MartinDomm, Author at Rs Taxi Dermy

Should Schools have Security Guards?Should Schools have Security Guards?

January 12, 2024| admin| 0 Comment| 12:00 pm

It is vitally important that schools have the right amount of security to protect staff, pupils, and visitors from coming to harm.

No-one could possibly disagree with this, and it is no surprise that security is made such a big priority at most modern schools and educational institutions.

However, whilst it is universally accepted that schools so need some form of security, do they really need the presence of uniform security guards to keep pupils safe?

Well, in America the picture is very different to how it is in the UK for obvious and devastating reasons with metal detectors, armed security guards, perimeter fencing more akin to an army base than a place of learning.

Do UK schools have security guards?

In the UK, things are a bit more low-key but all of these measures, with the exception of armed guards are in place in SOME schools across the country.

Security guards in particular are growing in popularity in schools and colleges and it is easy to see why.

Safe in the knowledge that they are protected against external threats, and internal threats such as bullying and physical attacks, pupils are able to focus on their school work with academic security guards nearby.

For staff and school management, the presence of local security guards is equally reassuring and some teachers will now refuse to work if security guards are not on-site as they feel their safety is in jeopardy.

There are some questions about whether the presence of security guards may make pupils feel uneasy, but they tend to be positioned around the entrance to the school and around the perimeter and will rarely be seen inside during the school day.

What are the benefits of hiring security guards?

Support the emergency services in the event of school emergencies

Should there be an emergency situation such as a fire alarm at a school, college, or university, it is the security guards job to work with the fire brigade, or any other emergency service, for that matter, to inform them about the situation.

They will also be tasked with overseeing the evacuation of the premises and taking an attendance in some situations. Keeping students out of harms way is always the top priority of a security guard in a school setting, no matter what the situation is.

Finally, whilst they are not in physical attendance most of the time, parents are some of the biggest beneficiaries of security guarding in schools.

Given recent events, many parents are understandably nervous about sending their children off to school each day.

With security officers and other security measures such as CCTV, fencing, and metal detectors in place, they can rest a bit easier, safe in the knowledge that everything possible is being done to protect their loved ones.

Overall there are both pros and cons of having security guards in school settings but the overall consensus is that it is a positive thing and if just one potential attack or serious situation is prevented then it was all worth it.

Key accounting tasks for start up businessesKey accounting tasks for start up businesses

November 29, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 3:20 pm

Starting a business is an incredibly exciting, yet very busy, time and every penny counts.

Accurate bookkeeping is an absolute must and recording all business transactions accurately should be your number one priority.

This information not only helps you to ensure you stay on the right side of the HMRC and meet your tax obligations but also provides valuable data that will be invaluable in optimising your practices further down the line.

If this is the first time that you have every started a business, it is understandable that you may be a little daunted by the prospect of managing your own finances, but fear not.

At accountantsplus.net we specialise in start-up business accountancy and have gathered a list of essential tasks that all start-up businesses must do if they are to be successful.

Key tasks for start up companies

Embracing Technology

If you are serious about using accountancy to grow your business, software analysis is essential, using previous data to predict future trends and make more accurate forecasts.

Some such technologies are available online, but given the sensitivity of your financial data and the training required to effectively utilise such tools you should probable contact a professional accounting firm who puts an emphasis on software forecasting.

Look after the Pennies

Controlling cash flow is not only important for keeping your books in good order but is simply good practice for you as a business. Failing to do so and things can soon escalate out of control.

Tracking your cash flow is the best way to deliver growth and will reveal key trends in customer behaviour, product profitability, and much more besides.

Get your payroll Services in Order

If you are more than a one man band and employ one or more people, you need to ensure that your payroll services are carefully managed by an accounting expert. You may have one of these in house, but it is unlikely when just starting out so you may wish to delegate this key task to a local accounting firm.

Don’t forget the good old days

If you only have a few transactions to record, do not shy away from the old pen and paper method of account keeping.

This will only work up to a certain point, however, and if you are serious about taking your business to the next level it is highly recommended that you invest in a more advanced technological system as soon as possible.

Make sure that when you do upgrade you choose a system that is very secure.

When to hire a professional

If you have begun to grow at a rapid rate and are finding that you have less and less time to handle more and more accounting tasks, it might be time to hire a professional to do it for you.

Professional bookkeeping and accounting is a must for any business serious about their growth, not only ensuring compliance with tax laws and that your paperwork is error free but also utilising financial forecasting software to identify opportunities.

Carpets vs Luxury Vinyl TilesCarpets vs Luxury Vinyl Tiles

November 28, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 11:47 am

So, you want a brand new comfortable, stylish and affordable floor for your home or business and are considering all your options?

Often, this decision will come down to a straight shootout between carpets and Luxury Vinyl Tiles, two of the best and most popular flooring options currently available.

For many years, carpet was in a league of its own when it came to comfortable flooring and was the go-to choice for any property owner, especially in commercial areas.

Nowadays, however, there are many more options on the market, with LVT in particular making a claim for the commercial flooring crown.

At allfloorsglasgow.co.uk we offer both LVT and carpets to commercial and domestic customers so don’t really have a horse in this particular race. Our sole objective if to help our valued customers to find the flooring option that best suits their own individual needs.

Why are these two options so frequently compared?

Despite LVT being much harder than carpet, and looking completely different, there are actually a surprising number of similarities between the two. Firstly, both are pretty long-lasting when cared for properly and both are available in a huge number of different styles and designs.

With carpet being warm and cosy, and LVT being compatible with almost all forms of underfloor heating, they are also both extremely comfortable flooring choices and will make any commercial site feel like a home away from home for your staff and your customers.

The wide range of styles available also means that there truly is a carpet or LVT floor available for everyone and achieving the perfect aesthetic for your property is easier than ever before.

That said, despite the numerous similarities mentioned here, there are still plenty of differences between carpet and LVT to be aware of.

Differences Between Carpet and LVT

Practicality

If you work in a hectic environment where spillages and high-volume impact are common, you are probably best off choosing LVT over carpets. LVT is not only incredibly durable due to a strong protective wear layer but is also very easy to clean and any spills can simply be wiped away more often than not.

In comparison, fast action can often prevent stains in your carpet from becoming permanent, but this will cause a lot of disruption, especially in a busy business such as a restaurant or retail store.

Versatility

LVT thrives on its versatility and truly can be installed just about anywhere. It is warm and comfortable enough for any living space but also offers impressive waterproof qualities that make it just as ideal in a bathroom or kitchen space.

Cost

LVT products tend to have higher product and installation costs that carpet, but when this is factored into the lifespan of the two products then it begins to even things out. LVT wins once again when the full lifetime of the product is taken into consideration.

LVT lasts longer, on average, than a standard carpet does, and unlike a carpet does not begin to look tired, faded and worn a few years down the line.

It is widely accepted that in general LVT is one of the most cost-effective flooring solutions in the world.

5 top tips for sauna maintenance5 top tips for sauna maintenance

September 20, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 10:13 am

Owning your very own sauna is awesome. You have unlimited anytime access to an endless number of wonderful health and well being benefits not to mention being the toast of your family and friends who insist on inviting themselves around!

A single sauna session can relieve weeks worth of aching muscles and joint stiffness, not to mention increasing blood circulation and detoxing harmful toxins from on and underneath your skin.

In order to continue enjoying these fabulous advantages you need to keep your sauna in tip-top condition, something that is a lot easier to do than many non-sauna owners realise. Our INCA saunas in particular are remarkably easy to maintain and require little more than a wide down every now and them to keep them looking and working great.

Here are our top tips for keeping a home sauna in top condition all year long.

Use a towel

Putting a towel over the benches and headrests inside your home sauna will prevent oil from seeping into the wood and causing them to degrade.

Of course, this is only relevant if you have a sauna made from wood. Modern infrared saunas can be made from all sorts of different materials meaning they come in an almost unlimited number of different colours and styles. It is no surprise that they have taken the infrared sauna market by storm in recent years.

Keep it dry

Once you have finished using your home sauna, wipe down any surfaces that hold excess moisture. Most modern saunas will come with an excellent ventilation system so as long as you don’t allow a significant amount of moisture to gather you are in good shape.

It might also be a good idea to leave the door open to allow fresh air inside when the sauna is not in use, but ask the manufacturer or installation company before doing so. It might not be necessary.

Keep your feet clean

Pretty good general hygiene advice anyway! By washing your feet before entering a sauna or having some wipes near the entrance that you can use before you go inside, you will avoid transferring the dirt and grime of the day inside. Never wear shoes inside a sauna. If you want to keep something on your feet go for a pair of flipflops that are only ever used for this purpose and are not work outside as well.

Carry out a full clean on a monthly basis

Once a month you should schedule in a full sauna clean into your general home maintenance. This is a lot more straightforward than it sounds and certainly won’t add a great deal of effort to your cleaning schedule.

Take a vacuum to the floor and benches of the sauna as you would with any other living space before mopping down the floor with a mild cleaning agent. If there are any obvious signs of surface damage to the wood of the walls or benches, perhaps a sweat mark, these can be removed with a light sanding.

Weird and Wonderful facts about Pest ControlWeird and Wonderful facts about Pest Control

July 5, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 4:14 pm

If you are currently dealing with a pest control issue, humorous facts about the different species that can cause chaos in the home probably aren’t what you are looking for.

However, maybe they will take your mind off things for a few minutes whilst you wait for professional pest control in Bolton. Pest problems can be caused by a huge variety of different species, some insects, some rodents, some you’ve heard of, and some you haven’t. All of them, however, share the same characteristic of being completely unique.

Most are quite fascinating to learn about, in fact, albeit from afar and not with them living inside your home. Over the years, we have dealt with every pest species that you could possibly think of and are always looking to expand our knowledge base regarding the species that we deal with on a daily basis.

Along the way, we have picked up many different quirky facts and statistics about pest species that you probably didn’t know and have put a few of them down in this article that you are currently reading.

Here are some interesting facts about pests and the pest control industry that you probably didn’t know:

There could be as many as 10 million insect species on Earth

The number of insect species that cause pest probably sits under 100 but this is only a tiny fraction of the number of insects that live on earth. Currently, around 1 millions different species have been discovered, but it is thought that there could well be as many as 10 billion different species on earth.

In fact, it is estimated that a staggering 1.4 billion insects exist per every one human on earth. Numbers that are pretty hard to get your head around. When you consider this, it really isn’t too much of a surprise that insects are some of the most common culprits when it comes to pest control issues.

Bed bugs don’t only inhabit dirty beds

Bed bugs aren’t only attracted to dirty beds and will happily inhabit any soft furnishings with a living source of blood nearby. This doesn’t mean, however, that there are no benefits to regularly checking and switching your bedding when it comes to keeping bed bugs at bay, however. After all, you are much more likely to spot bed bugs if you are regularly checking your bedding.

Termites are vital to the environment

Termites are some of the most annoying and worrying insects to have infesting your home. They will destroy your home from within and it is crucial that you contact a professional pest control firm the moment that you detect one. However, like most pest species, termites are not inherently bad and are actually extremely beneficial to the environment. They play an important role in helping to decompose tough plant fibres and we would be in big trouble without them.

They are also far cleaner than most people realise and actually spend a huge amount of their time cleaning and grooming each other to protect the colony from nasty germs. They even have antennae that can detect infections!

Cockroaches don’t need their heads

OK this is a bit of an overstatement, but they can live for up to 7 days without one. Cockroaches are some of the most durable and disgusting insects on earth and are well known for being able to survive explosions and many other impacts without perishing.

However, you probably didn’t know that they can run around headless for almost a week and that when they need to they can be pretty rapid, covering up to 3 miles in a single day.

Fleas can jump over 100 times their height

Fleas are one of the most distressing pests to deal with as they usually target your beloved pets. Once inside your home, fleas will spread far and wide and with an impressive leap of up to 130 times its height there aren’t many places that are safe from their reach. Fleas also breed extremely quickly with females laying up to 2000 eggs during their lives so it is very important that you hire professional pest control if you find yourself dealing with one.

Mice have an extremely large appetite

Mice are well known for being the smaller cousin of rats and being able to fit their bodies through exceptionally small gaps. However, this doesn’t mean that they only need a tiny amount of food. Mice are very hungry rodents and aren’t too picky about the source of their sustenance. Mice will happily feed on left over scraps as well as the food stored in your kitchen or pantry and eat a remarkable 15-20 times every single day depending on the success of their searches.

The pursuit of perfection – Top reasons people choose cosmetic workThe pursuit of perfection – Top reasons people choose cosmetic work

June 29, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 8:18 am

Every single person who visits a cosmetic clinic has a slightly different reason for doing so. Some have had certain aspects of their appearance that they have wished to alter for years and have finally decided to treat themselves, whilst others act the moment they spot the first tell-tale fine lines of aging before they are quite ready to let them show.

Whether it is to boost self-confidence or a spectacular demonstration of self-expression, we would be delighted to see you no matter what your motivations are behind coming to our aesthetics clinic Glasgow. Whatever your reasons may be, one thing is for sure, you are not alone. People seek cosmetics for all sorts of different reasons and we guarantee that you are not the first to visit us with the very same wishes and desires.

To help reassure you, we have compiled a list of some of the most common reasons that people across the globe choose to venture into the world of cosmetics.

Slow the aging process

Many people see the first signs of aging begin to appear well before they are ready, and decide to take action to slow the process and retain their more youthful appearance for years to come. Aging gracefully is a goal that we all possess and it is only fair to give the body a boost when our skin begins to lose some of its natural elasticity and wrinkles begin to appear.

Non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers do not transform your face completely, leaving you looking unrecognisable, but instead give your natural beauty a boost, restoring volume and replenishing the supplies of collagen and elastin in the body. This allows you to embrace the natural aging process with the grace and dignity that you deserve.

Show off your best features

There is a common misconception about the cosmetic industry that only those who dislike their appearance go under the knife for cosmetic surgery or get non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

This is completely untrue, and a large percentage of people who get cosmetic treatments do so not to correct flaws but rather to enhance their best features and show of their stunning look in the best possible light. Lip fillers, for example, can help to bring the whole face to life and can be used by a skilled doctor to create symmetry and allow you to achieve the face proportions that you have always desired.

Boost self-confidence

One of the biggest reasons for a person to get cosmetic treatment is to tackle issues that are taking a toll on their self-confidence and wish to give themselves a boost.

Sometimes it doesn’t matter how often your friends or family tell you that something you dislike about your appearance isn’t a problem, if you see it and it’s getting you down, you might decide to take action. Many people use cosmetics to achieve their desired body shape and by addressing their physical concerns can often find themselves far more comfortable in social interactions than they once were and find a new lease of life after treatment is complete.

Correcting injury scars or congenital conditions

Sometimes people get cosmetic procedures to restore their appearance following a traumatic event or to correct conditions such as a cleft lip that have an impact on physical appearance. This is a personal choice and many people choose not to have scars removed but if you do wish to restore your physical appearance following an accident, surgery, or for any other reason, a trained cosmetic surgeon may be able to assist. There is no guarantee that scars can be removed completely using a cosmetic treatments but they may well be able to be minimised and a sense of normalcy restored, positively impacting on your quality of life in the years to come.

Choosing the right clinic

Everyone has their own personal different reasons for deciding to get a cosmetic treatment but the one thing that remains consistent between them all is the importance of finding an expertly trained qualified cosmetic surgeon to perform the work.

Cosmetic work can help you on the path to personal transformation, empower you, and assist you in the quest to achieve your desired appearance. It is important, however, to remember that you should never make your decision in an attempt to meet societal standards or to impress someone else. This is a very personal decision to make, especially if you opt for surgical procedures and should be something that you take the time to fully consider and ensure you really want to proceed.

If you have any questions or concerns about cosmetic treatments, get in touch with our expert team and we will be happy to walk you through the procedures that we offer.

What to do if accused of assault UKWhat to do if accused of assault UK

June 26, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 3:56 pm

The first thing to do if facing a serious assault charge Scotland is to seek legal advice from a criminal lawyer.

You should also take the time to research and understand the charges that are against you and the process that you will have to go through if the case progresses.

Assault is a very serious allegation to face, with a maximum sentence of many years imprisonment so it is crucial that you take the situation seriously. It is also a term that actually refers to a number of different specific charges but in general can be defined as an action that inflicts intentional or reckless harm to another person.

In the UK, there are 4 main types of assault that you can be charged with depending on the severity of the harm that is done to the victim and the motivation behind the incident.

These are:

Battery

The most minor of physical assault charges, often brought alongside common assault charges. The distinguishing factor between the two is that if a person believes that they may be under threat of harm they can be considered a victim of common assault, whilst physical harm is required for a charge of battery.

Common assault

Common assault is, as you can probably guess, the most common type of assault charge in the UK. This is no surprise as there doesn’t even ned to be physical contact for an assault charge to be levelled and merely the threat of harm could result in a conviction. As such, the potential penalties for a common assault conviction are less severe that with ABH or GBH charges. That said, custodial sentences are still possible, with a maximum potential sentence of one year’s imprisonment.

Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)

ABH covers assaults causing injuries that are more severe that battery but less permanent that GBH. The amount of harm that the perpetrator intended to do is irrelevant to ABH charges. As long as they intended to do unlawful harm the extent of the injury and not the intent will be the important factor in ABH cases.

For example, punching someone who falls and hits their head on a curb could be adjudged as just as serious an assault as hitting someone’s head on a curb intentionally. There are extremely serious potential penalties for people who are charged with ABH even if the injuries sustained were accidental, with an unlimited fine or a 5 year prison sentence the maximum sentence available if the case is heard in a crown court.

Grievous Bodily harm (GBH)

The most serious of all assault charges and the one that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. These cases can only be heard in the crown court and if you are charged with a section 18 GBH offence and the victim later dies of the injuries that they sustained, the charges can be increased to man slaughter or even murder.

Injuries that constitute harm serious enough to be classed as GBH include stab wounds, injuries inflicted with another weapon, and even psychiatric injury. Being accused or charged with GBH is an extremely serious situation and it is absolutely vital to seek immediate legal representation. It is no exaggeration to say that choosing the right lawyer to represent you at this stage is a decision that will have major consequences for your future.

Things to do IMMEDIATELY when charged with assault

The instant that you are charged with an assault offence seek legal advice from a criminal defence solicitor highly trained in assault and battery cases. In fact, if you think there is the smallest chance that you may be accused or charged in the future, based on recent events or threats against you, get in touch with a lawyer or at least research some lawyers in your area who might be suitable.

Being naive and assuming that you won’t actually be charged could leave you unprepared when the worst happens and put you on the back foot from the very start.

Never speak to the police without your solicitor in the room with you and make sure to gather as much evidence as possible about the case. Emails, texts, photos, videos; anything that might be relevant to the events in question should be retained and given to your lawyer so that they can begin to build your defence. You should also make a list of any possible witnesses and put your lawyer in touch with them.

NEVER attempt to conceal evidence or withhold it, either because you think it may incriminate you or because you are embarrassed. This is not only illegal but if the evidence comes out later on in the case you will be putting your lawyer at a disadvantage and could compromise your own case.

5 simple solutions to common boiler problems5 simple solutions to common boiler problems

June 6, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 2:36 pm

Boiler breakdowns are simply the worst, especially when they happen during the winter when demand is at its highest.

Unfortunately, the majority of boiler problems require the services of a professional Gas Safe engineer, and any attempts at DIY repairs can be incredibly unsafe and ill-advised. That said, before you pick up the phone and call an emergency engineer, it is worth just having a quick check for some common boiler issues that can easily be resolved by pretty much anyone.

There is no guarantee that your boiler issues will be caused by one of the problems mentioned in the article below, but many are, and taking the time to check for them could save you’re a lot of stress and money in the long-term.

If your boiler won’t fire up, or you are getting no hot water from boiler, here are 5 of the potential causes, and a guide on how to fix them.

Problem 1: Boiler lock

Many people don’t even realise that their boiler has a locking feature, but the majority do, acting as a failsafe measure to protect the unit and the property in the event of a sudden breakdown. Should there be a power cut, frozen pipe detected, or high pressure within the system, your boiler may lock, refusing to fire up in order to protect the internal components from damage. If this occurs, a simple reset can often have the boiler back up and running in no time.

If your boiler is locked, there might be a small red light on the boiler indicating this, or an error code that will refer to the issue in the manufacturer’s manual. In older systems, the boiler may simply lock without warning and only by resetting it will you know if this was the case. Most boilers are fitted with a reset button on the front control panel, if you can’t locate it look in the manual, or can be reset simply by turning the system off and on again.

If your boiler consistently locks itself with no obvious cause no matter how many times you reset it, there is clearly something wrong, and your only option is to call in a professional.

Problem 2: Thermostat problems

Getting your thermostat settings correct is critical to keeping your home at the perfect temperature during the winter. If you find that you are no longer getting sufficient heat from your radiators, check to see if someone has changed the thermostat settings or the thermostat is displaying an error message.

Another reason that your boiler might not fire up despite the home feeling rather chilly is due to where it is located. If the room in which the thermostat is found is warmer than the rest of the property, it will reach your desired temperature sooner and de-activate the boiler. If this is the case you might need to turn it up a few degrees or arrange to have it relocated.

Problem 3: Pressure issues

Both high and low pressure can cause problems that prevent your boiler from activating. If the pressure gauge on your boiler indicates low pressure, this can be fixed by increasing the pressure manually using the valve on the boiler to re-pressurise the system. If it indicates high pressure, you might need to bleed your radiators.

If you are consistently experiencing pressure related issues with your boiler, particularly regular pressure drops, there could be a leak in the heating system and the services of a professional Gas Safe engineer will be required.

Problem 4: A frozen condensate pipe

Condensate pipes help to drain waste water away from your boiler and unlike other pipes in your home heating system are often located on the exterior of the property. This makes them much more susceptible to freezing during the winter and if your boiler detects this it will cease operations as a safely measure.

If your boiler problems coincide with a particularly cold spell of weather, this may well be the cause and you could try applying a warm compress to the pipe outside to try and defrost it. Consider installing a pipe sleeve or similar insulation on the exterior of the pipe to prevent similar problems from occurring again in the future.

Problems 5: Boiler light has gone out

The pilot light on your boiler can deactivate for any number of different reasons but as long as there are no serious underlying issues you can normally reset it by following the instructions in the manual. If this doesn’t work, check the fuse box to see if the system has tripped.

If the light going out coincides with any other warning signs such as a smell of gas or the flame inside the boiler has gone from blue to yellow, turn the system off and call the Gas Emergency line.

How to prepare for your first divorce lawyer meetingHow to prepare for your first divorce lawyer meeting

January 18, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 11:29 am

Meeting with a divorce lawyer for the very first time is a stressful and daunting experience.

For most, this will be the first time they have ever gone through a divorce and will have very little idea of what to expect, even if this is not your first time, the outcome of the proceedings will have a massive impact on your life for years to come.

At Oracle Law, we understand just how confusing and daunting divorce can seem and have used our many years of family law experience to put together this step-by-step guide on the divorce process.

Before you meet with your divorce lawyer for an initial consultation there are a few things that you should do to ensure that the experience is as productive as possible.

Here are our top 5 tips for meeting with a divorce lawyer for the first time:

1. Preparation is key

The more information that a lawyer has about your case, the better advice they will be able to give and the more effective a strategy that they will be able to create.

You should bring any information to the meeting that you think may be useful to your lawyer including details of finances, and the events that led up to the separation.

Emails, text messages, and other correspondence may also be useful, but this can always be provided later upon your lawyer’s requests.

During the appointment, some of the issues that may be discussed could include the value of your current property, details surrounding shared loan agreements such as mortgages, and the estimated value of any liabilities or other assets that your or your former partner have.

Exact details may not be required at this point but taking a note of this information can help you to give your lawyer a better picture of what the situation is right from the get go, giving you a head start in legal proceedings.

2. Ask Questions

Your divorce lawyer is there to help and guide you through what can be a very complicated process.

Do not be afraid to ask all the questions that you have about the process and your role in divorce proceedings.

Failing to ask questions could lead you to making accidental mistakes during the case that could compromise your position, so it is always best to check with your lawyer before acting.

There is a lot of legal jargon thrown around during legal cases and you are not expected to have an in-depth knowledge of the language used, so if you are ever unsure about the meaning of something make sure to ask.

3. Know what you want

At the end of the day, a divorce lawyer is there to secure the best possible outcome from a divorce for you.

However, the best outcome is not always the same in every case, and every client we deal with has their own priorities and desires.

For some people, they are desperate to secure possession of the family home or their fair share of joint finances, whilst for those with children being granted access and guardianship rights should always be the main focus.

By letting your lawyer know at an early stage what it is that really matters to you in the divorce and the outcome you are looking to achieve, they can help to build a case directly aimed at achieving this.

4. Make sure you are comfortable

For your meeting with a Divorce Lawyer Clarkston to be successful, it is vital that you are as open and honest as possible.

You will often have to provide sensitive information or accounts of highly emotional events, so it is crucial that you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible during the meeting.

No matter if it is child law, divorce, asset division or any other topic that is the main focus of the meeting, you should always make sure that the consultation takes place in an environment that you feel safe and secure in and are able to speak as freely as possible.

If you are unsure about the time or place of a proposed meeting, get in touch with your lawyer and they will be more than happy to rearrange it to suit your needs.

5. Ask a friend or family member to attend

One of the best ways to relax during your first meeting with a solicitor is to bring along a friend or family member.

This moral support can be invaluable during this stressful time and even just having someone to drop you off at the meeting location and pick you up after can make all the difference, calming the nerves and taking your mind off the situation.

Contact Oracle Law

Oracle Law is the leading supplier of top quality family law services at fantastic prices for customers across Scotland.

For more information, or to arrange a consultation, call us now on 0141 332 0915, or fill out our contact form.

A guide to non-surgical facelifts using FaceTiteA guide to non-surgical facelifts using FaceTite

January 15, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 11:40 am

If you are looking for smoother and more youthful looking skin (let’s face it who isn’t!) without having to go through major surgery that will leave you out of action for several weeks, a non-surgical facelift could be for you.

What is a non-surgical facelift?

A non-surgical facelift does exactly what it says on the tin, providing all the fantastic aesthetic results of a surgical facelift, without the surgical part.

At Luxe Skin, our non-surgical facelift is incredibly popular among our clients in the Glasgow area and is conducted using industry leading FaceTite technology.

FaceTite uses laser technology to achieve many of the same benefits of a traditional surgical facelift without the need for general anaesthetic, or any of the associated potential risks.

The process involves two probes, one on the surface of the skin and one just below, that delivers radiofrequency energy into the skin and fat deposits of the face.

This energy has a remarkable effect, both melting away fat and tightening skin, and the effects will continue to improve over the months to come.

Over the years, collagen production, the protein that keeps skin tight, in our bodies begins to slow down, leading to reduced elasticity and sagging skin around the face and neck area.

The pulses of energy produced by radio frequencies actually refresh the collagen production within the target area.

This means that your body will continue to improve and enhance the look of your face for months after the initial treatment.

On average, the full effects of FaceTite will be seen after around 6 months to a year.

Benefits of a facelift

FaceTite provides patients with all the benefits of a full facelift.

These advantages are huge, and it is no surprise that facelifts are one of Glasgow’s most popular cosmetic procedures.

Facelifts can be used to:

Reduce the appearance of sagging in the cheek area.
Remove excess skin from the jawline and jowls
Eliminate deep skin folds from the sides of the nose and the mouth
Tackle fat deposits and pull skin tight to prevent sagging from occurring as a result

Facelifts do not tackle wrinkles towards the top of your face, around the eyes, and forehead and a different cosmetic procedure is required if this is your aim.

Why Choose a non-surgical facelift?

So, now you know all the ways that a facelift can help you achieve the look you are after.

But how do you decide between a surgical facelift and a FaceTite treatment?

Here are some of the benefits of choosing a FaceTite procedure:

More Powerful than other treatments

In the past, there have been a number of non-surgical ‘facelifts’ that temporarily achieve a similar outcome to a surgical facelift. However, these results are rarely as impressive or long lasting.

Dermal fillers, for example, need to be re-done every 6-12 months.

This is one of the major reasons that those looking for years of younger looking skin have opted for surgery in the past.

FaceTite has changed this forever. Whilst effects may not last quite as long as a full surgical facelift, FaceTite lasts for around 5 years massively longer than any other non-surgical facelift alternative.

Safer than surgery

The primary reason that most of our clients give for choosing a non-surgical facelift is avoiding all the potential risks and inconvenience of having surgery carried out under general anaesthetic.

In general, the chances of anything going wrong with surgery are slim, especially when it is carried out by doctors as experienced as ours but cannot be eliminated completely.

With FaceTite, we will constantly monitor the flow of energy that is being moved between the two probes used in the procedure to ensure that over-treatment never occurs.

FaceTite is one of the safest cosmetic procedures it is possible to have.

Cheaper than surgery

Non-surgical facelifts are significantly cheaper than surgical facelifts.

In the past, there has been good reason for this due to the short-term nature and limited results of the treatments offered.

However, with FaceTite offering many of the same benefits for almost the same amount of time at a fraction of the price, non-surgical facelifts have opened up a whole new market of potential patients.

Non-surgical facelifts using FaceTIte cost around £3,500-£6,000, half the price of a reputable surgical facelift that will set you back as much as £12,000 in many cases.

We are proud to offer this fantastic service that allows our clients to achieve their dream look for less.

Highly customisable

FaceTite is highly customisable and can be focussed on specific trouble areas to achieve maximum results.

Whether it is smile lines around the mouth area, wrinkles on your cheeks, or drooping jowls that you are looking to get rid of, FaceTite can be tailored to achieve the optimal outcome.

Can you build your own home sauna?Can you build your own home sauna?

January 14, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 7:17 pm

Home saunas are an incredibly luxurious addition to any home, bringing the relaxation and health benefits usually reserved for the occasional trip to the local spa into the heart of your everyday life.

For many years, the thought of a home sauna has been one of fantasy rather than reality for the vast majority of us, and many people still believe that saunas are unobtainable for all but the rich and famous.

The truth, however, is that prices have fallen dramatically in recent years, and in countries such as Finland, home saunas have been commonplace for many centuries.

Our aim is to change the culture of saunas in Scotland and bring the extensive range of health and lifestyle benefits that they offer to a larger audience than ever before.

Our range of home saunas are cost-effective, highly energy efficient, and installed by qualified experts who only ever work with the highest quality of materials.

Despite the dramatic fall in installation costs, it is understandable that people wonder if they really need to use a professional to get a home sauna in their home.

Can’t you just build one yourself?

Can you build a DIY home sauna?

In a word, yes. Pretty much anything can be built inside your home if you have the time, space, expertise, and materials and a home sauna is no different.

However, DIY saunas are not always the best route forward, or even the cheapest option, and there are several important things to consider before heading down to your local B&Q.

Cost

On average, the materials required to build a home sauna cost around £4,500, whilst professional installation costs around £7,500.

Certainly cheaper then, on the surface, but this doesn’t include the rental or purchase of the tools required to build a DIY sauna, or take into account the valuable time it will take you.

Trying to build a home sauna with less than ideal tools is a recipe for disaster, and will lead to design flaws that will undoubtedly cost you further down the line.

Furthermore, if the space is not fitted perfectly, heat will escape once the sauna is in operation, and it will require more energy to keep it at a suitable temperature.

As you know, energy isn’t cheap, and high ongoing costs could quickly outweigh any savings made during home sauna installation cost.

Safety

When we install home saunas for our clients, we conduct stringent safety tests on all electrical components to ensure the installation is safe for use.

Unless you are a qualified electrician, installing a home sauna safely can be very difficult and failing to do so could have very serious consequences.

If you decide to get an electrician in to help, this issue may be resolved, but this all costs money.

When using a professional installer, they will have professional joiners and electricians as part of their team (avoid companies who do not) who will ensure that all components comply with the relevant standards.

Is it worth trying to build your own sauna?

So, yes, it is certainly possible to DIY your own sauna, but whether or not you should do is another story.

DIY saunas are not always the cheap option that many people believe, and when you factor in the man hours required, there is a good chance that it will end up costing you more than simply purchasing from a professional company

One potential benefit of DIY-ing your own sauna is that you can create it exactly the way that you want to suit the aesthetic of your home.

However, there are now so many home sauna, and steam room, options available, that when you use a professional company there is almost certainly a product that suits your taste and many also offer bespoke design options for unique and smaller spaces.

Should something go wrong with a sauna installed by a professional, there is also likely to be a warranty (check this before purchasing) that ensures that it will be repaired free of charge.

When you build your own, all the repair costs and time required to find and resolve the issue will be your own. Do you really want that sort of commitment? Saunas are supposed to be somewhere to relax and forget about your day-to-day life, not something to stress about during your day-to-day life!

Those attempting to DIY a sauna without the relevant experience or expertise are also much more likely to make mistakes that lead to future problems.

We highly recommend that only those with the relevant skills, such as professional joiners, attempt to DIY their own sauna.

If you feel as though you meet this criteria and are determined to go ahead with a DIY sauna installation then make sure that you purchase the appropriate wood and heating equipment.

A lack of research at this stage could prove hugely expensive further down the line.

Getting your Boiler ready for the WinterGetting your Boiler ready for the Winter

January 12, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 5:53 pm

Preparing your boiler for the winter is an important task for any homeowner. The winter is when you’ll rely on your boiler the most, and ensuring it functioning properly is vital. In this article we’ll go over the best ways to ensure your boiler is ready for the winter.

Getting your Annual Service

Getting your annual service is probably the most important thing a homeowner can do to prepare their home for the winter.

Not only is this vital to do to keep your boiler under its warranty (and maintain all the benefits that come with this), but to ensure your boiler is functioning properly. A qualified engineer will examine the boiler, carefully cleaning components, and replacing any components that are damaged.

This can solve potential problems before they can become serious issues and is a great way to prevent your boiler from breaking down during the winter (the worst time for it to fail). It’s best to have your service done before the winter, because this is when engineers have the least amount of work and so it’s much easier to get an appointment.

Bleed the radiators

Radiators may not heat up properly and may be cool at the top but warm at the bottom. This is because hot water is not properly circulating through them, often because of air pockets. This can put a lot of strain on your boiler, while also reducing its energy efficiency (and so costing you more to heat your home).

Another sign you need to bleed your radiators is a gurgling noise, or the radiators taking longer to heat up.

It is good to bleed your radiators once a year, usually around autumn time. This is just before the winter cold snap.

Bleeding the radiators is a simple process. Make sure your heating is off and your radiators are cold. Hold an old cloth (or a jug) beneath the bleed valve and then insert the bleed key. Turn counter clockwise until there is a hissing sound. When water begins to escape, turn the key clockwise to tighten the valve once again.

Repeat this process across the rest of your radiators and then turn on your heating and see if the radiators are heating up correctly. If this does not fix the issue, you may need to have your radiators either drained or flushed.

Check your boiler pressure

Keeping your boiler pressure in check is a simple but important task for any homeowner.

Most central heating systems are sealed and work by heating cold water and pumping it through pipes and radiators. The system is pressurised and has to maintain a stable pressure in order to move around the water efficiently. If this pressure is compromised, then the central heating will become inefficient. Not only will this cost you more to run, but it will take longer for your central heating to warm up your home.

Most boilers have a pressure gauge showing you what the current pressure is. If you have a hydraulic pressure gauge, then low and high pressure will be indicated by red sections on the dial. Digital gauges on the other hand will have a flashing pressure reading.

Always check the manual for your boiler. Systems can be very different from one another, and the manual will indicate what the correct pressure should be.

Both low and high pressure can cause serious problems. Low pressure means the amount of water that is circulating inside of your water has dropped. This can result from a leak or a poorly performed radiator bleed. In either case, you should contact a professional to get help.

High boiler pressure is liable to impact the overall efficiency of your boiler. Furthermore, it is liable to end up causing leaks. High boiler pressure can result from the system being overfilled by water, the natural expansion of boiler parts, and the failure of pressure release devices in the boiler.

It is important to get an expert in ASAP to fix these issues.

Test your central heating system

A central heating system which hasn’t been used regularly for an extended period runs the risk of it developing issues. You may find if you haven’t had your central heating on during the summer (which is the case for most people) that radiators may be slow to heat up. The system may even fail entirely.

Inactivity is a major cause of boiler failure. The system can end up becoming stagnant and even result in serious blockages and breakdowns. After a long period of inactivity, the internal components of a boiler can feel a huge amount of strain having to heat your home, resulting in a breakdown.

As a result, it’s a good idea to test your central heating system with https://chshome.co.uk/ before the winter. This helps to ‘ease’ the system back into normal functionality and avoids putting too much pressure on the system.

What is the role of a criminal defence lawyer?What is the role of a criminal defence lawyer?

January 11, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 1:02 pm

Criminal defence lawyers are tasked with representing those who have been accused of criminal offences, ranging from minor crimes all the way to murder.

As a qualified criminal lawyer, they are fully authorised to deal with criminal crimes of any kind, although most will specialise as criminal law is still a very broad field.

If you have recently been charged with a criminal offence and are on the search for legal representation you may be wondering exactly what it is that a criminal lawyer can do for you and how to go about finding someone suitable.

This guide is designed to give you all the information that you need on what exactly a criminal lawyer does, the different types of criminal lawyer in the UK, and what to expect when meeting with them for the first time.

Types of criminal lawyers

To break it down into the simplest possible terms there are two criminal lawyers involved in the majority of criminal cases, a defence attorney, and a prosecutor.

As a defendant, it is the job of the defence attorney to represent you in the best way possible, build a strong defence, discredit the prosecution’s case against you, and look to secure the most favourable outcome possible whether in court or via a settlement agreement.

The prosecutor, on the other hand, is tasked with proving your guilt.

Your defence lawyer does not only represent you in court but will guide you through the entire process, providing advice, support, and ensuring that you have realistic expectations of the likely outcomes that are possible.

To have the best chance of a successful defence, make sure that you get in touch with a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible after being charged with a criminal offence, or even better make sure that you already have representation in place if you expect to be charged in the near future.

Having a lawyer to call when you are arrested can be extremely useful as they will be able to be at your side and represent you in police interviews.

The moment they have all the information regarding your case from you, they will begin to prepare a case for the defence, questioning witnesses and analysing all the available evidence to ensure that no detail is missed.

Meeting with a criminal lawyer for the first time

The initial consultation you have with a criminal lawyer is vital.

This meeting will give you a good idea if you want to hire them as your representation and work out if you will have a good working relationship.

It is very important that you ask any questions that you have at this stage.

Some of the best questions to ask in an initial criminal lawyer consultation include:

What is your field of expertise?
What is your fee structure? – Any lawyer unable to provide you with a clear picture of what fees they will charge for each service they provide should be avoided.
How long do you expect the process to take?
What information do you need from me?
Who is part of the team who will be working on my case?
How often will we meet?
How can I get in touch if I need advice?

The more information that your lawyer has from the very start the more time they will have to build a strong defence.

Ahead of your initial meeting they may ask you to prepare some documents regarding the incident in question to bring with you on the day.

Even if they do not ask specifically, take along anything that you think may be relevant.

You can take a family member, or friend, along to your meeting although they will probably have to leave the room at some point as your lawyer will wish to speak with you alone to avoid embarrassment that may obscure the full facts and maintain attorney-client privilege.

If you have a witness or witnesses to the incident, they can also attend the meeting, or take their details with you so the lawyer can contact them in the future.

It is completely normal to be anxious before meeting a criminal lawyer but bear in mind that this is what they do for a living and any nerves or emotions that you have they will have seen in plenty of other clients in the past.

How to find a suitable Criminal Lawyer

The best way to start your search for a Criminal Defense Lawyer is by looking for those who specialise in defending their clients from similar charges to the ones that you are facing.

A good way to judge their reputation is by looking at online reviews or through word of mouth with family and friends but you will never really know if they are compatible with your needs until you speak to them in person so make a shortlist of potential options and go from there.

7 Tips to protect your Apartment from fires7 Tips to protect your Apartment from fires

September 24, 2022| admin| 0 Comment| 6:28 pm

Fire safety is extremely important in apartments, and it is essential to be aware of everyday fire hazards and the best way to prevent disaster.

This guide will help you do just that, explaining some of the common causes of apartment building fires and some of the best things that you can do to protect your home, loved ones, and neighbours.

7 key fire safety tips

There are a wide variety of different reasons for fires starting, each of which has the potential for devastating consequences.

Don’t panic, however, as there are plenty of things that you can do to fire-proof your apartment and significantly reduce the risk of a fire outbreak.

Here are 8 of the most important fire safety tips that will help to ensure the safety of all those in your apartment building:

1. Install working smoke detectors

The very first line of defence in the case of a fire is a working smoke alarm system in your apartment.

A smoke alarm will alert everyone in your home the moment that a hint of smoke is detected in your home, allowing for a rapid response, either extinguishing a small fire if it has just started, or making sure that everyone is able to evacuate as quickly as possible.

Make sure to test your smoke alarms every single month to ensure their continued operation and replace the batteries on a regular basis.

2. Take care when cooking

Cooking fires are some of the most common in the UK, so take particular care when hard at work in your apartment’s kitchen.

Never leave a stove unattended as all it takes is for a pan to bubble over or a small spillage to occur and a fire could easily start.

3. Don’t run cords under rugs

Damaged electrical cords are a major fire hazard, and it is important that you keep an eye out for exposed wires and replace cords at the first sign of wearing.

If your cords are hidden underneath carpets or rugs, there is no way to ensure that the protective plastic coating is still in place, not to mention that these flammable materials will cause any potential fire to spread extremely quickly.

4. Avoid naked flames

For obvious reasons, naked flames pose a serious fire safety hazard and great care should be taken when using them in an apartment.

Consider using electric candles instead of lit ones, as these offer all the same atmospheric benefits as real candles but without the same risk of fire.

5. Use Surge Protectors

Electronic devices are a huge part of everyday life, but the power required to run all the appliances in your home is significant.

If outlets get overloaded due to excessive use, electrical surges can occur.

To avoid these surges creating a major fire safety risk, fit surge protectors if you have a lot of electronics plugged into your home electricity system.

6. Keep sockets clear

If an electrical surge does occur in your home, keeping excessive clutter away from your plug sockets will significantly reduce the chance of a fire starting.

7. Be aware of your buildings fire safety regulations

Apartment building management companies are legally required to put safety precautions in place to best protect tenants in their building.

A part of this is conducting a full fire risk assessment of the building which will detail evacuation policy and the fire risks associated with common areas.

By making yourself aware of the building’s fire safety policy, as well as the locations of fire extinguishers, fire escapes, and smoke alarms in the building, you will be well prepared to keep your family safe should a fire alarm be triggered.

If a risk assessment is not available or you are concerned that the fire safety in your building is not being taken seriously enough by management, contact your local fire safety authority.

Waking Watch

After the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower Fire in 2017, many high rise buildings were identified as having dangerous flammable materials within the exterior wall.

If your building is one of these, fire safety advice is that a simultaneous evacuation policy be put in place until the issue is resolved, replacing the existing stay put policy recommended by the fire service.

Waking watch is one of the ways to do this, with fire marshals patrolling the building 24/7 in the search for fire.

Waking watch officer responsibilities include:

Continually patrolling the building looking for fire hazards and signs of fire.
Alerting residents in the event of a fire
Overseeing the evacuation of the building
Contacting the emergency services
Liaising with the fire service once they arrive

Waking watch is only a temporary solution however, as it can prove costly for tenants, and replacing the role with a common fire alarm such as our industry leading V-fire system could save residents as much as 80% in comparison.

Here at V360, we take apartment fire safety extremely seriously, and offer both temporary highly trained waking watch officers, and an industry leading V-Fire common alarm system.

A guide to house rewiring – How to tell when its time to call an electricianA guide to house rewiring – How to tell when its time to call an electrician

September 22, 2022| admin| 0 Comment| 5:52 pm

Knowing how to tell when your home needs to be rewired is extremely important.

In the worst cases, a failure to spot faulty wiring can result in fires or electrocution that could lead to serious injury or even death.

Even if nothing this serious does happen, modern electronics are required to adhere to tight building regulations, and failing to replace older wires will likely cause you to fail these, possibly invalidating your insurance should an incident occur.

Why is rewiring so important?

There are many reasons why a rewire may be required in your home. These include:

You live in an older property that has not been rewired within the past 30-40 years. Older properties were not designed to deal with the power requirements of the modern home, and are therefore unlikely to conform to modern building regulations.
You have just moved house and are unsure of the historical maintenance that has been conducted.
You are conducting a major remodel of the property, defined as a material alteration in the building regulations.
Your existing wiring is damaged beyond repair.

How to spot old wiring

Old wiring that has not been replaced in many years can pose a serious threat to the health of inhabitants.

However, it is not always that easy to spot the signs of old wiring and if you have only just moved into the property, or are renting, you might be unable to find out when the last time a rewire was conducted.

Here are a few of the easiest ways to tell that your older wiring may need to be replaced:

Electricity meter – An old-style electricity meter and fuse box is a clear indication that your system is not up to date. Modern consumer units have circuit breakers and RCDs (A sensitive safety device) included as standard, offering an additional level of safety that is not provided by older models.
Partial rewire – If there are a number of different socket designs around your home, it suggests that a partial rewire may have been conducted. It may be that the older wiring could be brought up to the rest of the circuit’s standard, or an entire rewire may be required.
Colour – Modern wiring running along your skirting board or on light fittings will be encased in a white or grey PVCu protecting cover. If your cabling is a different colour, it is probably not a modern fitting.

If you are unsure as to whether our wiring is up to date, get in touch with an electrician who will examine your system and put your mind at rest.

How to spot damaged wiring

Damaged wiring is a serious health and safety risk and needs to be replaced immediately.

Whilst old wiring poses a greater danger than newer installations, the risks associated with exposed wires are much greater, and without intervention are simply an accident waiting to happen.

Some of the most common signs that your wiring is damaged and needs to be replaced are:

Burning smell

Exposed wiring can lead to arching and the jumping of sparks from wiring to the inside of your walls or plug sockets.

If you are dealing with a burning smell around the home that has no obvious source, it may be a result of hidden singeing.

Discolouration

Sometimes the signs of singeing will be more obvious. Black or brown marks on the plug socket are a clear indication that sparking has occurred.

All it takes is for one of these sparks to ignite and you will be dealing with a serious house fire so call an emergency electrician immediately.

Flickering lightbulbs

If multiple lightbulbs in your home are flickering or you have tried replacing a single bulb and it has not fixed the flickering then you are likely dealing with an underlying wiring issue.

Electric shocks

If you have been shocked when plugging an appliance into a socket, even if you only felt a minor buzz call an electrician immediately as this is a clear sign that something is seriously wrong.

Until an electrician has arrived stay well clear of the socket and take care to keep any pets or children away from the area.

How much does a rewire cost?

House rewire electricians will usually work for a fixed price although the charge may vary depending on the length of time the job is expected to take and whether the property is a new build or an older home.

To find out more about our house rewiring scotland services or to get a free quote, get in touch with Central FS today and our expert electricians will be delighted to help.