Best electrical & gas safety SME 2020 -South East England

We are absolutely delighted and thrilled to have been awarded the best electrical and gas safety SME business of 2020. Our business was presented to a panel of judges for their consideration and we had to demonstrate our expertise in our field, show dedication to customer service and demonstrate client satisfaction with commitment to excellence and innovation. This has been a real achievement and we are delighted for the team.

We felt with all the media speculation of recent that we would arrange COVID testing for the team. I think this has been one of the nest decisions we have made. It has put all the teams mind at rest and we are able to advise our clients that we are doing everything we can in order to protect their interests too.

Everyone was tested for the Anitgen and Antibody test which basically means if anyone has Covid or has had Covid within the last three months. As we understand the Antibody’s only lasts up to three months.

We absolutely delighted to say that everyone has a full bill of health.

Statement lighting is the way forward

The trend for this year seems to be that bigger is better! Natural wickers and over size lamp shades seems to be all the rage. Making a bold statement of your personality and being brave about what you’re “showing off” seems to be the way forward.

When dressing a room with a statement piece, make sure to keep in mind what you are intending to light. Whether you are dressing a light over the dining room table, or making a statement in the living room, make sure you consider whether the lighting is also practical.

We can easily be pulled in by the look and forget the actual purpose. This does not mean you can’t have what you want.  By simply using different types of lamps (or light bulbs to you and me), you can make or break a look of a room. If you invest in a good lamps, then they will last for years, compared with cheaper versions.

Lighting in your home makes all the difference. Use different lights around the room, from standard lamps,standing lamps to floor lamps shades. Don’t be a afraid to be bold!! They can often enhance the room and give a room more impact .

The most important thing is to have fun with it and be expressive, after all, its your home and you’re worth it!

A new legislation did come into force as from 1 June 2020, they apply to new tenancies from the 1 July 2020 and all tenancies on the renewal of the tenancy. This also applies to renewal tenancies. All lettings agents and landlords will now have to complete a mandatory electrical condition report (EICR) on the property and these works will need to be carried out by a person who is qualified and competent, at least every five years.

This new regulation applies to assured shorthold tenancies and licenses to occupy.

Exception are set out in Schedule 1 of the Regulations and includes social housing, lodgers, those on a long lease of 7 years or more, student hall of residence, hostels and refuges, care homes, hospitals and hospices, and other accommodations relating to healthcare provisions.

What is expected of privately rented properties.

• Ensure that the electrical safety is met. These guidance has been set out under the 18th edition of the “wiring Regulations” which are published as British Standard 7671.

• The rented property must be tested and inspected by a qualified and competent person at least every 5 years.

• A report following the test will be sent to the landlord/agent prior to the start of the tenancy or before the renewal of the tenancy ( if not done in the previous five years)

• If a report shows that remedial works are required to bring the property up to the current legislation then these works need to be carried out with 28 days of the report.

• There are three codes under the report C1, C2,C3 ( C= Codes). These codes determine the potential hazardous risks. C1 being danger present C2 further investigations required without delay and C3 being advisory and further remedial work is not required

• We supply the landlord/agent confirmation once the works have been complete to confirm the works have been completed to a satisfactory level and that the landlord/agent has complied.

The local authorities may impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 on landlords who are in breach of their duties.