No Landlord Gas Safety Inspection? Then You're Breaking the Law!

If you're a landlord renting out property to private tenants, then it's your responsibility to ensure that your occupants are safe and that any appliances in your house are fit for purpose. Perhaps the most important checks you must have carried out are an annual boiler service and gas safety inspection.

In 1998, the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations were introduced in the UK; this made the safety of boilers, gas fires, gas fittings and flues a legal compliance issue for those letting property to others - and for your inspection to stand legally, it's also imperative that you use a properly qualified heating engineer. If you're offered a gas safety inspection by an engineer who can't prove that they're Gas Safe registered, then don't waste your money - because your gas safety certificate won't be worth the paper it's written on.
Before allowing your Gas Safe engineer to commence work, it's worth checking their credentials even further; their registration card will contain details of the type of gas related work they're qualified to carry out, so check that theirs covers your particular requirements.

When new tenants move in - proving your appliances are safe
Every time you rent your property to a new tenant, you're required to present them with a valid copy of a gas safety inspection certificate. While it's not mandatory, it's also a good idea to use this transitional period to have your appliances checked - especially if it looks like they've been adjusted or tampered with in any way by the previous occupants. If your old tenants have left behind any kind of gas-fuelled equipment of their own and you intend to leave it in the property, make sure you get this checked by a Gas Safe engineer too. If you don't want the expense, then it's best to err on the side of caution and dispose of it.

An annual boiler service can save you money
In addition to the legal aspects outlined above, there are other benefits of looking after your gas appliances too. A well maintained boiler is generally a much more efficient boiler and an annual boiler service will help to keep your equipment running smoothly. By servicing your boiler every year, you'll reduce your risk of it breaking down before its time - and with the cost of replacement being quite substantial, this small yearly outlay is much more cost-effective in the long run.

The ultimate reason for having a gas safety inspection
Regardless of cost savings or your legal responsibilities, there is one reason above all others that you should keep up with your gas safety inspections. A neglected boiler can be prone to start leaking carbon monoxide; it's tasteless, odourless and you can't see it either, but a build up of carbon monoxide can lead to severe sickness, a coma and in the worst case scenario, death. Ask yourself: would you want that on your conscience?

More information is available on gas safety inspections http://saiinspection.com.cn/

Press Release of the Opening of the 120th Session of China Import and Export Fair

Sunchine Inspection: This article of Canton Fair, be worth to recommend.

Mr. Xu Bing, spokesperson of the Canton Fair, Deputy Director General of China Foreign Trade Centre
(Oct. 14th, 2016, Guangzhou)

Dear friends from the press, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning! Welcome to the Press Conference for the opening of the 120th session of China Import and Export Fair. I would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to journalists from home and abroad for your support and interest for the development of the Canton Fair.

With intense but orderly preparation, we are ready for the 120th Canton Fair, which will open tomorrow. The 120th Canton Fair signifies a milestone in its history of 60 years, which builds on the past and prepares for the future and is of great significance. Organizing the 120th Canton Fair well is crucial to display the image of China and the achievements of reform and opening up as well as to promote transformation and upgrading of China's foreign trade and its steady and positive growth.

With the attention and support of the Central Committee, the State Council and the Chinese people, the Canton Fair has never been interrupted by all kinds of severe challenges since it was founded in 1957. During the 60 years, as the best platform for Chinese companies to enter the international market, the Canton Fair has boosted trade between China and the world. It is not only the exemplary base of implementing the development strategy of China's foreign trade, but also an important symbol of China's opening up.

Currently, the deep-seated influence of the international financial crisis remains with insufficient effective demand and sluggish global trade. The cost of domestic production factor rises and our traditional competitive advantage weakens. China’s undertaking of international industrial transfer has slowed down while the outbound order and industrial transfer has accelerated. The Central Committee and the State Council pay great attention to foreign trade and have introduced a series of policy documents with unprecedented support. As policy measures for the steady and positive development of foreign trade start to pay off, the decline of China's foreign trade has narrowed and the structure has been optimized. We have seen new development momentum and positive prospects for China's foreign trade development.

The 120th Canton Fair held in this situation requires us to implement the development concepts of innovation, coordination, green, opening, and sharing. Meanwhile, we should insist on global perspective, specialization, market orientation and information application; focus on improving the ability of organizing exhibition, marketing, and services in order to increase the brand influence of the Canton Fair and make contributions to the development of China’s foreign trade.

Now, I will brief you on the basic facts of the 120th Canton Fair.

1. Exhibition scale remains stable

The 120th Canton Fair is still held in three phases with a total exhibition area of 1.18 million square meters, and the number of booths is 60,250. There are 24,553 exhibitors from home and abroad. Phase 1 is from Oct 15th to 19th, showing Machinery and Electronics, Hardware and Tools, Building Materials, etc. Phase 2 is from Oct 23rd to27th, showing Daily Consumer Goods and Gifts. Phase 3 is from Oct 31st to Nov 4th, showing Textile and Garment, Cases and Bags, Stationary & Sports Products, Food, Medical and Health Products.

In this session, there are 59,252 booths and 23,938 exhibitors in the National Pavilion. 16 categories of products will be exhibited in 50 sections. The booth arrangement is as follows: 11,925 brand booths and 47,327 general booths, taking up 20% and 80% respectively. And the numbers of exhibitors in 3 phases are: 8,548 in Phase, 7,151 in Phase 2, and 8,239 in Phase 3.

In this session, we continue to set up the International Pavilion in Phase 1 and Phase 3, with an area of 20,000 square meters. There are 998 booths and 6 product zones, and 615 enterprises from 40 countries and regions, among which 361 enterprises are from the Belt and Road countries.

2. Improve specialization of the exhibition

In recent years, we have been improving specialization of the Canton Fair. In this session, we will advance specialization in the following 4 aspects. Firstly, optimize the division of sections. We will set up 124 product zones in 27 sections and improve product categories in Building Materials, Machinery, Hardware and Tools, Textiles and Garment, Medical and Health Products. Secondly, strengthen the National Pavilion. We have totally 1742 brand enterprises. Thirdly, nurture new themes. We will cultivate new exhibition themes such as New Energy and Pet Products and select better and stronger exhibitors to improve the exhibition quality. Fourthly, integrate the National and International Pavilion. Exhibitors of Electronics and Household Appliances, Fabric and Home Textile will compete on the same stage.

3. Enhance international marketing

In this session, we will improve international marketing and invite high quality buyers to attend. Firstly we will enhance marketing on international social media, like Facebook and LinkedIn. Secondly we will step up promotion through search engines such as Google, Yahoo, etc. Thirdly we will drive the Internet Promotion Campaign. We have held 16 video promotion conferences in 15 countries. Fourthly we will enhance the i-Invite series activity. Fifthly we also cooperate with a number of airlines to provide special offer for overseas buyers. Sixthly, we will increase invitation to VIP buyers, especially those from the Belt and Road countries. As for buyers with 30 times’ attendance, we will invite them according to regions and their business lines.

4. Enrich functions of the Fair

In this session, focusing on national policy, market hot topics and demands of enterprises, we will hold 23 conferences and forums with 5 topics: industry summit, fashion tendency, design innovation, R&D, branding. Meanwhile, there will be activities to provide discussion opportunities for designers and companies including design show, design matchmaking, fashion show and innovative design forum etc. 94 design agencies from 14 countries will participate, with an exhibition area of 1665㎡. The selection for the 2016 CF Awards has also completed, with 72 winning products from 57 companies. The awarding ceremony will be held on October 24th.

5. Advance “Smart Canton Fair”

We will drive the “Canton Fair + Internet” action plan, and strengthen the support system of hardware and software, create online-offline integrated service based on a new business model including smart service, smart business travel, Canton Fair certification, and enterprise promotion. We will also enhance on-site interaction experience, and improve service. We will launch a new version of the official website and update “Exhibitors News” and “Focus of Visitors”. We will provide new smart service and online business, creating a more convenient business environment.

6. Construct a fair trade environment

In this session, we continue to strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights and a “Notice” will be sent to the exhibitors with records of alleged infringement of IPR and trade disputes. In addition, we will strengthen their self-correction and avoid infringement and trade disputes. Meanwhile, we will continue to invite law enforcement officers of IPR and experts of trade disputes arbitration and mediation to handle the complaints.

7. Achieve the goal of green development

In the 120th Canton Fair, we will get down to perfecting reward and punishment system, strengthening guiding, providing thematic training and strengthening review of the custom-built booths; we will promote green booth setting-up, ensuring the achievement of 100% green booths. Through advocating green booths, green conferences and green venue, we devote ourselves to leading green, low-carbon and energy saving development in the exhibition industry.

8. Ensure safety and security

In this session, we will highlight security work and improve the emergency management and report system to enhance the capacity for contingencies. Also, the security system of the Complex will be improved, with the whole Complex monitored through video surveillance system. We will also improve food safety guarantee and the inspection and supervision of restaurants in the Complex, ensuring food safety of the participants. We will maintain and upgrade fire prevention facilities to lay a solid foundation for Complex safety. We will make a comprehensive schedule about exhibition dismantling and replacement to make sure it will be carried out orderly, smoothly and safely.

9. Reduce the cost for exhibitors

In the 120th Fair we will continue to implement measures by the Ministry of Commerce to support steady growth of foreign trade. We will reduce the cost for exhibitors by the same extent as in the 119th session, saving 240 million Yuan.

At last, I'd like to brief you the major events in the next few days.

The Opening Reception of the 120th Canton Fair will be held in Westin Hotel in the evening of October 14th.

Innovation and Development of Foreign Trade Forum and the 2016 Canton Fair Design Awarding Ceremony will be held in the No.8 Meeting Room, Area B in the afternoon of October 24th.

Australian New Product Launch and Cross-border E-commerce Matchmaking will be held in the No.8 Meeting Room, Area B in the afternoon of November 1st.

Dear friends, we believe that under the leadership of Party Committee of the Ministry of Commerce and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, with the joint efforts of all foreign traders, we will make the 120th Canton Fair a complete success. The 120th session will also be a new starting point for further reform and innovation, and greater contribution to the sustained and sound development of China's foreign trade.

Welcome to cover the 120th session of the Canton Fair. Thank you!

Article Source: cantonfair

US leads world in oil and gas production, IEA says

International energy markets are set for "major upheaval" as the US cements its status as the world's largest oil and gas producer, while China overtakes it as the biggest oil consumer.

The predictions come from the International Energy Agency's annual energy forecast.

It believes that global energy demand will rise 30% by 2040, driven by higher consumption in India.

At the same time, the renewable energy sources will become more important.

The IEA, which tracks the energy for 29 countries, said the US - once reliant on imports - is becoming the "undisputed global oil and gas leader".

It expects the US to account for 80% of the increase in global oil supply to 2025, driven by increases in shale.

• Future energy: The technology allowing more oil extraction

That will keep prices down and help make the US a net exporter of oil - in addition to gas - by the late 2020s.

The US Energy Information Administration estimated that the US became the world's top petroleum and natural gas producer in 2012.

The emergence of the US "represents a major upheaval for international market dynamics", said Dr Fatih Birol, IEA executive director.

China changes

US oil and gas output is projected to surpass that of any other country in history, due to "a remarkable ability to unlock new resources cost-effectively".

The agency said renewable sources such as solar and wind are expected to meet 40% of the new demand.

In the EU, renewable energy will represent 80% of new capacity.

Growth in energy demand is half what it would have been without improvements to efficiency.

In China, for instance, government focus on renewable energy has led energy demand to increase by an average of 2% annually since 2012, down from 8% between 2000 and 2012.

China is still on track to have higher per-capita energy consumption than the EU by 2040, it added.

Quality Management Plan in China: Resulting to Higher Effectiveness and Efficiency

Quality Management Plan in China denotes from high efficiency and effectiveness of the process, manpower, materials and time. Efficiency is the amount or number (output) of products produce over all the inputs in producing goods, effectiveness is the capability of producing desired output, this are important factors of manufacturing process in China which lead to Quality Inspection Excellence . Here are some tips in attaining Quality Management Plan in Manufacturing Plant:

1. Pre-inspection of Raw Materials upon Receiving

Pre-inspection of raw materials upon receiving play an important role in Quality Management Plan. From the very beginning of production which is the receiving of raw materials up to the final output quality is being implemented. Raw materials receiving is a crucial part of production wherein Quality Auditors inspect the raw materials in two aspects: Quantity or the accurate counting of raw materials assessment to packing list with purchase order number  and Quality or the conformance of raw materials to company standards. The development of Quality Inspection Checklistthat may vary to company standards is a big help in implementation of an incoming materials inspection in China. The result of outstanding quality inspection in receiving area implies a big impact to production, since no substandard materials are being used in actual production. Receiving Report (RR) with the following details : Details of Materials, Name of Quality Auditor, Date Received, Container Number, Purchase Order Number (P.O #) and Overall Quality Remarks (good, reject or class B). Receiving Report can be done by batch, per box or per pallet.

2. Deployment of Skilled Auditors to Conduct Quality Inspection

Deployment of skilled auditors to conduct quality inspection in the field could lessen the risk of producing defective products. Auditors must have proper training and hands on experience on the field of Quality Inspection in China that may depends on the nature of the manufacturing company. For example, a food manufacturing company should deploy quality audit personnel with experience in food inspection,  formulation, chemicals and classification. Proper training and hands on experience together with auditors reliability in quality inspection, hard work and pro active is a great factor of Quality Inspection Excellence in China.

3. Accountability of Quality to Workers or Employee (Quality Control Circle)

Quality Control in China is not a one man team task  it composes of different people from different department of simply called as Quality Control Circle (QCC) as key part of Quality Management Plan in China. The implementation of QCC gives the accountability to every member of the organization to perform high quality job and to produce quality outputs. A QCC team in China have a structure and strictly follow one (1) representative for every department to avoid excessive ideas for brainstorming. Too much ideas could lead to confusion and unorganized flow of information. Manufacturers in China which implemented QCC having high quality outputs in every process or stage of the product.

4. Rewards System of Workers or Employees for Quality Compliance

Rewards system of workers or employees for quality compliance is a big part of quality management plan in china. Of course, after a long period of work in providing Quality Excellence in China rewarding the employees for the participation of China Quality Inspection is like giving back for employees hard work to maintain producing quality goods. Rewarding the employees by simple recognizing his/her excellency in task in quality. In some cases manufacturers in China giving rewards in terms of money, company products, promotion, certificates and recognition. The rewards system in China may depend to the resources of the firm, if the firm doesn’t have enough resources to give rewards to employees. By simply recognizing his/her personally for his hard work is enough.

5. MUDA or Waste Reduction

The Quality Management in China is efficient and effective through the adaptation of “Toyota Lean Manufacturing” or the elimination of manufacturing waste. The elimination of manufacturing waste which lead the lower cost with highest productivity in manufacturers in China. The seven (7) manufacturing is as follows:
1. Overproduction – producing to much quantity of goods than customer demands.
2. Inventory – raw materials, work in progress or finished goods which not adding value to goods.
3. Waiting – people, process or machine which is not utilized to complete a work cycle.
4. Motion – unnecessary  or excessive movement, transportation or people or machines within a process.
5. Transportation – unnecessary movements or transportation between processes.
6. Rework or Defect – correction, repetition of goods or process.
7. Over Processing – processing beyond the given standards of the customers.
Hope this article was useful to you. If you have any question about Quality Inspection Excellence in China and Asia, fell free to post a comment or contact us by clicking the link below.

Fire warning as B&Q and Wilko recall electric plug sets you may be using this Christmas

There's a risk that the plugs could cause nearby products to ignite

ByZara Whelan
11:53, 20 DEC 2017

Retailers B&Q and Wilko are urgently recalling a batch of plugs due to safety concerns.

Anyone who has the plugs have been told to switch them off immediately and return them to their nearest store

B&Q’s two products are the twin and triple plug sets that come with a remote control to switch them on and off. It has been revealed that excessive heat build-up in the plugs could cause nearby products to ignite, posing a dangerous fire risk.

The B&Q products were on sale between September 2014 and November 2017 - and around of 70,000 of them were sold.

(Image: B&Q)

In a statement on its website B&Q said: “We have taken the decision to recall the products as in some circumstances, items in contact with the product could ignite.

The company added: “Again, there is a potential fire risk so if you, or someone you know, has bought one of these products, stop using it.

The barcode numbers of the affected products are 5052931395033 and 4895130705675.

Back of plug showing label (Image: B&Q)

A B&Q spokesperson said: “We have identified a potential risk with these products which have shown excessive heat build-up in the plug of some units.

“Due to the potentially serious nature of the risk and our commitment to safety, we have taken the decision to recall these products as in a rare set of circumstances, items in contact with the product could ignite.

“Customer safety is of paramount importance to B&Q and we have rigorous quality control procedures in place.”

Anyone concerned about the item should contact B&Q on 0300 303 4482 in the UK and 1800 946 327 in the Republic of Ireland.

Wilko have recalled a UK 2 pin converter plug

Wilko has also recalled its Euro to UK 2 Pin Converter plug after it was revealed certain components failed to meet the European standards presenting a risk to users.

If you have this product, stop using it immediately and return it to your nearest Wilko store. If you need further advice or information, contact the Wilko helpline on 0800 032 9329.

In the case of a product recall, a receipt is not usually necessary and customers will be entitled to a full refund.

Aldi, Co-op and Morrisons urgently recall chicken wraps because they could contain shards of METAL

ByCaroline Jones
UPDATED13:38, 21 DEC 2017

Chicken wraps sold at Aldi, Co-op and Morrisons supermarkets have been urgently recalled because they could contain pieces of metal.

Consumers have been warned not to eat the products and instead return them to the shop where they were purchased.

Food giant Greencore has recalled various brands of chicken and bacon Caesar wraps over the potential safety risk to customers, the Liverpool Echo reports.

The firm has claimed to hold a 60 per cent share of Britain's grocery sandwich market.

 

Aldi has warned customers in a notice posted on its website

The products were recalled as a "precautionary measure", the Food Standards Agency said.

It said: "Greencore, as a precautionary measure, is recalling various brands of chicken and bacon Caesar wraps because they may contain metal fragments which could present a safety risk.

"The products are manufactured by Greencore and sold in Aldi, Co-op Food and Morrisons retail stores."

The Co-op wrap has a use by date of December 22 (Image: runcornandwidnesweeklynews)

The warning added: "If you have bought any of the products, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought.

"Greencore are recalling the products. Aldi, Co-op Food and Morrisons are displaying point of sale notices in retail stores that are selling these products.

"These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product."

 

Morrisons has recalled two types of chicken and bacon Caesar wraps (Image: PA)

The agency said no other Greencore, Aldi, Co-op Food or Morrisons products are known to be affected.

The product details are as follows:

Product: Aldi Chicken and Bacon Caesar Wrap
Pack size: 1 unit
‘Use by’ date: 21/12/2017

Product: Co-op Chicken and Bacon Caesar Wrap
Pack size: 1 unit
‘Use by’ date: 22/12/2017

Mass recall of French-made baby milk over salmonella fears

PARIS — A tainted baby milk scandal affecting some 30 countries is growing, as French dairy giant Lactalis recalled millions more products globally because of fears of salmonella contamination.

Pharmacies and supermarkets pulled cans and bottles of baby milk off shelves Thursday as the company — one of the world’s biggest names in dairy — scrambled to contain the damage.

Lactalis had already recalled several million baby milk products earlier this month. On Thursday, the company expanded the recall to all products made in its factory in Craon in western France since February “as a precautionary measure.”

In a statement, Lactalis apologized to customers and said investigations confirmed the outbreak began after renovation work earlier this year at the Craon site. Production has been halted at the site.

Related Story:
Baby milk maker orders global recall over salmonella fears
French health authorities have said 31 infants around France contracted salmonella in recent months within days of consuming baby milk made in Lactalis’ factory at Craon. Sixteen were hospitalized but later released and are now doing fine, according to a statement from the government public health agency.

It is unclear whether children in other countries have also fallen ill.

The symptoms of salmonella infection include abdominal cramps, diarrhea and fever. Most people recover without treatment.

Lactalis spokesman Michel Nalet told the Associated Press on Thursday that the newest recall affects about 30 countries but did not have a breakdown of which ones.

A French government list earlier this month said countries affected include Britain, Greece, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Sudan, Peru, and Colombia. The United States is a major market for Lactalis but is not affected by the recall. The company has production sites in 47 countries, including the U.S.

The products affected include baby milks sold under the Picot, Milumel, and Pepti brand names.

At the Pharmacie de L’Ourcq in the 19th arrondissement of northern Paris, employees emptied shelves and piled cans of milk into carts as warnings about the new recall spread around the country.

“Today safety means removing everything. Even if tomorrow we come to learn that there are lots that we can leave on the shelves or that there are boxes that we can leave on the shelves, I think that today we are taking the decision to remove everything,” said pharmacist Deborah Cohen. “If we have to have empty shelves for a while we’ll do it.”

Merveille Gamimi, a customer at the pharmacy and mother of an infant son, expressed concern. “For big companies, (consumers) are numbers. … But for us — these are our lives, our everyday lives. When my child is sick, I don’t sleep. I’m up the whole night. I worry. I search for solutions,” she said.

Lactalis owns leading dairy brands including President and Galbani cheeses and Parmalat milk. A privately held, family-run company headquartered in Laval in western France, it has 75,000 employees in 85 countries and annual revenues of about 17 billion euros ($20 billion).

— Jeffrey Schaeffer and Angela Charlton

U.S. toymaker Hasbro makes new approach to buy Mattel - source

(Reuters) - Hasbro Inc (HAS.O) has made an approach to acquire rival Mattel Inc (MAT.O), a source familiar with the matter said on Friday, the latest attempt to combine the two biggest U.S. toymakers in more than two decades.

 

Mattel's Wonder Woman doll is seen at the 114th North American International Toy Fair in New York City, U.S. February 21, 2017. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith

A deal would create a toy powerhouse, uniting Hasbro’s My Little Pony, Monopoly and Nerf brands with Mattel’s Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels toys. A combined company would have more pricing power to negotiate with entertainment studios over TV and movie franchises.

 

Mattel’s stance towards Hasbro in this overture is not clear, and it remains far from certain that a deal will materialise, the source said, asking not to be identified because the matter is confidential.

Hasbro and Mattel declined to comment. The Wall Street Journal first reported Hasbro’s latest approach to Mattel.

 

Shares of Mattel jumped about 24 percent in after-hours trading. Hasbro shares rose about 3.3 percent.

Hasbro has a market value of about $11 billion (8.34 billion pounds) after a near 18 percent increase in its stock price so far in 2017. Mattel’s shares have slumped 47 percent this year, valuing the company at $4.8 billion and making it more vulnerable as a takeover target.

The September bankruptcy of Toys “R” Us, the biggest U.S. toy retailer, highlighted the struggles facing the sector, including online competition and children’s shifting preference for electronics over traditional toys.

Mattel has pointed to that bankruptcy as a reason for weak sales.

Two weeks ago, Mattel suspended its dividend and Chief Executive Margo Georgiadis, who took the job in January, warned the company would miss its full-year revenue forecast. Mattel’s stock fell to its lowest level since 2009 that day.

“Both companies would benefit from a merger, but Mattel stockholders might oppose a deal that values the company on its depressed stock price,” said Erik Gordon, a professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

Hasbro and Mattel have had talks several times over the years, including in 1996 and again sometime in late 2015.

 

Hasbro, which is trying to diversify its revenue stream, also sought to buy U.S. movie studio and entertainment company Lions Gate Entertainment Corp (LGFa.N) this year, but those talks ended without a deal, Reuters reported in August.

That deal would have given Hasbro a direct pipeline into Hollywood, with more movies and TV shows tied to its toy brands.

In 2014, Hasbro held merger discussions with DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc, the studio behind “Shrek,” but DreamWorks was subsequently bought by Comcast Corp (CMCSA.O).

Visual identity for the 120th Canton Fair officially launched (By China Foreign Trade Centre)

Sunchine Inspection: This article of Canton Fair, be worth to recommend.

On Oct 15 2016, Canton Fair will mark its 120^th session with grand celebration. To convey Canton Fair’s spirit of reform and opening up, innovation and progress, and win-win cooperation with a simple visual effect and to enhance Canton Fair’s influence, China Foreign Trade Centre has designed the visual identity of the 120^th Canton Fair as follows:

The VI took elements of the number 120 in silk ribbon, Canton Fair in English, Canton Fair’s flower logo and the time “1957-2016” in the design. It shows that Canton Fair is the modern equivalent of China’s ancient Silk Road, the window of China’s opening up to the world, the bond of friendship between peoples in the world, and the bridge connecting China and the global economy and trade.

This VI will be used in the celebration for the 120^th Canton Fair and other events.

Article Source: cantonfair

Factory activity accelerated in November, survey says

UK manufacturing activity grew at its fastest pace in more than four years last month, according to a closely watched survey.

The Purchasing Managers' Index index compiled by IHS/Markit hit 58.2 in November, the best level in 51 months.

The report said exports played a "big part" in the expansion.

Separate official data showed that inflows of foreign investment into the UK hit a record last year, boosted by several very large takeover deals.

The Office for National Statistics recorded inward investment of £145.6bn in 2016, up from £25.3bn in 2015.

The investment figures were lifted by some large deals that were completed in 2016, including:

• SAB Miller (brewer) bought by Anheuser-Busch InBev
• ARM Holdings (chip designer) bought by Softbank
• BG Group (energy firm) bought by Royal Dutch Shell

The UK voted to leave the European Union in June 2016, but economists say that vote probably did not have much affect on these figures.

Paul Hollingsworth, toy inspection UK Economist at Capital Economics, pointed out that the big deals were likely to have been planned well in advance of the vote.

He also said it was impossible to say if inflows of investment would have been even greater without the Brexit vote.

"I think 2017 could be the more challenging year for FDI (foreign direct investment), though, as Brexit draws closer," Mr Hollingsworth said.

'Mixed' outlook

The compilers of the purchasing managers' survey said the results indicated UK manufacturing had "shifted up a gear" last month.

At 58.2, the PMI index suggests strong growth as any reading above 50 indicates expansion.

"The domestic market remained strong but new export orders primarily from the US and Europe were a big part of this overall picture of success," said Duncan Brock, who contributed to the report.

But some economists question whether UK factories can maintain their current pace.

"The outlook for manufacturing appears mixed. Domestic conditions look challenging despite November's healthy orders," said Howard Archer, chief economic advisor to the EY Item Club.

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Ikea's tax affairs to be investigated by the EU

The European Commission is to open an in-depth investigation into Ikea's corporate tax structure.

The Commission said testing and inspection service Dutch-based Inter Ikea, one of the Swedish giant's two divisions, may have been given unfair tax advantages by the Netherlands.

European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said all firms "big or small, multinational or not, should pay their fair share of tax".

The EU will look at whether Ikea's tax affairs breach EU rules on state aid.

Under EU law, member states cannot give selective tax benefits to multinational groups that are not available to other firms.

"The Commission has concerns that two [Dutch] tax rulings may have given Inter Ikea Systems an unfair advantage compared to other companies," it said.

The move is the latest crackdown by the EU competition authority on tax deals between EU countries and multi-nationals.

A spokesman for Inter Ikea Group said the way it had been taxed "has in our view been in accordance with EU rules".

"It is good if the investigation can bring clarity and confirm that," he added.

Two tax deals

The Commission's Ikea inquiry is focused on two tax agreements between the Netherlands and Inter Ikea which it alleges "have significantly reduced" the firm's taxable profits in the Netherlands.

Netherlands-based Inter Ikea operates the franchise business of Ikea. It collects royalties from other parts of Ikea and pays little tax on the proceeds.

The Commission says that in 2006, a Dutch tax ruling enabled Inter Ikea to pay a "significant" annual licence fee to another Ikea unit in Luxembourg, thereby shifting revenue to a jurisdiction where it remained untaxed.

Then in 2011, after the Luxembourg tax scheme was deemed illegal, Inter Ikea arranged a second tax ruling with the Netherlands.

This ruling focused on a loan deal with an Ikea unit in Liechtenstein, which enabled Inter Ikea to shift "a significant part of its franchise profits" to a low-tax jurisdiction.

A senior Dutch EU official said it would look at the details of the case.

"The Netherlands fully supports the Commission's work," they added.

Richard Murphy, professor of practice in international political economy at City University, said Ikea's tax arrangements were "unusually complicated" and as a result, an EU probe was "inevitable".

"Is their level of tax disproportionate to their overall activity in a country is undoubtedly what [the European Commission] are looking at here," he said.

---

Analysis by BBC business correspondent Jonty Bloom

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES

The European Commission is not so much worried about different countries in the European Union having different tax policies, in fact considering it is supposed to be one, seamless market, there are a whole range of company tax rates and policies across the EU.

What it does not like are tax deals that are available for one type of company, huge multi-nationals, but not to everyone else.

Your local High Street furniture store has enough trouble competing with the likes of Ikea, with its massive stores, name recognition, buying power and marketing budget, without Ikea also having access to tax breaks that it could never use.

That is why Ikea is just the latest in a long line of giant companies that the European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager has gone after.

She has already had Amazon, McDonalds and Apple in her sights, and this is big-game hunting; Apple alone was found to have benefited to the tune of £11.5bn in unfair tax breaks.

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Image copyright GETTY IMAGES

Image captionThe EU's competition chief Margrethe Vestager is worried giant firms are gaining unfair advantages over smaller rivals

The Commission has recently ordered various member states to collect billons of euros' worth of back taxes from Apple, Starbucks, Amazon and Fiat.

The European Commission is worried that giant companies gain an unfair advantage over smaller rivals which have no chance of using similar tax schemes.

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No Landlord Gas Safety Inspection? Then You're Breaking the Law!

If you're a landlord renting out property to private tenants, then it's your responsibility to ensure that your occupants are safe and that any appliances in your house are fit for purpose. Perhaps the most important checks you must have carried out are an annual boiler service and gas safety inspection.
In 1998, the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations were introduced in the UK; this made the safety of boilers, gas fires, gas fittings and flues a legal compliance issue for those letting property to others - and for your inspection to stand legally, it's also imperative that you use a properly qualified heating engineer. If you're offered a gas safety inspection by an engineer who can't prove that they're Gas Safe registered, then don't waste your money - because your gas safety certificate won't be worth the paper it's written on.
Before allowing your Gas Safe engineer to commence work, it's worth checking their credentials even further; their registration card will contain details of the type of gas related work they're qualified to carry out, so check that theirs covers your particular requirements.
When new tenants move in - proving your appliances are safe
Every time you rent your property chemical testing laboratory to a new tenant, you're required to present them with a valid copy of a gas safety inspection certificate. While it's not mandatory, it's also a good idea to use this transitional period to have your appliances checked - especially if it looks like they've been adjusted or tampered with in any way by the previous occupants. If your old tenants have left behind any kind of gas-fuelled equipment of their own and you intend to leave it in the property, make sure you get this checked by a Gas Safe engineer too. If you don't want the expense, then it's best to err on the side of caution and dispose of it.
An annual boiler service can save you money
In addition to the legal aspects outlined above, there are other benefits of looking after your gas appliances too. A well maintained boiler is generally a much more efficient boiler and an annual boiler service will help to keep your equipment running smoothly. By servicing your boiler every year, you'll reduce your risk of it breaking down before its time - and with the cost of replacement being quite substantial, this small yearly outlay is much more cost-effective in the long run.
The ultimate reason for having a gas safety inspection
Regardless of cost savings or your legal responsibilities, there is one reason above all others that you should keep up with your gas safety inspections. A neglected boiler can be prone to start leaking carbon monoxide; it's tasteless, odourless and you can't see it either, but a build up of carbon monoxide can lead to severe sickness, a coma and in the worst case scenario, death. Ask yourself: would you want that on your conscience?

More information is available on gas safety inspections http://saiinspection.com.cn/

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Substantial Results Achieved in Smooth “Belt & Road” Trade at the Canton Fair

The 19th National Congress has pointed out that we need to pursue the Belt and Road Initiative as a priority, give equal emphasis to “bringing in” and “going global”, follow the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration, and increase openness and cooperation in building innovation capacity. With these efforts, we hope to make new ground in opening China further through links running eastward and westward, across land and over sea. As an important platform for foreign trade promotion, Canton Fair has been devoted to drive trade cooperation between China and “Belt & Road” countries, becoming a bond connecting trade and cooperation between China and B&R countries. Since the implementation of the initiative, Canton Fair has been deepening trade and cooperation with countries along the route and drive smooth trade and win-win development.

At the concluding press conference of the 122nd session of the Canton Fair, Xu Bing, Spokesperson of the Canton Fair and Deputy Director General of China Foreign Trade Centre, introduced the results achieved in implementing the “Belt & Road” Initiative containers loading service.

Increased buyer attendance from B&R countries. In this session we have focused on B&R countries in marketing and invitation; both mail invitation and Internet Promotion Campaign focused on these countries. The number of buyers from countries in the “Belt and Road” Initiative stood at 84,445, up by 3.48% and accounting for 43.99% of the total. Pakistan, Thailand and Russia witnessed the greatest growth at 46.22%, 11.85% and 9.62% respectively. Among the top 10 buyer source countries and regions, there are 4 B&R countries, namely Thailand, India, Russia and Malaysia. In this session we’ve also organized 16 national delegations from B&R countries such as the UAE and Russia to visit and source at the Fair, and received many government delegations from these countries.

Increased transaction with B&R countries. The transaction with the “Belt and Road” countries totaled 9.37 billion dollars, a year-on-year increase of 13.6% and accounting for 31.1% of the total. Exhibitors from industries such as building materials, large machinery, household electrical appliances, light industrial products, textile and garment, food etc said that B&R countries showed great market potential and strong sourcing demand and enjoyed significantly increased transaction.

Provide an open international trade platform for B&R countries to sell to the world. In the International Pavilion, we had attracted 341 companies from 17 Belt & Road countries. These exhibitors said that canton Fair is not only the most important trade platform for them to explore the Chinese market and export to China, but also an efficient international trade platform to share business opportunities with buyers from 213 countries and regions all over the world and sell to the world.

Hold “Belt & Road” thematic trade matchmaking activities. To boost trade cooperation with companies in China and the UAE, China Foreign Trade Centre together with the Ministry of Economy of UAE and CCCME held the “Belt & Road, Focus on the UAE” matchmaking event. 53 UAE companies and 80 Chinese companies attended the event with great results. According to the Ministry of Economy of UAE, the event will be a new starting point for both parties and that Canton Fair will serve as the platform to deepen China-UAE economic and trade cooperation and bring the bilateral relations to the next level.

（Canton Fair Press Center）

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Build Canton Fair into an all-round Global Trade Platform That Can “Sell to the World, Buy from the World”

At the Press Conference for the opening of the 122nd session of China Import and Export Fair on Oct 14, Xu Bing, spokesperson of the Canton Fair, Deputy Director General of China Foreign Trade Centre, introduced the features of this session.

Xu Bing said that in the 122nd session, we will fully implement President Xi’s remarks in the congratulatory letter and Premier Li’s instructions, demonstrate China’s progress in the supply-side reform, and deepen trade cooperation with “Belt & Road” countries. We will continue to make the Canton Fair an all-round platform for opening up and make new and bigger contributions to China’s trade transformation and upgrading, and the development of open factory qc inspection service economy in China and the world.

Drive smooth trade with “Belt &Road” countries. Currently, the Canton Fair has signed cooperation agreements with 45 industrial and commercial organizations in 32 “Belt & Road” countries, providing consulting, exhibition attendance and participation, and trade promotion services. We will organize 14 “Belt & Road” national delegations to visit and source at the fair. Exhibitors from countries along the route account for 60% of the total in the International Pavilion, covering all 6 product zones. Egypt, Turkey, India, Pakistan, Malaysia and Thailand will organize national delegation to participate in the International Pavilion.

Demonstrate China’s progress made in the supply-side reform. The Canton Fair has gathered more than 160,000 categories of products of 25,000 companies all over China, with more than 2000 brand companies. Exhibitors will focus on supply-side reform and innovation-driven development. Many leading companies with self-owned IPR, brands and core technology will bring their latest products; product update ratio for some exhibitors has reached 80%. Smart, premium, custom-made, green and low carbon products with own brands have become the latest trend.

Give full play to the role of an all-round platform for opening up. In this session we’ve made new changes to the mechanism, system and business mode, utilized domestic and international markets and resources on a higher level. By optimizing sections and exhibitor structure, building an international marketing network, driving Smart Canton Fair, holding international market forum, we will continue to improve Canton Fair’s specialization, market orientation, international development and information technology application to better help companies explore markets. By strengthening IPR protection, launching CF Awards competition, enriching design matchmaking service, we will encourage and guide exhibitors on a path of innovation-driven development and strengthen Chinese brands. By stepping up the exhibitor recruitment, attracting international industrial leaders and feature products to participate, and holding trade matchmaking activities, we will build an efficient platform for overseas exhibitors and domestic buyers. By holding promotion activities based on the demands of overseas exhibitors and facing international buyers, Chinese exhibitors and Chinese buyers, we will make Canton Fair an all-round international trade platform that can “sell to the world and buy from the world”.

(Canton Fair Press Center)

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Basic Appliance Care

Cleanliness keeps appliances going. Modern appliances have evolved into some of the most sophisticated, technologically advanced, and convenient household products on the market. Accordingly, they have also become a significant investment with steeper price tags and more bells and whistles. Proper maintenance is a necessity to keep the highly valuable items running effectively and efficiently for as long as possible. Large repairs on major appliances will warrant a professional service call. But keeping the appliances clean and in good condition will go a long way to prevent problems.

Refrigerator and Freezer: Clean the coils underneath the refrigerator to ensure that the compressor fan can circulate fresh air. Unplug the machine, pull out the vent plate that covers the coils, and use a vacuum hose to clean them. Keep the door gasket clean and free final random inspection from sticky residue that can cause the gasket to weaken and compromise the closing seal. Defrost the freezer when frost builds up.

Dishwasher: Take out the racks and baskets - clean them and then clean the inside surfaces, corners, and linings. Put the pieces back inside and run the machine while empty with a little detergent.

Stove: Clean burners with a wet rag and dish soap or with a stove-cleaning solvent. If you have a gas stove, learn how to safely relight the pilot; blue flames indicate that the stove is working at full efficiency. Burners for electric stoves can usually be easily and inexpensively replaced.

Washing Machine: Cleaning the washing machine may seem redundant, but it is an important part of maintaining the unit. Drops of detergent can splash onto the control panel and seep under the knobs and buttons. Wipe the outer surface of the machine with a damp cloth to remove any build-up. If your washing machine rattles when it runs, it may need leveling.

Dryer: Lint and debris that final random inspection accumulate in the lint trap and around or under the dryer can become a fire hazard. Clean the lint trap after each use and keep the area around the dryer clear. Clean the outside vent once a year and make sure it opens when the dryer is on and closes properly when the dryer is off.

Air conditioner: Like the refrigerator, the air conditioning coils need to be cleaned periodically by running the vacuum brush over them. At the same time, clean or replace the filter if necessary.

Water Heater: Heating water costs money and energy. You can help the heater run more efficiently and lower utility bills by wrapping it in insulation to keep the heat concentrated in the unit and prevent it from radiating out.

For all appliances, take the time to read through the owner's manual and review the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations. Acquaint yourself with all appliance features, even those functions you may rarely or never use. Each component has an effect on the overall efficiency of the unit, and it helps to know how to properly care for every aspect of your appliances.

James Budrow at Sacramento inspection recommended homeowners schedule yearly maintenance inspections to help protect their investment. Schedule your Sacramento home inspection today.

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