we will see a return of some characters, and a host of new ones.
Together in Electric Trees is the first of many books to be published by UK-based Maple Publishers. The book is now available to purchase from worldwide major retailers, such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart and Indigo.

The Lost Jem by Mia Cannell offers uplifting story of hope through adversity

Helen Greaney
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The Lost Jem by Mia Cannell offers uplifting story of hope through adversity

Author Mia Cannell has published The Lost Jem, a novel exploring themes of self-discovery, resilience and finding hope while navigating the difficulties of modern life.

The novel, The Lost Jem, aims to show readers that no matter how much things go wrong, it’s important to always have faith that things will work out in the end.

It focuses on a woman who has been diagnosed with dyslexia at a very young age called Jemima. The now-22-year-old girl is very quiet, reserved but incredibly daring when she has to be. She is very fond of animals, has a pet Moluccan cockatoo called Peachy and dreams of being an explorer.

She has just graduated from university and is on a mission to find work and spends her free time doing TikTok videos with Peachy while teaching her new songs and phrases.

Jemima, or Jem (as she is referred to in the novel), was raised by her aunt, Rainie – who is always around for her when her parents are not. Despite having a bunch of friends who enjoys spending time with, she is not so lucky when it comes to her love life.

Jem had never once been on a date in her entire life – until meeting mystery man Ezra, also known as The Birthday Boy, when he came to visit on the night of her seventh birthday.

Later, she meets him again in another world called Slythorne after he left some coincidental clues and she followed him. But there are secrets that she doesn’t know about yet.

The%20Lost%20Jem%20by%20Mia%20Cannell Front%20Cover

Speaking of her latest work, Mia said: “Ever since I have been able to walk on two feet, my brain has always been able to conjure up lots of imaginary things and ideas. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of three and things were never easy for me as my brain can find it difficult to catch up with all of the information that it is given needing more time to process what people say to me and how I feel about different things such as dealing with anxiety and depression as well.

“I wasn’t very good at writing properly until I got the hang of it. That was when I first started talking to my stuffed animals and my friends from the Inside World – that was the only safe place I felt like I could be myself and I am grateful to have it when it comes to dealing with harsh realities of life.

“That’s what inspired me to write this novel.”

Mia says her husband is also a huge inspiration when it comes to her writing. The 29-year-old added: “My husband has been diagnosed with dyspraxia and he inspired me a lot. He has given me great support since the beginning of our relationship. He is the reason why I should never give up my dreams and I should always believe in myself.”

The novel has been published by Maple Publishers, a UK-based publishing company, and is now available to purchase at major retailers such as Waterstones and Amazon.

'We built a railway in our garden – our house is now unsellable or worth triple'

Gabriel
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0

1 SWNS MINIATURE RAILWAY 03 147907

Dave Walker, 54, and his wife Angela, 55, built the 400m track by hand over seven years

A train-mad couple say their house is now either unsellable or worth triple after building a miniature railway in their garden. Dave Walker, 54, and his wife Angela, 55, finally finished the 400m railway last summer after seven years’ of building work.

The couple, from Clacton in Essex, had flattened their quarter-of-an-acre garden to make way for a marquee for their wedding reception in August 2017.

While toying with the idea of laying some track for a small garden railway, Dave and Angela decided bigger was better. Putting a pin in plans to update their 1980s kitchen, the Walker’s began construction on the 1,312ft-long miniature railway.

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The five-figure project boasts five engines with four lines, a tunnel and the track which runs the entire length of their garden and across their driveway.

Dave, who works in the wedding and events entertainment industry, said: “Our house is either now unsellable or worth triple. Most people think we’re mental. They must think: ‘Are they living the dream or are they mad?’.

“Our kitchen is from 1988 and you don’t go to your deathbed thinking, ‘God, I loved my kitchen’. You go thinking about how you built that railway in your garden and how fantastic it was, all those summers with a fruit cider in hand, driving a train around.”

Dad-of-two Dave received his first train set from his grandfather when he was five-years-old and loved the railways ever since. Two rooms of his and Angela’s detached home are dedicated to a model railway and their garden full of memorabilia dating back decades.

The pair married on August bank holiday in 2017, hosting their wedding reception in their garden which they cleared to make room for a marquee.

Dave, who is also a DJ, said: “We started to have an idea of a garden railway where you can run miniature steam locomotives which come along and brings you a bottle of beer.

“But I said to Angela I wanted the next thing up, one that carried real, full sized people. At the beginning of 2018, I said it was basically a toss up between that new kitchen she wanted and a miniature railway. Angela said we’ve already got a kitchen so I said I’ll go and get my spade.”

Building began in the June, 2018 and the first line was completed in September – 50m-long in a oval shape. The five-inch gauge railway now has four lines with five locomotives, all working on car batteries at 24vlts, thanks to Ride On Railways in Romford.

Built by the couple from hand, the garden also has a wooden workshop, a metal shop built to look like a signal shop and an engine shed.

Dave, who is a keen gardener alongside Angela, explained: “We wanted a garden first, then have the railway running through. Our track is made of rail and the sleepers, with the rail mostly second-hand.

“Our sleepers are roofing batten soaked in preservative and the track sits on top of red granite chippings. If we had to move from here, the track could be lifted and someone would be left with some very expensive garden path.”

The railway also has a tunnel, three stations in the back garden with one dubbed ‘Walker’s Wedding’, and the track even runs through the fence panel through to the front of the home.

The couple plan to build a river beneath the track, moving closer to completing their wish-list of having a bridge. The garden is also home to a full-sized steam engine chimney which was cast in 1928 – and decorations such as frogs, gnomes and dinosaurs.

Angela, who used to work in a primary school, said: “No miniature railway will ever be finished. There’s still be to tweak. Our friends and neighbours think we’re mad.

“But when you walk in the from the side entrance and the garden reveals itself, that is a magical moment. We didn’t want a railway with a few plants here and there, we wanted to garden to be stunning in its own right.

“But I still haven’t got my new kitchen. I’ve jazzed ours up with stickers over boring beige tiles. There was an advert for Wickes on the TV showing a really old 1980s kitchen with the doors hanging off – that still is my kitchen. The doors aren’t quite hanging off.”

Dave said they hoped to attract other rail enthusiasts and open the garden on a ticketed-basis to raise money for charity. He added: “I lost track of how much money we’ve spent years ago but it would be at the top end of five figures.

“It’s so much fun. We’ve had delivery drivers in to drive trains around the garden, including some who brought us a double bed. An hour later they were still here – just in the garden on the trains. The locomotives require oiling and cleaning but it’s not any different to maintaining a petrol lawnmower.”

As for advice Dave would give to anyone wanting to build their own miniature railway, he said: “Without any doubt at all, have a very understanding partner.”

Dunelm sale shoppers race to buy 'gorgeous' storage solution with 'plenty of space' before reducion ends tomorrow

Gabriel
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0 Ottoman white 4

“Gorgeous ottoman, looks great at the end of the bed. Plenty of storage inside”

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Dunelm shoppers don’t have long left to save money on stylish and practical homeware additions which are currently reduced. The high-street retailer is offering up to 50% off more than 1,200 items in its clearance sale until midnight on Wednesday, May 20.

Among the reduced offerings is the Murray Storage Ottoman Sherpa. Those who have already got their hands on the piece insist it offers ‘plenty of storage inside’ while boasting a ‘modern’ look, perfect for homes with both contemporary and more traditional interiors.

Dunelm’s Murray Storage Ottoman usually costs £149 but is currently available with a decent saving. This brings the price down to a modest £119.20, offering a reduction of 20%, or £29.80.

READ MORE: Luxury £55 bedding set reduced to £22 that ‘looks better without ironing’ is a ‘winner’

READ MORE: Dunelm shoppers rush to buy ‘gorgeous’ £20 retro bedding ‘seen on BBC Traitors’

The Murray Storage Ottoman combines comfort with functionality, offering a plush seating surface and ample storage space in one stylish package. Upholstered in soft sherpa fabric in a soothing ivory hue, it adds warmth and texture to any room.

The generous storage compartment provides the perfect solution for tidying away blankets, pillows, or other household items, helping you maintain a clutter-free. The ottoman comes ready assembled and measures H 46cm x W 107cm x D 44cm.

Elsewhere, Dusk has reduced the Didsbury Boucle Curved Storage Bench to £143 down from £179, offering a saving of £36. The concealed storage compartment provides space for blankets, pillows, books, clothing, and anything else you want to keep tidy.

This versatile piece can be used as extra seating in your living room, a statement piece in your bedroom, and even a resting place in your hallway. Its minimalist contemporary design complements a wide range of interior styles.

Alternatively, Sainsbury’s Habitat’s Leo Fabric Storage Ottoman comes in at £55. It is designed to give you somewhere to sit, somewhere to store, and somewhere to rest your feet, all in one compact piece.

Pop the lid on and it’s a comfy padded stool for perching when you need an extra seat. Lift it off and there’s a fully lined compartment inside that’ll hold 30L of clutter, from magazines and remotes to throws and toys.

Back at Dunelm, the Murray Storage Ottoman Sherpa has racked up an overall star-rating of 4.6 out of five based on 10 reviews. One satisfied shopper said: “Lovely ottoman, good storage space. We’ve got the matching stool too.”

A second wrote: “Lovely storage ottoman. Very sturdy and well made and lovely material. Fits perfectly and matches the smaller storage stools in the same range.”

“Very happy with my purchase,” a third penned. “Lovely ottoman perfect for my bedroom. Nice neutral colour matches everywhere.”

One shopper, however, wasn’t as impressed with the Murray Storage Ottoman Sherpa and gave it a four-star review. It reads: “Funky ottoman, great storage, lightweight, simple colour. Pity it does not have a hinged lid.”

“Colour not as shown,” a three-star review mentions. “Disappointed with the colour, it is not what was shown, it is a greyish white.”

But another loved their latest Dunelm purchase, adding: “I have been looking for an ottoman for storage in the bedroom for ages but many of them are rather blah. I was struck by the modern design of this ottoman and the colour was a perfect match for the carpet.

“It is a bit narrow but was enough for my needs.” Another five-star review reads: “Gorgeous ottoman, looks great at the end of the bed. Plenty of storage inside.”

How to make sure your business bounces back after a cybersecurity attack

Helen Greaney
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How to make sure your business bounces back after a cybersecurity attack

You’ll rarely see a cyber breach coming. In a matter of moments, everything you’ve
built could be put at risk, leaving you to pick up the pieces.

But while the damage might seem insurmountable, there are clear steps you can take to recover and even come out stronger on the other side. Here’s how you can minimise the fallout and get back on track.

Contain the damage and understand your legal obligations

The first thing to do when an attack hits is to contain the damage. Disconnect any compromised systems from the network to prevent further spread. If you suspect personal data has been breached, you’ll need to act quickly.

Under UK GDPR, you must report certain types of breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) within 72 hours. Use the ICO’s self-assessment tool to determine whether the breach requires formal notification. If it’s a case of fraud or cybercrime, report the incident to Action Fraud or the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Ignoring these obligations can result in hefty fines, so make sure to act fast. At this stage, it’s also worth consulting a solicitor. Having legal guidance can make sure your internal investigation remains protected from potential litigation down the line.

Recover systems and data

Once you’ve contained the attack, it’s time to focus on recovery. Before you begin restoring systems, verify the integrity of your backups. If attackers encrypted or corrupted your backups, restoring them could bring the threat back into your environment.

After that, apply any necessary patches to address vulnerabilities that may have allowed the breach in the first place. Only then should you reconnect your systems. When you do restore your network, don’t forget about security protocols like a company-wide password reset.

Consider enforcing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across your organisation as a first step towards strengthening your defences.

Communicate with stakeholders

Cyberattacks have a ripple effect. Beyond your systems, your business relationships and reputation are at stake. Transparency is key. Keep employees in the loop to prevent rumours from spreading. Use a script for customer-facing staff to ensure consistency in messaging.

For customers, explain the incident in clear, non-technical terms, stating what data was affected and how you’re addressing the issue. For suppliers, inform them if your compromised systems could potentially expose their networks to risk.

Managing communication with stakeholders effectively can help restore trust, which is harder to rebuild than the systems themselves.

Conduct a post-incident review

Once you’ve recovered, it’s important to review the incident thoroughly. What went wrong? Was the breach due to a human error, like a phishing email, or a technical issue, like outdated software? By answering these questions, you can update your risk register and identify weaknesses in your security posture.

This is also the time to consider Cyber Essentials, a UK government-backed scheme to help businesses protect themselves from common cyber threats. If you haven’t already, applying for this certification can signal to your customers that you’ve bolstered your defences.

Bolster your defences going forward

It’s tempting to view a cyberattack as something that’s behind you, but the reality is that it could happen again. To avoid falling victim to the same attack twice, invest in long-term cybersecurity measures. Managed firewall services could be key to this strategy, providing round-the-clock monitoring to stop threats before they even reach your systems.

Along with these tools, make cybersecurity a part of your business culture. Instead of treating it as an annual tick-box exercise, provide your team with ongoing security training. A workforce that’s aware of the latest threats is your first line of defence.

In the aftermath of an attack, it’s crucial to act fast and stay informed. By following
the steps above, you’ll not only bounce back but also improve your cybersecurity
resilience for the future.

Why Regular Compressor Servicing Is Essential for Business Operations

Helen Greaney
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Why Regular Compressor Servicing Is Essential for Business Operations

Compressed air systems play a critical role across many industries, powering machinery, tools, production equipment, and automated systems. From manufacturing facilities to automotive workshops, reliable compressor performance is essential for maintaining efficiency and avoiding costly downtime.

Regular compressor servicing helps businesses keep equipment operating safely, efficiently, and reliably while extending the lifespan of valuable machinery.

Why Compressor Maintenance Matters

Air compressors operate under demanding conditions and are often used continuously throughout the working day. Over time, components naturally experience wear and tear, which can affect performance and energy efficiency.

Without proper servicing, businesses may encounter problems such as:

  • Reduced air pressure
  • Increased energy consumption
  • System leaks
  • Unexpected breakdowns
  • Higher repair costs
  • Reduced equipment lifespan

Routine maintenance helps identify small issues before they become major operational problems.

The Benefits of Regular Compressor Servicing

Preventative servicing offers several important advantages for businesses that rely on compressed air systems.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Compressed air systems can account for a significant portion of industrial energy usage. Even minor faults, such as air leaks or clogged filters, can increase operating costs substantially.

Regular servicing helps maintain:

  • Efficient airflow
  • Correct pressure levels
  • Optimal system performance
  • Lower energy consumption

Efficient systems not only reduce costs but also support sustainability goals.

Reduced Downtime

Unexpected equipment failure can disrupt production schedules and impact profitability.

Routine servicing allows engineers to identify worn components and potential faults before they cause breakdowns. This proactive approach helps minimise costly downtime and maintain operational continuity.

Extended Equipment Lifespan

Air compressors represent a significant investment for many businesses. Regular maintenance helps protect that investment by reducing unnecessary strain on internal components.

Serviced compressors often operate more reliably for longer periods, delaying the need for expensive replacements.

What Is Included in Compressor Servicing?

The exact servicing requirements depend on the type and size of the compressor system, but routine maintenance often includes:

  • Inspecting filters and separators
  • Checking oil levels and quality
  • Testing pressure settings
  • Inspecting belts and hoses
  • Identifying air leaks
  • Cleaning cooling systems
  • Monitoring overall system performance

Comprehensive servicing ensures the compressor continues operating safely and efficiently.

Common Signs a Compressor Needs Servicing

Ignoring early warning signs can lead to larger and more expensive problems later.

Increased Noise Levels

Unusual noises may indicate worn bearings, loose components, or internal damage.

Reduced Air Pressure

A drop in pressure can affect tool performance and production efficiency, often pointing to leaks or internal wear.

Excessive Heat

Overheating may result from blocked filters, poor ventilation, or lubrication issues.

Higher Energy Bills

Rising energy costs without increased production output may suggest the compressor is working inefficiently.

Industries That Rely on Compressor Systems

Compressed air systems are used across a wide range of sectors.

Manufacturing

Manufacturers use compressors to power machinery, automation systems, and production equipment.

Automotive Workshops

Compressed air is essential for spray painting, tyre inflation, pneumatic tools, and lifting systems.

Construction

Construction businesses rely on portable compressors for powering tools and equipment on-site.

Food and Beverage Production

Many food production facilities use compressed air systems for packaging, processing, and automation.

The Importance of Preventative Maintenance Plans

Many businesses choose ongoing maintenance agreements to ensure compressors receive servicing at appropriate intervals.

Preventative maintenance plans can help businesses:

  • Reduce emergency repair costs
  • Improve equipment reliability
  • Maintain warranty compliance
  • Schedule servicing around operations
  • Ensure regulatory compliance

Planned servicing also provides greater peace of mind for operational teams.

How Professional Servicing Improves Safety

Compressed air systems operate under high pressure, making proper maintenance important for workplace safety.

Professional servicing helps identify risks such as:

  • Pressure leaks
  • Damaged hoses
  • Faulty safety valves
  • Electrical issues
  • Overheating components

Regular inspections support safer working environments and reduce the risk of equipment-related incidents.

FAQ

How often should compressors be serviced?

Servicing frequency depends on compressor type, usage levels, and manufacturer recommendations. Many systems require servicing every few months or after a set number of operating hours.

Why is compressor servicing important?

Regular servicing helps improve efficiency, reduce breakdowns, extend equipment lifespan, and lower operating costs.

Can poor maintenance increase energy consumption?

Yes. Air leaks, clogged filters, and worn components can significantly increase energy usage.

What are the signs a compressor needs servicing?

Common signs include unusual noises, overheating, pressure drops, oil leaks, and rising energy bills.

Is preventative maintenance better than emergency repairs?

Yes. Preventative maintenance helps identify issues early, reducing the likelihood of costly breakdowns and production downtime.

Conclusion

Compressed air systems are essential for many industrial and commercial operations, making reliability and efficiency extremely important. Regular compressor servicing helps businesses reduce operational costs, minimise downtime, improve safety, and extend the lifespan of critical equipment.

By investing in preventative maintenance and professional servicing, organisations can ensure their compressed air systems continue supporting productivity and long-term operational performance.

 

Funeral celebrant register introduced amid concerns over industry standards

Helen Greaney
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Funeral celebrant register introduced amid concerns over industry standards

A newly launched national register of approved funeral celebrants and officiants aims to improve transparency and professionalism within the funeral sector, where concerns over standards and safeguarding have continued to grow.

The Funeral Officiant Authority (FOA), founded by experienced celebrants Sacha Mulligan and Michelle Harvey, aims to introduce clearer professional standards for those conducting funeral ceremonies across the UK.

The organisation is launching an initial pilot scheme in the South-East of England and plans to expand nationally, with the longer-term goal of establishing a recognised benchmark for funeral officiants nationwide.

Currently, there is no formal regulation preventing individuals from conducting funeral ceremonies without recognised training, vetting or accountability processes.

The launch follows wider industry concerns surrounding safeguarding, transparency and professional oversight within the sector.

The FOA will operate as a voluntary national register of vetted officiants and celebrants and will be overseen by a board including experienced officiants, funeral directors, legal professionals and sector specialists.

Alongside the register, the organisation is also launching a public awareness campaign, “Let’s Talk About Death”, aimed at encouraging greater openness, professionalism and public confidence around funeral services.

Under the proposed standards, all officiants listed on the register will be required to:

  •  Hold DBS checks
  • Meet minimum training and competency standards
  • Maintain appropriate insurance
  •  Adhere to a formal complaints and accountability process
  • Commit to ongoing professional development and compliance monitoring

The FOA is also calling on government, political parties, funeral providers and insurers to support the introduction of clearer professional standards across the sector.

Sacha Mulligan, co-founder of the Funeral Officiant Authority, said: “We co-founded the Funeral Officiant Authority after more than six years of work to create real protection, accountability, and meaningful support for both the families we serve and the celebrants who support them.

“Every benefit, standard, and safeguard has been built to ensure families, celebrants and funeral directors have somewhere trusted to turn to, and somewhere concerns can be properly raised and addressed.”

Michelle Harvey, co-founder of the FOA, added: “The Funeral Officiant Authority (FOA) is dedicated to helping families find trusted, professional officiants to deliver meaningful and personal funeral services.

“The FOA provides access to approved officiants who are experienced, compassionate, and fully DBS certified for complete peace of mind. Through its carefully maintained database, the FOA is committed to supporting families with dignity, care, and professionalism during life’s most difficult moments.”

Thousands still dying from asbestos exposure decades after UK ban, research warns

Helen Greaney
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Thousands still dying from asbestos exposure decades after UK ban, research warns

More than 25 years after asbestos was banned in the UK, the material continues to cause around 5,000 deaths annually, according to new findings from Shield Services Group. Experts say the ongoing dangers linked to asbestos exposure are still not fully recognised.

  • 5,000 UK deaths every year are linked to asbestos. More than road traffic fatalities
  • 1.5 million buildings still contain asbestos, including around 80% of schools
  • The Health and Safety Executive reports 20+ tradespeople die each week from past exposure
With around 5,000 deaths annually, asbestos remains the leading cause of work-related fatalities in Great Britain, surpassing many other widely publicised health and safety risks. Despite this, the material remains widespread, embedded in an estimated 1.5 million buildings nationwide.

The danger is not confined to ageing industrial sites or large demolition projects. In reality, the greatest risk often lies in everyday environments – schools, offices, homes and in routine maintenance work where asbestos-containing materials are unknowingly disturbed.
Schools present one of the starkest examples. Around 80% of UK schools are believed to contain asbestos, raising ongoing concerns about long-term exposure risks for staff, contractors, and pupils.

Meanwhile, tradespeople continue to pay the price. According to the Health and Safety Executive, more than 20 workers every week die from diseases caused by past exposure.

For Shield Services Group, the data points to a critical issue: inconsistent standards across the industry, particularly when it comes to smaller-scale work.

Luke House, Chairman of Shield Services Group, said: “The numbers should be a wake-up call. Five thousand deaths a year isn’t a legacy issue as it’s happening right now.

“What’s most concerning is where the risk still exists. It’s not just on major demolition sites, it’s in everyday buildings and smaller jobs where asbestos is often overlooked or underestimated. That’s where people are being exposed.
“If the industry is serious about reducing these figures, we need to treat every job, no matter how small, with the same level of care, control, and accountability.”

Shield Services Group delivers asbestos removal across projects of all sizes, from single-property works to complex commercial sites, reflecting the reality that exposure risk does not discriminate by project scale.

Alongside this, the company is embedding social value into its operations, ensuring that asbestos removal also contributes to local employment, training, and community outcomes.
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