Author: MartinDomm

Karndean vs Amtico: The battle of the LVT giants

Karndean and Amtico stand head and shoulders ahead of the competition when it comes to dominating the world of luxury vinyl tiles.

These two mammoths of the flooring industry have been thriving for several decades now, and when you look at the quality and realism of the products that they create, it isn’t too difficult to understand why.

lvt

If you are looking for a new floor in your living room, hallway, kitchen, or anywhere else in the home for that matter, you really can’t go far wrong with either of these options, but how exactly do you go about picking between the two in a straight up choice?

At allfloors, amtico and karndean LVT floors are two of our biggest sellers and we are well aware of just how great both options can be. Supplying clients across Scotland with products from both manufacturers, we really don’t have a foot in the race when it comes to picking a clear winner.

Out only goal is to find our customers to best possible flooring type for their needs, and in this article we hope to make things just that little bit easier for you as a buyer.

We will examine some of the biggest advantages of choosing each of these fantastic flooring options and well as looking at some of the reasons that each may or may not be the right choice for your needs.

How do Amtico make their floors?

Amtico floors are constructed from a combination of plasticisers, resin, and stabilisers. They are pressed together and combined using heat and pressure before an extremely high definition printed outer layer is applied.

This manufacturing process has been honed over many years and results in a remarkably strong yet flexible final product.

Amtico are well know for their realism, with natural stone and wood textures that are almost indeterminable from the real thing. Worried about the environmental impact of the manufacturing process? Don’t be, Amtico are fully committed to their environmental obligations and meet the top A+ BREEAM/BRE Green guide rating.

What about Karndean?

Karndean floors, are created by combining 2 PVC backing layers before topping them with a HD outer layer protected by an embossed PVC wear layer and a PU coating.

Again, Karndean cut no corners in their development or manufacturing process with the company producing a range of stunning stone and wood effect flooring.

Karndean flooring does tend to be slightly glossier than the matte of Karndean which, whilst not effecting performance in any way, is one of the factors that could help you decide which you would prefer.

How long do these floors last?

Both Amtico and Karndean offer exceptional durability, with lifespans well exceeding 30 years in many cases.

Even better, these companies are so confident in the quality of their flooring products that they are willing to offer a lifetime guarantee on their collections.

There really is very little to choose between Karndean and Amtico floors so come down to our showroom and pick the floor that is best suited to your eye.

Services offered by mobile tyre fitting companies

Mobile tyre fitters are the superheroes of the puncture struck motorist, travelling far and wide to provide on-the-go tyre maintenance and replacement services.

Using a mobile tyre fitting service is an incredibly convenient way to replace or repair a damaged tyre as these professionals will travel directly to pretty much any location, saving you the time and inconvenience of taking your car into a physical garage.

In this article, we will look at some of the services that are provided by almost all mobile tyre fitting companies and why they have become so popular among motorists in the UK.

tyre installation

Tyre Installation

The majority of the services provided by mobile tyre fitting companies will involve the replacement of their clients tyres.

There are many reason that a person may need to have their tyres replaced, from simple wear and tear to a serious puncture that can’t be patched up.

Either way, these expert technicians will travel to your chosen location at your chosen time with your chosen tyres and all the equipment needed for a quick changeover.

They won’t simply remove your old tyres and install new ones either. They will ensure that your tyres are aligned properly once they have done do and that you have everything that you could possibly need to be safe on the road.

Puncture Repair

If you have a small puncture in your tyre, you may be able to save yourself a bit of money by having the tyre patch repaired rather than replaced entirely. Only certain types of punctures can be repaired and an expert fitter will swiftly determine if yours falls into this category after a quick examination.

Punctures that can be repaired must be in the central section of the tyre and have a diameter of no more than 4mm. Mobile tyre fitters will only patch repair tyres that are otherwise road legal and have not gouges or cuts on the tyre wall.

Tyre Storage

Many people switch their tyres during the year depending on the season, with winter tyres increasingly popular among those who take their road safety seriously.

Not only will mobile tyre fitters replace tyres on your behalf when winter rolls around, but they will also store your existing tyres in a safe location until you need them once again. Get in touch for more information about how we store tyres.

Emergency tyre fitting Glasgow

If you get a blowout at the side of the road, visiting a local garage simply isn’t an option. You need help, and you need it fast. Our REACT trained fitters have all the skills and tool to safely repair or replace tyres at the roadside and our rapid response service means you won’t be waiting long for us to come and help.

When we arrive we will examine the tyre to determine if puncture repair is possible, or if we need to replace the tyre. Either way, we have everything we need in the back of our top-of-the-range mobile fitting vans.

Top security tips for hotels

Stunning views, comfy beds, fantastic customer service. None of it matters if you can’t guarantee a safe environment for your hotel guests.

Security is a major part of running any hotel or hostel but with such a high turnover of people every single day, it can be easy to let standards slip.

A single incident that occurs on your premises that could have been avoided with a more effective security plan in place is enough to do serious damage to the reputation of your establishment and it will be much harder to attract visitors in the future.

Here at www.select-solutions.co.uk we help maximise security for a huge array of different commercial clients, including hotels, hostels, B&Bs and more. In this guide, we have compiled a list of some top security tips for companies in the hospitality industry. Bear these in mind when developing your hotel security strategy and you will create a safe haven where guests can relax and enjoy the stunning rooms you have to offer without worrying about themselves or their possessions.

Install CCTV

CCTV in common areas such as receptions and hallways are a security essential for any hotel. With constant movement in and out of the property, a CCTV system will allow you to identify suspicious activity anywhere on the premises from one central location.

Even the most highly trained and experienced security guard will have a tough time spotting suspicious behaviour in a crowded hotel lobby and having guards situated in every single communal area simply isn’t a realistic option.

CCTV is the perfect solution, allowing your security team to monitor activity from a nearby location and response to incidents in real-time if they do occur. The sight of CCTV alone will deter most criminals as well as reassuring hotel guests that no-one will be able to enter the property undetected and allowing them to relax and enjoy their stay.

Install electronic locks

Modern electronic locks will automatically change the combination each and every time a new guest arrives, making breaking into a room much more of a challenge than with a traditional lock and key set-up. If a guest loses their key card and requests a new one the room should be rekeyed immediately to ensure that if the lost key is discovered by someone with ill intentions is will be useless to them.

Install a deadbolt and peephole

Even if your electronic lock is state-of-the-art, installing a deadbolt will provide your guests with added peace of mind that they are safe whilst they are asleep inside your hotel.

A peephole is an essential for any hotel door, allowing guests to verify the identity of a visitor before allowing them access.

Educate your staff

Once you have optimised your security practices you need to ensure that they are implemented effectively.

Your staff are the key to this so make sure that they are all fully aware of their obligations and responsibilities in regards to security on the site when they are working.

The rise and rise of lip filler treatments

In the last few decades, cosmetic treatments, once the reserve of the rich and famous, have become far more affordable and people from all backgrounds are taking advantage of this revolution to achieve the appearance that they have always desired.

No treatment has experienced this effect more so than that of lip fillers, once of the most effective, and least invasive, cosmetic procedures that are currently on the market.

Nowadays, people use lip fillers for all sorts of different purposes, from adding volume back into lips that have thinned with age to balancing out areas of the lips that are unsymmetrical.

But where exactly did this multipurpose cosmetic treatment come from, and how did it rise to popularity as such as rapid rate?

If you are looking for lip filler deals Glasgow, you may well be wondering what the answers to these questions are, and in this article we will give you them, as well as a more general background on lip fillers and other cosmetic treatments.

Where did lip fillers come from?

Most people are actually surprised to learn that the history of lip fillers dates back to 1906 when a surgeon injected liquid paraffin into the lips of a patient in an attempt to add volume. This was extremely dangerous and completely ineffective. Luckily, things have come a long way since then.

It wasn’t until the 1960s that silicone was first used in lip filler treatments but, once again, surgeons decided that the substance was too dangerous and moved on to look for another alternative option. Bovine collagen was the next substance to come to the testing table and more success was found in this approach, collagen is still used in many cosmetic treatments to this day, but it was still far from perfect. Allergic reactions were far from unusual and it was often several weeks between consultation and treatment whilst allergy tests were carried out.

In much more recent times, hyaluronic acid has emerged as the clear winner in the race to find a safe substance that can be used for lip augmentation purposes. This is a substance that exists within our bodies anyway, meaning that the risk of allergic reactions is incredibly low, AND can be dissolved using another substance called hyalase if anything does happen to go wrong.

One potential downside of using hyaluronic acid fillers is that they don’t last forever, and will dissolve naturally after around 6-12 months depending on the individual in question and the amount of filler that is used. This has only ended up increasing their popularity, however, as patients seem to be more willing to give fillers a try if they know that they won’t be left with the results for the rest of time if they aren’t a fan.

With a lip augmentation carried out every 30 minutes or less in the UK at this current time, there are no signs that the astronomical rise of lip fillers will slow anytime soon.

Pros and cons of CCTV towers

CCTV is a major part of the modern security industry and is used by home and business owners alike to guard against criminal activity and let them keep an eye on their property when they aren’t around.

CCTV towers are mobile units standing well over 5m tall that are topped with 360 degree CCTV cameras and can be installed or taken down in rapid fashion by professional security experts. A mobile CCTV tower is a great option on more remote and rural sites such as car parks or construction sites, where traditional CCTV installation might not be viable or cost-effective.

That said, like all things there are pros and cons to consider when thinking about installing a mobile CCTV tower, and as many people haven’t even heard of this technology, we though it would be a good idea to run through some of them in this article, giving you a better idea of what to expect when you get in touch with the expert team here at Trust Hire.

CCTV camera

Advantages of CCTV Towers

Multiple Uses

CCTV towers are used to track and identify criminals, but they can also be used to track activity on your site and keep an eye over day-to-day operations when you can’t be there in person.

Large Scale monitoring

CCTV towers can monitor a huge area of land simultaneously, giving them a massive advantage over human security guards who, no matter how highly trained and eagle eyed they may be, can only look in one direct at one time.

If you do have security on site, CCTV towers don’t have to replace them, they can make their task a whole lot easier by allowing them to monitor the site from one central location and attending to situations as and when they are detected.

Insurance Claims

If there is an incident on your site, CCTV provides crystal clear evidence of the events in question. This makes it a whole lot easier to file insurance claims and will prevent you claim being denied due to a lack of concrete evidence.

Downsides of CCTV towers

Cost

There is an ongoing cost associated with hiring a CCTV tower, but it is significantly lower than the price of installing fixed CCTV or hiring enough security guards to cover the same area. In almost all cases, CCTV towers save our clients money whilst they are in place.

Lack of privacy

There are strict regulations over the use of CCTV, especially when filming public places, so CCTV regulations are something you will need to bear in mind when you install a CCTV tower.

Annoy staff

Installing CCTV on a commercial site can go one of two ways. One it motivates staff to do better as they know they might be being observed, or two, it makes them anxious, and they are unable to perform to the best of their abilities. Only you will know what the mindset of your workforce is and if this is likely to be an issue.

Common Myths about Roof Repairs

The roof repair industry is flooded with inaccurate ‘tips’ that can do a whole lot more harm than good to your roof. As a homeowner, it is hard to know where to turn when you need roof repairs with so much information out there, much of which is inaccurate and unhelpful.

It is easy to find yourself trapped in a web of roof repair myths and make rash decisions that either damage your roof further, reduce its lifespan significantly, or worst case scenario end up with you needing to completely replace your roof.

If you are worried about something you have heard, or want to guarantee accurate advice for a highly trained expert professional, contact Vertex Roofing today.

In this post, we will look at some of the biggest myths and misconceptions about roof repairs that we hear and see on a regular basis. With this information in hand, you can approach roof repairs with a whole lot more confidence, and make informed decisions about the future of your roof.

roof installation

Myth 1 – DIY roof repairs are a good idea

Google DIY roof repairs and you will find a whole host of videos and advice pages on carrying out your own roof repairs. It can be tempting to try and save some money by taking this approach, especially if you see yourself as a bit of a DIY whizz but roofing really is one area of home maintenance that should always be left to the professionals.

Attempting to conduct DIY repairs can not only put you in dangerous situations, it can also result in more damage being done and could well lead to the invalidation of both your insurance and the roof warranty. It simply isn’t worth the risk, get in touch with professional roofers Glasgow today who will diagnose and resolve your issues in no time.

Myth 2 – Roof repairs are pointless if you are thinking of selling

If you are considering selling your property, it may be true that complete roof replacement isn’t a smart financial investment. However, ignoring repairs and leaving them for the next inhabitants isn’t a smart move either. Roofs are one of the first things that property buyers factor in when making their decisions and a roof in poor condition can seriously harm the value of your home.

Keeping your roof in great shape at all times will ensure that when the moment does come to move on you will receive the most value out of your property.

Myth 3 – Minor leaks aren’t an issue

Avoiding minor roof repairs because you only have a tiny leak is one of the worst possible things that you can do as a homeowner. The roof leak must be coming from somewhere and it often a sign of a larger underlying issue that needs to be fixed. Even if the leak is only small, the hole that it is getting through will grow quickly if action is not taken and even a little water can do some pretty serious damage when seeping into the foundations of your property.

Myth 4 – Roofs aren’t that important to energy efficiency

Windows, doors, and insulation are often named as the three major factors in determining a properties energy efficiency but whilst they certainly play a big part, your roof is just as important, if not more so.

If you notice a sharp upturn in your monthly bills, there is a good chance that a leaky roof could be the issue with air finding its way in and out at a rapid rate. We all know just how cold the Scottish winter can be and if you fail to repair your broken roof any hot air that you generate will escapes as quickly as it is produced. If you want to find you more about the role that your roof plays in ventilation and energy efficiency, get in touch with a roofing professional today.

Myth 5 – All roof repairs are expensive

Many people put off roof repairs until it is far too late simply because they are scared of how much they will have to pay if they call in a professional to deal with the matter. The truth is, however, that if you act the moment that you see the very first signs of roof issues, there is usually a pretty easy fix and a roofer will be able to carry it out at a relatively low cost. What is true, however, is that putting off repairs and allowing them to escalate can quickly become incredibly expensive, with major repairs, and particularly complete roof replacement costing many thousands of pounds. In the time you spend worrying about how much repairs will cost, they could already have been carried out, and the long you wait the worse the issues will grow and the bill will rise.

10 Top Tips for dealing with pests

Summer is coming slowly but surely, and pest species are gradually on the rise.

As part of your regular spring home maintenance, take the time to put a few simple preventative measures in place to reduce the risk of a pest infestation in your property.

If these fail, get in touch with a professional pest control Preston company as soon as possible.

rodent pest control

Install or repair fly screens

In the blistering heat of summer, you will have your windows open constantly but there is nothing worse than flies and wasps taking the opportunity to access your home and annoy you with their constant buzzing.

Window screens are a simple and easy way to prevent this happening so make sure you have these in place and that any tears or holes are repaired before the season begins.

Grow herbs

It may sound strange, but certain herbs such as peppermint, basil, and lavender are repulsive to many insect pest species.

Placing these on your window sill or planting them in your garden will not only add a lovely touch of colour to your home  but will also reduce the risk of a pest problem forming.

Use suitable bird feeders

Feeding small birds in your garden is a pleasure that many of us enjoy but open feeders with large feeding holes are susceptible to being used by much larger non-target pest species including squirrels, rats, and feral pigeons.

Make sure to purchase secure feeders that can only be accessed by the small birds you want to frequently your garden.

Maintain your window frames

Small gaps and cracks in the caulking or felt around your doors and window frames can be used by insects to gain access to your property, after which they will spread far and wide.

You would even be surprised how small a gap a mouse or rat can squeeze through if they are determined enough so install bristles under any exterior door that has a gap beneath.

Fill gaps with steel wool

Rodents can chew their way through almost any material and foam sealant alone might not be enough to fill gaps in your exterior walls. Instead, fill gaps with a generous amount of steel wool or copper mesh and fill the remaining area with sealant, ensuring maximum protection against pest species.

Spread coffee grounds outside

Rather than throwing away your used coffee grounds, try spreading them about in your garden and just outside the home. This will deter many insects who despise the smell of coffee and they will stay well away from the perimeter of your home.

Seal food packaging

Make sure that all your food, and that of your pets, is stored in a sealed container when not in use. Pests are already imaginative enough when it comes to finding food without you handing it to them on a plate.

Plastic containers with a secure lid are the best choice for this purpose as rodents and insects can often chew their way through cardboard packaging.

Keep your suitcase outside your bedroom

One of the stranger tips of this list but one that will potentially save you a whole lot of trouble.

Hotels and hostels are often the home to bed bugs due to a high turnover of guests from all different locations. When you go to a hotel on holiday, these bugs may find their way into your suitcase via clothing hitch-hike home with you and spread into your bedroom when you go to unpack.

Instead, wash all your clothes on as high a heat as possible once returning from holiday and store your suitcase well away from your bedroom, preferably in a garage or attic.

Install a chimney guard

A chimney guard is designed to keep out rodents such and birds and squirrels without impacting upon the utility of the chimney itself.

This is critical as a nest within the chimney is a serious safety risk, significantly increasing the risk of a property fire, and blocking off the escape of dangerous fumes.

Birds inside your chimney can also increase the risk of a variety of insects who will be attracted by their presence.

Keep trees and plants away from your home

Trees overhanging your property will allow rodents, particularly grey squirrels to access the roof of your property, from where they will be able to find their way into your attic or roof cavity and cause all sorts of chaos.

You should also trim bushes and garden plants that are growing too close to your property to prevent ants and other burrowing insects from nesting in the siding.

Install netting

Installing bird netting in your garden is the only sure-fire way to ensure that birds are unable to destroy your plants,

Wire, bell shaped guards are one popular option, or finer mesh, more similar to that of a window guard, can be used to keep bugs away as well.

Why spring is the best season to have new double glazed windows installed

As the days start to lengthen and weather begins to take a turn for the better, the spring is the perfect time start a home improvement project.

When it comes to giving your home a facelift, improving security, and reducing your energy bills there are very few renovation options that come close to the installation of new double or triple glazed windows.

If you have noticed that you have struggled to heat your home over the winter that has just passed, and that your energy bills seem to be significantly higher than they should be for a house of your size, window replacement could well be the solution. After all, over 20% of all the heat lost in domestic homes comes as a result of older style or poorly installed windows.

Now that you have identified that you need new windows, you want to make sure you pick the perfect time to have them installed and the right windows company Edinburgh to install them. Here’s a quick look at why Spring is the perfect time for window replacement and some of the reasons that you shouldn’t put off installation any longer.

double glazing cross-section

Better Weather

It might not always seem that way, but in general, spring brings a welcome break from the freezing temperature and constant snow, rain, and sleet of the winter months.

This makes it a whole lot easier for a window installation company to install your new windows in a quick and efficient manner and will minimise the disruption to your home.

With more daylight to work with, most of our new double glazed window installations are completed within a single day in the Spring and you won’t be left with a gaping hole in your home for freezing air to blow through.

Surprisingly, spring is also preferable to summer for window installers as space must be left during installation to allow the unit to expand during high temperatures. If the temperatures are already high, installation is slightly more tricky.

Professional window installers are able to fit lovely new double or triple glazed windows perfectly at any time of your, but choosing the spring will make your life, and theirs, just that little bit more straightforward.

Prepare for the heat of summer

Modern double and triple glazed windows are designed to prevent heat transfer between the inside and outside of your home. The main benefit of this is felt in the winter when they will reflect heat back into your home and help you keep the property warm and cosy for less.

However, they are also crucial to keeping your home cool and comfortable in the summer months.

With temperatures in the UK rising year on year due to global warming, this role will only increase in importance in the years to come so getting ahead of the game with new double glazing this spring will help you prepare not only for the summer to come but for all the future summers to come as well.

Weatherproof your property

Let’s be honest, the summer in Scotland isn’t all heatwaves and blue skies. Rains, wind, and stormy weather are a constant threat all year long and your windows are a vital barrier in protecting your home from the threat they pose.

Should your windows fail to keep out moisture, the chances of mould and mildew growth inside your property rise significantly and these bring a whole raft of potential health complications with them, especially for those who suffer with pre-existing breathing problems such as asthma.

Summer showers followed by high heat and rapid evaporation are prime breeding grounds for water seeping through any gaps in the frame of older windows. Replacing them this spring with new double glazed units will keep your home cool and dry this summer.

double glazing installation

Prepare for the winter

It may seem a long time away now but the longer you put off your new window installation the easier it will be to go through another winter with your older windows still in place.

Acting now will ensue that by the time temperatures drop once more and you need to turn on your home heating system again, your home will be far more energy efficient than it has ever been before, allowing you to enjoy significantly lower energy bills than you did in the winter just passed.

Book in your spring window replacement early

For all the reasons mentioned in this article, amongst many more, spring is widely considered as the best time to have your windows replaced. Unfortunately, you are not the only one planning their home renovations for this season and the sooner that you book in your double glazing installation the better.

This way you will have your pick of the expert windows company Edinburgh options and will be able to get a time slot that is most convenient for you.

Why you should have your boiler serviced during the summer

When the sun is shining, and you are basking in your garden enjoying a drink or two your boiler is the last thing on your mind.

It is easy, once the winter is finally over and your home heating system is no longer required to forget about your boiler completely, but could this actually be the perfect opportunity to arrange for your annual boiler service?

After all, the last thing you need is to turn your boiler back on again in the summer only to discover that it won’t even start.

This blog will look at some of the reasons why summer boiler servicing might be worth considering.

Why is boiler servicing required?

Boiler fitting

Firstly, boiler servicing is almost always a requirement of a new boiler warranty and failing to arrange one on an annual basis could mean that the manufacturer won’t cover the cost of any repairs or breakdowns that occur in the future.

In order for a boiler service to be recognised and legal it must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered heating engineer who will conduct a variety of tests and inspections to determine the overall condition of your boiler.

All these checks may sound like they will take an age to complete, but a boiler service is actually pretty quick and will only last around 45 minutes in most cases. Given the savings that can be made as a result of a service and the peace of mind that you will get from knowing that your home is protected from breakdowns, gas leaks, explosions, and more arranging one at some point each and every year really is a no brainer.

Boiler services cost around £55-80, which may seem like an easy cost to avoid but is significantly less than the cost of dealing with expensive repairs or having to fork out for an emergency engineer because your boiler decided to breakdown in the middle of winter.

Overall, boiler servicing has a huge number of up sides and almost know downsides so the only decision you still need to make is what time of year to arrange yours for.

3 Reasons to arrange your boiler service for the summer

Servicing your boiler in the summer may seem counter-productive, as many people don’t even use their boilers for several months when temperatures outside rise.

However, this might actually make it the perfect time to do routine checks and identify any minor issues that need to be resolved. You will have plenty of time to get them fixed before your boiler is essential once more and the Gas Safe engineers required to perform the service will have a lot for flexibility in their schedule meaning you can arrange the visit for a time that suits you the best.

Boiler toolkit

Here are 3 of the biggest reasons to consider a summer boiler service:

Reduced cost

Boiler servicing companies are much less busy during the summer months with few emergency repairs required. This means that they often offer discounts to those looking to make appointments in order to fill their schedules.

Servicing a boiler is already one of the most sensible financial decisions that you can make, increasing energy efficiency, prolonging the unit’s lifespan, and guarding against expensive repairs and arranging one for the summer could make it even more worthwhile.

Maximise efficiency

An inefficient boiler leads to increased energy bills and by having any issues that could affect your units efficiency identified and dealt with during the summer you can ensure that when it is needed on a regular basis once more it will be operating at an optimal level.

A more efficient boiler during the winter months will see you make significant savings on your energy bills and it is a lot easier to make efficiency improvements when the central heating is not being used.

Guard against costly or dangerous faults

A gas boiler service is a bit like a car MOT in that it identifies any issues that may prevent the unit running smoothly and safely.

Leaving your boiler untouched for several months during the summer can lead to the system corroding or seizing through a lack of use and a check midway through this period will help identify any faults that may have arisen.

During the service, the Gas Safe engineer will fire up your boiler to check for any running issues and this will allow your heating system to blow off the cobwebs and tick over until it is once again required on a regular basis.

It also means that if an issue is detected that required repair, you won’t have to freeze whilst the work is arranged and carried out.

For more information visit http://chshome.co.uk/ today.

How to find a good lawyer in Scotland

If you are looking for a solicitor in Scotland you are clearly dealing with a matter of some importance and finding the right one is crucial.

No matter if you have never used the services of a solicitor in the past, or already have on but they can’t take your case on for whatever reason it can be hard to know where to start in your search, especially when the consequences of making the wrong decision could be extremely serious.

You might be able to get a good recommendation from a friend who as been in a similar situation in the past, but if not, there are plenty of other places to look.

This guide will take you through some of the best places to find a respected solicitor who specialises in the area of law that you are looking for, and how to tell is they are a good fit.

Here are some of the best places to find lawyer Glasgow options:

Online Search

Just google it probably wasn’t the advice you we’re looking for when you clicked on this article but the truth is that the internet is an incredibly powerful research and should be your starting point for any solicitor search.

Whilst you shouldn’t make your decision based solely on which law firm comes up first this will allow you to build a shortlist of potential options who specialise in the area of law that you are looking for and have a good reputation for success.

Many law firms will have a section on their website for testimonies where you can read about the experiences of previous clients. These can be useful, but should be taken with a pinch of salt as they will be handpicked by the firm themselves who are only going to publish positive experiences on their site.

Word of mouth

If you know a trusted friend or family member who have gone through a similar experience to the one you are currently, why not ask them what lawyer they used and what their experience was like. If they had a positive one and would recommend the lawyer, your search may be over before it has really begun.

Of course, just because a lawyer worked well for one person does not mean that they will be a good match for you so make sure to arrange a consultation with them before committing.

Law Society of Scotland Accreditation Scheme

The Law Society of Scotland (LSS) provides accreditation to Scottish solicitors who possess certain specialist skills in order to make it easier for people to find a lawyer who meets their needs.

If your legal case is complex, or you expect it to get so in the future, there is no better place to find lawyers with specific skills and niche experience.

The LSS website allows users to narrow their search by filtering according to specialism, with 28 different options available.

Through the LSS, Scottish solicitors can be accredited under:

  • agricultural law
  • arbitration
  • charity law
  • child law
  • commercial leasing
  • construction law
  • crofting law
  • debt & asset recovery
  • discrimination law
  • employment law
  • environmental law
  • family law
  • freedom of information and data protection
  • immigration insolvency law
  • incapacity & mental disability law
  • intellectual property law
  • liquor licensing law
  • medical negligence law
  • medical negligence (defender only)
  • mental health law
  • pensions law
  • personal injury law
  • planning law
  • private client tax
  • professional negligence law
  • public procurement law
  • trusts law

Achieving LSS accreditation is a lengthy process and requires extensive checks and questions about past cases. It must also be renewed every 5 years meaning that if a law firm is on the list you can be confident that they are committed to maintaining high standards and providing the best possible service to their clients.

lawyer in court

Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL)

There are many individual online resources for those seeking law firms who speicialise in each different area of the law and it would be impossible to mention each and every one here.

However, one that is worth a mention is APIL who are a not-for-profit organisation that devotes itself to supporting and providing services to those who have been the victim of a personal injury.

Their website lists all APIL accredited personal injury practitioners in Scotland and is a fantastic resource for anyone who has suffered a personal injury and is looking to get the justice that they deserve.

No matter what type of lawyer you are looking for, it is essential that you take the time to do your research before you commit. Making the wrong decision at this stage could have very serious consequences for the future after all.

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