OECD slams UK literacy rates

Teenagers growing up in the United Kingdom are some of the most poorly educated in the developed world, a worrying report has suggested. Young people between the ages of 16 and 19 have only the most basic ability in English and Maths, it has been revealed. In addition, the report found low numeracy and literacy skills in 9 million people of working age.

Voice Search: Another Route to Competitive Advantage

To some, voice search is a stupid idea, a fad that will never take off. After all, who would want to have their searches broadcast to the world? To others, however, voice search is a window to the future – something that makes us feel tech savvy, and as if we’re commanding our computers or mobiles like we’re a part of a Star Trek episode.

3 Beauty Essentials for the Busy Professional

There is no doubt that we are a time-strapped generation and, for women in particular, it can be difficult to find precious minutes in which to fit everything in. This means that a good beauty regime and helpful beauty tools, tips and tricks are essential, especially if you are a high-powered corporate jet-setter who doesn’t have time to keep reapplying or touching up your makeup. With that in mind, here are three beauty must-haves to help you maintain your fabulous look whilst still managing to get everything else done!

RIBA Reports Growing Demand for Home Extensions

Value of Home Extensions

Choosing a home extension can be an excellent money saving alternative to moving, in addition to providing extra space at any stage of home ownership. If done properly the added value to the property can exceed the cost of the extension. According to Barclays, the average return-on-investment (ROI) for building a 30m2 extension is currently estimated at £156,000 for a typical £475,000 home in London and £14,000 for a typical £180,000 home in the rest of the UK. Designer kitchens and en-suite bathrooms remain the most popular types of extension, while keeping properties current is cited as the top reason for planned improvements.

Software testing: still the poor brother in 2016?

Software testing is perhaps the least glamorous part of software development. All too often, as deadlines are looming, developers are forced to ‘just code’ and hope that their software works. This approach is counter-productive and it is unfortunate that it still persists in this day and age.

Retro flooring: Three classic choices

If you say “retro” to someone, they might think “outdated” or maybe “kitsch”, but if you call it “vintage” or “classic”, the same thing suddenly becomes desirable. Whilst modern is very popular at the moment when it comes to home décor, vintage/retro/classic is also very much in style.