Blog

  • Where can I find an easy-to-use and instant SDLT calculator?

    Where can I find an easy-to-use and instant SDLT calculator?

    Looking for an SDLT calculator that doesn’t involve jumping through hoops etc. Check out this one, designed by yours truly: https://rescuepropertysolutions.co.uk/stamp-duty-sdlt-calculator-uk-2025/

    All feedback welcomed!

  • A year and a half of AI

    A year and a half of AI

    As 2024 unfolds, AI’s profound influence on my business and personal growth is clear. In just over a year, it’s reshaped key aspects of my professional and personal life (especially as I’m such a geek).

    Enhanced Business Efficiency

    AI has revolutionised my business operations. Tasks that used to consume time are now efficiently automated. From coding upgrades to data analysis, AI’s role in streamlining processes has been invaluable, allowing more focus on strategic growth at Storm DJs.

    New Google?

    Gone are the days of lengthy online searches with Google. AI-powered tools provide rapid, precise information, crucial for making informed decisions swiftly in a dynamic business environment. Perplexity is the most respected AI search tool so far!

    Improved Coding Skills

    Inspired by AI’s capabilities, I’ve substantially improved my coding skills using codecademy, delving into Python, JavaScript, and CSS. This knowledge lets me customise AI tools for my specific needs, blending technical skill with user insight.

  • Barclays App: probably the most annoying pop-up for my business

    Barclays App: probably the most annoying pop-up for my business

    I use the Barclays app for my business banking account, however recently Barclays decided to ‘upgrade’ the app(!) They decided to implement a ridiculous pop-up informing me that bank transfers could be requested from scammers. Many thanks Barclays, that is incredibly helpful.

    I’m assuming the reason they did this was to ensure they don’t have to keep on refunding people who get caught up in scams. In any case, it is incredibly annoying and of no use to my business. Please remove this warning, or add a ‘don’t show again’ tick box to the end. Rant over.

  • DJ Giveaway! Storm DJs are giving away a whole load of equipment!

    DJ Giveaway! Storm DJs are giving away a whole load of equipment!

    Just in case you haven’t checked it out yet, Storm DJs has just launched a new competition for DJs and everyone. It’s a chance to win a whole load of incredible DJ and tech equipment. No worthless prizes here – it’s all top-notch stuff in a real DJ giveaway! Have a look now. Totally recommended!

  • My 2020 Review

    My 2020 Review

    As usual, my thoughts for the year are below in the usual bullet-point format. Have a read and tell me your thoughts.

    • COVID: the world was turned upside down and social contact was restricted in most places as we realised this virus was serious. Some places more effectively and more timely than others. The proactive action (see New Zealand) rather than the reactive responses (see UK) made an incredible difference to the infections and deaths. The successful vaccine is now being rolled out meaning life might be back to ‘normal’ by the end of 2021.
    • It was definitely the worst year to get a house extension done, but we are still happy with the result.
    • Airbnb bookings have provided much needed help for us where the government gave us next to nothing.
    • I’m thankful for Amazon‘s delivery network as usual. But this year especially as life has been very constrained.
    • New baby: I’m thankful for everything my wife had to endure to get our new baby out and welcome him to the world in the midst of the pandemic in June.
    • Business: The pandemic and the associated need for less social interaction meant that my main business (selling DJs to events) was put on hold. I have since launched my web design business and my online shop for lockdowns.w
    • Bitcoin: After a lull at the start of the pandemic, Bitcoin finished 2020 on an incredible high. I only wished I had more invested in it.
    • Brexit: the UK government’s nonsensical divorce transition from the EU continued with Boris’ “Oven Ready” deal. It turned out it wasn’t ready at all, and after a lot of last-minute editing, was finalised in time for Christmas, and surprisingly favoured no-one.
    • Finally, I’m thankful for all my friends and family. It’s been the year we’ve all seen each other the least, but on the few occasions it’s been great. Thank you to Facetime, Whatsapp, and Zoom for the rest of the time.
  • Per my prediction during Lockdown 1.0, Bitcoin is going through the roof right now.

    Per my prediction in this post… Bitcoin has increase heavily. My prediction was a value of at least £6,000… today we are at bordering on £13,600… so my friends: that is more than doubling an investment from March. High risk brings crazy high reward.

    BTW I’m sure Biden’s victory over Trump helped things along.

    As usual, if you want to invest, you’ll find Coinbase to be the easiest place to do it – follow this link.

  • When Twitter AI goes wrong…

    When Twitter AI goes wrong…

    I’m not sure how Farage could possibly ‘upgrade’ my Twitter experience… could this be more Russian interference?

  • UK government is now blaming Microsoft for its incompetence re COVID!

    Absolute classic – Boris and co are now blaming Microsoft Excel for the loss of COVID results. It’s about time the UK government got their sh!t together:

    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/oct/05/how-excel-may-have-caused-loss-of-16000-covid-tests-in-england

  • Great to see UK is not sharing COVID data with new IOS 14

    Why am I not surprised that the new IOS COVID tracing system doesn’t work with the Uk government? More incompetence… and something that’s not run by Cummings isn’t going to get signed off by him.

  • When Airbnb take a loooong time to review and reimburse damage

    When Airbnb take a loooong time to review and reimburse damage

    After some recent guests damaged a few things around our house, we expected instant payout for the items damaged.

    However it would seem there’s some sort of huge delay at Airbnb meaning we’re still waiting over 2 weeks later. The site still says the claim is ‘under review’ – see pic – and there doesn’t seem to be any way to accelerate the procedure…

    Any clues / hacks from anyone?