Caledonian has been awarded a £40m turnkey contract by Studytel® for its 528 student bedroom development at Penryn, near Falmouth in Cornwall. This is the latest in a series of major new multi-million pound contract wins for the Newark-based business. The development will provide high quality accommodation for students studying
Amazon is thought to be the main beneficiary of a recent planning approval at developer PLP’s Gateway 45 scheme in Leeds. The internet giant is believed to be the reason behind a reserved matters application proposing a single 2 million sq ft distribution warehouse at the scheme that recently scored
A new automated lettings platform is promising to ensure agents and buy to let investors stay compliant. PlanetRent has been created by residential property consultancy Ringley, which claims it gives landlords and their agents the same professionally-designed cloud platform used by major investors. The platform gives details of key documents
MSA Safety launches whitepaper exploring benefits of great head protection MSA Safety, designer, manufacturer and distributor of industry-leading safety products, has published a new head protection whitepaper following an industry panel webinar, which was hosted by MSA and attended by health and safety professionals across the UK. The webinar panel
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has supported a plea to the government to instruct construction clients to release £4.5bn currently being withheld from contractors in the form or retention payments. The Association backed the request, which was included in a letter from the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) to the
When you purchase a new home, or even as someone who’s been living in a home for a long time, there are always improvements or projects that need doing in an effort to make it your own. And when you’re not actively renovating or remodeling, there’s a need to clear
New 118,000 sq. ft development situated at a site in Huddersfield. GMI Construction Group has today announced the completion of a new 118,000 sq. ft purpose-built manufacturing plant in Huddersfield for Aflex Hose– a world leading manufacturer of PTFE-lined flexible hoses for the automotive, pharmaceutical, food and chemical and industries.
The JCT contract suites do not mention what happens in the event of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) or anything like it shutting down the World. So, what commercial problems will construction contracts face and how can the contract deal with this unprecedented situation? The problems caused are lack of progress, supplies
We are only in the fourth month of the year, but all aspects of our lives have been turned upside down. We are all trying to adjust to a new normal that was completely unprecedented. Coronavirus has seen to it that your office is closed and that there are minimal
If you are a gambling fan, you want to spend your evening playing online after a busy day. With so many casinos now shifting online, you want to ensure that you play in a safe environment. The truth is – not all gambling websites are safe to play. That’s why
Caledonian has been awarded a £40m turnkey contract by Studytel® for its 528 student bedroom development at Penryn, near Falmouth in Cornwall. This is the latest in a series of major new multi-million pound contract wins for the Newark-based business. The development will provide high quality accommodation for students studying at the Penryn Campus, which is shared by Falmouth University and the University of Exeter. Providing a new, high-tech and innovative approach to student accommodation, the Studytel® scheme includes single bedrooms, self-contained studios and cluster apartments with shared kitchens and communal spaces. Caledonian was chosen because of its successful track record supplying large modular projects and recent experience on other high-quality student accommodation schemes, along with the ability to develop a cost-effective volumetric design solution for this aesthetically striking building. Caledonian will manufacture the modules at its factory in Newark concurrently as the construction of the concrete framed structure is created on site. This approach will significantly reduce the overall construction schedule, enabling handover in time for the new term in September. Paul Lang, CEO of Caledonian Modular, said: “In spite of the events happening on a world stage, we continue to grow and develop as a business. The Studytel® project is the latest major contract win for Caledonian. A large proportion of our recent new business wins are turnkey projects as clients are beginning to understand the benefits it gives them in terms of budget certainty, speed to market and quality consistency.” Paul added: “Our growth over the last few years is the result of our strong position in the modular market. Through our ongoing improvements in design and material selection as well our ability to consistently deliver projects on time and within budget, we have become a trusted partner for volumetric building solutions.” Caledonian continues to invest in Building Information Modelling (BIM), design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA) and lean manufacturing techniques allowing it to supply a finished product more efficient, with higher levels of factory completion and of far higher quality than that achieved in traditional construction. The first phase of Studytel® Penryn is due to open to students at the start of the academic year 2021/22 To find out more about Caledonian modular buildings and offsite construction solutions, visit: www.caledonianmodular.com
Amazon is thought to be the main beneficiary of a recent planning approval at developer PLP’s Gateway 45 scheme in Leeds. The internet giant is believed to be the reason behind a reserved matters application proposing a single 2 million sq ft distribution warehouse at the scheme that recently scored approval from Leeds Council. The application was for a 2,001,543 sq ft facility with a footplate of some 464,809 sq ft with three further mezzanines on the 43.66 acre site owned by PLP. In the planning statement submitted as part of the application said: “The proposed development represents a major economic investment and will enable a significant number of jobs to come forward in a key site in the Aire Valley Leeds Enterprise Zone. A key aim of this Zone is to drive growth and investment in Leeds and the wider City Region.” PLP acquired the plot from Aire Valley Land, a joint venture between Harworth Group and Evans Property Group, earlier this year. At the time of the sale the plot had planning for up to 855,000 sq ft of industrial and distribution space. This is the second planning application for the site, previously PLP submitted plans for a scheme for four distribution units with sizes ranging from 59,000 sq ft to 400,000 sq ft to be developed on a speculative and pre-let basis. Joint letting agents are CBRE and Gent Visick. Gateway 45 is located next to Junction 45 of the M1 and extends to 166 acres, with outline planning consent for 2.64 million sq ft of commercial space. The PLP UKLV deal follows three previous separate disposals totalling 55.5 acres, generating a total consideration of £30.3m. Gent Visick advised on the sale of the plot. There has been no comment for the parties involved.
A new automated lettings platform is promising to ensure agents and buy to let investors stay compliant. PlanetRent has been created by residential property consultancy Ringley, which claims it gives landlords and their agents the same professionally-designed cloud platform used by major investors. The platform gives details of key documents such as a copy of the ‘How to Rent’ checklist, deposit protection, EPCs and gas safety certificates in a single dashboard. PlanetRent claims this can replace “a host of existing subscriptions and manual processes, saving considerable time and expense as well as avoiding potential fines for non-compliance” as well as giving landlords cheaper access to Rightmove. There is also an app which tenants can use to pay rent and utility bills, and to request and monitor repairs. Ringley has been active in residential management for over 20 years and has advised Build To Rent operators. “The past few years have seen a host of regulations introduced that can leave landlords out of pocket if they are not up to date. Our platform takes the hassle out of staying compliant, keeping landlords safe from fines, while also eliminating the need to buy or subscribe to a whole host of different software packages” says group managing director Mary-Anne Bowring.
MSA Safety launches whitepaper exploring benefits of great head protection MSA Safety, designer, manufacturer and distributor of industry-leading safety products, has published a new head protection whitepaper following an industry panel webinar, which was hosted by MSA and attended by health and safety professionals across the UK. The webinar panel was made up of key industry figures: Alan Murray, CEO, BSIF Jim Cliff, UK Product Sales Manager (Industrial), MSA Safety Richard Cunningham, Worley The whitepaper – Are you getting the maximum benefits out of your head protection? – reviews the vital importance of head protection for workers, and covers themes including: The history of head protection Developing head protection Why comfort is “key” Understanding different environments and applications Key legislation to be aware of The benefits of great head protection – going beyond just physical safety Embedding a safety awareness culture MSA’s Jim Cliff comments: “At MSA we’re passionate about worker safety and better understanding how we can drive safer working practices. That was the purpose of the webinar and this subsequent whitepaper. It explores insights gleaned from industry professionals – all with the aim of encouraging workers to actually wear their safety helmets.” MSA has a significant pedigree when it comes to head protection with its V-Gard® range having sold more than 100 million units since its introduction. MSA believes that a hard hat is much more than the sum of its parts; more than just its “hard outer shell,” explains Jim. “Worker safety has and always will be paramount. That’s a given. But we believe that a quality hard hat – one that’s well-balanced, well-ventilated and easily adjustable for a comfortable fit – can unlock so many other associated benefits. It can increase confidence and help to improve a worker’s general wellbeing, both of which can make a workforce more productive and efficient. And crucially, greater comfort and convenience means workers are more likely to keep their hard hats on, which of course helps to increase safety and worksite compliance.” Even on well-run construction sites, head injuries are still very much a potential risk and being struck on the head by moving, flying or falling objects accounted for 18 deaths a year in the UK from 2014-19 (Health & Safety Executive). This is why any work to better understand why workers may not wear their hard hats – and how this can be addressed – is extremely valuable. MSA’s whitepaper is a must-read for both those responsible for purchasing hard hats and those who wear them for up to eight hours a day, day in, day out. Read and download MSA’s whitepaper here
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has supported a plea to the government to instruct construction clients to release £4.5bn currently being withheld from contractors in the form or retention payments. The Association backed the request, which was included in a letter from the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) to the Prime Minister, in a bid to inject much needed cash into struggling construction supply chains. As well as the call to release retentions, the CLC also asked the government to consider suspending PAYE and CIS tax due to HMRC in April and May for construction and consultancy firms and workers, with no financial penalty. This would also help to relieve some of the immediate cash flow challenges being experienced across the sector, it said. It has also called for all Apprenticeship Levy payments to be cancelled for the duration of the Covid-19 crisis. BESA, which has been campaigning for reform of the retentions system for more than two decades, added that speed was now of the essence as many specialist contractors were facing a rapid fall in turnover this month. An online poll held during the Association’s daily Covid-19 update webinar revealed that 58% of firms who responded expect to invoice for just 25% or less of their usual monthly amounts at the end of April. Sharp reminder “The current crisis has provided a sharp reminder that cash is king in this industry,” said BESA chief executive David Frise. “Any measures that can get cash flowing more rapidly through supply chains will be crucial to ensure our sector can keep delivering on its promise to support essential services with vital building services.” Since the CLC letter arrived at 10 Downing Street, the Crown Commercial Service has updated its Procurement Policy Note 2/20 Supplier relief due to COVID-19 to suggest ways that public sector clients could improve cash flow through their supply chains. It says the release of retention money could be considered, but warned that it might expose clients to “inappropriate risks”. It does, however, encourage clients to set up Project Bank Accounts and says they should pay suppliers promptly. The CLC letter pointed out that the cash retentions routinely held against contractors can represent up to 5% of each regular payment. It acknowledged there would be some “strong opinions over this”, but were the government to direct all public sector bodies to release all retention monies held “this would inject cash at all levels of the construction supply chain”. “The construction industry also needs clear support and recognition from the government for the essential work that it is doing, and the role it is playing in supporting public services and keeping the economy functioning,” the letter added. BESA also urged banks to show greater sympathy to SME firms working across construction as they were finding it hard to access business loans despite striving to keep sites operating. Another BESA poll revealed that 97% of firms who had applied for Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans (CBILs) were still waiting for a response. “This goes to show that the process has yet to catch up with the demand,” said Mr Frise. The Association’s daily webinar also heard that the CBI had issued an upbeat assessment of the UK’s medium term economic prospects. It is predicting a V-shaped recession i.e. a steep decline followed by a rapid recovery in the second half of the year. It does not envisage a long haul recovery like the one that followed the financial crash of 2008/9. It also believes there are a number of long-term benefits on the horizon including rapid growth in digital working as a result of more people being forced to work this way during the Covid-19 outbreak and a boost to plans to decarbonise the economy thanks to many lessons learned during the crisis. The reputation of the business sector will also benefit thanks to the ability and willingness already demonstrated by many companies and individuals to step up and provide support to the NHS and other essential services, the CBI said. The subject of retentions and other business issues for contractors will be under discussion during a webinar hosted by BESA with the CLCs lead on supply chain and business models Ann Bentley this Wednesday (April 8) at 12 noon. For details go to: thebesa.com/covid19.
When you purchase a new home, or even as someone who’s been living in a home for a long time, there are always improvements or projects that need doing in an effort to make it your own. And when you’re not actively renovating or remodeling, there’s a need to clear out accumulations of stuff that overtake the house either when it gets to be too much or during a seasonal cleaning. The result will most likely be a massive amount of waste that will need disposal. An issue that a lot of households run into when investing in a skip hire service such as Impala Skip Hire is which size bin would be adequate for their needs. In many cases, judgment is off, and you underestimate the amount of debris that needs to be taken away, ending up with a container that is far too small. Usually, when doing any kind of declutter or household jobs, there tends to be so much more waste material to deal with when it’s over than anyone anticipates. Sizing up is always advantageous. Investing In Domestic Skip Hire The time savings that a waste management system allows is invaluable, not to mention the fact of the physical exertion that’s required in bagging up, carrying, and loading all the waste in order to transport it yourself. The materials can be hazardous as far as broken glass or sharps, heavy for any one person to lift, and overall an unsafe process, particularly when you realize the incredible amount that you have to handle. The number of times you need to travel from your home to the recycle center may prove exhausting. A skip bin proves to be an ideal solution for the home environment, whether there is a garage that’s being used to store massive amounts of clutter, and you want to now clear it out to use it as an actual garage. Or if you need an extensive renovation project that will result in significant debris. Having a container situated on your property to dispose of the materials will allow you to focus on the work as opposed to worrying where you’ll put the remnants. Sizing Your Domestic Skip It’s critical to obtain a skip in the size that is equal to the goals of your project. Everyone wants to make sure that they use every square inch of the bin in order to obtain full value, which means filling it to the top. ‘Chain’ skips are typically available in a broad range of sizes beginning with two yards and ranging up to 16. A ‘RoRo’ is available in only two sizes with a 20 yard (ca. 18 m) and a 40 yard (ca. 37 m). In many instances, the company that you hire can give you a ‘bin-bag value’ for the skips as a measurement to provide you with an idea of what size may work for you. For a smaller project, the bins that are within two yards and four yards are ideal. You can clear out a garage or do seasonal cleaning projects where you can be sure the accumulation of junk is going to be more than you can handle with your vehicle but not enough for a full-size container. To learn what happens to the waste material put in the bins after it’s picked up go to https://medium.com/@WasteDisposal/what-happens-to-the-waste-in-skips-319fec76b124. A ‘builder’s skip’ or six-yard container is among the most popular for those who are engaged in a mid-sized renovation as with cleaning out old furniture in favor of new or working over the kitchen. The measurement comparison is that this bin can hold approximately 60 bags or waste to that equivalent. For heavier construction debris, an eight-yard skip would be the best bin for the job as with rubble, concrete, and soil products. Anyone doing a more significant type of remodeling job on their home or renovation would want to invest in this type of container. The waste accumulation will fill a bin of this size. When you get into the more significant ranges of bins, they’re better suited for bigger scale building works and house clearing. It’s essential to be mindful of the weight restrictions. Despite their size, driving a lorry carrying more than the legal weight is an offense. The type of truck will depend on the limitation, and the chains are not capable of supporting large amounts of weight. A skip hire service helps to make the project that you’re working on much more straightforward, cost-effective, and time-saving. The convenience of having a container for your waste that the professionals will dispose of for you is invaluable considering how much clutter and debris that can accumulate with any given situation. Without it, the project could turn into a safety hazard, dangerous undertaking, or a very sore back from heavy lifting.
New 118,000 sq. ft development situated at a site in Huddersfield. GMI Construction Group has today announced the completion of a new 118,000 sq. ft purpose-built manufacturing plant in Huddersfield for Aflex Hose– a world leading manufacturer of PTFE-lined flexible hoses for the automotive, pharmaceutical, food and chemical and industries. The new 3-storey facility which was constructed on a 12-acre site and took 52 weeks to build has been specifically designed to accommodate the company’s bespoke processes. Talking about the project GMI Divisional Managing Director Lee Powell said: “This project presented several challenges due to the highly bespoke nature of Aflex’s manufacturing processes and requirements not just now but into the future. Working closely together, GMI were able to design a state of the art, built to suit facility that is entirely geared to the company’s capacity requirements. With the facility achieving PC on time despite experiencing various challenges during construction the completion of this project represents a notable achievement for everyone involved. We would like to thank and congratulate every member of the project team for another fantastic result of which we are all notably proud. The completion of this project follows other notable successes GMI has been involved in across the manufacturing sector over the past 12 months including the completion of a 126,000 sq. ft Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (CESAM) for Henry Boot Developments which has subsequently been transformed into a temporary Nightingale hospital for the NHS to help in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic”.
The JCT contract suites do not mention what happens in the event of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) or anything like it shutting down the World. So, what commercial problems will construction contracts face and how can the contract deal with this unprecedented situation? The problems caused are lack of progress, supplies and labour shortages, site closures and ultimately cash flow difficulties that could lead to bankruptcy. The unpredictable problem is how long with the crisis last? The obvious impact of Coronavirus is construction site closure or project delay, if the paying party the contractor is engaged with will not accept delay, closure or suspension of all work by agreement then what can the contractor do? The JCT contract forms are similar throughout and contain ‘Extension of Time’ and suspension provisions. Using the JCT Design & Build 2016 Contract as an example, clause 2.24 demands that a delay notice be submitted and in that delay notice a ‘Relevant Event’ must be cited and ‘if practicable’, or soon afterwards, provide an estimate of any suspected delay. Clause 2.26 provides definition of ‘Relevant Events’. The applicable ones are likely to be: 2.26.12 “the exercise after the Base Date by the UK government of any statutory power which directly affects the execution of the Works”. 2.26.14 Force majeure What is likely to happen? In the first case, the Government might force construction sites to close using statutory powers if there is a “lock down”, in the absence of an agreement to suspend the works this event is relevant and if very clear will entitle the contractor to an ‘Extension of Time’. In the second case, the concept of “force majeure”, varies by civil jurisdiction. In English law, force majeure is not defined, either in statute or under case law, and notably, the JCT does not provide any contractual definition of force majeure either. Typically, an event of force majeure is an event that is beyond either party’s control, not attributable to either party, and could not reasonably have been foreseen, avoided or overcome. Will the Coronavirus amount to force majeure? There are no reported cases of the scope of the “force majeure” term being tested in respect of a JCT contract. As such without the JCT providing a contractual definition and without legal precedent, the full scope of the force majeure provisions and how this applies to the coronavirus crisis may require determination by future case law. However, guidance may be identified in the case of McCardie J in Lebeaupin v Crispin [1920] 2 KB 714 which suggests that an epidemic may constitute a force majeure event: “Force majeure. This term is used with reference to all circumstances independent of the will of man, and which it is not in his power to control… epidemics are cases of force majeure…” As such it certainly appears reasonable for contractors to turn to the force majeure relevant event in respect of the effect of the Coronavirus. Other Instances Suspension of construction works If the works are suspended by agreement or otherwise, just be aware that JCT contracts contain rights to terminate by either party if the period of suspension is prolonged. In the JCT Design & Build 2016 contract, clause 8.11 allows termination on 7 days notice after the expiry of the “relevant period of suspension”, which can be found in the articles section under 8.11.1.1 to 8.11.1.6, which if left blank is two months by default. If left blank, either party can terminate the contract on 7 days notice after two months has expired for both instances of Government intervention/shutdown and force majeure (should the coronavirus be accepted as such). Walk out Despite the world closing down, contractors must be careful not to just walk off site. An argument could be raised by the paying party that repudiatory breach has occurred. Termination with damages could then be claimed. It is thus very advisable to arrange any shut down with the other party or serve them with the appropriate notice. Solutions Where an ‘Extension of Time’ is granted after the Coronavirus crisis is over, the contractor will not suffer any liquidated damages, however, any costs incurred due to the disruption and delay will not be recoverable by the contractor as the government lock down or force majeure events are cost neutral, it was nobody’s fault. In the case of termination, the contractor must vacate the site and submit a final account to include the value of works carried out, any relevant losses and expenses, costs of demobilisation and any materials and goods ordered and legally bound to pay. The Employer makes an assessment and a payment, if applicable, within 28 days of receipt of the accounts from the contractor. A formal settlement agreement is recommended here to avoid dispute. The Effect of Coronavirus on the Construction Industry The effect of Coronavirus and construction project shutdown is going to be devastating for the construction industry as margins are always tight and the flow of cash is paramount. If the cash does not flow down the payment chain and none can be earned the contractor’s cash flow will grind to a halt and create insolvent positions, which will be more acute if the contractor has numerous projects all shut down. As noted above, there is possible prospect of compensation for the losses incurred, although there is nothing to stop claims and if terminated a valuation of losses can be advanced. Resolving cash flow will be critical on shut down, adjudication is a way of forcing that process, and Arbicon are leading advocates in the adjudication process and negotiation available to provide guidance through what will be a very difficult path for most contractors. The JCT Contract reflects most principle terms in other contracts used in the construction industry such as NEC Contracts. If you need specific advice on your contract please do let us know. Arbicon can assist in the management of all notices, agreements and settlements or handle any disputes that arise thanks to Covid-19! Get in
We are only in the fourth month of the year, but all aspects of our lives have been turned upside down. We are all trying to adjust to a new normal that was completely unprecedented. Coronavirus has seen to it that your office is closed and that there are minimal or no site visits. But all hope is not gone, you can still keep your operations running albeit remotely. This article compiles some handy tips that will help keep your business going by working remotely. A checklist for working remotely Devices This will help you access your work files and applications from home. Taking into consideration the nature of construction files, it’s best to continue working using the company’s equipment. This might require you to bring your computer and any other work device home with you. Doing so will help store the work-related documents and files in one location. Software You need application software that will allow for instant communication with your team members. Set up an application like slack which is not only professional but also allows for file sharing and video calls whenever there is a need. A reliable connection You also need access to a good internet connection at home to be able to work remotely. The same will be necessary for your team and it’s therefore important to ensure that everyone has access before embarking on the work-from-home schedules. There might be minimum construction works happening right now, however, this might be the best time to review other tasks that require mental contributions. For instance, you may start reviewing construction plans; exploring future designs, and any other activity that prepares your workforce for site activities when things return to normal. Keeping cybersecurity in check Working remotely will provide you and your team some quality time to reflect on your technical skills. As you focus on this, it is important to be vigilant about the security concerns surrounding internet use. Here is a look at some of the behaviors that may expose your company’s data to cyber theft and malice while working remotely; Connecting to Unsecured networks One of your employees may expose the entire privacy of the company network by accessing the internet through unsecured networks. Hackers and other malicious people capitalize on unsecured networks to spy on user traffic. A mistake by one employee may put your company’s confidential data at risk. Sharing credentials, devices, and account access It is very tempting to share a work computer with roommates or family members especially when working from home. Your roommate may not understand; I mean, what’s the big deal about using your work laptop to check something online? It might be difficult to say not but remember that you will not be there to monitor all their actions and this alone exposes your company to risk. Sharing a device also means whoever is on your computer would have access to your company accounts where sensitive information is exchanged such as your employee portal and email address. It goes without saying that that’s a bad idea. Phishing emails It’s possible to click through a malicious link in a phishing email. With the coronavirus pandemic, cybercriminals are crafting their scams to appear like they are related to the pandemic. They might even impersonate your client just to grab your attention. Clicking on suspicious links exposes the company data to online hackers. Outdated security defenses Yours is a construction based company and your team may not be up-to-date with emerging trends in internet security. And sure, you cannot blame them; they spend long hours at the construction sites. Nevertheless, this lack of understanding may put the entire company at risk. The consequences of this ignorance could be very severe, especially now that they are working away from close supervision. DDoS attacks Hackers may launch a denial of service attack on your office network thereby disrupting your work schedules. 5 tips to help you stay safe while working remotely Keeping company data safe is not the responsibility of the IT department alone. With a number of all of the team members working from home; this is a collective responsibility that should be taken seriously by everyone. These 5 tips should help you and your construction team members keep your devices safe Set security policies Come up with a clear work from home policy. The policy should capture a must-follow procedure for working from home and should be adhered to by employees of all ranks. Take care of company-issued devices Avoid using company devices to complete your personal tasks. Observe strict boundaries even with your family members or other roommates. You may appear like a mean person but this a big step to maintaining the security of the company data. Investing in an encryption technology Your company should consider investing in data encryption technologies like downloading a VPN for team members. A VPN ensures data encryption making it inaccessible by third parties. It is the best way to secure your online correspondences with your team members. In addition to encrypting data, VPNs also mask your online activities. They make you and your browsing activities invisible. This protects you from attacks; hackers cannot attack an anonymous identity. Conduct a sensitization program This program should let your employees know the risks associated with working remotely and how to avoid falling victim to online attackers. Team members should be given tips on how to identify potential scams such as phishing emails. Keeping devices software updated Keeping your software updated protects your device safe from vulnerabilities in security. Always keep application software updated as well as the operating systems. You and your team will settle in; soon Things might feel a bit different during the first few days for many construction workers embarking on working remotely, but everything will feel normal with time. However, every member needs to accept that these are changes affecting the entire workforce and everyone’s contribution is important.
If you are a gambling fan, you want to spend your evening playing online after a busy day. With so many casinos now shifting online, you want to ensure that you play in a safe environment. The truth is – not all gambling websites are safe to play. That’s why you need to take deliberate steps to stay safe. Here are useful steps you can take to ensure the safety of your identity and finances when gambling on casinos online UK: Avoid Unlicensed Casinos In the UK, gambling websites must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission to operate. This means licensed casinos adhere to the regulations set by the commission, including those that touch on the protection of players. As such, gambling on casinos that have not been licensed puts you at risk of losing money, and your identity is not protected. An easy way to determine whether a gambling website is licensed is looking for the UK Gambling Commission logo at the bottom of the home page. Do not Download Any Software There are times gambling websites will require you to download some software in order to play. While this might be necessary, downloading software can comprise the security of your computer and open it to different viruses and worms to skim your financial information and passwords. To ensure this does not happen, stick to web-based casinos that offer good protection. If you must download software, do it only when you are certain that the casino site has a good reputation. Pay Attention to the Fine Prints Each gambling website comes with terms and conditions that players have to agree to before they can start gambling. Often, people fail to read those terms and end up missing important stuff. Though it is important to be aware of what you agree to, it is more important that you pay attention to those conditions because you will be providing your credit card or banking information. Pay attention to hidden fees, conditions for forfeiting winnings, and any other drawbacks in the conditions prior to playing. Choose Payment Option Carefully Consider the security of payment options carefully before you decide on which method to use. If your credit card or banking service provider has been helping victims of financial or theft before, then you can comfortably provide your information to a gambling website. The financial provider will serve as a safety net for you in case you fall victim to such fraud. If you doubt that the bank might be able to help you handle fraud, then opt for e-wallet payment options. This way, you will be able to spend only what you wish to gamble and not worry about losing money due to bank or credit card fraud.
