How has 2022 been so far? How's the economy affecting you? Any tips?

[LukeD]

Nearly all trainers start off in one gym and employed by that gym but nearly all end up going self-deployed sooner or later as the money is much better

I have a friend who runs a "1-2-1" ONLY gym that caters for "body shy" women , who dont want to be with anyone else etc . he tapped into the "needy and wealthy " market some years ago near Highgate . Its like the husbands dont care what these women will spend ! They can be sold anything if it taps into their body insecure mindset

 

[Dustydazzler]

I have a friend who runs a "1-2-1" ONLY gym that caters for "body shy" women , who dont want to be with anyone else etc . he tapped into the "needy and wealthy " market some years ago near Highgate . Its like the husbands dont care what these women will spend ! They can be sold anything if it taps into their body insecure mindset

Exactly I would say around 50% of my wife's clients are middle aged women 40-60 who are embarrassed to go to a gym so pay £100 for my wife to take some very basic gym equipment to their house and have a 1hr PT session 2 or 3 times per week. Of which roughly 15-20mins of each session is basically chatting or as I like to call it 'counselling'

 

[Dustydazzler]

The moment a home became a traded commodity the issue start , this issue then compounded with very low rates created the perfect storm with sky high rent

It should have been regulated years ago

Apologies for quoting my own post but this article sums up the problem

‘Every square inch monetised’ – is Battersea Power Station now a playground for the super rich?

Its rooftop ‘villas’ are £8m, its shops include Rolex and Cartier – and its affordable housing figure is just 9%. We go inside the £9bn, no-expense-spared rebirth of London’s famous landmark

uk.yahoo.com

 

[LukeD]

Exactly I would say around 50% of my wife's clients are middle aged women 40-60 who are embarrassed to go to a gym so pay £100 for my wife to take some very basic gym equipment to their house and have a 1hr PT session 2 or 3 times per week. Of which roughly 15-20mins of each session is basically chatting or as I like to call it 'counselling'

Apologies for quoting my own post but this article sums up the problem

‘Every square inch monetised’ – is Battersea Power Station now a playground for the super rich?

Its rooftop ‘villas’ are £8m, its shops include Rolex and Cartier – and its affordable housing figure is just 9%. We go inside the £9bn, no-expense-spared rebirth of London’s famous landmark

uk.yahoo.com

100% BTL was a disaster. They need to urgently start heavily taxing 2/3/4 homes etc .And limiting foreign investors "stock piling " dirty money via properties in London

 

[OnlQQker]

 

[pirate]

I'm happy to say that my gym, which I occasionally use, has a lovely pool and showers and jacuzzi baths plus badminton and indoor tennis courts, outdoor tennis courts, and an 18 hole golf course. I use the tennis and golf facilities mostly,but the others from time to time. It's £60/month, and the golf is unlimited, so try to get a round of golf at any club that cheap! TBH, I am a long-term member and got special offers to stay on when the club changed hands a couple of times, but for me, it's a bargain, especially if I golf 3 x a week.
One guy I know there "lives" in the club, turns up first thing, showers and settles down in the bar/lounge with his laptop and works all day, bringing his own sandwiches for lunch...that's a cheap way to live...but somewhat boring!

 

[mainline]

I'm happy to say that my gym, which I occasionally use, has a lovely pool and showers and jacuzzi baths plus badminton and indoor tennis courts, outdoor tennis courts, and an 18 hole golf course. I use the tennis and golf facilities mostly,but the others from time to time. It's £60/month, and the golf is unlimited, so try to get a round of golf at any club that cheap! TBH, I am a long-term member and got special offers to stay on when the club changed hands a couple of times, but for me, it's a bargain, especially if I golf 3 x a week.
One guy I know there "lives" in the club, turns up first thing, showers and settles down in the bar/lounge with his laptop and works all day, bringing his own sandwiches for lunch...that's a cheap way to live...but somewhat boring!

Most mornings I go to Jim, price varies between £4 and £7.

Btw Jim is the proprietor of the local spar shop

 

[OnlQQker]

The only machine I've ever actually liked using in the gym was the vending machine.


Btw, pure gym used to have a sign up on the gym floor saying, 'nothing is impossible'

I thought, 'yeah, until you try cancelling your membership'

 

[mainline]

The only machine I've ever actually liked using in the gym was the vending machine.


Btw, pure gym used to have a sign up on the gym floor saying, 'nothing is impossible'

I thought, 'yeah, until you try cancelling your membership'

The only work-out I have it how much I've spent this month.

 

[OnlQQker]

Funny old times!

 

[freddo]

Well this is how 2022 ended for me, last day of work, oncoming Chelsea tractor tries to pass just as I'm almost across a single lane bridge. Glad I got that far or she would have hit me head on on the bridge. God knows what she was thinking.

And to top it all off I've been in bed ill since the evening of that day, only really up and about today.

 

[Dave OCD]

This seems to be a common thing with drivers of large status symbol cars,generally arrogant sh1tes, pretty much every day I get one coming at me really wide, and I'm in a Peugeot Expert van so not a small vehicle.
They also have an overwhelming urge to try dangerous and totally unnecessary overtakes, probably not going anywhere in particular but very important people. And rarely do they bother to use indicators, drives me mad.

 

[MJPD29]

I've never met someone who drives a range rover that isn't an ar$ehole. Symbol of status that many crave, some even land themselves with crippling finance to drive the kids to school in it. Madness

 

[Dave OCD]

At the risk of causing any offence, many BMW and Audi drivers seem to have the same attitude...

 

[freddo]

This seems to be a common thing with drivers of large status symbol cars,generally arrogant sh1tes, pretty much every day I get one coming at me really wide, and I'm in a Peugeot Expert van so not a small vehicle.
They also have an overwhelming urge to try dangerous and totally unnecessary overtakes, probably not going anywhere in particular but very important people. And rarely do they bother to use indicators, drives me mad.

Now I'm feeling a bit better I've just looked at the dashcam footage. I thought I was on the bridge when she hit me, turns out I was just off the bridge back onto the 2 lane section and her car is more than 1' over the dividing line onto my side of the road, I couldn't have moved over left at all or I'd hit the brick wall on that side.

 

[Dave OCD]

Did she stop after hitting you ?

 

[freddo]

Did she stop after hitting you ?

yes, we exchanged details etc. At least it will cost her far more to repair than mine!

 

[littlespark]

I've never met someone who drives a range rover that isn't an ar$ehole. Symbol of status that many crave, some even land themselves with crippling finance to drive the kids to school in it. Madness

cough

I’ve got an Evoque.

Say what you like, but we bought it (outright, no finance) for practical reasons. Towing a heavy caravan, 4WD for rural roads and used it a few times for work if I’ve had to get somewhere my van doesn’t handle.

 

[freddo]

I’ve got an Evoque.

That was the model that hit me...

 

[Moley]

That was the model that hit me...

Are you sure it wasn't Littlespark wearing a wig and a dress, sorry, kilt

 

[ferg]

I drive a Subaru Forester a bit too cheap to be a Chelsea tractor.. but some of us need the reliability, durability and 4WD.
My pet hate is AUDI drivers, whether it is the silly wee hairdressers cars or the 4WD's they always seem to need more than one lane.
When the ...,....... are behind you they always seem to think a safe distance is <1FT.
I personally think that all AUDI drivers should be made to watch CJR Electrical videos until their eyes bleed or at least their brains collapse due to the inanity.

 

[nicebutdim]

Growing up in a rural area it was usual to meet new resident right in the middle of roads little wider than one vehicle. My approach was to never slow and also stick to the middle of the road, then take to the verge at the last possible moment. Worked a treat and next time you met them, they'd be driving at a reasonable speed and would either stop or be prepared to take to the verge. The more delapidated your vehicle, the more effective this approach will be. Obviously this strategy will be of little use on a stone walled bridge

 

[Moley]

My pet hate is AUDI drivers, whether it is the silly wee hairdressers cars or the 4WD's they always seem to need more than one lane.

I used to be an Audi driver! A4 Avant (estate) V6 until it died. Then came the Peugeot followed by a Volvo. Got a nice toy now - Mini Clubman Cooper SD. It puts a smile on my face after driving my Transit.

 

[ferg]

I used to be an Audi driver! A4 Avant (estate) V6 until it died. Then came the Peugeot followed by a Volvo. Got a nice toy now - Mini Clubman Cooper SD. It puts a smile on my face after driving my Transit.

I don't care... you are all fannies

 

[Moley]

I don't care... you are all fannies

Yes, I do like Irn Bru.
That might confuse a few of you.

 

[ferg]

BS aside I genuinely get a bit twitchy with an audi driver either in front or behind me.

 

[Moley]

BS aside I genuinely get a bit twitchy with an audi driver either in front or behind me.

I feel the same with BMW drivers which is odd considering what I drive

 

[littlespark]

Are you sure it wasn't Littlespark wearing a wig and a dress, sorry, kilt

You’ve all seen my careful driving via a YouTube link I posted after my close call on the A1 when some twit pulled out of a lay-by in front of me.

You can’t just generalise and say all Range Rover drivers…. Or all Audi drivers…. Or all white van drivers for that matter…..


You did say it was a woman that hit you, right?

 

[pc1966]

At the risk of causing any offence, many BMW and Audi drivers seem to have the same attitude...

As the old jokes go:

How do you spot the unmarked police cars? They are the only BMWs with working indicators.

Audi = Achtung! Untrained Driver Inside

 

[pc1966]

You can’t just generalise and say all Range Rover drivers…. Or all Audi drivers…. Or all white van drivers for that matter…..

True but it only takes a small but noticable number of inconsiderate idiots to taint a brand name. Just ask bikers about Volvo drivers, etc.

 

[pirate]

I get the Irn Bru gag, obviously....
Also, FYI (as the kids say!) I am an Audi driver, A6 3Litre AWD...and it's great at scaring folks in the snow!

 

[nicebutdim]

Getting back to the original topic...

Judging by choices of transportation, it appears the answer to Dan's question is 'not at all'.

 

[pirate]

It's 17 years old...so not flash at all!

 

[nicebutdim]

It's 17 years old...so not flash at all!

Don't come at me with those 'extenuating circumstances'

 

[Moley]

It's 17 years old...so not flash at all!

Has it got the Bosh Jetronic HP pump in the centre if the 'V'? Very prone to failing. It get's too hot. Happened twice to mine (2.5 V6) and to someone else I know. It's a known fault and plenty of places who will refurb the units.

 

[brianmoooore]

No problem with Range Rovers, as long as they have a tow bar at the rear and a bit of mud on them.

 

[Zerax]

100% BTL was a disaster. They need to urgently start heavily taxing 2/3/4 homes etc .And limiting foreign investors "stock piling " dirty money via properties in London

In the same way that whatever the question, the answer is very rarely "I'll ask the kitchen fitter"... when it comes to running the country, the answer is very rarely... "let's tax it". Taxes are fundamentally wicked, nasty and evil... it's been proven time and time again that government intervention invariable results in unintended consequences.

The solution to foreign investors using 'dirty money' to buy property is to properly vet the source of funds (we do already via AML regulations)

2nd/4rd homes are not BTL... BTL are for letting, so someone will be living there. There's no doubt that BTL has provided a large number of high quality homes for those that choose to rent. If you want to reduce 2nd homes... it's more about everyone having large amounts of money !

 

[Dave OCD]

As the old jokes go:

How do you spot the unmarked police cars? They are the only BMWs with working indicators.

Audi = Achtung! Untrained Driver Inside

Or my favourite - A55hole usually drives it.

 

[RoryDickerson]

1. How has 2022 been so far? How's the economy affecting you? Any tips?
   
   This email has been sent to all members of the forum. I thought we could help each other out.
   
   How is your business doing? How has the economy (and I hear recession being said here and there in the news now) affected you at home and your business?
   
   Any tips for these big fuel bills, energy bills etc?

   Hi.
   I can provide some general tips that may help with reducing fuel and energy bills:
   
   1. Invest in energy-efficient appliances: Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can help reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills over time.
   2. Switch to LED lighting: Replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs can also help reduce energy consumption and save money on electricity bills.
   3. Use a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help regulate heating and cooling systems and save money on energy bills.
   4. Consider using renewable energy sources: Installing solar panels or wind turbines can help reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and save money on electricity bills in the long run.
   5. Improve insulation: Proper insulation can help reduce heating and cooling costs by keeping indoor temperatures stable.

 

[LukeD]

1. 
   Hi.
   I can provide some general tips that may help with reducing fuel and energy bills:
   1. Invest in energy-efficient appliances: Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can help reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills over time.
   2. Switch to LED lighting: Replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs can also help reduce energy consumption and save money on electricity bills.
   3. Use a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help regulate heating and cooling systems and save money on energy bills.
   4. Consider using renewable energy sources: Installing solar panels or wind turbines can help reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and save money on electricity bills in the long run.
   5. Improve insulation: Proper insulation can help reduce heating and cooling costs by keeping indoor temperatures stable.

All cost money.... Many out there are absolutely broke .

 

[Dustydazzler]

It still amazes me the amount of homes I do work in and they have naff all insulation in the loft and eaves spaces.
The government could give vouchers to people to buy rolls of loft insulation form Wickes, which would make a big difference Imo

 

[DPG]

It still amazes me the amount of homes I do work in and they have naff all insulation in the loft and eaves spaces.
The government could give vouchers to people to buy rolls of loft insulation form Wickes, which would make a big difference Imo

There have been a few government schemes over the years where you can get loft insulation and cavity wall insulation for a really cheap fee. Trouble is a lot of people won't spend anything on things they can't see or can't show their friends.

We got cavity wall insulation done for about a hundred quid I think under one of the schemes. Only reason I didn't get the loft done is cos it was jam packed with stuff

 

[Dustydazzler]

There have been a few government schemes over the years where you can get loft insulation and cavity wall insulation for a really cheap fee. Trouble is a lot of people won't spend anything on things they can't see or can't show their friends.

We got cavity wall insulation done for about a hundred quid I think under one of the schemes. Only reason I didn't get the loft done is cos it was jam packed with stuff

The 1st 2 things I did when we moved into our current 1980s semi ,is 1 insulate the loft as it had no insulation when we moved in and 2 replaced the old crappy windows with new Upvc ones. the old windows had gaps around them big enough to fit your fingers through.

 

[brianmoooore]

It still amazes me the amount of homes I do work in and they have naff all insulation in the loft and eaves spaces.

I know. Lovely, isn't it.

 

[Dustydazzler]

I know. Lovely, isn't it.

Lovely for running and clipping cables

Absolutely useless for energy efficiency

 

[brianmoooore]

When I'm horizontal in some remote part of the eaves, their energy efficiency isn't my first priority!

 

[LukeD]

There have been a few government schemes over the years where you can get loft insulation and cavity wall insulation for a really cheap fee. Trouble is a lot of people won't spend anything on things they can't see or can't show their friends.

We got cavity wall insulation done for about a hundred quid I think under one of the schemes. Only reason I didn't get the loft done is cos it was jam packed with stuff

Cavity wall insulation can create damp issues ... Its a minefield !

The 1st 2 things I did when we moved into our current 1980s semi ,is 1 insulate the loft as it had no insulation when we moved in and 2 replaced the old crappy windows with new Upvc ones. the old windows had gaps around them big enough to fit your fingers through.

ONly trouble is when the loft is so rammed full of insulation right down to the eaves and the loft is not ventilated well etc . We seem to have sealed up homes but not also invested in good ventilation .This in cold weather combined with people not wanting the heating on so much is why so many have bad condensation issues. I am a great fan of good PIV systems and its one job Clients see a benefit from quickly

 

[Dave OCD]

We install a fair amount of PIV units and the changes they make are remarkable. Often by the very next day customers report no condensation on the inside of their windows, one of the very best benefit vs cost things you can do for a home I'd say. But of course you do need fresh air circulating in the loftspace so too much rammed-in insulation will have a detrimental effect on the effectiveness of the PIV unit.

 

[LukeD]

We install a fair amount of PIV units and the changes they make are remarkable. Often by the very next day customers report no condensation on the inside of their windows, one of the very best benefit vs cost things you can do for a home I'd say. But of course you do need fresh air circulating in the loftspace so too much rammed-in insulation will have a detrimental effect on the effectiveness of the PIV unit.

I fit the heated versions and as mentioned ..There is no chance a client wont be happy >I advise anyone to fit them .

 

[nicebutdim]

Oddly enough I'd been looking at PIV units a couple of days back. No real issues with damp or condensation, but like to keep it to a minimum and felt it was a good means of introducing airflow.

Think I've settled on the Nuaire Drimaster Eco Heat HC. Don't intend using the heater much, but it seems a sensible option to have in colder weather.