Author: MartinDomm

With the price of fuel being as high as it is, improving your fuel efficiency has never been more important.

It is not only a priority for motorists looking to protect their wallets, but also for anyone who cares about protecting the planet by reducing the amount of c02 that they are emitting.

Luckily, there are a number of cheap and even free changes that you can make to your driving style that will significantly improve the mpg that you are able to get from your vehicle, no matter what number it says on the specifications.

Most people find that they get a bit less mpg from their car than it says in the vehicle handbook. This is to be expected as the vehicle ages and its not running quite as smoothly as it once did. However, if you find that you are getting far less than you should be, the tips in this blog will hopefully help to remedy the situation to some extent.

Check or replace your tyres

If you tyres or over or under inflated, this can have a dramatic negative effect on your fuel consumption.

Lower tyre pressure in particular are a big no go as they energy required per rotation will be much higher than is necessary, using far more fuel as a result.

If your tyres are overly worn, this can also impact on fuel efficiency, but the major problem here is safety. If you find that your tyres do indeed need to be replaced, arrange for a visit to your local garage or call a respected mobile tyre assistance company in your area.

Avoid overusing the air con

Having your air conditioning system on constantly will put unnecessary strain on your engine and result in a noticeable decrease in fuel economy.

However, as higher speeds during the summer months, air con is preferable to opening the windows of your vehicle as this will impact on your aerodynamics and create drag.

Remove unneeded weight

The less weight you are carrying, the easier it is for your engine to move your car. It is basic physics so take any unnecessary items out of your boot when your not using them.

You should also remove bike racks or roof boxes when they are not in use as they not only add unnecessary weight but they can also create a great deal of drag.

Avoid filling the fuel tank up completely

The more fuel in your tank the more weight is added and the more fuel that will be used. However, avoid driving on low fuel as well if you can as this can damage the engine and impact on fuel efficiency as a result. A half full tank is the perfect compromise.

Get your car serviced

If you have tried all of the above and are still struggling with your fuel economy there may well be an underlying issue and a visit to your local garage for a full service to diagnose these issues is probably in order

Surveillance camera installation is one of the best possible measures you can take to protect your business from criminal activity.

CCTV will deter criminals, reassure staff, assist the police in the identification of intruders, and generally make your property a safer place to be.

As a business, you are always looking for ways to increase profitability and reduce costs, and by lowering the risk of crime through CCTV installation, insurers may be willing to offer you lower premiums.

For those on construction sites or other remote locations, this could seem impossible, but a mobile CCTV tower could be the perfect solution.

Isn’t my business too small for CCTV?

For small-medium sized businesses, or those just starting out, CCTV can seem like an unnecessary expense.

Many people, falsely, believe that because their premises is small they are unlikely to be targeted, but the fact is that around 40% of all small businesses do experience a property or liability insurance claim at some point.

What’s worse is that due to their size, these companies are far less likely to be able to handle the costs of theft, or vandalism than major firms and failing to protect your site could have fatal consequences.

Installing CCTV is not simply beneficial, it is essential, acting as a major deterrent to potential criminals, helping the police to identify any intruder who does find their way onto your site, and significantly reducing the risk of an event that requires a property or liability claim.

How do security cameras reduce insurance premiums?

Insurance companies base their premiums on the perceived risk of a claim being made and the cost of a potential claim.

CCTV cameras, when installed properly by a professional security firm and monitored 24/7 from a central monitoring station, will significantly reduce this risk and could, therefore, result in discounted rates.

The first way that they will do this is by deterring criminals from targeting your property in the first place.

Many thieves are opportunistic, and unlike in the movies will not spend weeks on end ‘casing the joint’ before making their move.

Instead, they will simply move about a neighbourhood looking for any properties that appear to be poorly secured and chance their luck.

A visible CCTV tower system installed on your site, or even just a sign informing those nearby of its presence, is enough to deter all but the most determined criminals from targeting your business in the first place.

If a criminal persists, whether out of the belief they can avoid detection or because they are simply too drunk to care about being seen, CCTV footage will be invaluable to the police in identifying them, and potentially recovering any stolen goods.

The fact is that businesses with CCTV installed are far less likely to be the victim of crime and are, therefore, much less likely to make an insurance claim.

This will reassure insurers that the chances of them needing to pay out are low and you may be able to secure lower premiums as a result.

Does the type of CCTV system matter?

Absolutely! Security cameras vary hugely, from major integrated systems monitored 24/7 by trained security personnel to DIY cameras purchased from your local hardware store.

In recent times, the technology used in building site CCTV towers has evolved at an incredibly rapid rate improving in all aspects from the way live images are transmitted, to the quality of the images captured.

The features included in security cameras will be a significant factor in determining whether or not their installation will result in an insurance discount so make sure to check with your provider before making the investment.

Not only could this brief consultation result in lower insurance bills, but insurers know exactly what a good security system looks like so if they are satisfied this is a good indication that you have protected your property to good effect.

Identifying a good security system

Talking to your insurers will give you some idea as to what to look for in a security system.

However, NEVER forget that the main role of CCTV and every other aspect of your security system is to keep your property, and all those on it, safe from harm.

No-one knows how to do this better than a professional security firm. Here at V360 we deal with commercial property security every single day and have all the information you need to identify and install the perfect security measures on your site.

Furthermore, we provide both fixed and mobile CCTV solutions perfect for any property, no matter how remote or inaccessible, allowing us to design the perfect security solution for your specific needs.

Insurance companies base their premiums on the perceived risk of a claim being required, and the size of a potential claim, and we know exactly how to mitigate these risks.

Going on a holiday is always exciting and fun – but it’s important to make sure your home is protected while you’re away. In this article we’ll look at the ways you can keep your home safe while you’re away on holiday.

Don’t ever advertise your absence

Thieves increasingly monitor social media for signs that people aren’t in their homes or are on holiday. This is an unfortunate fact of the modern world, and it means you must be careful with what you post online – leave posting any videos, photos, or other material about your absence until after you return.

Make your home look occupied

Thieves will look for homes which appear empty – they are not interested in confrontation or having to deal with an occupant. This means that if you can reduce attention to your home, it will become much safer.

Burglars and thieves will look for,

• Deliveries on the doorstep
• Post and newspapers piling up
• Empty driveways – often the most inviting thing
• A lack of lights or lawn lights obviously running on a time
• Overgrown plants or an untended to lawn
• Rubbish bins which have gone unemptied or haven’t been returned to their normal position after a collection

The best way to look your home unoccupied is to have a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member maintain it while you are away. Simply being active in the home for short times, parking their car in the drive, and having lights on at irregular intervals is an incredibly effective way to keep your home safe. Also collecting mail and packages can do a huge amount as well.

It can be very helpful to have someone have a key in case of other emergencies – such as water leaks.

You should also cancel regular deliveries like daily papers or milk – and avoid ordering anything online while you’re on holiday. The Royal Mail offers a fantastic keep safe service which can hold your mail and deliveries for up to 100 days and return it to you once you have returned home.

Alarm Systems

CCTV and alarm systems are a fantastic way to keep your property safe and an excellent way to ensure your home avoids burglaries. Many burglars will avoid properties with a visible CCTV or alarm system – as they know the chances of being caught and prosecuted rise significantly if an alarm or camera is on the property. This means the presence of either (or both) is often enough to provide your home with an invaluable level of protection.

There are a variety of different alarm and CCTV systems available on the market. These include bell-only alarms, monitored alarms (which are excellent and can contact the police if tripped), and smart burglar alarms. Modern alarm systems are designed to avoid unnecessary or accidental alerts as well.

Many insurance policies will either expect you to have an alarm system and or an alarm will reduce insurance premiums. Failure to have an alarm system on the property will often make it difficult to make insurance claims, since it will be expected by your insurance provider that an effort has been made to protect the property.

It is vital that you properly service and maintain any security system you install. Failure to do so means the potential for faults; not only does this strip away much of the protection offered by the alarm, but a failed alarm system can end up going off at random – annoying your neighbours and becoming a general nuisance. Furthermore, failure to maintain alarm systems properly may see you unable to make proper insurance claims.

Locking Up

This is probably the most obvious move – but people frequently forget to seal windows and lock back doors when they leave – a mistake which can invalidate home insurance. Many policies only cover burglary claims if there are signs of forced and or violent entry.

You will need to ensure all your windows and doors are properly locked – with locks that are fully approved by your home insurance provider. The same should be done with any sheds and outbuildings, not to mention garages. Furthermore, make sure any tools are properly stored – so that a burglar cannot use them to gain access to your home. Never leave ladders outside either.

It is always good to get a neighbour or friend to check your houses doors and windows to ensure they are all properly sealed after you’ve left.

Put away any valuables

Another obvious but important point is to make sure any valuables are stored away. Leaving them visible through windows or curtains is a big mistake and can easily attract thieves and burglars. In the worst-case scenario that a crime does occur, having a safe or having a hidden safe space to store them is also invaluable. You can always of course, ask a friend or family member to hold onto these valuables for you.

Going through the court system is only one way to resolve a dispute and is rarely the best option for any party involved.

The court process is costly and time consuming and even if the final judgement is found in their favour, parties are often left drained and unsatisfied.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to the various methods that can be used to resolve disputes without having to resort to litigation.

These methods often involve using an independent neutral individual to assist the disputing parties in reaching an agreement.

ADR at Oracle Law Giffnock can either be a voluntary process that parties enter into in an attempt to protect their relationships and shared interests, or a mandatory program that is specified in the contractual agreement between parties.

ADR is not a replacement for traditional formal dispute resolution routes but is simply another option that can be attempted alongside legal proceedings.

It is often a useful way to have a judgement made that can settle a dispute quickly and permanently, however the system is not without its flaws.

ADR Types

There are 4 commonly used forms of ADR.

These are:

Mediation

The most common form of ADR, mediation involves using a third party to facilitate communication and negotiation between two parties.

The mediator themselves has no power to adjudicate on the dispute and should simply encourage parties to compromise and reach a middle-ground solution.

Mediation is hugely successful with around 80% of disputes approached using this method being resolved without escalation.

Negotiation

 By far the simplest form of ADR, negotiation refers to the direct communication between both parties without the assistance of an independent middle-man.

This informal approach is usually best suited to disputes where both parties are intent on reaching a swift conclusion and maintaining the existing working relationship.

Arbitration

For those looking for a definitive judgement on a dispute case without having to go to court, arbitration could be the way forward.

Arbitration involves the appointment of an arbitrator, who is a neutral third party who will assess both sides of the dispute before rendering a final and binding decision.

It is a similar process to litigation except the arbitrator will be selected by the parties involved and not the legal system and a decision is usually made much faster.

Arbitration as a form of dispute resolution is often written into contractual agreements between parties in order to encourage disagreements to remain private should they arise.

Adjudication

Most commonly used to resolve construction contract disputes, adjudication is often regarded as a “pay now, argue later” process.

Adjudication is designed to prevent a party from withholding payments from the other for a sustained period whilst dispute proceedings are under way.

The decision made by an adjudicator is enforced by the court and a failure of either party to accept the decision can lead to arbitration or litigation.

Advantages of ADR

Resolving dispute cases using ADR has several advantages for the parties involved.

These include:

• Faster resolution – ADR generally takes far less time to conclude than a court case.
• Lower Costs – The cost of going to court is substantial and most businesses would prefer to avoid this expense if at all possible.
• Flexibility – Whether decided during the contractual agreement or immediately prior to ADR proceedings, ADR gives parties many more options when it comes to choosing the rules of the process.
• Protect Relationships – It is possible to enter dispute cases and yet maintain a working relationship with the opposing party once the issue has been resolved. Litigation should generally be reserved for when communication has broken down completely and there is no other way to move forward.
• Confidentiality – Unlike court findings, there is no obligation to make ADR resolutions public, allowing companies to keep their disputes in-house and protect the reputation of both parties.
• Finality – In general, Arbitrary awards are not subject to appeal meaning that once a decision has been made both parties can move on, unlike litigation cases that can drag on for many months and even years.

Disadvantages of ADR

ADR is far from perfect and relies upon the well-meaning of both parties to reach a conclusion to the dispute.

Some of the potential negatives to taking this route include:

• No obligation – Unless ADR has been written into a contractual agreement between two parties there is no obligation for them to enter proceedings meaning it only takes one party to force a litigation case.
• No Guaranteed Resolution – Unlike a court case, there is no guarantee that some ADR procedures will ever lead to a resolution. However, the process does have an excellent success rate of around 85%.
• Reluctance to look weak – In some situations, parties are unwilling to enter into ADR proceedings out of fear of looking weak. If a party is completely sure that they are in the right, it is unlikely that they will be willing to negotiate or compromise as this could lead to other parties trying to take advantage of them in the future.

Being a criminal defence lawyer is a hugely rewarding job, but it is also very difficult and requires a great deal of skill to be successful.

There is a negative stigma around criminal defence lawyers due to the fact that their clients are sometimes convicted of dreadful crimes, but these individuals play a crucial part in maintaining the justice system within society.

In Scotland, anyone accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty, and every person has the right to a fair trial.

It is the job of a criminal defence lawyer Glasgow to ensure that their clients are properly represented throughout the legal process from police questioning right through to a potential court appearance and that they are never convicted as a result of poor legal practice.

Impartiality, objectivity, and integrity are key qualities that are found in all great criminal defence lawyers, but there are many more skills required to become successful in the role.

The very best criminal defence lawyers possess the following skills and traits that allow them to represent their clients in the best way possible.

1. Communication

Extensive knowledge of the law is invaluable, but without good people skills, it is impossible to become a great defence lawyer.

Criminal lawyers are working with a huge number of different people 24/7 and a different approach is required for each relationship to be most effective.

With their clients, lawyers should be calm and confident, explaining the situation they are faced with and advising them on the best way forward.

On the other hand, when in negotiations with the prosecution, or when questioning witnesses in court, lawyers must be assertive and even aggressive in their communications at times in order to get the most effective results.

Not only must lawyers have great verbal communication to argue effectively in court, but they also require good written skills to produce convincing legal documentation that needs to be filed.

For this reason, it is essential that lawyers possess fantastic communication skills that can easily be adapted and fine-tuned to fit each and every situation.

2. Investigative Skills

By talking with their client, and examining the evidence related to the case, a lawyer should be able to get a good picture of the incident or incidents that led to a criminal case.

No lawyer worth the name would take this at face value, however, and investigating all the details associated with the alleged crime committed by their client is a key part of their responsibilities.

By over-investigating every part of the case, a lawyer may unearth a crucial piece on information or evidence overlooked by either their client or the police that could have significant bearing on the case.

If a defence lawyer is able to find credible information that directly contradicts the prosecution’s story, or discredits key evidence, they may be able to have the case dismissed without their client ever seeing the inside of a courtroom, so the importance of strong investigative skills cannot be overstated.

3. Good Judgement

Strong decision making based upon often limited available information, or extreme time-restraints is a sign of a highly effective criminal defence lawyer.

Defence lawyers have to make judgements based on their legal knowledge and previous experience and advise their clients on the best course of action often at a moment’s notice, requiring them to consume and process information extremely quickly.

The recommendations and decisions they make often have major consequences on the future lives of their clients so there is a huge amount of pressure on a lawyer’s judgement, and if you don’t deal well under such conditions this is not the career for you.

4. Digital Skills

Gone are the days when lawyers could get all the information they needed from physical evidence and paperwork.

Modern defence lawyers need to have excellent digital literacy skills in order to conduct effective research using all the tools available.

Legal secretaries are fantastic at finding the information required but a good lawyer will have the ability to conduct their own digital research and being unable to do so is a major handicap in the industry.

5. Dedication

Being a lawyer is a huge commitment and not something that should be entered into lightly.

Besides the years of study required to become a qualified defence attorney in the first place, by committing to this role lawyers are accepting that their social and private lives may be disrupted by their cases.

Criminal cases are ever changing and require many hours of research and planning to be successful.

If new evidence comes to light, a great criminal lawyer will act accordingly at a moment’s notice, with the needs of their client at the forefront of their minds at all times.

Only truly committed individuals, dedicated to the pursuit of justice and maintaining the legal system are suited to becoming criminal defence lawyers.

Divorce and separation are emotionally difficult and often financially demanding. Divorce is often a complex and messy process, and there can be a huge amount to untangle. But there are a range of options for legal advice when it comes to divorce, helping you to navigate the process step by step.

So, which is the most appropriate? In this article we’ll examine the options available for divorce legal advice.

Divorce legal advice

There’s a variety of reasons to get legal advice. You should seek legal advice ASAP if,

• You have many assets, like properties or investments
• You aren’t sure of what would constitute a fair settlement
• You are at risk of domestic violence, or being made homeless by your ex-partner
• Your ex-partner is withholding access to your children
• You are in a vulnerable financial position compared to your ex-partner

So, what options exist for legal advice? In this article we’ll examine what approaches you can take when it comes to Legal Advice Glasgow for separation.

Solicitor

A family law solicitor or lawyer can be an incredible asset when it comes to a separation or a divorce. The job of a solicitor is to advocate on your behalf, both in negotiation with your ex-partners solicitor, and in a court (if the situation goes that far).

A solicitor will,

• Discuss all available options, including dispute resolution and meditation
• Explain the process in-depth, ensuring you know exactly what is happening with each step
• Fill out necessary forms, starting the divorce for you
• Help you avoid going to court by formulating an agreement with your ex-partner
• Provide clear, concise advice regarding legal issues, and matters such as where people will be living, and the future arrangements for children

If the situation progresses to court, then your solicitor will represent your case.

Solicitors will vigorously examine your case. They will examine why you are looking for a divorce, closely look at any problems that you have with your partner, and whether you are at risk from your ex-partner. They will also look at the situation of any children who are involved.

Collaborative Family Lawyer

Collaborative family lawyers can help to facilitate an agreement between you and your ex-partner through a series of meetings. Both you and your ex-partner will have your own lawyer. This process is also known as a collaborative divorce, and it is often an excellent alternative to the traditional court process.

Collaborative divorce has both parties (and their solicitors) sign an agreement to work on the process and find a solution without going to court. These four-way meetings take place with the lawyers present.

Collaborative law allows for consistent access to divorce processionals like the solicitor but also financial advisors and consultants. There is no timetable (as with a court process) and in the long-term can often facilitate very effective agreements. It can also really help to reduce legal costs, but also the emotional and stressful issues caused by the traditional divorce process.

Collaborative divorce is different to mediation, which involves a single mediator working between the two parties trying to find common ground. Any agreement made in mediation will still need to be approved by a court.

Arbitration

Family arbitration will see you and your ex-partner appoint an arbitrator. The arbitrator will make a decision that’ll be final and binding between both parties. This decision will involve financial and property disputes, as well as any child related issues.

Arbitration is a flexible, confidential service that ensures both you and your ex-partner have a say in the proceedings. Both parties have an independent arbitrator who will hear all of the relevant evidence and work to achieve a decision that binds both parties.

Arbitration will not always be suitable. In situations where you require evidence from a third party, or that you believe your partner may intend to hide financial assets, arbitration will be an inappropriate option. However, in the majority of cases arbitration is an excellent option and a fantastic alternative to going to court. 

What option is for me?

So, which of these should I pick? In any case, you will always want to go with a service that is,

• Qualified and accredited
• Experienced in family law
• Locally respected
• Has a good ethos
• Who is doing the work – is the solicitor doing the work, or are they delegating to a trainee?

But beyond this, you’ll need to look at the specific factors and complexities of your case.

• The duration of your marriage
• Whether or not you have children
• Whether or not you jointly own property
• Whether or not you have jointly owned assets and debts
• Whether or not domestic violence is involved

In the more extreme cases, options like collaborative divorce and arbitration simply aren’t viable.

Installing a CCTV system on your construction site is a proven way to reduce crime and protect yourself against damaging unexpected legal fees.

Construction sites are fast paced, busy workplaces filled with expensive equipment and constantly running machinery.

This means they pose a much higher risk of accidents leading to injury and of being targeted by criminals than other commercial premises.

In the UK alone, construction site theft costs the industry an estimated £800m each year with over 20% reporting a robbery every week.

This problem has only escalated during the Covid-19 pandemic with a reported 50% rise in crime across construction sites since the first lockdown, with criminals taking advantage of less highly populated sites.

By installing a CCTV system with Prime Secure you will significantly increase the security of your site, instantly reducing the chances of being the target of theft.

Here are 5 of the biggest reasons that a CCTV system is ESSENTIAL to your security.

1. Prevent theft

Construction sites are prime targets for criminals and as a construction manager, preventing theft could be the difference between a profitable project and a major cash loss.

The mere presence of a highly CCTV system will be enough to deter the vast majority of opportunistic criminals who will likely move on to look for an easier target once they see evidence of your cameras.

If a crime does occur on your site despite this, a CCTV system can help your security staff identify where the incident is taking place and respond in real time, limiting the damage and possibly preventing any loss of materials and equipment.

2. Provide Criminal Evidence

If a crime does occur despite the visual deterrent of a CCTV system, the footage itself can serve as evidence in a criminal case.

Cases are frequently won or lost on the basis of CCTV footage and by installing a system on your site you can ensure that those who do target your site are prosecuted fully.

Only high quality, dated, CCTV footage is admissible in court, however, so it is essential that you use a reliable respected installer such as Prime Secure when setting up your system.

3. Prevent false personal injury claims

CCTV footage can not only be used in criminal cases, it can also help identify exactly what happened in a personal injury lawsuit.

If a member of the public, or a staff member, attempts to sue your company in the case of a workplace accident you will have video evidence that may prove that there was no negligence on your behalf that led to the incident taking place.

This can help you avoid costly and avoidable compensation payments and discourage individuals from making false accusations in the future.

4. Increase Productivity

CCTV is not only for catching criminals but can also be used to track the progress of your project and keep a general eye on what is happening anywhere on your site at any time.

Staff who know they are being observed are likely to work harder and become more productive, as well as being much more inclined to fully comply with all safety protocols and reduce the risk of accidents as a result.

With a CCTV system, it is also easy to scan through recorded footage to check on the general and individual work rate levels on your site.

This allows you to identify any weak points that may be slowing the progress of your project and affecting your profitability and deal with them appropriately.

5. Remote Management

Using smart app technology, you will be able to keep an eye on your construction site 24 hours a day 7 days a week using your mobile phone or any other device.

No longer will you have to rely upon unreliable second-hand accounts of events to determine what happened, but will be able to retain full control over proceedings at all times.

In the past projects may have been delayed as you or your supervisor staff were unable to attend the site but now you can watch live and give direction from anywhere in the world, saving you both time and money.

If a breach of security is detected on your site, you will also receive a notification via the same app if your virtual tripwires are activated or perimeter alarm is set off.

You will then be able to either attend the site yourself or alert your security staff to the incident if they are not already aware.

Get In Touch

If you want to take advantage of all the benefits of having a CCTV system on your construction site, contact Prime Secure today.

We have been innovating in the security industry for over 25 years and boast an extensive range of rapid deployment CCTV towers and systems that utilise the latest AI technology to offer you 360-degree coverage at all times.