Ensuring that pipes are properly lagged and setting the heating to come on when you are away may not sound like a priority, but at this time of year escaped water can be as much of a threat to your home as fire or theft
With storms lashing out across the UK this winter, we find out what measures can be taken to help our homes stand firm without compromising their design.
Wine is one of the most popular forms of alternative investment and amongst the most sophisticated. Yet despite the industry’s exclusive reputation it too is a victim of counterfeiting. We speak to wine expert Tom Gearing to understand a little more about how the industry works, and for his advice on how to purchase fine wines for investment without falling prey to fakes.
As a homeowner, it is natural to want to build and develop your property – whether that’s by building an extension, converting unused space, or putting up a fence. While many works fall under ‘permitted development’ there are rules and exceptions. Underwriter, Tim Slattery, answers some of the commonly asked questions about planning permission.
In 2013, the counterfeit goods trade was valued at a staggering USD $461 billion with watches among the most commonly forged goods. With the advent of ‘super-fake’ watches making it harder than ever to identify phony timepieces – we speak to award-winning watchmaker, Robert Loomes, for his advice on how to spot a real from a fake.
Once upon a time, diamonds were a girl’s best friend. Nowadays, it’s coloured stones like rubies, sapphires and emeralds that compete for her affections. As more diverse jewels and jewellery become popular, the opportunities for fakes and frauds to pass unnoticed into the market grows. We speak to John C Benjamin, independent jewellery valuer, lecturer and jewellery historian, for his advice on how to make sure you’re buying the real deal.
