Author: Igor

London Cyclist with Expedia

We recently collaborated with Expedia on a cycling route around East and North London for their London Cyclist guide. We often travel to London for work and the route we suggested, from Borough Market to Camden Town, is one of our favourites when we are visiting and have some free time.

You can find more about this route and all our recommended shopping and eating stops on the following link:

www.city-cycling.expedia.co.uk/london/heading-north-past-markets-and-waterways

Gulliver’s Wharf in Wapping

Regent’s Canal

Donlon Books in Broadway Market

Present & Correct in Islington

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February 9, 2017
The Bothy Yard

Designed in Edinburgh, The Bothy Yard is a home away from home for the modern explorer, combining the comfort and character of a boutique hotel with the buzz and social experience of a hostel. We chatted with The Bothy Yard’s founder Max Strzelecki to find out more about this innovative concept.

www.thebothyyard.com
Photos by The Bothy Yard

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background?

My name is Max Strzelecki (str-let-ski). Edinburgh has been my home for five of the past seven years. My life here tends to revolve around people, waves, wind and building things… probably in that order. It’s easy to get the balance right here; you can enjoy the social buzz of city life and you’re also a stone’s throw away from the hills and the ocean. I’ve always enjoyed rich, simple experiences, whether it’s camping on the Isle of Tiree, hostelling in a surf town or cycling through Edinburgh’s side streets, there’s a lot to be said for the less-is-more approach.

How did the idea of The Bothy Yard come about? Could you tell us a little bit about the concept behind it?

It was the coming together of my love of experiencing the outdoors from the cosy comfort of a tent, and that of meeting new people and sharing stories from the road. I recently returned from 15 months in Australia, during which I spent a lot of time travelling and staying in hostels, mixing work (if you can call building Tough Mudder events “work”) and pleasure (being in the ocean).

I love the social element of the hostel experience; there aren’t many places where you are so strongly encouraged to approach a group of strangers and introduce yourself. That’s a beautiful thing, but I find communal dorm rooms very tedious. I know a lot of people who miss out on the social experience hostels offer because they don’t want to stay in a shared room. Knowing this and appreciating the unique cosy and protected feeling of camping in the wild, I had the idea of The Bothy Yard. The Bothy Yard is a hostel that offers each guest their own Bothy Box – a private sleeping and changing space with storage and all the other features a modern explorer needs, all behind a lockable door.

Who is The Bothy Yard for?

The Bothy Yard is for today’s explorers who want their days to be action packed, to meet new people, experience new places and really get in amongst it. At the end of the day when you’re tired and weary, you can close your Bothy Box door and have the peaceful, heavy, undisturbed slumber you deserve. We’re for people who want all of the social benefits of staying in a hostel, but with a bit of extra comfort and privacy.

You are launching a crowdfunding campaign in February, could you tell us more about it and the plans for the upcoming months?

This is a very exciting time for us! The crowdfunding campaign will be the first opportunity for people to book their stay at The Bothy Yard. We will be opening the doors of the first (mini) Bothy Yard in July of this year. The next few months will be filled with a lot of box construction, coffee, Frank Ocean and Tallest Man on Earth (our “getting stuff done” music). Edinburgh will be our home, but for now the exact location is a secret. Stay tuned for the announcement in the coming weeks. If you’re planning on visiting Edinburgh in the next year, be sure to follow our journey and book your stay!

February 6, 2017
CERIO

Husband and wife Cristóbal Rioseco and Valentina Cerda are the founders of Chilean design studio CERIO, specialising in furniture and homeware using unexpected material combinations. We chatted with Cristóbal and Valentina to discover more about what made them start their own business, their design process and their choice of materials.

www.instagram.com/cerio.cl

Could you please introduce yourselves and tell us a little bit about your backgrounds and how you met?

I studied advertising and Valentina, my wife, is an interior designer. I used to work in retail design and also building different pieces of furniture. Valentina worked at several architecture studios and was in charge of the visual merchandising of different brands. We met through the girlfriend of my brother, who introduced me to Valentina – we both are from small cities in the south of Chile.

It was normal for me to often switch jobs trying to find the right one, the one that would fulfil me but also having a regular job made it impossible to start our own business.

What made you start CERIO?

We used to talk a lot about quitting our jobs and do what we really wanted to do – having a better quality of life. A life where we could have more time for us and, most importantly, doing what we were really passionate about.

We knew we wanted to do something together and it had to be design-related because it is something we love. Apart from this, we knew there were lots of people like us who prefer buying from independent business.

We used to design our own furniture and gave it as presents to our friends and family. Moreover, because of our backgrounds, experience and knowledge, we saw an opportunity to create our own brand called CERIO. (The name comes from our last names: CERda + RIOseco.)

The material combinations you use for your products are really interesting, could you tell us about how you choose the materials you work with?

In our work we prioritize copper as the main material – it has an infinite array of properties and ways to use it. Our country has one of the biggest copper reserves and it’s our main export, so when we use copper in our designs we feel we are including part of our country.

We have a very eclectic taste so we are always searching for new materials to incorporate in our designs, making prototypes to see how they’re going to look together. We try to combine materials that aren’t normally used together. Our goal is to always look for new materials and in the future we would like to experiment with ceramics and textiles.

Could you tell us about the different products you currently manufacture?

We currently sell different types of products including mirrors, planters, lamps and tables. We are working a lot with marble and copper and we are introducing bronze and wood to our designs, combining all these materials in one product.

With our products we try to give more personality to our clients’ houses, offering products that are handmade and fair trade.

Could you take us briefly through your design process? How does an idea in your heads transform into a physical product?

We are inspired by nature, people and everything surrounding us. We start drawing and it usually takes us lots of time to agree on one design. After that – it is the best part of the process – we start playing with the different materials and get excited seeing the first results through the prototypes.

What are your plans for 2017?

Our plan is to focus on designing more furniture pieces (desks, shelves, etc.) and export our products to others countries. We also want to start exploring other design areas.

This year we are interested in getting more involved with products made with recycled materials. In the past we have made a few products using this type of materials and it is something we would like to do again.

In a few years we would like to have a little coffee shop where we can have a showroom with our products and other similar brands.

January 8, 2017
Strategies to Ensure Fast and Safe Delivery of Shipments

Shipments are a vital part of any business, and ensuring that they are delivered quickly and safely is essential for keeping your customers happy. Here are some tips to help you speed up the delivery process and keep your shipments safe.

Benefits of Fast and Safe Delivery of Shipments

Fast and safe delivery of shipments offers numerous benefits for businesses. It ensures customer satisfaction by delivering products quickly and efficiently, improving the reputation of the brand in the process.

Increased customer satisfaction

Fast and safe delivery of shipments is key to customer satisfaction, as customers expect their orders to arrive on time and in perfect condition.

Fast shipping can create a positive experience for the customer, while slow or damaged goods can create dissatisfaction. Using reliable carriers for delivery helps ensure that goods reach the customer quickly and safely, providing an increased level of trust and satisfaction. Companies can also benefit from investing in tracking and communication delivery services to provide customers with real-time status updates and accurate estimated time of arrivals.

By providing a fast and reliable service, companies can increase customer satisfaction and build loyal relationships. This in turn can lead to more repeat customers and increased revenue over the long term.

Improved brand reputation

By ensuring that your customers receive their orders on time and in the same condition as described, you can significantly improve customer loyalty and satisfaction.

A fast and safe delivery process also reinforces customer trust in your brand, making them more likely to purchase from you again or recommend your services to their friends and family. Additionally, well-managed deliveries reflect positively on your brand reputation, as customers can be more confident in your ability to deliver a product that meets their expectations.

With accurate tracking and quick response times, customers can be sure that their order will be handled properly and arrive in a timely manner. With an efficient delivery system, businesses can maintain strong customer relationships and ultimately build positive brand reputation.

Challenges to Ensuring Fast and Safe Delivery

There are multiple aspects to consider in order to ensure that goods reach the customer quickly and without any damage, including the route taken, mode of transportation, tracking systems, storage conditions and more. Inclement weather or unexpected accidents can often lead to delayed deliveries as well, adding another layer of complexity.

Companies must be proactive in mitigating these risks with proper planning and strategies to ensure reliable, safe delivery for customers.

Additionally, businesses need to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and industry developments in order to remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. With the right tactics and solutions, companies can provide customers with fast and safe delivery that meets their expectations.

Strategies for Fast and Safe Delivery of Shipments

When it comes to fast and safe delivery of shipments, there are several strategies that can be implemented:

Utilizing Appropriate Shipping Partners

Shipping can be a major cost for any online business, so it’s important to select the right partners. Utilizing an appropriate shipping partner is key to creating a successful and profitable ecommerce experience.

Shipping partners should align with your business needs and offer comprehensive solutions that maximize efficiency and minimize costs. Look for reliable companies who are experienced in delivering packages quickly and safely to ensure customer satisfaction. Take into account the different shipping options available and select a partner that provides the best overall value, including tracking capabilities and discounted rates.

Ultimately, finding a reliable shipping partner will save you time, effort and money in the long run.

Leveraging Automation Tools

Leveraging automation tools is a great way to take the stress out of your daily workflow.

Automation can help streamline processes, reduce errors, and free up valuable time for you to focus on more important tasks. Many modern tools offer features such as auto-scheduling, automated reminders, and pre-defined templates that eliminate manual entry and save you valuable time.

Plus, with automation, you can increase productivity and efficiency throughout your organization – no matter the size. Investing in automation tools is a great way to gain a competitive edge and ensure that all of your tasks are completed on time and as expected.

Providing Optimal Shipping Options

Providing optimal shipping options for your customers is one of the most important parts to ensure safe and fast shipments.

Customers want to be able to have their orders delivered quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost, and it’s up to you as the retailer to make sure that happens. Some tips for providing great shipping options include offering free or discounted shipping on orders over a certain amount, providing accurate tracking information for customers to keep an eye on their orders, and staying up-to-date with the latest shipping industry trends.

Having a good grasp of these things will ensure that your customers are satisfied with your delivery services.

Training and Educating Staff

Training and educating staff is an essential part of keeping a business running smoothly. Having knowledgeable, competent employees on the job can help ensure that shipments are safe and delivered quickly.

Companies should develop comprehensive training plans for all staff members, from entry-level workers to those in management positions. This training should include safety procedures for handling goods, understanding shipping regulations, and proper labeling and packaging techniques. Additionally, it is important to provide ongoing education opportunities for staff members so that they can stay up-to-date on best practices in the industry.

By investing in training and educating your staff, you can help ensure that all of your shipments are safe and arrive at their destinations quickly.

Conclusion

Ensuring your shipments are delivered quickly and safely is essential to maintaining a positive reputation with customers and clients. These tips will help you get your packages where they need to go without any hiccups.

Have you tried any of these strategies for shipping? What has been the most successful for you? Let us know!

Bio

Hey I’m Sharline, the founder of Leeline Sourcing. With 10 years of experience in the field of sourcing in China, we help 2000+ clients import from China,Alibaba,1688 to Amazon FBA or shopify. If you have any questions about sourcing , pls feel free to contact us.

December 30, 2016
Free Yourself To Live Your Best Life

If you’ve been struggling to live the life you want to live lately, you’ve got to ask yourself why. Why is it that you feel you can’t do what you want? What do you want to do that you’re being held back from? These are both important questions and as soon as you know what the answer is, you’re going to be able to make waves in your life. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you can do in order to free yourself and live your best life. If you want to know more about this topic, keep reading down below.

Credit Link – CC0 Licence

Be On Your Own

The first thing that we’re going to suggest is that you learn to be on your own. If you’re not happy, then you may not be happy in the relationship that you’re in right now either. It’s best for you and the person you are with if you let this go now, rather than dragging it out. This is of course, unless you are in love with them and they can understand your need to be alone for a little while. If this is the case, then there is no need to break up as you go and have your freedom.

However, for a lot of people, they don’t know how to be on their own and that is hindering their life. You wouldn’t think of being alone though if you wanted to be with your partner as much as you think you do. If you’ve decided to be on your own and you’re married, make sure that you have all the necessary things such as the form e divorce paper.

Travel The World

If you want to live your best life then we highly recommend traveling the world to some degree. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that not everyone gets, so you would be silly to turn down such an opportunity. Choose the places that you want to go. Go and experience something new, see how other cultures live and so on. There is always something for you to find when you’re in another part of the world, so get looking!

Live For You

The final thing that we’re going to suggest is that you start living for you. A lot of the time, you find that the reason you feel trapped and like you can’t live your best life is because you’re not really living for you. There might be others in your life that you are more focused on making happy to the detriment of yourself. We know that it is difficult, but you need to stop doing this as much as you can, and learn to live for yourself first. You are the only one who can control you, so start doing it.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the best things that you can do to free yourself and live your best life. Take the leap of faith that you need to, and get ready to experience new things.

December 24, 2016