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● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

Guest Post | Re-vamping your living area does not need to involve expensive renovations. You can make a huge change in your home using easy DIY hacks that will cost nothing. Here are ten simple ways to mix things up without spending a fortune.

home diy painting

1. Paint an Accent Wall
A bright hue on one wall could add the ideal focal point to any space. To refresh the space, pick a vibrant colour that goes with your home décor. This project is budget-friendly enough to be tackled in a single weekend.

2. Rearrange Your Furniture
Sometimes, all it takes is looking at a room with fresh eyes. Move your furniture to free up space and give yourself more breathable room. This way, you can change how a room feels for free.

3. Pay Attention to Your Fabrics
One way to determine what can be done differently is by revisiting the fabrics you opted for in your previous decoration, as detailed in Lottoland's article. Switch your throw pillows, curtains, or rug, as they can bring in some new textures and different colours. Buying even little elements adds an expensive look to a room but saves the pocket.

4. Create DIY Artwork
Create some interesting pieces of art by using canvas, paints, and a dash of imagination. You're not only going to save money, but you'll also be able to create a one-of-a-kind décor for your walls.

home decor diy

5. Install New Light Fixtures
A room's mood can be affected to a large extent by lights. Swap old fixtures with fancy lamps or pendants. Luckily, thrift stores and online marketplaces offer a ton of budget deals that will put your imagination to the test.

6. Add Plants and Greenery
Having some plants in your room is one of the best ways to bring vibrancy and life into it. That aside, they also improve the air quality. If you are not very good at nurturing indoor plants, consider buying low-maintenance types. You can spray paint pots and planters to better match the colours of your room, making this an easy way to make a change in your space with very little cost.

7. Declutter and Organize
A home without clutter looks more spacious and welcoming. Spend time decluttering each room and organizing your stuff. Store whatever you can in baskets and bins labelled with what they contain, so that everything has a home to return to. This hack is zero dollars, just a little time and effort.

8. Update Cabinet Hardware 
Adjust kitchen and bathroom cabinets with new hardware. Replace dated knobs and pulls with modern handles for an instant update. This small modification can make such huge difference.

9. Refresh Your Entryway
The entryway is the first impression of your home. Make it welcoming by adding a new doormat, hanging a mirror, or setting up a small table for keys and mail. These simple things can instantly greatly influence how your home looks when you look at the entrance.

home hallway diy

10. DIY Shelving
In addition to wall shelves that can be used for storing items, floating shelves are a design statement. Well, you can make them by yourself with few simple tools and materials. Perfect for displaying books, photos and Decorative items.

Final Words
You don't need a huge budget to refresh your home—some creativity and elbow grease will do the trick. With these simple DIY hacks, you can have a fresh, rejuvenated space without spending any money on costly renovations.
17:47 No comments

 AD| With Mother's Day just around the corner, instead of purchasing any gifts, why not opt for refreshing and restyling your Mother's bedroom to create something special? 

Bedrooms can be such easy rooms to update quickly and affordably. Whatever their preferred home decor and interior style, the bedroom ultimately needs to be a calming and soothing setting, closed off from the busy outside world, for you to be able to relax and recharge after a long day. Decorating the bedroom doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming, as there are a number of quick and easy options to help you give the ultimate cosy and refreshing atmosphere. Here are 6 affordable ways to refresh and restyle the bedroom for Mother's Day.

BEDROOM DECOR

New Paint Colour
Paint is typically one of the most affordable ways to give your Mother's bedroom a whole new look for Mother's Day. By simply giving the bedroom walls a fresh coat of paint can instantly make it feel fresher, brighter and cleaner. Depending on your timescale, you can choose to completely give the entire room a refresh, or just touch up a feature wall in your Mother's favourite colour to make a bold statement.

Flowers and Greenery
Is it really Mother's Day if you don't pick up some flowers or plants as a gift? Springtime is the perfect opportunity to pick up some flowers, as at this time of year they are so vibrant and colourful, they are bound to put a smile on anyone's face. Adding plants to the bedroom will not only help add some colour, but they will also make a focal point. Whether you pick a beautiful fresh bunch of flowers to display on the bedside table, or any piece of greenery to place on the windowsill, it's bound to make a statement.

New Bedding Options
For the ultimate bedroom makeover for Mother's Day, why not opt for some new bedding options to make a cosy, comforting and luxurious statement in the bedroom, especially when you opt for brands like SIMBA. Whether you want to purchase a new mattress, a 3-in-1 duvet, blankets or throws, there are so many options to choose from depending on the bed size you have installed at home. Adding new bedding and accessories to the bedroom can completely change the vibe of the bedroom, and is a really simple way to change up the atmosphere.

bedroom decor ideas


Wall Art and Photographs
Wall art, prints, posters and framed photographs are a really special way of injecting some happiness, personality, and colour into the bedroom space. Wall art and photographs are such a special, sentimental gift that can really help relive old memories from the past.

Home Fragrances and Candles
There are so many benefits to using home fragrances in your personal space, you'd be amazed, and the use of candles is the perfect way to create a welcoming and calm atmosphere in the bedroom. Home fragrance options such as reed diffusers are a great option to consider as they are low-cost, long-lasting and typically come in such a variety of scents, there will definitely be something for everyone. For me, I would probably opt for either a calming/relaxing spa-like scent, something sweet and warming, or even a fresh and fruity fragrance to help fill the bedroom with a strong aroma.


When it comes to candles, again, there are so many options. Candles are a long-lasting option when it comes to filling the room with scent, as they typically burn for numerous hours. As well as smelling great, many candles can be used as decorative accessories in the bedroom, making them a great 2 in 1 gift for Mother's Day.

Lighting
The use of lighting in the bedroom is an easy way to help create a calming and relaxing ambiance. A really affordable way of incorporating soft, subtle lighting in the bedroom is an option for some fairy lights. LED fairy lights are a great option as they do not produce increased heat, they are cool to the touch, and are extremely eco-friendly, so there are simply no risks with using, and they are completely safe to have in the bedroom.

What other ways can you refresh and restyle the bedroom for Mother's Day? What are your affordable home decor ideas?

12:47 No comments
 As more and more clients seek the semi-permanent benefits of professional false lashes, applied by a professional using the 1:1 method, beauticians and salons up and down the UK are always on the lookout for the best products for their clients.

Professional lash kits are crafted from leading PBT silk, which provides a lightweight and flexible finish, ensuring that clients are free from irritation and can benefit from long-lasting false lashes that add both length and volume. But while classic lashes have long been the go-to for beauticians across the industry, we are now seeing an increase in demand for rhomboid-shaped flat lashes. 

This led to us asking: what is it about flat lashes – especially those made from PBT silk – that’s so much better for clients?

eyelashes

Who Are Flat Lash Kits For?
Flat lash kits are designed to be purchased by professional beauticians and salons that offer lash extensions as part of their client treatments. These kits use the finest and highest quality products, enabling beauticians to offer that professional, luxury finish for all clients.

Combined with the right training and armed with advice on how best to conduct the pre-treatment consultation and assessment, flat lash kits can be successfully used to deliver leading treatments to clients seeking a range of different finishes. It all depends on how you use the kit provided…

What Comes in a Flat Lash Tray?
A mixed flat lash tray comes with a range of individual lashes, spanning a selection of different sizes and lengths. This enables the beautician to follow the shape of the eye cleanly, framing the eyes with lashes which offer a natural enhancement, and which feel comfortable and lightweight to the wearer.

Despite the 0.15 thickness, the fact that flat lashes offer more of a rhomboid shape than curled classic lashes means that they feel much lighter and do not inhibit visibility or comfort.

eyelashes kit

The Benefits of PBT Silk Lashes
Whether you opt for flat lash trays or classic lash kits for your clients, you will find that all the most premium lashes on the market are made from PBT silk.

Not only does PBT silk provide a natural flutter and an incredibly realistic aesthetic finish, but it also creates a soft touch finish on the cheeks and around the eyes of every client. With PBT silk, you don’t need to worry about lashes being too heavy or irritating the eye – rather, the soft texture means that clients will barely know they’re wearing false lashes.

This is further enhanced by the 1:1 application method, which again facilitates a much more natural and comfortable finish. Strip lashes can be overbearing and heavy on the eyes, while single lashes enhance as opposed to covering up base lashes.

Suffice it to say, if you’re a beautician or salon looking to improve your treatment offering to clients, this article introduces two main solutions: PBT silk lashes, and flat lashes as opposed to classic ones. Find out more by visiting and chatting with your chosen false lash supplier.
13:16 No comments
Instagram has become a leading platform for businesses looking to enhance their online presence and connect with a global audience. With over a billion active users, Instagram offers businesses a unique opportunity to showcase their brand, products, and services visually. From eye-catching posts to engaging stories, the platform is a powerful tool for building brand awareness and driving sales.

To successfully market your business on Instagram, it's essential to understand the platform’s features and how to use them effectively. In this article, we’ll cover seven practical tips that will help you leverage Instagram’s tools, including Reels, ads, and influencer collaborations, to grow your brand and reach your target audience.

instagram

Optimize Your Instagram Profile for Branding
Optimizing your Instagram profile is essential for building a strong brand presence. Start by using a recognizable profile picture, such as your logo, to ensure brand consistency across platforms. Your bio should be clear, concise, and include relevant keywords that describe your business. Don’t forget to add a call-to-action and a link to your website or a landing page.

Instagram Highlights can also enhance your branding. Organize them to showcase key offerings, such as products, services, or customer testimonials. This provides visitors with quick access to important information, boosting engagement and trust.

Use High-Quality Visual Content
High-quality visual content is key to capturing attention on Instagram. Invest in clear, visually appealing images and videos that align with your brand’s aesthetic. Consistency in colors, filters, and style helps create a cohesive look, which strengthens brand recognition. Consider using professional photography or editing tools to enhance your visuals.

Variety is also important. Mix product shots, lifestyle images, and behind-the-scenes content to keep your audience engaged. Don’t forget to incorporate Instagram’s editing tools, such as filters and stickers, to make your posts stand out and resonate with your target audience.

instagram

Leverage Instagram Reels for Increased Reach
Instagram Reels offer a fantastic way to boost your business’s reach by tapping into a wider audience. These short, engaging videos are designed to showcase creativity and capture attention quickly. Using trending audio, relevant hashtags, and eye-catching visuals can help your content go viral. With the help of an Instagram Reel creator, you can easily craft professional-looking Reels that reflect your brand’s message.

To maximize engagement, focus on delivering valuable content in a concise format. Consider using Reels for product showcases, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or educational content. Experimenting with different formats and leveraging the Instagram Reel creator can significantly increase your visibility and attract new followers to your business.

Create Faceless Reels for Creativity and Anonymity
Faceless Reels are an effective way to showcase your business while maintaining a level of creativity and anonymity. Instead of focusing on people, faceless Reels highlight products, processes, or behind-the-scenes moments, allowing you to tell your brand’s story visually. This format is particularly useful for businesses that prefer not to feature individuals or wish to keep the focus on their offerings.

You can use techniques like time-lapse videos, product demonstrations, or hands-only tutorials to create engaging content. Faceless Reels are versatile, making them perfect for emphasizing your business’s core strengths while maintaining a polished, professional appearance.

Utilize Instagram Stories for Engagement
Instagram Stories are a powerful tool for boosting engagement due to their interactive features and temporary nature. With options like polls, questions, and countdowns, you can encourage followers to actively participate with your content. Stories also create a sense of urgency, as they disappear after 24 hours, prompting immediate interaction.

To keep your audience engaged, use Stories to showcase limited-time offers, behind-the-scenes content, or upcoming events. Regularly posting engaging, behind-the-scenes snapshots or customer testimonials through Stories can increase viewer interaction and foster deeper connections with your audience.

instagram

Run Instagram Ads to Reach Your Target Audience
Running Instagram ads is a strategic way to reach your target audience more effectively. With various ad formats like photo ads, video ads, and carousel ads, you can showcase your products or services in a visually compelling manner. Instagram’s advanced targeting options allow you to reach specific demographics, interests, and behaviours, ensuring your ads are seen by the right people.

To optimize your ad performance, experiment with different formats and monitor results through Instagram’s analytics tools. Setting a clear goal whether it’s increasing website traffic, generating leads, or boosting brand awareness will help tailor your ads for maximum impact.

Collaborate with Influencers and Partners
Collaborating with influencers and partners on Instagram is an effective way to expand your reach and gain credibility. Influencers in your niche already have established trust with their followers, making them ideal for promoting your products or services. Partnering with the right influencers can drive traffic to your page and increase brand awareness.

When choosing influencers, focus on those who align with your brand values and target audience. Consider micro-influencers with engaged, loyal followings. Joint giveaways, product reviews, or sponsored posts can enhance your visibility and boost customer engagement.

Conclusion 
In conclusion, effectively marketing your business on Instagram requires creativity, consistency, and a clear strategy. By optimizing your profile, creating high-quality visual content, utilizing Reels and Stories, running targeted ads, and collaborating with influencers, you can maximize your reach and engagement. Implementing these seven tips will help you connect with your audience, boost brand visibility, and drive business growth on the platform. Start experimenting with these strategies today to enhance your Instagram presence and grow your business.

12:56 No comments
 Want to take your night with an escort to the next level? Why not book a room at one of London’s best hotels? 

London is the perfect place for an overnight stay or long weekend with an escort—and that is down to the fantastic hotels that can be found all over the city. Here are some of the best places to stay in the city—many of them coming highly recommended by the amazing escorts in London that call the city home.  

london hotels

The Ritz
When it comes to luxury in London, few hotels come to mind faster than The Ritz. Located in the heart of Mayfair, this iconic hotel has been one of the most popular places to stay in London since it first opened its doors in 1906. If you long for a bygone era of luxury, then this is the perfect hotel for you—and one that is sure to impress your escort! Here’s a top tip: book one of the Deluxe Suites, which offer stunning views of Piccadilly or Green Park.  

Shangri-La at The Shard
For those who prefer something a little more contemporary, the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard is a must-stay. Located in Western Europe’s tallest building, this hotel provides breathtaking views of London’s skyline. For an extra special treat, dine at the hotel’s restaurant, TĪNG, and enjoy a romantic meal. Sunset makes for an amazing time to do this, but it’s beautiful at any time of the day. It takes dinner with a view to a whole new level!  

london hotels

Claridge's
Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, Claridge's is all Art Deco charm. This hotel has been a favourite among royalty, celebrities for over a century—so you can be sure that the staff value guest’s need for discretion and privacy.  If you want to enjoy a stay that is truly unforgettable, then we recommend the Claridge's Suite. This has a spacious living area and a private terrace overlooking the rooftops of London. You don’t even need to leave your room to experience the wonder of the city!  

The Connaught
Standing on the corner of Mount Street and Carlos Place in the centre of Mayfair, The Connaught is a luxury hotel that tends to fly under the radar. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without travelling out of town though, it’s hard to beat it!  After a day of exploring or enjoying a West End show, you and your escort can unwind with a cocktail at the Connaught Bar. This bar is known for its chic atmosphere and extensive drinks menu.  

Brown's Hotel
Brown's Hotel is one of London’s oldest hotels, and is steeped in history and literary connections. It has hosted the likes of Rudyard Kipling and Agatha Christie—so if you are an avid reader, you’ll love the stories this place has to tell. The hotel is lucky enough to have its own Michelin-starred restaurant, Charlie's. So, if you want to sample some amazing food during your stay, you only have to head downstairs!  

You’re Ready to Book!
With an escort booked through a leading London agency on your arm, you’re all set for an amazing stay in the heart of the capital. So why not make a booking today?  

 
13:40 No comments
 GUEST POST | Treadmills are a fantastic way to stay fit, and having access to one in the comfort of your own home can be a real game changer for your workout routines. Unfortunately, their noise can be disturbing for others. This may not be an issue for some, but many of us have neighbours, housemates or live in flats with other residents above and below us. Whether it's the thumping of feet or the hum of the motor, making use of your treadmill might result in a few complaints from others.

It might not be something you'd immediately think of, but there are various options for soundproofing your treadmill, making your workouts more enjoyable and less intrusive. Presented by AcousticShop, the experts in soundproofing for walls and floors, this handy guide offers tips and tricks for DIY enthusiasts and fitness buffs to reduce treadmill noise.

treadmill

Locate The Source
Treadmill noise often comes from three primary sources; the sound of feet impacting the treadmill deck, the hum and vibrations of the treadmill's motor and the vibrations carried through the floor and walls. There are steps you can take to reduce the sound from each of these sources.

Soundproof Your Treadmill
Use a treadmill mat. Treadmill mats help to prevent transferral of shocks and vibrations from the treadmill to the floor, which aids in lowering the overall noise. Spending the right amount on these will increase the likelihood of getting hold of a high quality and effective mat constructed of dense materials like rubber or foam.

Place the Treadmill on Carpet
There's no harm in doubling up to reduce noise, and a thick carpet underneath a treadmill mat can reduce noise even further - whether it's a fully carpeted floor or a rug. Once again, carpets and rugs absorb sound and lessen vibrations, providing an additional layer of insulation.

Use Isolation Pads
AS the name suggests, isolation pads - sometimes referred to as anti-vibration pads - are designed to isolate and absorb vibrations. Placing these pads under the treadmill's feet can greatly reduce the noise transferred to the floor below.

Lubricate the Treadmill Belt
As with any piece of motorised technology, your treadmill needs to be looked after. Regular lubrication of the treadmill's belt reduces friction, lowering both motor noise and the sound of the belt moving. Before you reach for the WD40, it's best to follow your treadmill manufacturer's recommendations for what you should use for the job, and how often you should use it.

treadmill

Soundproof the Room
Some might consider this overkill, but you could take steps to increase the effectiveness of your efforts by soundproofing the entire room. Again, this might be a little too far for most, especially if you only have the treadmill, but if you have other equipment like weights or a rowing machine, this might be worth considering. 

Fixing some acoustic panels to the room's walls is a great place to start, but you could also consider adding weatherstripping around doors or using heavy, sound-absorbing curtains to reduce noise.

Use a Treadmill Quiet Kit
Some manufacturers offer kits designed to reduce treadmill noise, which typically include isolation pads, lubricants, and quieter belts.

Change your Running Habits
Running barefoot or with lightweight shoes can greatly lessen impact noise when compared to heavier footwear. Additionally, though it might seem obvious, you'll want to pick the best times to jump on your treadmill; not everyone enjoys late nights or early mornings. Running on an incline also makes less noise compared to running on a flat surface.

If noise is still an issue, think about switching to quieter training equipment like ellipticals or exercise bikes, which generally make less noise. But, if you're dead set on using a treadmill at home, these soundproofing methods will help you create a more enjoyable training environment while still maintaining harmony with your family and neighbours.
16:32 1 comments
Suffolk is a beautiful place, and it is so popular with holidaymakers - whether they’re from overseas or enjoying a staycation. Here’s what makes the county so beloved, and how you could benefit from getting in touch with holiday letting agents in Suffolk to rent out your property. 

countryside trees

Beautiful Countryside
Suffolk's countryside is a major draw for visitors. Rolling hills and meandering rivers down to the stunning coastline, it has something to offer everyone. The county has some amazing cycle routes, so those who love to get out and explore on their bikes will be very happy indeed. RSPB Minsmere is a beautiful nature reserve that boasts everything from bitterns to deer, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. 
A Rich History and Heritage
Suffolk has a rich history. The town of Lavenham, often referred to as England's best-preserved medieval village, will transport visitors back in time with its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. Bury St Edmunds, with its impressive cathedral, is another historical highlight. There are so many wonderful towns to explore along the coast as well, each with their own local history and culture. 
Culture
Suffolk also has a thoroughly vibrant cultural scene. The county hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and literature to food and drink. The Aldeburgh Festival is a world-renowned classical music event that attracts visitors from far and wide. The Snape Maltings, a centre for music, art and shopping, is a cultural hub offering year-round events and exhibitions. So, culture vultures will feel very at home! 
countryside

Food and Drink
No holiday is complete without great food and drink, and Suffolk does not disappoint in this regard. The county is famous for its produce, and you can sample it anywhere, from a farmer’s market to an award-winning restaurant. In fact, there are several Michelin-starred eateries in the county, with The Unruly Pig and Watson and Walpole being two of the best. Of course, the coastal towns are renowned for their fish and chips, and there are so many fantastic pubs serving local ales. 
Letting Your Property in Suffolk
Given Suffolk's popularity as a holiday destination, letting your property is a great move! Taking care of everything involved in this yourself can be challenging though - so why not leave the hard work to a lettings agency? They will be able to market your property to an established client base and handle everything from bookings and queries to guest management before, during and after their stay. You’ll be able to enjoy a steady income from your home, at times of the year when it suits you. No wonder so many other Suffolk property owners are doing the same! 
Your Next Steps
Suffolk has so much to offer, and this has made it an enduringly popular destination for holidaymakers. For property owners like you, this means that you can start earning from a property that might otherwise be sitting empty. So, what are you waiting for? 
22:27 1 comments
 GUEST POST | As summer hits its peak, there's no better time to get involved in the annual Cycle to Work Day, taking place on August 1st. This initiative encourages people to swap their car keys for bike helmets, promoting the benefits of cycling, including the significant cost savings and improved health on offer.

In May 2024, private plate specialists Regtransfers published an article around Walk to School Week, revealing that families could save over £400 a year - and reap serious health benefits - simply by walking all, or part, of the way to and from school. In a similar vein, Cycle To Work Day provides yet another perfect opportunity to weigh up the potential benefits and savings on offer as a result of changing from car to bike for your work commute.

CYCLE TO WORK

How much money could you save by cycling to work?
Unless you’re working fully remotely, the majority of UK employees travel further to their place of work than children do to school. As a result, the potential for saving on fuel, parking, tyre wear and other car-running costs is greater. Some journeys will be too far to be practical by bike, of course, but a 2022 survey by Project Solar showed that three quarters of the UK’s employed population travel around 10 miles or less to work.

In 2022, Cyclescheme estimated that cycling to work could save you £750 per year. Not long after, that figure increased to an impressive £1,262 annually. These savings come from reduced fuel costs, lower vehicle maintenance, and fewer parking expenses. Essentially, the further you cycle, the more you save.

What are the health benefits of cycling?
Beyond the financial perks, cycling offers numerous health benefits. Peer-reviewed studies highlight that cycling helps maintain a healthy body weight, reduces blood pressure, and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease by 24% and cancer by 16%.

Mentally, cycling can reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being. It's a full-body workout that promotes fitness and boosts your mood, making it a win-win activity.

CYCLE TO WORK

What is a cycle to work scheme?
For the past 25 years, the UK government has backed schemes encouraging people to cycle to work. Poor fitness and lack of exercise has been earmarked as an aggravating factor to the increasing load placed on the already-struggling NHS, and cycle to work schemes offer a solution beneficial to the population’s health. What’s more, these schemes also reduce traffic congestion, pollution and emissions - all key elements that can help drive the country toward net zero.

Cycle to work schemes offer a means of getting a bike and associated accessories through an employer, who signs up to the official scheme. In theory, everyone benefits from involvement - you, your employer, the government and the NHS. 

Benefits to you
Amazingly, using a cycle to work scheme could see you save up to 42% on the cost of a bike and accessories, spreading the cost over time. You can also get the cycle and accessories of your choice. As mentioned, cycling to work could see you saving money on car fuel and wear and tear on your vehicle. Beyond this, you’ll benefit from improved fitness, wellbeing and overall health.

Benefits for your employer
There’s no cost involved in signing up to the scheme, and your employer could save up to 15.05% in National Insurance contributions for every participating employee. On a more “everyday” level, more employees cycling means less need for employee parking facilities, and a fitter, healthier workforce who, in theory, will take fewer sick days; studies show that people who cycle to work on a regular basis take, on average, 1.3 fewer sick days per year!

Benefits for the Government
As previously outlined, the reduced load on the NHS and reduction in pollution and emissions is a serious benefit to the government, thanks to less traffic and congestion. There’s also the reduced wear on road surfaces to consider, which may save taxpayers forking out for roadworks and repairs.

How does it work?
Cycle to work schemes are a form of "salary sacrifice" - you get a benefit in return for a manageable sum that’s regularly deducted from your salary. In the case of Cycle to Work, the benefit is the bike. Essentially, your employer would buy the bike up-front, and you hire it from them over a fixed period of (usually) 12 to 48 months. At the end of the hire period, you will have the chance to buy the bike from your employer at an appropriate price. That price could be up to 25% of the cost of the bike and any accessories you acquired through the scheme.

The deal is a fair money-saver overall as, under the scheme, you will pay less tax because of the salary sacrifice element. If your gross salary is £1,500 and your salary sacrifice is £100, you won't pay income tax on that £100, as it comes out of your pay pre-tax. This means you’d pay tax and National Insurance on £1,400, rather than £1,500. Over the period of the scheme, the tax savings and total paid for bike rental and final purchase works out to save you money on the price you would have paid had you bought the bike without the scheme. That saving can be up to 42%, although it depends on the individual circumstances. There are savings calculators out there if you’re curious to crunch some numbers.

CYCLE TO WORK

How can you get started?
Check with your employer to see if they have a cycle to work scheme; these days many, if not most, do. If they don't, tell them about the benefits and ask if they'll consider signing up. They may thank you for it! If your employer is already on board, the process will go something like this:
  • Check with your employer to see if there is a limit to the price of bike and accessories under the scheme. Some are capped at £1000, some have no limit. 
  • Pick the bike you want and the accessories you'll need, such as a helmet, lights etc.
  • Tell your employer the cost and, if they ask, the details of what you want to buy.
  • Take your voucher to a participating retailer and exchange it for your bike and gear.
  • Your employer will arrange your salary sacrifice payments.
A bicycle may not replace your family car for longer journeys, collecting the weekly shopping, trips out with the family or travelling in wet weather, but it can certainly offer a great alternative when the distance is reasonable. Ask your employer to consider signing up, give it a try and experience the financial, physical, and environmental benefits of cycling firsthand.
10:57 No comments
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