One in seven British citizens living overseas said they would stay abroad for "the favourable cost of living

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Online video content is quickly becoming a valuable asset to property companies. Quick and easy to digest, online video is a great way to engage with potential buyers and bring to life people, products and places and with Experian Hitwise reporting that visits to online video websites in the UK have increased by 36% year on year, it’s no wonder video has become a key element for today’s property professionals.

Just to highlight how important video has become, YouTube recently reported that it now receives around 3 billion views per day while a report from comscore.com shows that there has been a 66% increase in the last year of end-consumers viewing video content on mobile platforms across the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
Charlotte Ashton, Managing Director of leading property PR agency AB Property Marketing comments,
“Online video content is being used more and more these days by PR professionals for the distribution of news. We have been actively encouraging our property clients to invest in online video whether that’s providing expert commentary or video tours of stunning homes. Our client Taylor Wimpey España for example has embraced this concept, producing bespoke video content for each of its properties. When we conduct video news releases we notice a real spark in the number of “click throughs” from journalists. Video simply generates more interest.”
Overseas property portal, TheMoveChannel.com recently introduced online video content to its site and has seen impressive results. Director, Dan Johnson explains:
“The impact a video can have upon the marketing of a property is huge. TheMoveChannel.com introduced videos to its property listings and we were surprised to see the difference so quickly. Each video added to a property listing has now been watched by over half of the visitors to that page – buyers clearly enjoy the chance to take a closer look at their dream place in the sun.
“Because it generates their videos automatically without any extra hassle and is compatible with all internet browsers, agents and private sellers are equally keen to take advantage of the service. Only this week we added another 17,000 videos to the site!
For more information on the importance of online video content, please contact AB Property on 0845 054 7542 or at www.abpropertymarketing.co.uk.

A picture says a thousand words…especially when you´re a tenant

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom
The nemesis of any landlord, be they professional or accidental, is void periods. Causing a loss of income, affecting annual rental yields and often raising blood pressures, void periods should be avoided at all costs and one way to do this is to ensure a seamless transition between tenancies.
As soon as your tenant gives notice, this is the time to start actively seeking out your next occupier. With 32% of tenants having found their current home within 1 to 2 weeks according to the latest Upad research (Nov 2012), making your property as attractive as possible to potential renters is essential and a key part of this is having good photography.
As they say, a picture says a thousand words and the quality of those pixels can often make or break a new tenancy. Indeed leading online lettings agent Upad recommends to all its landlords that they invest in professional photos offering a set of 8 for a very affordable £85 + VAT.
As Upad CEO James Davis explains,
“High quality photographs are a must if you want to showcase your property at its best. You´ll attract a better type of tenant and maximise your rent. Remember that your property is sitting next to hundreds of others on Rightmove et al. You need it to look good!”
Further exemplifying the impact that professional photography can have, Upad conducted a “Spot the Difference” experiment recently listing the same property but with differing imagery. One listing had the same text but with snaps taken by the landlord themselves and the other, the same text but with Upad professional photography.

And the results speak for themselves!
As you can see by the first set of photographs compared to the set below, the viewer is instantly drawn to a professional, aesthetically pleasing shot. The first row depicts the property as a higher spec than in the second row, adding potential value to your property.
So put that iPhone or disposable camera away and invest in a set of professional photographs. They´ll certainly cost you less than a void period!
For more information please contact Upad, on 0333 240 1220 or visit http://www.upad.co.uk/professional-property-photography

The Great British Christmas

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 

Top London department store Harrods threw open its doors to their world renowned Christmas shop in July this year! Capitalising on swollen tourist numbers in London due to the Olympic Games, Father Christmas and his sleigh appeared as soon as the schools broke up for summer. 

The vast 8,000 sq ft Christmas department has its usual staggeringly beautiful festive display incorporating a snow-globe village, pop-up gingerbread Harrods shop-front and a full-size alpine ski chalet. There is even a replica of the iconic Tower of London!

The history of Christmas in the UK dates back to 6th century England and by the Middle Ages, it was a well-established important holiday with traditional pageantry, customs, music and feasting all of its own.

However in 1647, the English parliament passed a law that made Christmas illegal, all festivities were banned by the Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell, who considered feasting and revelry on what was supposed to be a holy day to be immoral. The ban was thankfully lifted when Cromwell lost power in 1660.

Oddly there is still an act which has never been repealed stating that every citizen must attend a Christian church service on Christmas day – and must not use any kind of vehicle to get to the service – thankfully not a law that is enforced today! It was in Queen Victoria´s reign that Christmas became a time for gift giving and a special season for children.

Research reveals that the average family clamber out of bed at 8 am – presumably after a child frenzied stocking session. On average your first mouthful of chocolate will be at 8.39am and by 11.07am you are likely to be ticking off the children! Not surprisingly then your first alcoholic beverage is likely to be at 11.48am, lunch at 3.24pm and the napping starts at 4.58pm – or so say Jarlsberg cheese who commissioned the study.

Their statistics show that 27 per cent of families will sit down to watch the Queen’s speech but with the sheer amount of pomp and ceremony seen this year in the UK and the popularity of the monarchy soaring, it begs the question whether more people will take the time to tune in at 3pm? 

Whatever Christmas holds for you the one thing that is very important is the feeling of timeless tradition. The turkey dinner, mince pies, Christmas pudding, crackers, stockings and presents under the tree are what makes this day so special.

And at the very heart of this is the home that you spend the day in. Memories of Christmas as a child for most of us are wrapped up with remembering our bedrooms and the stockings at the end of the bed, traipsing into Mum and Dad’s room, running downstairs to see how big the pile of presents was under the tree, sitting in the kitchen licking the bowl and opening the front door to welcome guests. 

Home – this is a major part of Christmas and here is a house that would make your Christmas dreams come true. Keepers Wood – just the name sounds secure – the kind of house that protects and nurtures; this house is positioned in the heart of the Wentworth Estate – a private estate that was designed almost one hundred years ago. And although the houses are more modern and lustrous today than they were then, this plantation has not changed very much at all. The land plots have remained the same and the golf is the same terrifically high standard.

It’s comforting to know that Father Christmas won’t get lost looking for your chimney in this calm and tranquil Surrey parkland and as the drawing room has beautiful contemporary fireplace.

Worried about food storage? Then the gargantuan walk in larder will be a great place to keep everything cool. Four ovens will make cooking turkey and all the trimmings a breeze and having two dishwashers will make clearing up a breeze. 

With a fabulous dining / drawing room there will be plenty of space for everyone to enjoy their Christmas meal and if you need some quiet time then the snug TV room could be a god send. Lots of noisy kids driving you nuts? Then the games room the on the top floor will be a major hit too!

Keepers Wood is a luxury family home offering extensive accommodation arranged over three floors and has been built to Octagon’s award winning standard of specification and finish. The house has 4 reception rooms, five bedrooms and five bathrooms. The property is priced at £4,750,000.

For more information contact Barton Wyatt on 0134 484 3000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.  

INVITATION: Come and meet the revolutionary online lettings agent Upad and see what all the fuss is about

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 

The London and South East Landlords Day – Friday 7th December 2012

The private rented sector is now bigger than ever, accounting for 17% of households in the UK and making approximately 1.5 million people professional or accidental landlords.

But the way in which we rent properties in the 21st century is rapidly changing and online letting agency Upad is at the very heart of this revolution with their market leading new model. 

Come and meet CEO James Davis, professional landlord for over 14 years, and the Upad team on Friday 7th December at the London and South East Landlords Day to discover a new way of letting properties.

This is a free to attend event held at Senate House, Malet Street, The University of London, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7HUwhichaims to inspire, inform and support the Capital’s landlords and agents.

Pop by stand number 14 to meet Upad or come along to James’ seminars:

12.35 – 1.25pm in Woburn Suite 1: “92% of tenants are looking online for their next rental property, where can I find them?”

And

2.50 – 3.20pm in Woburn Suite 2: “Gaining the competitive edge”

The day officially opens at 10:15am and features:

  • An exhibition
  • Seminars throughout the day
  • A key note speech
  • An expert panel discussion
  • A free mince pie and drinks reception
  • A networking session

The event is being organised by Unipol Student Homes and the Residential Landlords Association with the support of the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme and the London Regional Housing Partnerships.

About Upad

As one of the UKs largest and fastest growing letting agencies, Upad now receives around 20,000 tenant enquiries per month and specialise in helping professional tenants rent properties from landlords directly by allowing landlords to manage their own viewings, an approach which 90% of tenants are in favour of according the latest Upad research.

Offering a complete lettings service for a flat fee of only £299 (+ VAT) which includes professional photography and a floor plan, a ´To Let´ board erected outside the property and advertising across all major UK lettings sites as well as comprehensive tenant referencing, drawing up of the tenancy agreement, deposit registration and crucially, rent collection.

For more information please contact Upad, on 0333 240 1220. You can also visit www.upad.co.uk or the dedicated Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/upadUK.

 

Costa del Confidence. Taylor Wimpey España records 74% increase in sales on the Costa del Sol

by Charlotte Ashton Spain

Amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty, a depressed domestic property market and the   introduction of ´bad banks´, it appears that confidence in the Costa del Sol, one of the most established second home destinations in the world, is on the up once again with leading house builder, Taylor Wimpey España recording a massive 74%% increase in sales so far this year.

 

Of the three Spanish regions in which Taylor Wimpey España specialise, Mallorca, Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol, the latter has by far seen the largest increase in sales compared to the same period last year with new developments such as Los Arqueros Beach in Marbella selling in record time.

 

Over 60% of this luxury new development, just 4 minutes´ walk to the beach and amenities of San Pedro de Alcantara, has been sold off-plan since launch just 3 months ago.

 

Marc Pritchard, Marketing and Sales Manager for Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

 

"Whilst the domestic market in Spain is indeed suffering, the second home market is back with vengeance. Overall we have seen a 17% increase in sales to date in 2012 compared to the same time last year but the 74% increase in sales in the Costa del Sol is remarkable.

 

"Taylor Wimpey España has been active in the Costa del Sol for 50 years now; we have experienced the boom days as well as the bubble bursting but we remain strong in our belief in the area as the perfect place to own a second home so much so in fact that we have just invested €15 million into our latest development Los Arqueros Beach in Marbella."

 

Indeed Taylor Wimpey España´s commitment to the Costa del Sol has been welcomed by officials in the area with the Mayor of Marbella, Angeles Muñoz, attending the inauguration of Los Arqueros Beach last week and commenting,

 

"Our region remains a benchmark for a sector as important as construction; this new project will create more than 160 jobs, both direct and indirect over the next five years, emphasising the social impact of Los Arqueros Beach in the area."

 

But it´s not just British buyers being drawn back to Spain. Taylor Wimpey España has sold properties to over 20 nationalities this year alone from Germans to Russians, Saudi Arabians and Australians.

 

One market which has shown particular interest in owning in Spain is Scandinavia with Taylor Wimpey España recording a 300% increase in sales from this region followed closely by Denmark with a 150% increase to date in 2012 compared to 2011.

 

Marc Pritchard comments,

 

"No longer is Spain and the Costa del Sol in particular the preserve of the British second home owner. With the fall of the euro and the reduction of VAT to 4% until the end of 2012, Spanish property has become much more affordable, attracting buyers from all corners of the world.

 

 Indeed the newly proposed law which will grant foreign buyers residency in Spain if they purchase a property worth more than €160,000 will surely boost the international demand for homes further and help propel the market in the right direction."

 

So with limited units remaining and prices from a very reasonable €190,000 + 4% VAT, well below the average asking price for the province of €298,300 (Kyero.com), now is the perfect time to buy with confidence at Los Arqueros Beach.

 

Providing stunning homes, finished to the highest standards, close to the beach, with beautiful scenery and the ability to enjoy the facilities of the prestigious golf course of Los Arqueros, located just five minutes´ drive away, the 3 bedroom, 2 bathrooms apartments at Los Arqueros Beach are not to be missed.

 

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com  for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

Award-winning house builder Millgate marks 25th anniversary with new look website

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 

With 92% of buyers starting their search online* having an up to date, informative and engaging website is more important than ever for today’s property developers.

On average 368,000 people in the UK search Google every month for the phrase “buy a house”, spending hours hunting for that perfect property.

Now, in celebration of their 25th anniversary and in response to ever growing visitor numbers, award-winning house builder, Millgate has launched its new website – www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Attaining to the old adage that a picture says a thousand words, Millgate has adopted a heavily visual approach to the site with focus on large, high quality, professional images of their stunning homes. The new site incorporates bespoke image galleries for each house with full size interior and exterior photographs and interactive features including full social share functionality.

In keeping with the latest technology and commitment to positive user experience, the new Millgate website includes extensive HD video footage of each development enabling prospective buyers to explore the wonder of a Millgate home from the comfort of their armchair.

As well as touring the properties themselves, visitors can also get behind the scenes through a video entitled “Vision, Design, Craftsmanship” which takes the viewer on a journey with the team from the very start of construction to completion of a Millgate home.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director at Millgate, comments,

“Over the past year we have seen a vast uplift in the number of people searching online for a Millgate home and also visiting our website. As a progressive, market leading house builder, we pride ourselves in embracing new technologies and listening to what our clients’ want. Our new website reflects perfectly the highest standards that we at Millgate adhere to, both on and offline.”

So take a look for yourself and visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk today!

*Coldwell Banker report 2012

Bilbo Baggins invites you to visit his home in Middle Earth – Wizard´s Thatch

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

To coincide with the cinema release of the prequel to ´The Lord of The Rings´ trilogy, ´The Hobbit,´ why not star in your own mystical adventure with a stay at the Wizard´s Thatch?

This award-winning boutique hotel situated in the quaint Cheshire village of Alderley Edge, takes its name from a local legend involving a Wizard, King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

 

Comprising three self-contained luxurious 5 star suites, Wizard´s Thatch is often described by visitors as the home of the mystical hobbit, Bilbo Baggins due to its unique character and interior design.

 

Owner, Ian Lambert explains,

 

"Customers always comment on the spell binding experience of staying here, as like living in a scene from The Lord of The Rings!" They expect Bilbo Baggins to enter and say ´No more adventures please!´ But Wizards Thatch is an adventure – you´ll step back in time and its centuries old aura will cast its spell on you."

 

Aptly named The Wizardry, The Camelot and The Merlin, allow yourself to be swept away by the luxurious magic of each suite. All three hold their own indulgent character, featuring original beams, sumptuous sheepskin rugs and four poster beds draped in red and gold tapestries.

 

Equipped with an LCD TV, DVD and CD player, and radios with iPod docking stations, you can enjoy every modern convenience within a beautiful period property. 

 

This 400 year old thatched cottage lies at the foot of The Edge, a reputed mystical sandstone outcrop which stands guard over the Cheshire Plain at Alderley Edge. It has been described as " Without doubt the most characterful, atmospheric and romantic place to stay in all of England."

 

Alderley Edge is adjacent to beautiful National Trust countryside and at the top of the hill, The Edge has some of the finest views across the Cheshire Plain towards the Peak District. Here lies the famous Wizards Inn along with its old oak and beech woodland. You can see prehistoric and Roman copper mines, visit The Devil´s Grave and treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea or a glass of a local brew.

 

Nearby are a host of other National Trust properties such as Tatton Park, Little Moreton Hall and Lyme Park – the location of ´Pride and Prejudice.´

 

Manchester International Airport is just minutes away, as well as nearby motorway networks – the M6 & M56, which makes it an ideal central location for visiting the North West.

 

Dogs are allowed strictly by request only, no hobbits.

 

For further details including tariff please phone 07951 602969, email enquiries@wizardsthatch.co.uk or visit www.wizardsthatch.co.uk
 

Spanish low-cost airline opens new route to Mallorca from the UK

by Charlotte Ashton Spain

A new generation budget Spanish airline, Vueling, will commence new daily flights from London Heathrow to Palma Mallorca with the introduction of its summer timetable on 23 March 2013.

 

This decision to fly to Palma reintroduces a popular route that has not been served from London´s No. 1 airport since 2009.

 

The fantastic new route will offer a total of 75,600 seats, which are now on sale online with competitive lead in fares. Vueling will utilise one of its Airbus A320 aircraft, operating from Heathrow Terminal 3, where it currently operates daily flights to La Coruna and Bilbao.

 

All Vueling passengers will enjoy free allocated seating and will have access to Vueling´s new concept, Business Excellence, featuring differentiated cabin seats, access to VIP lounges, priority boarding, ergonomic head rests, snacks and refreshments on board, extra loyalty points and total flexibility to appeal to the 40% of travellers who will use the route for business.

 

The island of Mallorca, the largest of Spain´s Balearic Islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is one of Europe´s top tourist destinations, renowned for its beautiful beaches, fabulous fiestas and gastronomic delights.

 

The island has something for everyone – from the mountains in the north to the fine, pale sands of secluded coves and from the ancient villages to the modernism of the island´s capital, Palma. The old and new have developed side by side to create a matchless mixture unique to Mallorca.

 

Spain is still considered one of the most reliable and established markets for property buyers with Mallorca remaining one of the most popular destinations.

 

The Balearic islands´ economy still remains buoyant thanks to a thriving tourist industry which, despite a few variations in the past year, has hardly felt the burn. As a result, the latest census from the Spanish National Statistics Institute has identified that there are officially 23,773 Britons now living on the island with foreigners now representing 21.6% of the population – the highest concentration of overseas residents in Spain.

 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for Taylor Wimpey España comments,

 

“Mallorca has always been a firm favourite – it´s easy to get too, offers sunny days and the most beautiful scenery. To highlight its popularity Lowcostholidays.com has recently identified that Mallorca is the number one destination for people over the Jubilee week, registering a 60% increase on 2011 and Palma de Mallorca voted one of Spain´s Top 10 Destinations in Trip Advisor´s Traveller´s Choice awards 2012.”

 

Although Mallorca has been deemed much more of an ´aspirational destination´ attracting the more affluent expat given the low supply of quality homes and high property prices, Taylor Wimpey España prove that quality homes and affordable prices can go hand in hand.

 

The El Puerto II complex is situated on the south east coast of the island, very close to the marina of Cala d´Or and only 27 km from Porto Cristo. The development is surrounded by an outstanding area of natural beauty where all types of water sports can be enjoyed or where you can relax in its sleepy coves with crystalline waters, take bicycle rides or play a stress-free round of golf.

 

These properties are available fully furnished from 149,000€ + 4% VAT and half capital gains tax if you purchase before the end of 2012.

 

Contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020  or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244

Last chance to buy Spanish properties with Taylor Wimpey at 4% VAT

by Charlotte Ashton Spain

Spain´s leading property developer Taylor Wimpey España are offering VAT of 4 % on properties in a number of fantastic locations throughout Spain, allowing buyers to qualify for half future Capital Gains Tax until the end of 2012.

 

The growing strength of the pound against the euro and low interest rates are making holiday homes attractively affordable to Brits.

 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager at Taylor Wimpey España has revealed that 53 per cent of the company´s property sales last month were made to UK clients, the most sales made in a month to buyers from the UK since September of 2011. He went on to explain that British investors are making the most of the current market situation in Spain.

 

He commented,

 

"It is not surprising for Spain to see the increase in foreign spending, and especially this year, as the country´s tourism sector is experiencing an influx of vacationers. These tourists are known to visit Spain mainly to improve their knowledge of the nation´s property market before deciding to invest in it."

 

Further stating,

 

"The decline in real estate prices in some of the serene areas of the country has seen an influx of interest from foreign investors as more and more people believe that this is the best time to purchase a holiday home in Spain, and that too for incredibly cheap prices."

 
La Floresta de la Mairena is a new residential development set near the village of Elviria and its beach, very close to Marbella and Malaga. Set in beautiful surroundings which have been declared a natural biosphere reserve by UNESCO, this development benefits from stunning views towards the oak and pine forest as well as towards the sea.

 

These beautiful properties are available now from just 178,000 euros at just 4% VAT.

 

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244
 

In an Oxford Country Garden

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Oxford, a city steeped in tradition which runs deeper than its ancient walls, with history and heritage at every turn, attracts people from all walks of life, from all over the globe.

With a population of approximately 140,000, Oxford is certainly one of the most captivating cities in the UK and without a doubt the most intellectually charged, so it’s little surprise that 1 in every 5 people in Oxford is a student.

Living in Oxford however with the quaint streets swarming with tourists and students can be a tad frustrating at times which is why people looking to settle in the area lean towards the delightful villages that surround the city.

Philip Turner, Director of Thomas Merrifield, one of Oxfordshire´s largest independent estate agents with high profile offices across the county explains the wisdom of choosing a village rather than the city centre,

“We are seeing an increased demand for homes with large gardens as more buyers seek to move out of Oxford city centre in search of a quality lifestyle within which to bring up their families. For instance a new development built by luxury home builders, Millgate is attracting great interest at the moment. Each of the four country houses in the boutique Rothermere Place development benefit from gardens in the region of half an acre but each has individual characteristics.

“In Rushton House, the show home is set in mature gardens born out of the original grounds and contains stone Italianate balustrades. Kingsley House and Hertford House both have particularly extensive gardens to the rear that are ideally suited to family use and Latimer House has gardens to three sides to enable creative landscaping. All gardens have large patio areas for home entertaining, gazebos and are fully turfed and planted. With a woodland backdrop this is a stunning setting. Prospective buyers have been very impressed to find a brand new home with such generous gardens!”

So how important is having a garden today?

In 2007 Mind published a report on the benefits of gardening and being outside for assisting with mental health issues. Horticultural therapy is well-established in the UK across a variety of health and social care specialisms with more and more people picking up gardening as a hobby and reaping the benefits of improved ‘vigour’.

Working in your garden also builds strength, endurance and flexibility.   Simple tasks such as edging, raking the lawn, pulling weeds and planting seeds all use major muscle groups. And finally there is stress reduction; Horticulture Therapy found that just viewing nature can have stress-reducing benefits.   Gardens can be planted with stress reduction in mind using soothing colours and scents and studies have found that working the garden helps the recovery of sickly and ailing people.

Indeed a recent survey from the Yorkshire Building Society found that having a garden was a top priority for first time buyers. Owning your own patch of greenery ranked above all other drivers – even above transport links or proximity to restaurants.   

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director at Millgate, comments on the important of gardens to each of their luxury new developments,

“All too often with new build homes, the developer will cram as many houses as possible on a piece of land. We take a view that we want our clients to live in a perfect house in a perfect environment and to achieve this goal we try and ensure our houses have some as much land as possible.

“We employ a Chelsea Flower Show award winner landscape. As we have done at the houses at our latest development at Hinksey Hill. With half acre gardens they are truly fabulous and offer a generous amount of space for all the family to enjoy.”

Accessed via a private Lane, Rushton House at Hinksey Hill is a superb three storey, five bedroom, arts and crafts style detached house set in half an acre plot of mature gardens.

Designed for modern family living, the perfectly balanced floor plan divides the formal rooms on one side with the more relaxed rooms on the other. There is an elegant drawing room with high ceiling, a limestone fireplace and French windows onto the garden terrace. Of note is the magnificent kitchen/family room that extends the full length of the house with an orangery flooded with light while an informal dining area off the kitchen offers views over the garden.

Upstairs the expansive master suite provides a serene sanctuary featuring a walk-in fitted dressing room and luxurious en-suite, along with a large private timber decked terrace. Also on this floor is the guest suite and a further two double bedrooms and family bathroom. On the second floor bedroom five has its own en-suite shower room, whilst the large media room offers flexibility of use.

Rushton House is priced at £2,300,000. For more information contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit their new look website at www.millgatehomes.co.uk.