Konsileo - Robert Smith

10/08/2026

Performance Bonds – a simple way to protect project commitments.

Performance bonds provide reassurance that contractual obligations will be met, helping to reduce the risk for project owners and giving confidence to all parties involved.

A small but important tool for managing construction and commercial risk.

-Insurance is a two-party agreement meant to protect your business from financial loss.
-Surety Bonds are a three-party agreement meant to protect your client if your business fails to meet its obligations.

07/08/2026

From lawnmowers to laptops…. the humble garden shed has had quite a make over!

Not so long ago, the shed was home to forgotten DIY projects, rusty tools, half used tins of paint and the Christmas decorations that never quite made it back into the loft.

Fast forward a few years, and it’s now become the workplace of choice for thousands of people up and down the country trying to escape the kitchen table, the spare room, or the daily battle of trying to find a quiet corner in the house!

I was reading an article about converting a garden shed into a home office – it turns out that it is far more involved than simply moving in a desk and plugging in an extension lead. Proper insulation, heating (or cooling in this weather), electrics, ventilation, weatherproofing all play a big part if you want a space that’s comfortable to use all year round.

The investment needed? Anything from around £2,000 for a basic conversion up to £10,000+ for a fully kitted out garden office. If it gives you a dedicated workspace, a healthier work-life balance and a commute measured in seconds instead of hours, then many would say it’s money well spent.

I’ll admit the thought of finishing work, stepping straight into the garden with a coffee/beer/wine/water and leaving the ‘office’ behind at the end of the day does sound rather appealing.

One thing that often gets overlooked is Insurance. Whether you’re working from home occasionally or you’ve created a fully functioning garden office, it’s worth checking that your home and business insurance still reflects how you are using the space.

So, I’m curious (ok read nosey)…..
-Are you still working from the dining room table?
-Have you claimed the spare room as your office?
-Or have you gone all out and joined the garden office club?

What’s your WFH setup?? 💻

23/07/2026

08/07/2026

🚧 Planning reforms are here – but what do they mean for developers?

The Government has introduced significant changes to the planning process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), with the aim of speeding up the delivery of major developments across the UK.

Projects including solar farms, nuclear power stations, reservoirs, rail infrastructure and major energy schemes will no longer be required to undertake mandatory pre-application public consultations before submitting planning applications.

The changes, introduced through the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, are expected to:
✅ Reduce planning times by up to 12 months
✅ Save the industry an estimated £1 billion
✅ Accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure and clean energy projects

The Government believes these reforms will help unlock investment, improve energy security, create thousands of jobs and support economic growth.

However, the changes have also sparked debate. While faster decisions will be welcomed by many developers, concerns remain that reducing formal consultation could leave local communities feeling excluded from the planning process. Environmental professionals have also highlighted that quicker legislation alone won't address the ongoing challenges caused by under-resourced local planning authorities.

With major projects such as Lower Thames Crossing, Gate Burton Energy Park and future developments including Heathrow's third runway expected to benefit from the reforms, it marks one of the biggest shifts to the planning system in recent years.

As the industry adapts to these changes, balancing faster delivery with meaningful community engagement will remain just as important as ever.

What's your view?
Are these reforms a positive step towards delivering the infrastructure the UK needs, or do they risk reducing local voices in the planning process?

16/06/2026

⚡ Electrical Safety: Are Homeowners Taking Too Many Risks?

A recent survey commissioned by NICEIC has highlighted a concerning trend when it comes to electrical safety in UK homes.

Nearly a quarter of homeowners admitted they have never had, or have not had within the last 10 years, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out. Even more surprising, almost three-quarters of those surveyed were unaware that regular electrical inspections are recommended at all.

With more homes now relying on technologies such as EV chargers, heat pumps and increasingly complex electrical systems, ensuring installations remain safe has never been more important.

The survey also found that many homeowners are ignoring warning signs such as damaged sockets, appliances cutting out, or unusual burning smells. Alarmingly, almost a quarter said they would attempt to fix electrical issues themselves rather than consult a qualified electrician.

An EICR is often compared to an MOT for your home's electrical system. While electrical installations naturally deteriorate over time, many faults remain hidden until they become serious safety risks or lead to costly repairs.

For property owners, developers and landlords alike, regular inspections are a simple but important step in protecting both people and property.

Have you had your property's electrical installation checked recently?

08/06/2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Client feedback like this means a lot!

Thank you to Robert Varga and Salisbury Resources Limited for the kind words and 5-star review.

We're proud to support developers, builders and homeowners with building warranties that help keep projects moving.

10-Year Structural Warranties | Site Insurance | Performance Bonds | Insurance Backed Guarantees | Rights of Light Insurance | Trade Credit Insurance

28/05/2026

Rising Insolvencies in 2026: Why Credit Insurance Matters!

UK business insolvencies remain at elevated levels in 2026 as companies continue to face rising costs, tighter cash flow, and economic uncertainty.
According to the UK Insolvency Service, there were 2,085 company insolvencies in England and Wales in April 2026, up 3% year-on-year. Over the past 12 months, one in every 193 UK companies entered insolvency.
Sectors including construction, retail, hospitality, and real estate continue to experience significant financial pressure, driven by:
- Higher borrowing costs
- Increased wage and National Insurance expenses
- Ongoing inflation
- Reduced consumer confidence

For many businesses, the biggest risk is no longer winning work, it is getting paid for it!
When a customer becomes insolvent, unpaid invoices can quickly create serious cash flow problems, even for profitable businesses. This is where trade credit insurance becomes increasingly valuable.

How Credit Insurance Helps;
- Protects businesses against customer non-payment and insolvency
- Safeguards cash flow and profitability
- Provides ongoing monitoring of customer financial health
- Supports safer growth by allowing businesses to trade with confidence
- Can improve access to finance by protecting receivables

With insolvency levels still significantly higher than pre-pandemic norms, businesses that actively manage credit risk will be in a far stronger position to protect both growth and stability throughout 2026.

Speak to your clients today, we at Konsileo have solutions that can help protect their businesses from bad debts, safeguard cash flow, and provide greater confidence when trading in uncertain market conditions.

27/05/2026

👀 Konsileo have only gone and won another award....

🏆 The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 (medium sized organisation).

www.konsileo.com

14/05/2026

Yesterday I took some time away from the desk to visit UK Construction Week at ExCel, London.

Always good to see how the industry continues to evolve, with a focus on modern methods of construction, sustainability and risk management.

Great conversations throughout the day, catching up with existing contacts and making some new ones along the way too.

UKCW joining alongside Futurebuild certainly made for one of the biggest built environment events around… and definitely a lot of steps covered 👀

Safe to say the refreshments were well earned afterwards! 🍻

15/04/2026

💡 Self-Building Your Dream Home? Don’t Leave Money on the Table.

Building your own home is exciting - but costs can quickly add up. With most materials and many services charged at 20% VAT, reclaiming what you're entitled to could save you thousands.

The good news? If you're constructing a new home or converting a building into a residential dwelling, you may be eligible to claim back VAT through HMRC’s DIY Housebuilder Scheme.

Here’s what you need to know:

You may qualify if you:
✔️ Build a new home or convert a non-residential property into a dwelling
✔️ Have valid residential planning permission
✔️ Intend to live in the property yourself or with family
✔️ Can provide proof of completion

Projects that don’t qualify:
❌ Extensions, loft conversions, and refurbishments
❌ Repairs, maintenance, or general home improvements
❌ Appliances and soft furnishings not built into the property

Key things to remember:
📅 Submit your claim within 6 months of completion
📄 Keep accurate VAT invoices and documentation
🚫 Only one claim is permitted per project

🚧 Common pitfalls to avoid:
• Missing deadlines
• Incorrect VAT charges from contractors
• Incomplete paperwork
• Misunderstanding qualifying materials

With the right preparation, you could reclaim thousands and keep your self-build budget on track.

👀 Planning a self-build?
👉 Get in touch to ensure you have Site Insurance and a Self-Build Structural Warranty in place.