My Blog

In my blog I post advice on property development, as well as tips for improving your personal and business skills.

My New Toastmasters Speaking Club

Sometimes we embark on a new project with surprising results. Last October I launched a new Toastmasters Club, ‘Burnham Speakers’. I have been a Toastmaster for over 14 years and have always wanted to start a new club. Then I took the opportunity. Part of the reason...

Clients and Contractors Don’t Speak the Same Language

Client’s come from many different backgrounds and most industries have their own language or jargon. Clients therefore will probably not be familiar with the construction industry terminology. On the other hand, contractors will use terms that are not familiar to...

Are the contractor’s insurances adequate for your project?

You don’t want to wait until you make a claim to find your contractor doesn’t have sufficient insurances in place! Insurances can be taken out by the employer (client) or the contractor or by either party in joint names. The main insurances are Public Liability,...

Why Do We Use Standard Forms of Contract?

A contract simply aids in the recording of the agreement. A standard contract helps the parties in making the agreement to ensure that everything is covered.  It’s a series of aide memoirs or headings e.g. the scope of works, specification etc., to be carried out at a...

Being a Toastmaster

I have been a Toastmaster and member of Maidenhead Speakers Club for over 14 years. In that time I have learnt to speak in front of various audiences, my confidence has improved and I have learnt many new speaking skills. We have an impromptu session where we have the...

Bat Surveys – How to Avoid Development Delays!

The bat survey season is from April to September when bats are active. Outside this period bats are preparing for hibernation and activity surveys are not possible.  Therefore, to avoid delays to your programme ensure you get a survey in good time. All bat species,...

What Did I Sign Up For?

Be careful! I attended a seminar recently where the lawyers were discussing what was in the contract versus what the parties thought was in the contract. In other words, the way the contract is set up or written determines what is recorded as being agreed despite that...

Don’t Pay Upfront!

There is no real reason why a contractor should ask for payment before he commences on site.  If the contractor is an established company he will be able to fund his labour for the first month and materials and plant will be on 30 days credit anyway. I can understand...

Why Use a Contract?

If I had a choice I would go back to the old ways of a handshake and keeping your promises. These days unfortunately people can’t or won’t stand by their commitments. Also, people’s interpretation of what was agreed differs anyway so there has to be a way of recording...