#construction tenders uk

[besttenderinuk]

Tender Search and Management Portal in UK

In today's competitive marketplace, businesses are constantly on the lookout for opportunities that can propel them forward. One key avenue for growth, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is the tendering process. Navigating the labyrinth of public and private sector tenders can be daunting, but the advent of sophisticated tender search and management portals is transforming how businesses find and manage these opportunities in the UK. This blog post delves into the burgeoning world of tender search and management portals, exploring their benefits, key features, and how they are reshaping the procurement landscape.

Understanding Tender Search and Management Portals

Tender search and management portals are digital platforms designed to streamline the process of finding, bidding for, and managing tenders. These portals centralize information about available tenders, simplifying the search process for businesses. They also offer tools to help manage the bidding process, track deadlines, and ensure compliance with tender requirements.

Why Are Tender Portals Important?

Increased Accessibility: Tender portals make it easier for businesses of all sizes to access a wide range of opportunities. Instead of manually searching through various sources, companies can use a single platform to find relevant tenders.

Time Efficiency: The automation and centralization provided by these portals save businesses significant time. Automated alerts and reminders ensure that no important deadlines are missed, and streamlined submission processes help avoid last-minute scrambles.

Improved Accuracy: By providing a standardized platform for submission, these portals help reduce errors and ensure that all necessary documentation is included. This increases the likelihood of a successful bid.

Enhanced Competition: With easier access to opportunities, more businesses can participate in the tendering process. This not only levels the playing field but also fosters healthy competition, which can lead to better value for public and private sector buyers.

Key Features of Modern Tender Portals

Advanced Search Capabilities: Modern portals offer robust search functionalities, allowing users to filter tenders by industry, location, contract value, and other criteria. This ensures that businesses only see opportunities relevant to their specific capabilities and interests.

Automated Alerts: Users can set up notifications for new tenders that match their criteria. This proactive approach ensures that businesses are always aware of new opportunities as soon as they arise.

Bid Management Tools: Many portals provide tools for tracking and managing bids, including submission timelines, document management, and compliance checks. These features help streamline the bidding process and ensure all requirements are met.

Reporting and Analytics: Advanced analytics capabilities offer insights into bidding performance and market trends. Businesses can use this data to refine their strategies and improve their chances of success.

Integration with Other Systems: Seamless integration with CRM and ERP systems allows businesses to manage their tenders alongside other operational processes, further enhancing efficiency.

Leading Tender Portals in the UK

Several tender portals are prominent in the UK, each offering unique features and benefits. Some of the leading platforms include:

Contracts Finder: A government portal that provides access to public sector contract opportunities and is ideal for businesses looking to work with the UK government.

Tenders Electronic Daily (TED): The online version of the Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union, which lists tenders across Europe, including the UK.

BidStat: A platform known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive search functionalities, catering to a broad range of industries and sectors.

Find a Tender (FTS): A platform specifically for public sector contracts in the UK, offering detailed search and bid management features.

Best Practices for Using Tender Portals

To maximize the benefits of tender portals, businesses should consider the following best practices:

Regular Monitoring: Frequently check the portal for new tenders and updates. Setting up automated alerts can help keep you informed without the need for constant manual checking.

Complete and Accurate Submissions: Ensure that all required documents are included and that submissions are complete and accurate. Double-checking the details can prevent costly mistakes.

Leverage Analytics: Use the analytics tools provided by the portal to analyze bid performance and market trends. This data can inform your bidding strategy and help identify areas for improvement.

Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with changes in procurement regulations and portal features to ensure compliance and take full advantage of the portal’s capabilities.

Conclusion

Tender search and management portals are revolutionizing the procurement landscape in the UK, offering businesses of all sizes an efficient and effective way to discover and manage tender opportunities. By leveraging these platforms, companies can enhance their bidding processes, improve accuracy, and ultimately increase their chances of securing valuable contracts. As the marketplace continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest developments and best practices in tender management will be crucial for businesses looking to thrive in a competitive environment.

[pejasurveying1]

Comprehensive Bill of Quantities Services | Accurate Construction Cost Estimation - PEJA Surveying

Discover PEJA Surveying's expert Bill of Quantities services, essential for precise construction cost estimation and transparent tendering. From itemised materials to labour costs, we streamline budgeting and support equitable bidding. Our Quantity Surveyors ensure accuracy, cost control, and project success with tailored BoQ solutions.

[definitelynotabirthblog]

About me:

30s/F. UK. Bi. Birth kink for as long as I can remember. Only recently have I stopped being ashamed of it and started to explore and enjoy writing about it, hence this blog. I am open to requests but absolutely no promises.

I really appreciate constructive feedback about my stories so if you reblog or like, please also consider leaving me a comment.

I don't RP as I am in a committed relationship and consider it to be cheating.

Birth stuff I like:-

Heterosexual relationships especially if the male is hot and has an authoratitive role. I have a bit of a teacher/vicar/doctor kink.

Older man/younger woman or daddy/daughter dynamics. Incest fine as long as all characters are consenting adults.

Graphic descriptions of the body. For instance, of the vulva during crowning. Give me details.

Anatomically correct terms e.g. labia majora, perenium, etc. I don't mind terms such as "pussy" and "cunt" but there is something about using the actual names for body parts that I really like.

Inconvenient births.

Sensory detail. Descriptions of noises, sights, textures and even smells and tastes.

Consensual sexual activity during labour and birth. Including anal.

Loving and tender relationships between a couple. Kisses, cuddles, massages, etc.

Poop. I'm not fully into the scat fetish (e.g. smearing it) but I enjoy reading and writing about it in the context of a someones bowels naturally emptying when they push, for instance. The same goes for pee.

I'm actually pretty vanilla in the birth kink community and love well-written but typical, bog-standard "woman pushes a baby out" births.

Birth stuff I don't like:-

Anything non-consensual.

Birth denial.

Non-fiction. I think it's weird to post footage or photos from actual births in the context of a fetish blog.

Anything non-human such as aliens laying eggs, etc. It's just not for me. Adult humans only.

Child abuse.

Baby death or pregnancy loss.

Mpreg.

Clothing birth.

LGBT relationships in the context of birth erotica. I am very liberal and accepting in any other contexts but I've yet to find a fic involving it where it turns me on despite being bi myself (I do appreciate the irony of this).

[scotianostra]

On 20th September, 1967, the QE2 launched from John Brown’s yard in Clydebank.

By the end of the 1950s, discussion over the replacement of the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth was taking place. The decision to replace the ‘Queens’ was deemed to be of national importance and as such a special committee, known as the Chandos Committee was created to advise the Government and to determine whether such a project was economically viable. Originally Cunard had wanted to build two new liners with the help of a Government subsidy, however the committee’s report proposed that the Government loan Cunard £18 million towards the construction of one vessel. The project became known as ‘Q3’ and six British shipyards were asked to tender – this prestigious project was a huge opportunity for home based shipbuilders to construct a transatlantic liner.

The new ship, code-named was built by John Brown & Company Ltd, Clydebank (later Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Ltd) and scheduled for May 1968. On 20th September 1967 the keel was launched by Queen Elizabeth II and the ship was named Queen Elizabeth 2. She was the last Atlantic Ocean Liner of it’s kind to be built in the UK.

QE2’s maiden transatlantic crossing set sail on 2 May 1969. She was well received by the American public, and became a profitable ship in her early years of service. During her first season, Cunard were able to repay £2.5 million of the Government loan. Her dual purpose design had allowed QE2 to thrive where her transatlantic counterparts could not.

In January 1971 while cruising in the Caribbean, QE2 received a distress call from the French liner Antilles. Antilles had run aground off the coast of Mustique in the Grenadines and caught fire. Being a fast ship in close proximity to the Antilles, QE2 went to her assistance.

However, by the time the QE2 arrived the passengers had been taken ashore. Antilles passengers and crew were brought aboard QE2 and taken to Barbados. As a testament to the quality of service offered aboard QE2, some of the Antille’s passengers booked subsequent cruises on the Cunarder.

In May 1972, while at sea during a transatlantic crossing, Captain William Law received notification that there was a bomb aboard QE2. Cunard took this threat very seriously and alerted the British Government who sent a bomb disposal unit out to the ship. Bomb disposal experts parachuted into the sea close to the ship and were brought aboard by QE2’s tenders. After a full sweep of the ship, the all clear was given as it turned out to be a hoax.

Later the FBI arrested the culprit for making similar threats against Pan American Airways. The bomb disposal teams were awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct.

As QE2’s cruising popularity increased and in response to the ongoing decline in shipping traffic on the North Atlantic, Cunard reduced the number of transatlantic crossings that QE2 took. The company maintained a strong summer presence on the Atlantic, however shifted the focus for the ship towards cruising. This saw QE2 undertake her first world cruise, an event that was well received – QE2 undertook a further 25 world cruises during her career.

Queen Elizabeth 2 was retired from active Cunard service in November 2008. She had been acquired by the private equity arm of Dubai World, which planned to begin conversion of the vessel to a 500-room floating hotel moored at the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.

Following a multi-million-dollar investment programme, the 13-deck ship has been restored to her former glory and today serves as a world-class entertainment, tourism, hotel and dining destination in Dubai.

[beardedmrbean]

Hundreds of Tibetans protesting against a Chinese dam were rounded up in a harsh crackdown earlier this year, with some beaten and seriously injured, the BBC has learnt from sources and verified footage.

Such protests are extremely rare in Tibet, which China has tightly controlled since it annexed the region in the 1950s. That they still happened highlights China's controversial push to build dams in what has long been a sensitive area.

Claims of the arrests and beatings began trickling out shortly after the events in February. In the following days authorities further tightened restrictions, making it difficult for anyone to verify the story, especially journalists who cannot freely travel to Tibet.

But the BBC has spent months tracking down Tibetan sources whose family and friends were detained and beaten. BBC Verify has also examined satellite imagery and verified leaked videos which show mass protests and monks begging the authorities for mercy.

The sources live outside of China and are not associated with activist groups. But they did not wish to be named for safety reasons.

In response to our queries, the Chinese embassy in the UK did not confirm nor deny the protests or the ensuing crackdown.

But it said: "China is a country governed by the rule of law, and strictly safeguards citizens' rights to lawfully express their concerns and provide opinions or suggestions."

The protests, followed by the crackdown, took place in a territory home to Tibetans in Sichuan province. For years, Chinese authorities have been planning to build the massive Gangtuo dam and hydropower plant, also known as Kamtok in Tibetan, in the valley straddling the Dege (Derge) and Jiangda (Jomda) counties.

Once built, the dam's reservoir would submerge an area that is culturally and religiously significant to Tibetans, and home to several villages and ancient monasteries containing sacred relics.

One of them, the 700-year-old Wangdui (Wontoe) Monastery, has particular historical value as its walls feature rare Buddhist murals.

The Gangtuo dam would also displace thousands of Tibetans. The BBC has seen what appears to be a public tender document for the relocation of 4,287 residents to make way for the dam.

The BBC contacted an official listed on the tender document as well as Huadian, the state-owned enterprise reportedly building the dam. Neither have responded.

Plans to build the dam were first approved in 2012, according to a United Nations special rapporteurs letter to the Chinese government. The letter, which is from July 2024, raised concerns about the dam's "irreversible impact" on thousands of people and the environment.

From the start, residents were not "consulted in a meaningful way" about the dam, according to the letter. For instance, they were given information that was inadequate and not in the Tibetan language.

They were also promised by the government that the project would only go ahead if 80% of them agreed to it, but "there is no evidence this consent was ever given," the letter goes on to say, adding that residents tried to raise concerns about the dam several times.

Chinese authorities, however, denied this in their response to the UN. "The relocation of the villages in question was carried out only after full consultation of the opinions of the local residents," the Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations office said in a letter from September 2024.

It added: "Local government and project developers funded the construction of new homes and provided subsidies for grazing, herding and farming. As for any cultural relics, they were relocated in their entirety."

But the BBC understands from two Tibetan sources that, in February, officials had told them they would be evicted imminently, while giving them little information about resettlement options and compensation.

This triggered such deep anxiety that villagers and Buddhist monks decided to stage protests, despite knowing the risks of a crackdown.

'They didn't know what was going to happen to them'

The largest one saw hundreds gathering outside a government building in Dege. In a video clip obtained and verified by the BBC, protesters can be heard calling on authorities to stop the evictions and let them stay.

Separately, a group of residents approached visiting officials and pleaded with them to cancel plans to build the dam. The BBC has obtained footage which appears to show this incident, and verified it took place in the village of Xiba.

The clip shows red-robed monks and villagers kneeling on a dusty road and showing a thumbs-up, a traditional Tibetan way of begging for mercy.

In the past the Chinese government has been quick to stamp out resistance to authority, especially in Tibetan territory where it is sensitive to anything that could potentially feed separatist sentiment.

It was no different this time. Authorities swiftly launched their crackdown, arresting hundreds of people at protests while also raiding homes across the valley, according to one of our sources.

One unverified but widely shared clip appears to show Chinese policemen shoving a group of monks on a road, in what is thought to be an arrest operation.

Many were detained for weeks and some were beaten badly, according to our Tibetan sources whose family and friends were targeted in the crackdown.

One source shared fresh details of the interrogations. He told the BBC that a childhood friend was detained and interrogated over several days.

"He was asked questions and treated nicely at first. They asked him 'who asked you to participate, who is behind this'.

"Then, when he couldn't give them [the] answers they wanted, he was beaten by six or seven different security personnel over several days."

His friend sustained only minor injuries, and was freed within a few days. But others were not so lucky.

Another source told the BBC that more than 20 of his relatives and friends were detained for participating in the protests, including an elderly person who was more than 70 years old.

"Some of them sustained injuries all over their body, including in their ribs and kidneys, from being kicked and beaten… some of them were sick because of their injuries," he said.

Similar claims of physical abuse and beatings during the arrests have surfaced in overseas Tibetan media reports.

The UN letter also notes reports of detentions and use of force on hundreds of protesters, stating they were "severely beaten by the Chinese police, resulting in injuries that required hospitalisation".

After the crackdown, Tibetans in the area encountered even tighter restrictions, the BBC understands. Communication with the outside world was further limited and there was increased surveillance. Those who are still contactable have been unwilling to talk as they fear another crackdown, according to sources.

The first source said while some released protesters were eventually allowed to travel elsewhere in Tibetan territory, others have been slapped with orders restricting their movement.

This has caused problems for those who need to go to hospital for medical treatment and nomadic tribespeople who need to roam across pastures with their herds, he said.

The second source said he last heard from his relatives and friends at the end of February: "When I got through, they said not to call any more as they would get arrested. They were very scared, they would hang up on me.

"We used to talk over WeChat, but now that is not possible. I'm totally blocked from contacting all of them," he said.

"The last person I spoke to was a younger female cousin. She said, 'It's very dangerous, a lot of us have been arrested, there's a lot of trouble, they have hit a lot of us'… They didn't know what was going to happen to them next."

The BBC has been unable to find any mention of the protests and crackdown in Chinese state media. But shortly after the protests, a Chinese Communist Party official visited the area to "explain the necessity" of building the dam and called for "stability maintenance measures", according to one report.

A few months later, a tender was awarded for the construction of a Dege "public security post", according to documents posted online.

The letter from Chinese authorities to the UN suggests villagers have already been relocated and relics moved, but it is unclear how far the project has progressed.

The BBC has been monitoring the valley via satellite imagery for months. For now, there is no sign of the dam's construction nor demolition of the villages and monasteries.

The Chinese embassy told us authorities were still conducting geological surveys and specialised studies to build the dam. They added the local government is "actively and thoroughly understanding the demands and aspirations" of residents.

Development or exploitation?

China is no stranger to controversy when it comes to dams.

When the government constructed the world's biggest dam in the 90s - the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River - it saw protests and criticism over its handling of relocation and compensation for thousands of villagers.

In more recent years, as China has accelerated its pivot from coal to clean energy sources, such moves have become especially sensitive in Tibetan territories.

Beijing has been eyeing the steep valleys and mighty rivers here, in the rural west, to build mega-dams and hydropower stations that can sustain China's electricity-hungry eastern metropolises. President Xi Jinping has personally pushed for this, a policy called "xidiandongsong", or "sending western electricity eastwards".

Like Gangtuo, many of these dams are on the Jinsha (Dri Chu) river, which runs through Tibetan territories. It forms the upper reaches of the Yangtze river and is part of what China calls the world's largest clean energy corridor.

Gangtuo is in fact the latest in a series of 13 dams planned for this valley, five of which are already in operation or under construction.

The Chinese government and state media have presented these dams as a win-win solution that cuts pollution and generates clean energy, while uplifting rural Tibetans.

In its statement to the BBC, the Chinese embassy said clean energy projects focus on "promoting high-quality economic development" and "enhancing the sense of gain and happiness among people of all ethnic groups".

But the Chinese government has long been accused of violating Tibetans' rights. Activists say the dams are the latest example of Beijing's exploitation of Tibetans and their land.

"What we are seeing is the accelerated destruction of Tibetan religious, cultural and linguistic heritage," said Tenzin Choekyi, a researcher with rights group Tibet Watch. "This is the 'high-quality development' and 'ecological civilisation' that the Chinese government is implementing in Tibet."

One key issue is China's relocation policy that evicts Tibetans from their homes to make way for development - it is what drove the protests by villagers and monks living near the Gangtuo dam. More than 930,000 rural Tibetans are estimated to have been relocated since 2000, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Beijing has always maintained that these relocations happen only with the consent of Tibetans, and that they are given housing, compensation and new job opportunities. State media often portrays it as an improvement in their living conditions.

But rights groups paint a different picture, with reports detailing evidence of coercion, complaints of inadequate compensation, cramped living conditions, and lack of jobs. They also point out that relocation severs the deep, centuries-old connection that rural Tibetans share with their land.

"These people will essentially lose everything they own, their livelihoods and community heritage," said Maya Wang, interim China director at HRW.

There are also environmental concerns over the flooding of Tibetan valleys renowned for their biodiversity, and the possible dangers of building dams in a region rife with earthquake fault lines.

Some Chinese academics have found the pressure from accumulated water in dam reservoirs could potentially increase the risk of quakes, including in the Jinsha river. This could cause catastrophic flooding and destruction, as seen in 2018, when rain-induced landslides occurred at a village situated between two dam construction sites on Jinsha.

The Chinese embassy told us that the implementation of any clean energy project "will go through scientific planning and rigorous demonstration, and will be subject to relevant supervision".

In recent years, China has passed laws safeguarding the environment surrounding the Yangtze River and the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. President Xi has personally stressed the need to protect the Yangtze's upper reaches.

About 424 million yuan (£45.5m, $60m) has been spent on environmental conservation along Jinsha, according to state media. Reports have also highlighted efforts to quake-proof dam projects.

Multiple Tibetan rights groups, however, argue that any large-scale development in Tibetan territory, including dams such as Gangtuo, should be halted.

They have staged protests overseas and called for an international moratorium, arguing that companies participating in such projects would be "allowing the Chinese government to profit from the occupation and oppression of Tibetans".

"I really hope that this [dam-building] stops," one of our sources said. "Our ancestors were here, our temples are here. We have been here for generations. It is very painful to move. What kind of life would we have if we leave?"

[mistydeyes]

yellow tulip - hopeless love

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summary: Kyle is back for another summer! Soon, you and him fall into a comfortable routine. But what happens when you start to have feelings for the Manchester boy and his radiant charms? Read Part I!

where i picture the reader living

pairing: Gaz x childhood love! fem!Reader

warnings: fluff, mild angst, unrequited love, UK inaccuracies (especially with geography)

🏷️ @the-faceless-bride

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Once Kyle and his mum had left, you spend the next month helping your mother re-pot some flowers to be brought indoors and began your preparations for the winter. She even let you handle shears as she showed you the process of trimming the wildflower garden as they began to wilt under the cooling temperatures. You went back to your small primary school in the next town full of stories about your best friend from Manchester.

Later on in the school year, you were driving your mum crazy as she couldn't give you anything pleasing to bring to show and tell. Flowers were boring because everyone knew she was the flower lady and none of your small trinkets satisfied you. After consulting with Nana, your mum soon let you know she was going to bring over something special. Nana had taken a picture of you both running around after the lemonade incident and you excitedly held it in your hand. Your pigtails were seen mid-air as Kyle chased you, a marigold and petals adorning his short, dark curls. You both were covered in flour and you recognized the signature dark pink stains of the lemonade. Once you were able to give the picture to your mum after admiring it for so long, she placed a dried gardenia flower behind it before pushing it through the laminator. "This one means 'transport of joy' because whenever you're sad, you can look at that picture and think of happier times," she said and kissed your forehead.

As the school year progressed, Kyle would send letters and pictures of him in London. In one photo, you were shocked to see one of his front teeth missing. In the letter he wrote, "I lost it during recess, but I can whistle through it now!" and you laughed at the image of him trying to whistle through the empty cavity.

When the strong green petals of daffodils began to poke their way to the surface, you know it was only a few weeks until Kyle would return for the summer. You had so much to show him, including your notebook filled with pages of flower knowledge (and better handwriting) as well as the crafts you had made in his absence.

It was a warm, beautiful day when you saw his mum's car make its way down the road. You were outside tending to the blossoming wildflowers in the front lawn and making sure they were properly watered. You couldn't help by race beside their car as you saw him approaching. He placed a hand on the window and excitedly waved hi.

It took all of two seconds for him to jump out of the car and give you a big hug. "I missed you so much!" he exclaimed and your mum handed you a small and large bouquet.

"This one is for you, Kyle," you said handing him the smaller one filled with the pure, white, bell-shaped petals of lily of the valley (return of happiness) and you sheepishly walked over to his mum handing her the larger one.

She admired the beauty of the flowers, smelling them deeply and letting out a sigh of happiness. "Mummy, Y/N can tell you what those mean!" Kyle said as he tugged on his mother's skirt.

His mum leaned down and you pointed to the flowers one by one. Your mum had designed this one but she was planning on teaching you all the different ways to construct a bouquet. You described how you had picked justicia (perfection of female loveliness), jasmine (grace and elegance), wood sorrel (maternal tenderness), and finally agrimony (thankfulness). As you spoke, Kyle wrote down, "maternal, elegance, and perfection," something he would be looking up in his dictionary later. She gave you a large hug, thanking you for the wonderful gift. She promised you she would dry them when she returned to Manchester and would cherish it. As Kyle's grandparents emerged from the house, the family gave their final hugs and said goodbye.

So began another summer, one to be remembered. Along with your routine from last year your mother and Nana also trusted you both more with mature tasks. You learned how to organize a range of bouquets while Kyle impressed Nana was his ability to read through recipes that she would be struggling to see with her fading eyesight. At night, his Grandad would teach you how to cup fireflies in your hands and see their radiant glow under the night sky.

You were the happiest you had ever been and the adults enjoyed seeing you and Kyle adventuring through the garden and telling stories of mystical forests and fairytale characters. He even taught you how to swim in the local pond, something he had learned that school year. He laughed as you accidentally got water up your nose and were sneezing profusely. But soon the summer days would become shorter and the early morning chill would linger. You knew it was time for his mum's car to come rolling up the road and take him away. Like before, you had a tearful goodbye to Kyle as he helped his mum pack his remaining things. He returned to Manchester, this time with a bouquet of double violets on his lap, reciprocal friendship.

And like that, you soon fell into the comfort of the yearly routine. Kyle would enter as the long days ended with a sky painted with hues of sapphire, rose, and pink and when the hydrangeas of all varieties began to bloom. Upon his departure, you would both leave with more adventures to tell and new skills. With each summer, you were becoming a more experienced gardener and florist while Kyle learned how to prepare a wide array of meals and picked up on his Nana's love for aviation. His bookshelves soon became filled with aviation books but he still kept his prized dictionary from you. You both continue to maintain your journals with you adding in dried flowers and even better illustrations.

As you two grew up alongside each other, you realized how your best friend was becoming a more handsome and mature individual. You no longer were able to stick flowers behind his ear as he grew a full head taller than you. His face also began to mature. He no longer had a full head of curls, instead had short coils in the front and shaven sides. He even began to gain more muscle, regularly wrapping his arms around you and throwing you into the refreshing water of the pond during a particularly hot day. You would always try to outrun him, but the young man was faster and more agile than you. One thing stayed the same and that was his smile. Your heart would skip a beat when you looked over at him and he noticed how his lips curved upwards and his eyes closed with crinkles appearing in the corners of them. For weeks after that moment, any mention of yellow acacias (secret love) and tulips (declaration of love) made you blush.

As you lay in your bed, listening to the hum of the crickets and thinking of a cozy life in the countryside with Kyle, you heard a soft tap at your window. You got up and saw Kyle on the other side, having climbed up your cherry tree. Kyle was now 12 years old and soon you'd join him as your birthday was at the end of August. As you opened the window you wondered what he was doing here so late.

"Kyle, shouldn't you be asleep," you yawned. "We're going with Grandad to the market in the morning and picking up vegetables for dinner."

"My mum just called me, I'm actually heading out tomorrow. She says that she's picking me up early this summer," with this statement you couldn't help but frown in disappointment. For the first time in 6 years, Kyle would be missing your birthday.

"I wanted to do something special before your birthday though," he began and reached out a hand to help you out of the window. It was 11 pm and you knew your mum was fast asleep in the next room over, tired from a long day of designing bouquets and selling them on her online shop. You hesitantly grabbed his hand and he moved to stabilize you by holding your waist. You braced yourself on the tree branch as he lowered you to one closer to the ground. You climbed down the tree and he jumped from his high position. As you swatted his arm at the risky action, he brushed you off saying his growing body could handle it.

With both of you on the ground, he led you to a small picnic blanket adorned with fairy lights, a small cake, and what you thought was an attempt at a bouquet. You were touched, this is the sweetest thing someone had done for you and it didn't help that it was your crush doing such.

"This is beautiful, Kyle, thank you," you said and sat down on the cotton blanket. He sat next to you and picked up the bouquet.

"I had your mum help me with picking these flowers out for you, she let me sneak in the garden when you were in the shower." he sheepishly said and placed the bouquet in your lap.

Your eyes flashed around and looked at the colorful arrangement, coronillas (success crowns your wishes), coreopsis (always cheerful), bellflower (gratitude), sage (good health and long life), all wrapped with leaves from the arborvitae (unchanging friendship). The arborvitae hurt, you appreciated the sentiment but were wishing your friendship would evolve into something more. Something more intimate, a representation of red carnations, pure and ardent love. You surpassed the slight disappointment and hugged Kyle. You could smell the lavender shampoo his Nana made specifically for him as well as the scent of old books on his skin. As you pulled away, you looked at the cake. It was adorned with marigolds and honeysuckles along with a delicately written, "Happy birthday."

"Although, my bouquet isn't as nice as yours. I believe this design takes the cake," he joked and you laughed at his pun. "It's carrot cake, your favorite, and I might have snuck a few marigolds and honeysuckles out of your yard to add some flair. Couldn't let you forget about that day," he said and you smiled at the sentiment.

He pulled a lighter out of his pocket and lit the small candle in the middle. You blew it out, making a single wish, "to always be in Kyle's life, no matter in what way."

He cheered and took out some forks for you to enjoy his confectionary masterpiece. You took a bite of the cake and your mouth exploded with the rich cream cheese icing and the perfectly balanced sweetness and spice of the cake itself. You couldn't help but finish the cake off with him as you both lay down on the blanket looking at the stars.

"What do you want to do after this, Y/N?" he asked breaking the silence.

"Go back to my nice comfortable bed," you joked back. Yawning slightly as you fought sleepiness to cherish this moment.

"No, I mean what are you doing after all these summers? We only have 4 more years until we have to decide on going to sixth form or not," he added, turning to face you.

"I do fancy the classics and my mum would love to see me studying English and classical literature. Although, you know I would have to pick up a minor concentration in botany," you replied. You too had been thinking about this, looking at prospective schools early on and hoping to find one that would satisfy your requirements.

"I think I'm going to join the Army," he said and you were shocked. This was the first time you had heard about this and you couldn't imagine the mild-mannered Kyle serving as an officer and going through the extensive training. Sure, he was strong and fast and smart but this was far from the future you had pictured for him. He took your silence as a negative response.

"What? You didn't think we could spend endless summers in the countryside. Eventually, we'd both go our ways and you'd marry some farmer boy and live with acres of land" he argued, his tone becoming more defensive. As if the arborvitae wasn't enough. You wanted to grab his face lovingly and tell him that he was the one you wanted to live with. Your fantasy of having acres of rolling gardens was suddenly shattered. He finished his argument by saying softly, "Plus, you know I'd finally be able to get into the sky."

"I understand, Kyle, just promise you'll visit when you can, yeah?" you requested and turned to your side to face him.

"I'll be sure to take leave to enjoy some mint tea with you, love. Just can't promise it'll be during the summer." You were glad it was dark as you blushed profusely.

After aimlessly talking for hours, Kyle closed his eyes and the silence was soon filled by his soft snores. As you drifted further into your slumber, you couldn't help but let a small tear fall. He would only see you as his childhood friend and nothing more.

When you woke up to your mom gently shaking your shoulder, you realized Kyle was gone. He was off to his life in Manchester.

[eckswizi]

so i’ve had this concept for this game called Locomotive Works. the game is similar to OpenTTD and Transport Fever 2 in the sense that as the years progress, you unlock new technology and you can new and more interesting things. Except this time the game is focused on the actual rolling stock. the locomotives, the wagons, etc. as the years progress you get clients who come in asking you to produce rolling stock for them based on real life trains. depending on how developed your company is, each year you can design X number of new rolling stocks, and you can produce Y amount of them if that makes sense. Let’s say the year is 1860, you can design three trains, and you can produce 400 units total, whether that locomotives or carriages.

The game would be able to take place in several different locales: at the moment I am thinking the game would start as just the United States but if the game grows you would be able to do the UK, eastern Europe, Germany/Central Europe, Japan, and China, and maybe some others. Depending on where you start, the course of the game will be different.

The UK would allow for the earliest start (like 1830s) and you would be able to build locomotives of all different kinds for shipment across the british empire.

In Eastern Europe you would start late but following the first world war you would get a LOT of work, and expand really quickly.

In the USA, you can choose a variety of places to start, including the east coast, the south, midwest, etc. You can get different jobs as the game progresses depending on where you start. You can choose to produce trains generally for a lot of railroads, or choose to partner with a specific railroad for a guaranteed clientele and the opportunity to make more experimental trains.

The jobs you pick up are based on real life examples of rolling stock. You may be approached and asked to create a standardized steam locomotive that a railroad can buy in bulk, or you may be approached by someone with a crazy idea and you can gamble on the design. An example of this would be the Shay locomotive.

The actual gameplay would be the construction of the rolling stock. It would be a lot like Kerbal Space Program. You would be able to assemble trains based upon designs you have “researched.” In the case of steam locomotives, this would manifest in various kinds of water tanks, boilers, cylinders, wheel types and sizes, driving rods of various types, axles, wheel configurations, headlights, smoke stacks, tenders, and much much more.

As you assemble the locomotive, you get feedback from the game on what the he locomotive you have built can do. It will give you things like power, boiler pressure, tractive effort, top speed, weight, etc. These stats would come both as numbers representing directly what the engine can do, but also as a rating: good, mediocre, bad, or in cases like power, strong, mediocre, weak.

You may be commissioned to construct a locomotive with a specific weight, speed, and tractive effort in mind, or you may be commissioned to build the strongest engine you can that fits within a specific height, width, and length profile.

You would also be able to produce carriages, if you choose to diversify into that field. You could build passenger wagons, freight wagons, and even specialized wagons like ones used for nuclear waste. These carriages would be easy to design, and would be bought in bulk orders, and likely make up the majority of the “production capacity” for any given year. The carriages will not be as monetarily rewarding as the locomotives, but are a more stable source of income.

If you produce a successful design, clients may return in future years and simply ask for more of that type of train. You wouldn’t have to design anything new in that case. A successful design that is purchased over and over for years opens the floor to allow you to experiment with new and wacky trains.

As the years go on you can upgrade your shops to allow for more designs per year, as well as more production each year. Additionally, you would be able to purchase and research new machinery that would allow for you to build bigger or more complex rolling stock.

When I say research, I refer to an in game window that would be “research X, Y, Z?” and you click yes, and it takes an in game year or so to research.

Years would not progress until you choose to progress them. You can breeze through the years, or choose to make every year count to the fullest.

As the game progresses, you would unlock new “advisors”. You can only have three advisors at a time. The advisors would give you tips and tricks regarding the construction of rolling stock. Different advisors specialize in different things. Some specialize in experimental locomotives, while others specialize in passenger carriages or freight carriages. Some advisors can tell you whether the person who wants you to build something for them is trustworthy, or whether they want you to build a locomotive that won’t be financially successful. You would only be able to a few different advisors “enabled” at once.

This is a game idea i’ve thought up in the shower and at night and I’m finally putting it into words. I plan to add more to it. If you’re one of three people who find this post, I’m going to tag all of my posts regarding this with #LT’s locomotive works game. I plan to write more about it

[projectintel]

Connect with us, the UAE's leading Construction intelligence Platform, to simplify your project's lead management solution. Our professional research team tracks every concept, design, tender, and under-construction project, as well as hundreds of completed projects across GCC, to give our customers up-to-date construction leads and industry statistics. With our dependable data and insights, you can optimise your lead management process and remain ahead of the competition. Choose our dependable platform to take your business to the next level.

Explore more at https://projectintel.net/ (https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fprojectintel.net%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0XCIFYPRwN29u6MZxhw3ISxsDQH7l6jeCnKgbGhzsY3LylHAju_1-61fU&h=AT1qAprPVl5noN3cDFnxQNOkDIVcY58H4tERDhgoO1WG3PP0s7TKhBzD5Jly13tGMSlfu0AZWGRF0b5q3kfVvaBY5a0DZCZ_pKR4zRI0mv2_qfthd_9SxQyfWLGXNJHdEmUTzCLvmsmbPa5T1X9g&__tn__=-UK*F)

[jzontheazarian]

Self Care Sunday - April 16th, 2023

Even though self care should be practiced daily from emotional, physical and spiritual standpoints, Sundays should be days you give yourself added grace and extra tender care for the week you’ve had. With “Self Care Picks,” we select songs from the previous week to help give you that refresh that your mind, body and soul deserve. Also included are three additional songs that accent the forms of self care needed for an additional boost to provide you with all you may require for what lies ahead in the week to come.

‘Therapy’ - Recounting times of breaking up and finding places to put the pieces together, Jay Karis emphasizes that with two loves getting order that a serious conversation needs to be had and now is the time. An important step in the direction of stability in a healthy relationship, Karis is trying to wipe the slate clean and build upon anything that is of growth and consistency.

‘Falling Down’ - Accentuated by the soulful voices of Jake & Papa, there has never been a beautiful way to fall down. Wondering if the bond of love is strong or an illusion, Kay Cola is seeking a love that is more than the physical but supportive. Posing questions that ring close to her heart, will you be there when things get tough is something on her list. Showing that love is not for many will they fall through when she is falling down or will they fall back is the question that needs to be answered in this vividly blended track.

‘A Company’ - Willing to give things a fresh start, Eyah Cohle wants more and deserves it with a song of power and stature. Seeking company, Cohle is in search of comfort and will only allow in things that bring substance to her life. Met with a motherland melody, the UK songstress unites her needs with her passion creating a moment all will appreciate that are on a journey for self care and self love.

‘Sleepless’ - Constructing a project of songs for those who are ready for love but haven’t gone through all of the emotions to appreciate what it is they are experiencing, Jordan Hawkins puts into song the essence of “4PLAY” and one of those gems is ‘Sleepless.’ In a space where he needs some sleep he refuses to sleep on the one he loves (in any capacity). Reminiscing of a Prince style of composer, the North Carolina raised R&B rockstar proves that he has more than super powers. 

‘Body’ - Like a craving so heavenly, Gabrielle B., sings to the soul and it tugs at the strings of the late night lover. With elements of Ginuwine’s ‘Pony,’ anything you want is within reach and that’s where the fun begins. More than just love, Gabrielle B. takes your mind on a fantasy ride that you don’t want to escape from. Showing that it is ok to embrace your wants, enjoy the things just the way you like for more than your mind and body can endure that would make even your wildest dreams jealous.

Songs we also enjoyed:

‘Can't Help Who You Love’ - Yung Bleu 

‘Rear View’ - YoungBoy Never Broke Again / Mariah The Scientist

‘Crash & Burn’ - Leon Thomas

Self-Care Spotlight: ‘Underwater’ - Ebun Yelé

Listen to this week's "Self Care Picks" on Audiomack and YouTube Music.

[burlveneer-music]

Marijus Aleksa - As They Are

Throughout his remarkable international career, Lithuanian drummer & producer Marijus Aleksa has established himself as a bonafide shaman of rhythm. From making his debut at the Vilnius Jazz Festival at the tender age of thirteen, he has grown into a stage partner of some of the world’s most celebrated stars (such as Keyon Harold, Grammy award winner Bill Laurance, Joe Armon Jones, Ashley Henry, Dennis Rollins, China Moses, Ben Marc, Anthony Joseph, Femi Temowo, Oscar Jerome). An ambitious drummer and percussionist, he relies on his technical prowess and visionary endeavours. Through his work as a heralded band leader, session musician and solo artist, his music is not unlike the works by the abstract expressionist painters: rich in colour, vivid, intuitive and hypnotising, traversing musical maps by blending the worlds of jazz, rock, world and electronic club music. With the concept of collage forming a central theme of the record, 23 people from different parts of the world (Lithuania / USA / UK / Cuba) each contributed to the creative flow of the musical creation, forming a rich sonic tapestry - formed of 3 years of recording and re-editing jam sessions, creating a spellbind final piece constructed from smaller pieces that in the first instance may have seemed incompatible. This sensibility was also applied to the track titles, which were created by segmenting common phrases and reforming them. The artwork was also created by Japanese collage artist Mt.Chills. Marijus Aleksa - drums, synths & drum machines, production Domas Aleksa - bass Junior Alli Balogun - percussion Arminas Bižys - alto sax Ka Boukie - vocals Samuel Crow - keys Nathaniel Facey - alto sax Will Fry - percussion Jonathan Harvey - upright bass Kazimieras Jušinskas - soprano sax Simonas Kaupinis - tuba Paulius Kilbauskas - electronics Alex Losardo - electric guitar Gediminas Mačiulskis - percussion & balafon Danielius Pancerovas - tenor sax Remigijus Rančys - flute Oli Rockberger - keys Dovydas Stalmokas - baritone sax Domas Strupinskas - sampler Mindaugas Vadoklis - trumpet Yelfris Valdés - trumpet Paulius Vaškas - electric guitar Josiah Woodson - flute

[tenders18]

Government Tenders Uttarakhand

The state of Uttarakhand is experiencing growing development activities in nearly every sector, which makes the region a hotspot for tender opportunities. For any searching Uttarakhand Tenders and UK tenders, here comes the one-stop solution, Tender 18. Our platform provides detailed information on various tenders, including e tender Uttarakhand processes for transparent and streamlined participation. The eprocurement system in place in Uttarakhand ensures fair competition and accessibility for everyone involved. That's not all; PMGSY tender Uttarakhand can be an attractive avenue for infrastructure development involving rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Contractors can also find detailed listings for PWD tender Uttarakhand, catering to public works such as construction, maintenance, and road projects. Tender 18 simplifies the bidding process by offering updated and accurate tender details, ensuring you never miss a significant opportunity in Uttarakhand's growing market. Stay ahead in the competitive world of tenders with Tender 18!

[besttenderinuk]

Explore a wide range of healthcare and pharmaceutical tenders in the UK with TenderBase. From NHS tenders to pharmaceutical contracts, find and bid on high-value opportunities with our advanced filtering tools. Stay ahead in the tendering process with the best source for healthcare contracts.

[pejasurveying1]

Find Reliable Quantity Surveyor Services Near You for Cost-Effective Construction

Looking for a trusted quantity surveyor near you? PEJA Surveying offers expert cost estimation, contract administration, and risk management services for London and beyond. With 40+ years of experience, we ensure your construction project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

[floorinsite]

Places for People Developments - Precast Concrete Floors Framework

Places for People

Published date: 19 November 2024

Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to fulfil the contract.

Contract summary

Industry

Construction work – 45000000

Location of contract

Scotland

Value of contract

£4,000,000

Procurement reference

BIP903787813

Published date

19 November 2024

Closing date

7 January 2025

Closing time

12am

Contract start date

10 February 2025

Contract end date

9 February 2028

Contract type

Works

Procedure type

Open procedureWhat is an open procedure?

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

No

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

Description

Places for People Developments are seeking to appoint suppliers to a Framework for the delivery of Places for People’s Precast Concrete Floors programme within England and Scotland. Each contractor that’s successful will then be able to tender for upcoming projects, to be awarded via direct award or mini-competition, depending on the estimated spend.

More information

Links

https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Preston:-Construction-work./5Q928726C8

Tender notice

Please follow this link to view the notice.

How to apply

Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.

About the buyer

Address

4 The Pavilions Preston PR2 2YB UK

Telephone

+441772897200

Email

purchasing@placesforpeople.co.uk

Source: Contracts Finder licensed under the Open Government Licence v.1.0.

[beardedmrbean]

Organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have said that abuse and harassment of artists over Israel's participation in the competition is "unacceptable and totally unfair".

This year's competition will take place in Sweden in May, amid calls for Israel to be banned over the war in Gaza.

Several contestants, including the UK's Olly Alexander, have rejected calls for them to boycott the show.

And it has been reported that Israel's Eden Golan has faced death threats.

The 20-year-old has received several messages directly to her Instagram account, reported celebrity website Walla Celebs.

The Jerusalem Post said the singer would arrive in Malmo, Sweden, with "three times" the usual number of security guards.

In a statement, the European Broadcasting Union, which organises Eurovision, acknowledged "the depth of feeling and the strong opinions that this year's Eurovision song contest - set against the backdrop of a terrible war in the Middle East - has provoked".

"While we strongly support freedom of speech and the right to express opinions in a democratic society, we firmly oppose any form of online abuse, hate speech, or harassment directed at our artists or any individuals associated with the contest," the statement continued.

Where and when is Eurovision 2024 taking place?

Israel reveals its rewritten Eurovision song

Olly Alexander rejects call to boycott Eurovision

Jean Philip De Tender, deputy director general of the European Broadcasting Union, added that the decision to allow Israel's participation was "the sole responsibility of the EBU's governing bodies and not that of the individual artists".

"We urge everyone to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue and support the artists who are working tirelessly - on what is a music and entertainment show - to share their music with the world," he added.

Israel's public broadcaster, Kan, is a member of the EBU, giving it the right to participate in the contest.

Organisers have resisted calls for it to be suspended, saying the show "is not a contest between governments".

However, the EBU did force Israel to change the lyrics of Golan's song October Rain, after deciding the original was too political.

The first version was widely considered to be a reference the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel, with several lyrics paying tribute to the victims.

Kan initially refused to change the song, saying it would prefer to withdraw from the contest - but Israel's President, Isaac Herzog, later called for "necessary adjustments" to ensure the country could participate.

Now renamed Hurricane, the dramatic piano ballad is ninth favourite with bookmakers to win the competition.

However, Israel's participation is unlikely to go unremarked when the contest takes place next month.

Swedish police are preparing for multiple protests in Malmo in the week of the competition, and nine competitors have called for "an immediate and lasting ceasefire" in Gaza.

The statement, signed by Olly Alexander, Ireland's Bambi Thug and Danish entrant Saba, among others, came in response to calls for musicians to boycott the show.

"We firmly believe in the unifying power of music, enabling people to transcend differences and foster meaningful conversations and connections," the artists wrote.

One person who has pulled out of the competition, however, is Iceland's long-running commentator, Gísli Marteinn.

The TV personality and former politician, who has helmed 15 editions of the song contest, announced his decision on Instagram, citing the organisers' "lack of reaction" to the situation in Gaza.

"For me, Eurovision is about atmosphere and joy, and I feel neither in this year's competition," he wrote.

Sweden won last year's Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, with pop star Loreen taking home her second trophy for the stormy electro-ballad Tattoo.

[cullinanconstructionconsultants]

The Crucial Role of Quantity Surveyors in Project Management

In building project management, the presence of a quantity surveying consultancy is very important because it provides accurate cost estimates for construction projects. They are responsible for ensuring that construction work is completed on time and within budget as well as to the expected quality standards. This article looks at key roles played by quantity surveyors and how they contribute to successful project execution.

What is Quantity Surveying?

It is about controlling and managing construction costs. They must estimate and monitor building costs, prepare tender documents and contract administration as well. Their expert knowledge ensures that projects are financially feasible and resource utilization is efficient.

Key Responsibilities of Quantity Surveyors

1) Cost Planning & Budgeting

One of the main activities in quantity surveying consultancy entails giving proper cost estimates for building works. This process involves assessment of project specifications, materials, labor together with others to come up with a comprehensive budget framework. By making accurate cost estimations, one can be able to finance the project without compromising its economic viability.

2) Tender Preparation & Evaluation

Quantity surveyors develop comprehensive tender documents stating the scope of work required including materials needed among other specifications regarding a particular project. These documents then provide a basis for calling bids by construction management contractors while still ensuring that prices quoted fit within the budget limits set.

3) Contract Management

The Role Played By Quantity Surveyors In Construction Project Management

Construction project management involves activities that collectively direct it towards accomplishing such goals as raising enough funds for buying inventory and recruiting skilled workers to undertake various functions at different stages of a project. A key role in this process is played by quantity surveyors through the provision of cost management and contract administration services. Their expertise ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget, and using best quality.

Working with Construction Consultants

Construction Consultants in UK provide assistance throughout construction. Quantity surveyors who engage these consultants are guaranteed of professional management of their projects. In this way, they can be better prepared for risks that they foresee and come up with plans to counteract them.

The Need To Hire Quantity Surveyors

By hiring quantity surveyors, you are assured that your building project is financially sustainable and successful in its goals. These experts bring valuable skills to the table which ensure the smooth execution of your venture from inception through to completion. Skilled in dealing with either real estate or commercial property development assignments, you cannot miss using their services as one would do business without them.

Expert Fields within Quantity Surveying

1) Commercial Construction Consultant

A commercial construction consultant focuses on financial issues related to commercial buildings’ construction. They provide professional advice about cost estimation, budgeting as well as contracting processes so commercial ventures could be accomplished within planned budgets.

2) Consultant Quantity Surveyor

A consultant quantity surveyor gives specialized advice on how to deal with costing issues among other details such as procurement methodologies in any given project scenario. This is done by ensuring that the involved parties understand all aspects related to numbers involved in their respective decisions thereby enabling timely implementation of any action plans contributing towards achieving required deliverables at the lowest possible costs by doing away with wastage.

Different Regions and Quantity Surveyors.

Quantity surveying is a critical aspect of any construction project. This explains the need for a quantity surveyor Birmingham. Essentially, quantity surveys ensure compliance with local laws by ensuring that projects are efficiently run while being carried out according to local building codes.

Design and Build Contractors Integration

The design and build contractors approach combines these two services under one agreement. Stakeholders can communicate and coordinate more effectively, reducing the risks of increased costs or missed deadlines. Yes, you can get all this from reputable design and build contractors in UK which will make sure that your project is done on time and within budget.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you cannot avoid hiring a professional quantity surveying consultancy for your construction project to be successful. Quantity surveyors assist by providing accurate cost estimates, managing contracts, and cooperating with other construction specialists to have projects finished in time, within budget and at the high-quality levels needed. Whether it is about commercial or residential development; hiring a quantity surveyor’s competence always means everything because Cullinan offers top-quality quantity surveying services to guarantee the success of your development endeavours.

Originally published at t.ly/d0Tz8 on September 1, 2024.