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Do you have the skills to be a security officer?

Security guard can be a fantastic and hugely rewarding career path for the right person but does require a certain personality and skillset that not everyone possesses.

If you are considering a career change and are wondering if security guard could be the right way forward for you, you have come to the right place.

Avant Guard Security Glasgow are one of the UK’s top security companies providing security guards to companies across the nation. We know exactly what makes a great security guard and know exactly what we look for when considering candidates to join our ranks of highly trained professionals.

In this article, we will look through some of the skills possessed by all great security professionals. If you recognise yourself in these traits, you could be the next great security guard in waiting. If not, it might be worth looking elsewhere for you next exciting step in your career.

security guard

5 Attributes of a Great Security Guard

Honesty

We’d be surprised if you didn’t consider yourself an honest person, but trustworthiness is widely considered as the most important quality of any security professional.

You are responsible for the safety of people and given the responsibly of protecting individual’s and companies’ most valuable assets. You will often be left alone on a property and it is vital that clients feel comfortable entrusting you with this key responsibility. All security officers must undergo pretty extensive background checks designed to highlight anything that compromise their ability to do this role.

It is not only about being an honest person either, you need to show that you can be trusted to remain vigilant and won’t make costly mistakes as a result of a lack of proper care and attention.

Commitment

The process involved in becoming a security guard is not easy. There is a lot of training and learning to do and only those who are truly committed to the role will find success.

During your training you will learn skills such as health and safety, conflict management, and much more besides.

All this leads up to obtaining a SIA licence, the industry standard qualification required for an individual to work as a security guard.

Attention to detail

Security guards must remain highly vigilant at all times and be able to spot suspicious activity at a single glance. If you are not someone who notices the little things, security guard probably isn’t the role for you.

You need to be able to analyse a situation in an instant and make a decision based on the information available.

Physical Ability

Security officer can be a pretty active role if you are asked to perform mobile patrols rather that being stationed in one spot. Either way you will be on your feet for many hours at a time and need the physical ability to intercept intruders and have a good level of strength and stamina.

All this will be assessed before you become a qualified guard but you might want to get in shape before applying.

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Why Boiler Servicing is critical to home safety

Boiler servicing keeps your boiler happy and healthy all year long, saving you money and keeping you warm.

It is not only your boiler whose safety is improved when you have it serviced, however, it is the safety of you and your family as well.

During a boiler service, a Gas Safe Engineer will conduct a number of safety checks that will keep you and your family safe. At the end of the day there is nothing more important than this.

Gas is incredibly powerful, which is what makes it such an effective heating source, but needs to be respected and can be dangerous if misused.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the importance of boiler servicing Glasgow to the safety of the home and the people inside.

boiler maintenance

Some of the main health and safety benefits of a boiler service include:

Stopping Gas Leaks

A gas leak is any homeowners worst nightmare. It is one of the most dangerous situations that can ever occur in a domestic home and there is a genuine risk to life if a leak goes undetected.

One of the most important things that a gas engineer will do during a gas service is to check for a gas leak and carry out any repairs that will reduce the risk of a catastrophic incident taking place.

They will also be able to give you tips and advice for monitoring for gas leaks yourself.

Detecting carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an extremely dangerous gas that can leak from a faulty boiler. Carbon monoxide poisoning is incredibly dangerous and can lead to serious health issues for those nearby, and even death in extreme situations.

You should always have a carbon monoxide detector installed in close proximity to your boiler but during a boiler service your engineer will conduct additional checks to both find any existing leaks and make any repairs that could potentially lead to a leak in the future.

Avoid Breaching Regulations

There are strict rules and regulations governing the use of gas appliances in the UK, especially for landlords and homeowners. Failing to abide by these rules could land you in very deep legal waters. As a landlord, gas boiler servicing is not only a good idea for the safety of your tenants but is actually a legal requirement. Failing to have gas appliances safety checked can lead to major fines or other penalties.

What safety checks are carried out during a gas boiler service?

Just some of the components of a boiler that are examined and maintained during a gas boiler service include:
  • Gas valves
  • Ventilation system
  • Flame Sensors
  • Pressure gauges
  • Burners

All of these play a major role in determining the overall safety of the boiler system and it is essential that they are routinely checked by a fully qualified Gas Safe Engineer. Gas boiler servicing is not a legal requirement for homeowners (landlords aside) but is still absolutely essential for anyone serious about protecting the safety of their property.

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How does remote CCTV monitoring work?

Everyone knows about the benefits of CCTV. What many people don’t know, however, or don’t fully understand, are the benefits of having your CCTV system monitored by a professional security company.

CCTV monitoring is a cost effective way to protect your business from a whole host of different threats without having to fork out thousands every month to hire full-time manned guarding services.

Trust Hire CCTV monitoring involves a group of highly qualified and experienced security professionals keeping an eye on your CCTV system, whether fixed or mobile, and responding immediately to any potentially serious security breaches.

security cctv

What do your CCTV monitoring company do?

The responsibilities of a CCTV and alarm monitoring company will vary from job to job depending on the nature of the site in question and the needs and wishes of the client.

In general however, their duties include monitoring the status of a CCTV system, responding immediately to any issues that it detects, accessing the live images transmitted by the security cameras and acting on the information gathered, and performing both routine and emergency maintenance on your CCTV system.

You can see now why is it so important to get the decision right when picking your security firm.

Why picking the right CCTV company is so important?

The CCTV monitoring company you choose to oversee your CCTV installation and ongoing observation is just as important as the system itself.

There are plenty of security companies out there that offer CCTV monitoring these days but only a select few are truly elite. You not only need a company that provides state of the art security technologies but also one that has highly trained security officers in their ranks who can respond to emergencies once they arrive.

Always look for a security company whose staff are fully SIA licenced and have a proven track record in the sector you operate in. If you are unsure where to start, get in touch with another company of a similar size to your own that has similar security requirements. Ask them which firm they use and if they would recommend them.

If all else fails a google search is never a bad place to start either. Read some independent reviews, take you time, and get multiple quotes for the service to ensure you are not being ripped off.

Who can benefit from CCTV monitoring?

Pretty much anyone, but especially those sites that are left empty over night or even for days at a time. CCTV monitoring is designed to be an alternative to on-site security and is particularly effective on construction sites, infrastructure projects, vacant properties, and car parks.

Do not assume that CCTV monitoring alone is always enough security to keep you safe, however. Ever site is different and it may well be that you do indeed need full-time on-site security as well. If you are in any doubt get in touch with us today to arrange a risk assessement.

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Should you try to build your own front door?

Many of us love a good DIY project and if you have recently decided that its time to install new external doors on your property you may well be wondering if you can just craft your own, rather than forking out for installation from a professional company.

Well, it is certainly possible to build your own front door and we’re sure that you have the skills to do just that, but that doesn’t mean that it is necessarily the best idea.

Remember, you don’t only have to consider the cost of materials and the time it will take you to do the job that your home deserves, but also the extended performance warranty and advanced manufacturing you are forgoing by not using a professional door manufacturer.

How to build you own front door

front door colours

If you are determined to build your own front door, there are several key steps that you need to follow to ensure you create a great final product.

Following this plan will leave you in the best possible position:

  • Plan it out – The worst thing that you can possibly do is start building your new door without fully planning out your design. Take the time to take precise measurements and ensure that your materials are well suited to the frame.
  • Choose your materials – There are many different materials that can be used to create a new front door including wood, uPVC, aluminium, and more.
  • Don’t forget the details – The hinges, door furniture, and intricate designs are the small things that make a door what it is, and it is important to pay just as much attention to these things as the main door panels and materials.
  • Get a second opinion – Have a trusted friend or family member check over your work before committing, reducing the risk of a damaging error.

What are the downsides of building your own door?

Even if you have all of the skills required to construct a door that will function smoothly and look great, it might still not be a sensible option.

Most people who decide to go down this route do so for a couple of reasons. One, to give themselves complete control over the appearance of the door, and two, to save money.

However, what many of those who look to save money by going down the DIY route do not take into account is the ongoing costs that can be associated with installing a new front door.

Your external doors play a major role in determining the overall energy efficiency of your property, keeping your home warm for less during the winter and cool during the summer.

Modern composite and uPVC front doors Glasgow developed by leading manufacturers are carefully designed to be as thermally efficient as possible and feature components such as energy reflecting glass with thermo-spacer bars and multi-chambers within the frame of the door itself.

Without these features, you will end up paying significantly more for your energy on an annual basis, quickly cancelling out any of the savings that you made by installing your own door in the first place.

Furthermore, if anything goes wrong with your door the warranty that comes with new doors from all leading manufacturers will cover any repairs or replacement parts. If you build your own all these costs will fall firmly on you.

Design a custom door

patio door

Just because you decide not to attempt to build a front door from scratch does not mean that you can’t create a custom door that matches the aesthetic of your home.

There are a huge selection of different uPVC and composite door types that are now on the market, many of which can be customised with an unlimited number of different double glazing panel designs.

With your design option wide open and purchasing a new front door from a respected installer the most sound financial option, most people decide that building their own door simply isn’t worth the time or effort.

That said, if you are determined to do so and are an expert in DIY, there are plenty of guides online on the best way to ensure that your door performs well in all key areas, including security, thermal efficiency, and weatherproofing.

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The origin of steam rooms

Steam bathing is an ancient traditional first pioneered by the Greeks and Romans many centuries ago.

As far back as the 6th century BC, the Greeks were practicing steam bathing by introducing hot air into their traditional ice bathing sessions. The Roman’s took this a step further and created large public bathhouses where people would gather together to socialise and relax in a huge steam filled room.

Many of these baths, or at least their remains, are still intact to this day. As with so many other aspects of modern civilisation these two great societies paved the way for use today and steam rooms are still considered as a cutting edge tool for relaxation, recovery, and socialisation.

Go to any luxury spa worth their salt and you are guaranteed to find at least one sauna or steam room on offer, and many pro-sports teams now have a steam room installed in their training facilities to help their athletes train and perform harder and more often.

In fact, many individuals are no choosing to install steam rooms in their own homes, taking things one step further from the public gathering places of the past and if this trend continues it looks likely that private steam rooms will become the next great step in the long and varied history of steam bathing.

steam room

The Turkish Hammam

Alongside the Romans and Greeks, it is the Turks who can be considered as the forefathers of modern steam rooms. The Turkish Hammam is a type of bath that is closely linked with the Islamic world. First designed to go in a mosque, the hammam swiftly became incredibly popular across the Middle-east and North Africa in the 7th and 8th century.

Based loosely on the Roman baths developed a century earlier, the Hamman was created as a place for ritual ablutions to be performed but quickly became dual purpose with men and women meeting in gendered baths to socialise and cleanse their bodies.

When visiting the Hammam, visitors would wear a loincloth to protect their modesty and move gradually between rooms progressively rising in temperature. Heat was generated in this incredibly innovative places by channelling hot air under ground through conduits hidden in the floor.

The Turkish hammam has a long and colourful history but was first brought to the UK in 1850 where its steam bathing purpose quickly became extremely popular and provided a wide selection of health and wellbeing benefits to the user.

The modern steam room

turkish steam room

There are many traditions, especially ‘health’ practices, that have disappeared over the generations as modern science reveals that what was once thought to be beneficial had no real benefit to the human body and may even have been doing significant harm.

The concept of steam bathing is not one of them.

In fact, remarkable as it may be, more and more benefits of exposing the human body to hot, humid, and steam filled environments are being discovered each and every year.

Saunas and steam rooms remain an integral part of spas, gyms, and other leisure facilities across the nations as well as, ever increasingly, domestic homes.

Once again, the historic societies of the Greeks, Romans, Turks, and others were well ahead of their time when it came to steam bathing and millions of people benefit from their innovation in this area each and every year.

Just some of the health benefits that have been discovered and reaffirmed by scientific research into steam and steam rooms include:
  • Body cleansing – Steam rooms produce a deep sweat that opens up the pores and washes away dirt, grime and impurities that have gathered on the surface, leaving the user with smoother and clearer looking skin.
  • Weight loss – Using a sauna or steam room can prompt your body to enter a metabolic state that burns calories faster than would otherwise be the case, similar to the state your body is in for a time after working out.
  • Lower blood pressure – The heat of a steam room will cause your blood vessels to dilate, increasing circulation and reducing blood pressure.
  • Easing congestion – One of the biggest benefits of steam rooms over saunas, the steam filled environment can help to clear congestion and free up mucus in the nasal passage, relieving many of the most common cold symptoms experienced by the human body.
  • Aiding muscle recovery – Steam rooms can help to remove lactic acid from aching muscles and send oxygenated blood to injured areas, helping to speed up the muscle recovery process and making it easier to recover after a tough workout.

The health benefits of a steam room Glasgow are not exclusively physical either and the role of steam rooms as somewhere to gather with friends and family to socialise remain strong, just as they were at the Roman baths all those centuries ago.

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What services do security companies provide?

Private security companies are tasked with protecting properties and people across the nation.

In order to meet the security needs of each and every different location, these companies offer a wide range of services than can be deployed individually or in a package to create the most effective bespoke security strategy possible.

These include all the most common security measures you might expect such as security guards and alarm systems, but also a number of cutting edge technologies such as biometric access control gates and AI CCTV towers that have surged in popularity in recent times.

If you are looking for a security firm to meet your security needs, you want one with a fantastic reputation and who has been working in the industry for many years. You also, however, want one that offers a broad range of services as this will allow them to create the most comprehensive custom system for your property.

In this article, we will look at some of the most popular services provided by professional security companies, giving you a better idea of what to expect when you hire one to protect you, or your business.

CCTV

Close-up Of An Architect’s Hand Drawing Blueprint With Security Equipment On Desk

Installing a CCTV system on your property is one of the best possible ways to protect yourself from criminal activity. Simply installing the cameras themselves will deter criminals from targeting you in the first place out of a fear of being detected, but a professional security firm will know exactly where to install cameras for them to be as effective as possible.

All security guards provided by a professional security company will be highly trained in the use of CCTV and will use it to identify and intercept any intruders.

Modern CCTV systems can be accessed from your mobile phone or other mobile device, allowing you to check on the status of your site when you are not able to be there in person. This is not only useful should an incident occur, but also a great tool for checking in on the progress of a project without having to take time out of your busy schedule.

For more remote locations, perhaps with limited or no access to mains electricity, mobile CCTV towers are one of the latest technologies developed by security companies that will allow you to keep your site protected at all times, with a robust long-lasting battery, solar panels, and 5G transmission as standard.

Security Guards

cyber security

When you think of a private security companies, security guards are probably the first thing that spring to mind.

Despite the development of so many modern security technologies, security guards remain incredibly effective in deterring and dealing with criminals.

They will patrol your site 24/7 checking on key areas and entry points, keep an expert eye out for suspicious activity, control access, manage CCTV and alarm systems, and much more besides.

SIA licenced security officers are constantly undergoing training to fine-tune their services and are required to pass modules on first-aid, conflict resolution, and much more besides, making them an incredible asset to have on site.

For ultimate protection, security guards can be backed up by canine security officer, capable of tracking intruders at great distances, covering a large area of ground in no time at all, and sniffing out illicit items such as drugs and weapons. There is also no deterrent to criminals quite as effective as the bark of a security dog.

Biometric access control

The main duty of a professional security company is to keep the property they are tasked with protecting safe from outside threats. The easiest way to do this is to keep these outside threats exactly where they are, outside!

Controlling who can access your property is the key to great security and security companies can help you do that in a number of different ways. Security guards stationed at the front gate or desk, can check IDs and will keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.

Biometric access control gates are another security measure that has emerged in recent decades and has quickly become a fundamental tool for controlling access to sensitive areas.

Having a security company install fingerprint or facial recognition scanners at the entry point to your property, and any key areas will help ensure that only authorised personnel are able to gain access, helping to protect sensitive information, assets, and your staff.

This will give you valuable peace of mind that no intruder will be able to go wondering around your property undetected and give your clients confidence that their information and business is safe in your hands.

For more information on CCTV, security officers, access control technologies, or any of the other services provided by private security companies, get in touch with us today by visiting prime-secure.co.uk.
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Do I need a solicitor for my divorce?

Family-Law-Solicitor
A divorce is often a difficult and arduous experience fraught with a huge amount of emotion and anxiety. There’s a lot of questions you will find yourself asking, and one of them is whether you should get a solicitor.

Divorces are often very arduous experiences which require you to ask many questions about the future and organise many different things. One of the biggest questions you’ll probably ask yourself is whether you should get a solicitor. A solicitor is a source of legal advice and information, not to mention a representative for you during the divorce process. They provide a swathe of incredibly helpful benefits, and in the case of acrimonious or difficult divorces they are often a vital component in a successful outcome for you.

In this article we’ll examine why you should get a solicitor to help handle your divorce.

What is a divorce solicitor? Am I required to get one?

A divorce solicitor is a professionally licensed lawyer able to provide advice and representation in divorce law.

They provide legal advice and objective assessments of your case and provide representation. Their work includes writing up agreements and completing court paperwork. Solicitors often speak on your behalf, and effectively take over the case for you

You aren’t legally required to get a solicitor. Unlike in criminal cases, in civil cases a solicitor isn’t assigned to you automatically. Even if the case proceeds to court, you will not be assigned a representative and are expected to represent yourself.

Do I need a solicitor for my case?

As noted, you aren’t legally required to have a solicitor during a divorce. If you wish, you can represent yourself. However, by having a solicitor you secure a wide range of superb benefits.

Handling the finances

The financial aspects and implications of a divorce cannot be overstated. This is especially true if you and your ex-spouse have significant matrimonial assets that need to be divided up. In the long run, a poorly organised deal can lead to significant issues for you later in life and you can easily end up missing out on major financial benefits. In the worst cases, your ex-spouse may even disguise or attempt to hide financial assets you are entitled to.

This is not easy work for an amateur to have to handle. Organising finances and furthermore coming to an amicable agreement over them with your solicitor is one of the hardest parts of a divorce. This is often where amicable divorces become contentious and acrimonious. In the case of difficult divorces, a spouse may even attempt to hide financial assets, and without the help of an expert these often are never recovered.

A solicitor can provide a swathe of assistance when it comes to financial matters. This includes the completion of Form E, an important form that is vital for getting financial matters underway. Failing to file Form E, or to complete it properly can have significant impacts not only on the divorce proceedings but also your financial future.

Access to extensive knowledge and experience

A solicitor provides you direct access to a wealth of incredible knowledge and experience regarding the laws and legislations relating to divorce. They can answer any of the questions you may have and give you a clear breakdown of the more complex laws involved, ensuring you know exactly what is happening and meaning you do not have to do your own research. This is incredibly helpful and a major boon to have.

Saving time

A solicitor can do an incredible amount to help speed up the divorce process.

The timely organisation of paperwork, documentation, and the ability to negotiate and organise amicable deals alone can do a huge amount to cut down the time it takes to resolve the divorce process. Many people make errors and mistakes on applications and often delay the process because of their errors. Furthermore, because of the experience of the solicitor, their divorce application is far less likely to be returned for further assessment.

Furthermore, if any other delays emerge (such as if the Acknowledgement of Service is not returned) then a solicitor can advise on how best to proceed in the quickest possible manner.

Reducing stress and anxiety

A Divorce Lawyer Oracle Law can be an incredible way to reduce the anxiety and stress that comes with a divorce. A solicitor is empathetic and understanding and is able to offer you an objective appraisal and assessment of the difficulties that come with a divorce. A solicitor can help to massively reduce your sense of anxiety and worry over a divorce.

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9 tips for summer roof maintenance

Roofers Installing Roofs

Your roof is an essential part of your house, and the summer is the best time to take advantage of the longer nights and warmer weather and carry out essential maintenance.

By taking action now, you will ensure your home remains protected throughout next winter and save yourself a huge amount of money in the long-term by avoiding costly repairs.

Here at Vertex, we are your local roofing experts and have created this guide listing the 9 best maintenance tips for keeping your roof in the best possible condition.

1. Have a professional inspect your roof

It is impossible to make a plan for maintaining your roof without knowing what you are dealing with.

The wind and rain of the last few seasons may have damaged your roof in a way that only an inspection will reveal, and it is vital to have this task conducted by a professional.

A professional will know exactly what to look for in a roof inspection, and will be able to carry out the task in a safe and efficient way.

Even the untrained eye can spot a missing tile but more subtle issues such as damaged flashing are easily overlooked, and a professional will notice even the smallest issues that may cause a problem if left unresolved.

2. Check the loft

Visual inspections of a roof’s exterior should be conducted by a professional, but a good way to check for any obvious damage is to examine the inside of your attic, checking for damp patches, rust, browning, or mould.

3. Clean your gutters

A clogged gutter can be a nightmare all year round, with leaves and plants causing clogging and blockages that will result in structural damage over time.

It is recommended that you have your gutters cleaned at a minimum once every 6 months.

If you hire a professional to carry out Roof Repair Glasgow, they will also be able to examine your gutters for loose bolts or cracked pipes at the same time.

4. Don’t put off repairs

If an issue is detected on your roof, make sure to have it resolved as quickly as possible.

The cost of delaying repairs can be huge, both financially and by creating a dangerous living environment so putting off maintenance work is never worth the risk.

The summer is the perfect time to have repair work done as well, with the longer daylight hours allowing contractors to finish the job in a much shorter period of time.

5. Examine the Flashing

Flashing is put in place to direct rainwater away from your roof.

Constructed out of plastic, aluminium, or similar, flashing must be fully sealed in order to prevent water from seeping through into your home and causing all sorts of problems.

If you, or a professional has identified that your flashing has been damaged in any way, make sure to have it professionally repaired as soon as possible.

6. Ensure effective ventilation

If throughout the winter, you noticed an unusual amount of condensation build up on your windows, this may be as a result of a lack of ventilation in your home.

Condensation can lead to mould and dampness in your home that will not only damage property but will also raise the risk of health issues such as allergic reactions and breathing problems.

If your home is over 10 years old, there is a good chance that your attic may not have the proper ventilation in place, and a professional roofer will be able to resolve this issue, making your home a safer and more comfortable environment for the seasons to come.

7. Cleaning

Roofs are often overlooked as part of many people’s annual spring clean but allowing debris to build up can lead to your roof rusting and deteriorating.

You can find many home roof cleaning products at any DIY home improvement store, or, if you would rather, a professional roof cleaning firm will have your roof looking as good as new in a matter of hours.

8. Don’t forget the chimney

If you have a chimney in your home, it is vital to check the brickwork and flashing in for cracks on a regular basis.

Chimneys are a common source of leaks and are natural weak points in your home’s roofing system so make sure not to overlook them when conducting inspections or cleaning.

9. Trim Trees

Tree branches too close to your roof can cause major issues, allowing pests to gain access to your home and dramatically increasing the risk of storm damage to your home.

The shade created by such trees will also allow moss to grow at a rapid rate, bringing its own numerous structural issues.

Keep tree branches trimmed to at least 10ft away from your roof at all times and have any major gardening work conducted by a professional to avoid putting yourself in danger.

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Should your business have a lawyer on retainer?

Aamer Anwar Lawyer

Having a lawyer on call at all times ready to assist with any legal issue can be a major advantage for your business.

If you are a company that deals with legal contracts or disputes on even a semi-regular basis but does not have a lawyer in-house, it is highly recommended that you have a lawyer on retainer.

Simply hiring an attorney as and when required can be done, but there are several key reasons why having one on retainer is more advantageous.

For example, the time saved in searching for a suitable lawyer when an emergency arises could be invaluable in securing a positive outcome.

Not only this, but it takes significant time for a new lawyer to get to grips with the intricacies of your business all of which will cost you money and delay the process.

One of the biggest benefits of having a lawyer on a true retainer is that you can guarantee that they will make your need a matter of priority and put work for your company over their regular business.

What does ‘on retainer’ mean?

Hiring a lawyer on retainer involves paying them a certain fee on a continual basis so that if you require their specialist legal services, they will be available at a moment’s notice.

When you hire a lawyer on retainer, you will probably have to deposit an upfront retainer fee into a certain account.

A retainer fee will be paid to the lawyer on a regular basis and if any services are required then money will be drawn from this account.

If the services exceed the retainer account, you will be billed as such.

How much does it cost to have an attorney on retainer?

The cost of a retainer will depend on a number of factors, not least of which the reputation of the lawyer themselves.

Retainer fees can range from just a couple of hundred pounds to several thousand depending on the nature of the work involved and will be set solely by the lawyer, requested at the start of any legal representation.

Most businesses pay a retainer fee on either a monthly or annual basis in return for their availability when required.

The retainer charged for a single legal case, not for keeping a lawyer ‘on retainer’ on an ongoing basis, however, can generally be calculated by multiplying the lawyer’s hourly charge by the amount of hours the case is expected to take.

This will be paid upfront and if the case turns out to cost less, a refund will be issued.

Is it worth having a lawyer on retainer?

For almost all businesses, having a lawyer on retainer makes good sense.

It will save you time, energy, and money should legal services be required helping you get ahead of the game when it comes to litigation cases.

Having someone with an in-depth knowledge of your business and the related legal requirements can help avoid costly mistakes and gives you peace of mind that if a crisis occurs, there is an expert on hand at all times to guide you through the process.

A retained lawyer will not only help you deal with litigation cases if it comes down to it but by reviewing all your contracts and by constantly being on hand to provide advice can help to avoid litigation altogether.

Without the help of such a skilled professional, a business can easily expose itself to unfair provisions that leave them vulnerable to losses and liability.

What to consider before getting a lawyer on retainer

Despite all the benefits, not every company will benefit from having a lawyer on retainer.

Before you go ahead there are a couple of questions that you should ask yourself to determine whether or not it is worth the investment.

What are you looking for in a lawyer?

Consider how often you will realistically require a lawyer’s services.

If you only use a lawyer on very rare occasions, once every couple of years, for example, you are probably better off seeking out their services on a one-off basis, rather than as part of an ongoing agreement.

If you do use lawyers regularly, however, keeping a trusted expert on retainer is much more cost-effective as they may offer reduced rates for multiple jobs.

What does your insurance cover?

There is nothing worse than paying twice for the same thing.

There is a chance that your insurance policy for your premises or business includes the services of a lawyer if required, so if the legal matters you are expected to face relate to one of these, ensure that you have checked your insurance policy before entering into a retainer agreement.

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Commercial Carpet Cleaning

carpet--cleaning

Enjoy Cleaner and Healthier Carpets by going with Acorn Carpet Cleaning

Acorn Carpet Cleaning are locally based experts providing top quality commercial carpet cleaning to clients all over Glasgow and the West of Scotland. Our teams service will restore the quality of your carpet massively, improving its appearance and adding to its lifespan – saving you a significant amount of money in the long term while also improving the appearance of your property.

Acorn Carpet Cleaning focusses on a bespoke, personalised service designed to meet your needs as a customer.

Key Benefits of a Commercial Carpet Cleaner

Commercial cleaning by trained and experienced specialists comes with some major benefits. These include,

  • Saving money by significantly extending the lifespan of your existing carpets – meaning you won’t have to replace them for much longer
  • Allows you to welcome clients, guests, and visitors to your property with a sense of pride in its appearance
  • Protects your staff by providing them with a healthier working environment
  • Convenient appointments to ensure your carpet is cleaned at a time which suits your busy schedule
  • Strict compliance with all health and safety requirements

Carpet cleaning isn’t a simple process – it’s not just vacuuming. It’s a major operation that’ll significantly improve the lifespan of your existing rugs and help to improve the health of everyone in the building.

A Fresh Appearance

Cleaning by a professional provides a fresh look which no amateur work can top or come near to. The techniques employed by Acorn provide a deep clean – a complete refresh of the carpet which can literally strip years of age from it. Standard cleaning approaches simply can’t approach this kind of effect.

Acorn Carpet Cleaning will refresh you carpet – giving it a fantastic new look and providing the whole property with a serious boost in its appearance.

Improving Health

Many people are unaware of the amount of dirt, dust, and muck that builds up in carpets. They’re also unaware of the problems this poses for the health of anyone inside of a property. Bacteria, dust, and disease – all of which can badly impact of the health of anyone inside. Regular cleaning, while it can help, cannot guarantee the removal of this problem, and is ultimately limited.

Acorn Carpet Cleaning’s advanced commercial techniques and advanced skills ensure we can strip this dirt from your carpets and keep them properly clean to protect your property.

Our Experience

Acorn Carpet Cleaning has worked across Glasgow and Scotland. Our team have worked in,

  • Care Homes
  • Hotels
  • Letting Agents
  • Nurseries
  • Offices
  • Schools, Colleges, and Universities

How the Process Works

Acorn Carpet Cleaning is proud of the service it provides to its clients. For all our customers, we promise to,

  • Carry out a full and detailed survey of the premises and discuss in detail your requirements
  • Provide you with a plan of areas we will clean
  • Provide a clear, up-front quote as well as package options
  • Carry out all work efficiently and effectively
  • Follow up with you to ensure you’re pleased with the results

Acorn Carpet Cleaning have worked in properties all over Scotland.  

The Convenience of Commercial Carpet Cleaning

Commercial carpet cleaning in Glasgow is an incredibly convenient service that fits within your schedule. This includes both evening and weekend appointments, ensuring cleaning services keep out of your way. An appropriately trained commercial carpet team will be able to ensure your carpets are thoroughly cleaned and dry within one to two hours. This minimal disruption guarantees you’ll be able to quickly make use of your property again in no time.

The Process of Carpet Cleaning

Acorn Carpet Cleaning doesn’t employ harsh detergents or cheap products. We use an advanced method to ensure the carpet is cleansed of dirt and remains clean for longer as well.

Our team makes use of an M-Power pre spray – natural molecular technology which is eco-friendly and non-toxic. This process is followed by an agitation of the caret with a professional agitation machine which removes any dirt or soil and lifts the carpet – preparing it for the hot water extraction process. The carpet is sprayed with a cleaning solution which rinses the carpets fibres free of dissolved dirt, debris, and oils.

Experience

Acorn Carpet Cleaning are not general cleaners – our focus is carpet cleaning. We work with carpets, rugs, hard floors, upholstery, sofa, chairs, fabrics, curtains, and have extensive experience in stain removal. Our techniques, methods, experience, and approach are based around providing a top industry standard with every job.

Accredited

Acorn Carpet Cleaning has invested heavily in both its members and its training methods to ensure we can provide the best possible service. Our team are full members of the National Carpet Cleaning Association – meeting the high standards expected by the industry. This means you can always rely on us to provide a fully professional job.

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What are your Alternative Dispute Resolution Options?

alternative-dispute-resolution

Alternative Dispute resolution (ADR) refers to any method used to resolve disputes not involving formal court proceedings.

In dispute cases it is legally required for opposing parties to consider and attempt ADR both before and during any potenital court case. At Oracle Law Glasgow, one of the many dispute cases that our specialist team of lawyers have extensive expertise in is ADR.

If you fail to attempt ADR before commencing court proceedings, all parties could be at risk of facing costly sanctions so ensuring that your solicitor is well versed in all possible dispute resolution options is crucial.

These are the most commonly used ADR options in the UK that you should be aware of before entering into dispute resolution cases.

Negotiation

Negotiation is a voluntary and non-binding form of dispute resolution where parties attempt to reach a suitable agreement through informal discussion without the need for a mediator or other independent third party.

Given the cost of a lengthy dispute case, especially one that requires court intervention, whenever possible, negotiation should be the very first option considered when attempting to settle a dispute.

Negotiation should be conducted between parties without prejudice, with both sides working to find an acceptable outcome that can be mutually agreed to.

Negotiations are completely private and confidential, in order to protect the reputations and relationships of those taking part, meaning that the rights of the parties involved are not prejudiced should discussions break down.

There is no time limit for negotiation to take place and it is encouraged that discussions take place even after court proceedings have begun.

Mediation

Mediation is a more formal form of confidential dispute resolution negotiation that is facilitated through a mediator.

A mediator is an independent and impartial third party who will work with the parties involved to encourage and facilitate a mutual out-of-court agreement.

Successful mediation will reduce a lot of the time and stress associated with other forms of dispute resolution.

After an initial meeting between all parties and the mediator, the mediator will meet separately with each party and discuss the dispute confidentially.

This allows the parties to take an objective look at the options available in a less highly charged environment than a face-to-face meeting.

Like negotiation proceedings, mediation can be conducted at any time during the dispute resolution process.

The mediator will not push for or make any specific resolution but instead will provide a platform to help facilitate an agreement between parties.

The mediator themselves will be chosen and agreed upon by the parties involved but ideally will come from a legal background and have experience of resolving similar cases.

The cost of a mediation service will usually be split equally between parties, but this is not fixed, and a different arrangement can be agreed between parties upon if required.

To encourage open discussion, what is said and written during mediation will almost always be fully confidential and cannot be used in future proceedings.

The success of mediation relies fully upon parties coming to a voluntary agreement and mediation proceedings can be ended at any point should a party withdraw from discussions.

Arbitration

Arbitration is as close to court proceedings as ADR gets without actually entering the courtroom.

In arbitration cases, an arbitrator or arbitral tribunal will make a final and binding decision on a dispute similar to that of a court judgement.

Once an award has been made the decision is enforceable internationally and cannot be disregarded except in very exceptional circumstances.

The agreement that disputes will be resolved through arbitration will come through an arbitration agreement that will either be formed to resolve a single issue or be a clause in a wider agreement between the parties.

The rules associated with the arbitration and the appointment of the arbitrator will be chosen in advance by the parties themselves.

Arbitration cases are usually confidential and following an initial meeting with the parties to hear their submissions the arbitrator will set a timetable for proceedings.

On this timetable will be a set date for a hearing where both sides will present their case, usually through a solicitor, and the arbitrator will be unable to meet in private with either party outside of this.

Expert Determination

Expert determination is a commonly used method for resolving commercial disputes between businesses or other professional parties.

In general, expert determination will be used either to resolve disputes involving the valuation of a certain entity, or to provide clarification on a technical matter

Both parties must agree upon the expert who will make the final decision before proceedings begin and should select an individual with the experience and technical knowledge to make an informed conclusion.

According to an expert determination contract, both parties must agree to accept the expert’s decision whatever it may be and cannot exit proceedings once they have begun.

If one party does not accept the legally binding decision made by the agreed expert the other party will be able to sue them for breaching the contract.

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How to choose the perfect mortgage broker

mortgage-broker

Applying for a mortgage is a thankless minefield of negotiations, paperwork, and interest rates.

Having a Mortgage broker to guide you through the process can help you sort through the ultra-competitive mortgage market and find the best deal for you.

But how do you find the best broker to use?

1. Check their credentials

Ensuring that a mortgage broker is properly qualified and registered by the relevant authorities should be your first step when seeking professional advice.

In Scotland, mortgage brokers must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). When searching for a broker search for their name on the FCA Financial Services Register and if you are unable to find it then assume that they are untrustworthy and stay well clear.

CSR Financial Services are a fully regulated and authorised by the FCA so when you trust us to help you secure your mortgage you can be confident that we will provide a reliable and thorough service.

2. Choose a ‘Whole of Market’ Mortgage Broker

Some mortgage brokers are connected to a mortgage lender or a group of lenders and are therefore only able to offer you a limited number of mortgage options.

A ‘Whole of Market’ lender does exactly what it says on the tin and offers you access to any mortgage deal available from any lender on the market.

By making sure you are not limited to the mortgage offerings of a single lender you will have a much greater pool of options and your broker will be free to offer completely impartial advice.

CSR Financial Services are an independent family run company with no ties to any single mortgage lender, so we are able to compare the best deals from all lenders across the UK. Even better we can provide access to some deals that cannot be accessed by approaching the lender on your own.

3. Compare your options

Just as you wouldn’t choose a mortgage without considering all your options, you shouldn’t choose a lender without making you are getting the best service and fees possible.

Some lenders only work online, some only over the phone or face-to-face, whilst some offer a range of different options.

Hiring a broker can result in additional costs on top of the mortgage you choose so make sure you are not being overcharged and if you are paying over the market average, make sure the service you are being offered is worth the extra costs.

If you are unsure which broker to use or stuck between a couple of options, then reading the online reviews can be a great way to get an idea of what the company are like to work with from people in a similar situation to yourself.

At CSR financial we will not charge you a single penny until the completion of the mortgage acquisition process and our fees are entirely dependent on the amount of research and administration required. This means that you won’t pay for any services that you do not need and that will not benefit you.

4. Availability

You may think you have found the perfect broker but if you need a mortgage fast and they are unavailable for new customers for several months then all your research was for nothing.

Try and find a broker that can start working on your case as soon as possible or at a time that suits your needs.

Also consider what their working hours are and if meetings or conversations with them would fit into your schedule.

If your brokers only availability clashes with your unavailability than you will not be able to stay properly informed on how the search for a mortgage is going. You will also be unable to let your broker know if there is a change in your requirements and if you find a property at short notice, but they are closed for several days you may miss out on your perfect property.

5. Get in Touch

Internet research can only get you so far when finding a mortgage lender. One of the most important factors in your decision should always be how comfortable you are that the mortgage advisor glasgow is working in your best interests.

By reaching out to a broker and setting up an informal chat you will get a feeling of whether you wish to proceed.

They should be able to break down some of the complicated financial jargon which litters the mortgage advice websites and take you through all your options in understandable terms.

At CSR Financial Services we’re always on hand to offer help and pride ourselves on our personal touch. If you have any questions then feel free to get in touch by phone, email, or by using our contact form.

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Email: contact@fpservices.com

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