Welcome to the Kingfisher Direct Blog
![Why use a fogging machine?](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/F/o/800/350/Fogging_machine_1.jpg)
![The best reasons to buy British-made products](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/M/a/800/350/Made_in_Britain_1.jpg)
The best reasons to buy British-made products
![IBC guide](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/C/o/800/350/Copy_of_Office_recycling_1.jpg)
IBC guide 101: Understanding their history and the materials used to make them
You have probably walked past IBCs dozens of times in your day-to-day life without realising, because they are such a popular item.
Here at Kingfisher Direct, we get a bit excited about IBCs and love nothing more than spreading as much information about them as we can.
![The guide to getting your workplace into the recycling revolution](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/O/f/800/350/Office_recycling_1.jpg)
The guide to getting your workplace into the recycling revolution
Getting your household to recycle is one thing, getting your workplace recycling is another task altogether. As hard as it may be, it’s part of your duty as a responsible employer to encourage workplace recycling, wherever possible.
![The ultimate guide to oil tank heating systems: busting the myths & weighing up the costs](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/O/i/800/350/Oil_tank_heating_system_1.jpg)
The ultimate guide to oil tank heating systems: busting the myths & weighing up the costs
Over four million properties in the UK aren’t connected to the gas mains. The most common solution is an oil tank heating system. Despite many perceived negatives of using an oil tank, the people using them in their property will be benefitting in several ways. If you are on the fence about using an oil tank, let us settle a few of those concerns while giving you a few things to consider.
![The most common materials used in the manufacturing of our products](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/M/a/800/350/Materials_blog_1.jpg)
The most common materials used in the manufacturing of our products
You might work with a product every day but have no idea what the manufacturing process is or why they use a specific material to manufacture a product. If that is you, we are here to help you understand the different materials and what the reason for using them is. Across our product range, certain materials are used more than others and there is always a good reason for this. Let’s look at the most common materials, their benefits and where you will find them.
![Keep cautious: Understanding the dos and don’ts of snow and ice clearing in public spaces](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/P/a/800/350/Paving_1.jpg)
Keep cautious: Understanding the dos and don’ts of snow and ice clearing in public spaces
When bad weather arrives, making sure paths and roads are clear and safe is important. This is where the confusion of who the responsibility falls on to clear streets and roads arises.
As a business owner, you want to make sure your land is safe to avoid slips or trips for employees and visitors. Do you know what is the council's responsibility to clear? Do you know what is your responsibility to clear?
![Forget the rubbish: Getting to know your outdoor waste and recycling bins](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/O/u/800/350/Outdoor_waste_and_bin_1.jpg)
Forget the rubbish: Getting to know your outdoor waste and recycling bins
We are all going that extra step to protect and preserve our environment. This includes taking care to dispose of waste and recycling in the right way.
As a headteacher, business owner or local council worker you will need to ensure there are enough waste bin locations outdoors.
We have had a look at the key characteristics of outdoor bins which make them ideal for year-round use.
![Getting to know rock salt and grit](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/r/o/800/350/rock_salt_and_grit_2__1.jpg)
Getting to know rock salt and grit
The UK weather can be temperamental. One day it’s clear, the next it’s raining, and the day after it's icy. You need to make sure you are ready for anything.
Arguably the most difficult weather condition to manage is snow and freezing temperatures. To make things that bit more complicated, the products used to prevent ice aren’t the easiest to get your head around.
![Rainwater Harvesting](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/R/a/800/350/Rainwater_harvesting_1.jpg)
Understanding the costs and the benefits of rainwater harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is becoming increasingly popular across the UK due to several reasons. By harvesting rainwater, you can reduce your company's water bills, but also help the environment while you are at it.
If you are thinking of starting to harvest rainwater, then you probably have a few questions.
![AdBlue](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/A/d/800/350/AdBlue_1.jpg)
The beginners guide to AdBlue
Making sure your car meets all the rules and regulations in place can be a challenging task. Understanding why you need to use a certain liquid or material complicates the matter even further. AdBlue is one such example.
We have done the hard work for you and put together a short explanation guide to AdBlue and why it is so important to diesel cars.
![Unconventional uses of an IBC](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/U/n/800/350/Unconventional_use_IBCs_1.jpg)
Unconventional uses of an IBC
An IBC, or intermediate bulk container to give it its full name, is a container that stores and transports water. Their cube design allows the user to transport more water than they would be able to in a cylindrically shaped container.
Outside of their normal use, an IBC can be used for an array of different uses. We are often flooded with examples from our customers of their creative uses for an IBC.
![Guide to Water Bowsers](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/w/a/800/350/water_bowsers_1.jpg)
A buyer's guide to water bowsers
![school budget](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/S/c/800/350/Schools_1.jpg)
What to add to your next school budget?
Getting the most out of your school budget is crucial. With a set amount being offered to ensure your school is furnished to a high standard each year striking the right balance between quality and cost efficiency is key.
We’ve put together a selection of items that you might want to consider adding to your wish list for when you’re considering where to spend your budget.
![eco-friendly bin](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/B/i/800/350/Bin_eco_friendly_1.jpg)
Why make the change to eco-friendly bins?
COP 26 has flagged up the need for everyone to take on a greater responsibility to protect and save our planet.
There are small changes we can all make to do our bit to help. This includes taking more care when it comes to buying products, ensuring that they are sustainable and eco-friendly.
We’ve taken a detailed look at what makes a product eco-friendly and why you should choose eco-friendly items.
![Festival Planning Checklist](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/F/e/800/350/Festival_ready_1.jpg)
The complete festival planning checklist
Festivals aren’t at the forefront of everyone’s mind right now, but before you know it, people will be taking the fields across the UK to soak up good music and good times.
If you’re tasked with planning a festival, no matter if it is a camping festival or day event, you will need to start your prep work early. To help you out, we have put together a list of products you might want to consider ensuring you make any festival a hit.
![Grit bin guide](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/G/r/800/350/Grit_bins_101_1.jpg)
Grit and grit bins 101: What you need to know
The weather in the UK has well and truly taken a turn over the past month, with the milder weather replaced by freezing cold winds. As such, we expect to see more ice and snow hitting our areas soon so being prepared for the coldest of conditions is crucial.
![The difference between household bins and commercial bins: What you need to know](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/B/i/800/350/Bin_shop_KFD_1.jpg)
The difference between household bins and commercial bins: What you need to know
![A hand holding a smartphone against a rainy window](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/T/o/800/350/Top_5_weather_websites_KFD_1.jpg)
The top 5 weather websites to check your local weather to prepare your business
![Different Types of Salt Spreaders](https://img.kingfisherdirect.co.uk/media/amasty/blog/cache/M/i/800/350/MicrosoftTeams-image_16__1.png)