Alan Titchmarsh | Shedforce | Home of Metal Garden Sheds

Alan Titchmarsh warns gardening is undervalued

Posted on May 19, 2013 by tarahamilton

It’s safe to say that the majority of young people aren’t interested in gardening, it can be seen as a chore or something that just ‘old’ people do. Alan Titchmarsh has spoken out, warning that gardening is undervalued. Alan has said that young people must be taught that gardening jobs are not for the “thick dull and unadventurous”.

Alan stated that gardeners work is “undervalued by Government, by the population and by young people in particular – in every instance because they just do not understand the breadth of what we do and its importance in terms of the well-being of the planet and its population”.

A study conducted by some of Britain’s leading horticultural organisations has shown that more than 70% of companies are struggling to find skilled workers and more than 80% of those businesses surveyed believed it is the poor reputation of horticultural jobs. Due to the perception of horticultural jobs, 19% of companies have been forced to recruit from abroad and 10% of vacancies took over a year to fill.

The Horticultural Trade Association director Carol Paris said “With such a serious skills shortage in the sector we need to change perceptions to show the diversity of exciting opportunities that exist within horticulture and how this can offer a serious and rewarding career for talented people.”

Interested in working in horticulture? Take a look at the Horticulture jobs website to find vacancies in your area and to learn more about career prospects in the horticultural sector.

Statistics provided by the Telegraph.

Filed under: Alan Titchmarsh, Gardening | Tagged: Garden design, garden jobs, Gardening, horticulture, horticulture careers | Leave a Comment »

Garden shed theft – some stats from Manchester

Posted on June 1, 2012 by andyheath

More Garden Crime Statistics – from Manchester

The Altrincham Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) has issued a warning to local residents following a spate of shed break-ins in the area.

There have been 14 shed or garage break-ins in Altrincham over the last month, several of which occurred in the Timperley area.

Bikes, tools, and lawn mowers were the most common items targeted by thieves, many of whom broke in after finding an unsecured door or cutting the locks.

The NPT have upped their patrols in areas considered most at risk, and are providing free shed alarms to residents there. Bail checks and visits to the homes of known offenders are also being carried out.

Officers are advising shed and garage owners to use locks that flips over and does not offer access to screws. They also suggest locking away tools after working in the garden, as burglars could use these to their advantage.

Other tips include using security lighting, adding gravel to paths as it creates a noise and acts as a deterrent and using prickly plants in the garden.

Inspector Clark Bowers of the NPT, said: “While we are keeping a close eye on known offenders, it is important that people who might be at risk of shed burglary help us to minimise that risk.

“They can do this by following our simple advice, being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity in their area.

“This is about making sure people with sheds are aware that the valuable property they keep inside them is desirable to thieves.

Secure your garden with a good quality garden store.

“Power tools, lawnmowers and gardening equipment can be easily sold on by unscrupulous individuals.

“By working together, we can ensure fewer people suffer the distress and inconvenience of becoming a victim of burglary.”

To report crime call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. For more information visit www.gmp.police.uk.

To beat garden theft get a secure garden store

More information on click manchester.com

Filed under: Alan Titchmarsh, Allotment shed, allotment storage | Tagged: garden theft, stealing from sheds, theft | Leave a Comment »

National Shed Week……. Coming Soon!

Posted on May 29, 2012 by nazishs

Asgard do like sheds! After all that’s what we do! For the last couple of years we have kept an eye on all that is sheds – so we have been fans on National Shed Week for some time.

To celebrate National Shed Week, Asgard are having extra prize give away through out June, so get your Asgard customer pictures in, and join some of Asgards previous shed picture winners - go on to their website and win some Asgard goodies!

So check out their website and see just what you can do in your shed!

“National Shed Week starts on 2nd July when shed enthusiasts are encouraged to keep an eye on the ShedBlog to discover the Nation’s Shed of the Year.

This annual event sponsored by Cuprinol is now in its 6th year and it continues to go from strength to strength!

I must admit that initially I could not see why we should celebrate sheds! Afterall it is just somewhere to store your garden tools – right? However, I soon realised that many of our nation’s sheds have played a part in our history and we must make an effort to preserve them.

Shed enthusiasts have taken pride in building and caring for their sheds. Those contending to be Shed of the Year range from hut sheds, eco-sheds, pub sheds, summerhouses and even a category called a tardis shed! This year there will even be a special category for International Shed of the Year.

This got me thinking … a shed is more than just a DIY shed. You just need to check out the previous Shed Week winners and see – there are some real works of art on show. It reminded me of walking around garden centres when I was younger, gazing at all the sheds that I thought would be perfect for my very own house in the back garden. To me a shed was a mystical place and Shed Week is perfect for showing the many dimensions to something we all take for granted”.

Asgard the home of sheds

Details about National Shed Week Here

Filed under: Alan Titchmarsh, Allotment shed, allotment storage, Garden sheds, lawnmower security, Lawnmower storage, What's in your shed? | Tagged: Best sheds, national shed week, Secure storage, shed prizes, shed week, win sheds | Leave a Comment »

Asgard Bike Shed Competition Winner

Posted on May 11, 2012 by andyheath

Congratulations to Dr K who has won the Asgard customer feedback prize. Dr K has won one of our Asgard bike chain monster locks - for the ultimate in bike lock security. If you want a chance of winning one of our exclusive Asgard prizes, email us Asgard comments and pictures of your Asgard product. at http://www.asgardsss.co.uk

“I have had my Asgard bike guard now for 2 months. I feel it is well built and sturdy. The door was faulty on initial delivery but your company came back and replaced it. The second chap who came was excellent and fixed the problem with the unit lining up and in addition screwed it to my concrete base. I trust the unit with 4 of my most precious bikes so I feel it is of value. I only wish I had bought it before I was broken into! I have even considered buying another unit to go in my garden. The brown colour is unobtrusive and fits in well to my garden. I have attached a photo for you”.

Beat bike theft with Asgard Secure Steel Storage Bike Sheds Here.

Filed under: Bike storage, Best sheds, Bicycle Security, bike shed, bike shelter, Bike Locker, bike theft, Alan Titchmarsh | Tagged: Metal sheds, cycle storage, Cycle locks, shed security, Best sheds | Leave a Comment »

Metal garden sheds with floors – Does a garden shed need a floor?

Posted on April 26, 2012 by thejasper2010

Sheds come in all shapes and sizes so if you are in the process of buying a new garden shed, they are many options to choose from. So why is it important to look for metal sheds with floors?

Is your garden missing a shed?

Depending on the make of the shed they can be made from a variety of materials, but most commonly either wood, plastic or metal is used and this affects the quality and weight of the shed unit. Although plastic and wooden sheds are very common, they are usually lightweight and can easily be lifted and moved around. This affects the security of the storage unit, which is why many people opt for a metal garden shed. Metal garden sheds vary in design, but can be manufactured using galvanised steel panels, like the Asgard Shed range.

However, be aware that some metal garden sheds are made from very thin sheets of corrugated metal, which can be very flimsy and offer very little security. Click here for a comparison of 2 garden sheds with and without a metal garden shed base.

So this is why it is important to ensure your garden shed not only provides shelter and protection of your property from the elements, it also provides security from theft. You can improve on security by looking for garden sheds with floors. Garden sheds with integrated floors means that the unit is robust and is difficult to break into as a thief wont be able to simply lift the shed and crawl underneath.

The integrated metal floor also means that the unit can be secured down into the ground by either bolting it down or using ground anchors to the concrete floor below. Fixing the shed base to the ground offers the highest level of protection as it means the shed itself cannot be lifted or moved around or broken into easily. We recommend choosing a metal garden shed with an integrated floor, such as theAsgard Centurion Shed for maximum security for your garden.

The Centurion Metal Garden Shed comes with an integrated metal Floor.

The Centurion is a large all-metal garden shed providing superior multi-use outdoor storage for large items of garden or play equipment. Heavy, galvanised (weather proof) steel panels, a built-in metal floor and large double doors make theCenturion Garden Shed ideal for storing even the largest and most valuable of your garden equipment.

All metal garden sheds from Asgard come with an integrated metal floor, as well the option to increase the security of the unit with a ground anchor. To view a range of garden sheds with floors, visit the Asgard website at http://www.asgardsss.co.uk/.

Filed under: Alan Titchmarsh, Allotment shed, allotment storage, Bulding a shed, Metal sheds | Tagged: Best sheds, Garden security, Metal sheds, Secure storage | Leave a Comment »

Nuts about sheds

Posted on February 26, 2012 by andyheath

Nuts magazine and National shed week have created a shed survey with some rather interesting shed facts.

Young men crying out for Sheds!

Over a 3rd of young British men crave their own man haven

As part of National Shed Week, NUTS magazine has compiled ˜THE SHED REPORT – an in depth study into the role of the shed in the modern mans Britain and why every man should have one.

Research from the UKs number one mens magazine has shown that the humble wooden garden fixture is no longer just the preserve of Alan Titchmarsh or Arthur Fowler – with over 1/3rd of young British men claiming that they would love to own a shed. The study reveals that they are increasingly being used for a variety of different reasons from relationship stabilisers (a lean-to psychiatrist if you will) to practical extensions of the home to sanctuaries from modern day life and even as investments. A modern mans shed truly can be his castle!

Nuts Editor at Large, Pete Cashmore says, “The Shed is now an integral part of the any British blokeâ€™s life â€“ it provides a sanctuary from the rigours of every day life and is a place that he can truly call his own. This is why we at Nuts celebrate the noble shed and all it stands for!”

Top findings include:

Over 1/3rd of 18-25yrs olds want to own a shed
1/3rd of men think having a shed is a positive influence on their relationship
40% of respondents believe a good shed is an important factor when buying a house
The average age to own a shed (â€œShed Ageâ€) is 32 years old

Sheds are good for relationships:

Whilst over 1/3rd of men feel a shed improves their relationship their partners also agree- 19% of women seeing shed time as a positive influence on their man
The recommended amount of Shed Time from shed owners is 3 ½ hrs a month to secure a happy and fruitful relationship. Whilst for those under 25yrs olds simply 2hrs/ month will suffice

Sheds and their value:

With the credit crunch seemingly here to stay sheds are also becoming a lucrative investment as 40% of people consider a shed to be an important factor when buying a house.
The average UK value for a shed comes in at a healthy Â£508 with over 17% of shed owners having sheds valued in excess of £1000! Welsh shed owners invest the most in their wooden sanctuaries topping the shed value list with 36% of owners valuing their sheds at over £1k

Sheds and their owners:

Over half of the UK owns a shed
However for the younger generation the desire to own a shed is the strongest. Over 1/3 of the under 35yr olds who do not currently own a shed desire one!
London and the West Midlands (not areas normally associated with the outdoors) desire a shed the most with 16% and 20% respectively
Owning a shed is no longer therefore just for the older retired generation. Indeed the average age for people to â€˜come of shed ageâ€™ (purchase their first shed) is a sprightly 31.8 years of age with the West Midlands leading the pack by popping their shed cherry at the age of 29. People in the South-West, however, leave it until the ripe old age of thirty five before tying themselves down to such a shrewd investment

TIPS FOR SHED OWNERS

Buy a good set of tools
Erect some shelves
Lay good foundations
Keep a radio in your shed
Keep your shed organised
Make sure your shed is water tight
It is well worth applying a coat of preservative and repeating the treatment each year to prevent decay of your shed
If you intend to use the shed as a workshop choose a bright spot in the garden with a pleasant view
If you intend running an electrical supply to your shed it would be sensible to have it close to your house
When choosing where to put your shed, remember to think about the access to it
And for real enthusiasts
Make your shed your haven, store all the things you want and like in it but make sure you keep your shed secure
Share your shed with others

TIPS TO KEEPING YOUR SHED SECURE

Ensure that your shed is securely locked
Use suitable plants, such as thorny shrubs, to enhance the protection of your garden perimeter
Try and extend your burglar alarm to cover your shed too.
Install outdoor security lighting
Mark valuable belongings with your postcode and house number, this makes stolen items easier to identify as yours
Photograph valuable equipment and belongings in your shed.
Ensure that your household insurance policy covers your garden and your shed

Sheds and shed stuff

Filed under: Alan Titchmarsh, Allotment shed, allotment storage, Metal sheds, Tools Storage | Tagged: Metal sheds, Outdoor Storage, Best sheds | Leave a Comment »

Shed facts and figures. What are sheds used for in modern society?

Posted on February 24, 2012 by andyheath

Top Ten Shed Facts

Taken from the Sunday Express.

1. If you laid all the sheds in the world end to end thewy would rap around the planet six and a half times.
2. The Garden Shed was voted into the Millenium Dome’s national identity display as one of the top symbols of britishness.
3. Last year Britain spent £85 million on sheds.
4. The number of homes in Britain with a garden shed is 9.6 million and 52% of the population own one.
5. Delia Smith makes up her receipes in one, George Bernard Shaw wrote ‘Pygmalion’ in his and the inventor Trevor Bayliss build the prototype for his clockwork radio in his garden shed.
6. English Heritage has recently honoured 52 listed listed sheds in a photographic exhibition celebrating them as architectural treasures.
7. TV’s most famous shed belongs to the Fowler family in ‘Eastenders’, but Arthur would turn in his grave if he knew that since his death it has been used as a ‘passion pad’, a place to harbour criminals and for his young son Martin to grow cannabis.

8. If you type the work ‘SHED’ into Google it lists 5,380,000 sites, with 1,740,000 devoted to them.
9. In a recent survey more than a third of those questioned would like to install a hot tub in their garden shed.
10. In 1995 police arrested a teenager in Detroit for attempting to construct a Nuclear Breeder Reactor in his parents’ potting shed. For his Boy Scout Merit Badge.

Asagrd Secure Steel Storage – UK shed manufacturers

Asgard Secure Steel Storage – The UKs leading Shed Manufacturer

Filed under: Alan Titchmarsh, Allotment shed, allotment storage, asgard, bike shed, Garden Buildings, Garden equipment, Garden Safety, Garden security, Garden tools, Metal sheds, Tools Storage | Tagged: Best sheds, Metal sheds, Outdoor Storage, recommended sheds, shed security | Leave a Comment »