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Improving Industry Standards
Thank you for engaging with us. Whether or not you choose to proceed, we strive to ensure every consultation provides clear, expert value. To ensure we continue to provide the high-level guidance you expect, we invite you to evaluate our performance so far.
Blog Posts
News and Insights

15 September 2026
How Advance Payment Bonds Work in the UK and When Employers Need One
When a contract requires the employer to release funds before any work has started, both parties carry risk. An advance payment bond exists to protect them both.
The employer is trusting that the money will be used as intended;...

15 September 2026
What Is a Surety Bond? Types, Uses and When UK Contractors Need One
An employer has just told you that your tender, or your contract award, is conditional upon providing a surety bond.
Maybe it’s a specific figure like 10% of contract value or maybe the tender documents just say, ‘surety...

14 September 2026
Contractors Professional Indemnity Insurance: Do You Need It and What Does It Cover?
If your client asks you for proof of professional indemnity insurance for a construction project and you’re wondering – do I need it and what does it cover? You’re not alone.
Many contractors carry robust contractors all...

14 August 2026
New Build Warranty In the UK: What It Covers, How Long It Lasts, and Why Lenders Need It
Struggling to get an advance for a new construction project from your mortgage lender? Most lenders in the UK require a recognised new build warranty as a condition of lending, and without one you could be refused a mortgage.
Without...

14 August 2026
What Is Unoccupied Property Insurance? A Guide for Landlords, Developers and Property Owners
Most insurance policies stop covering a property once it’s stood empty for 30 to 60 days.
If your property is between tenants, sale and completion, awaiting probate, or paused between phases of a development, your existing...

13 August 2026
Collateral Warranty vs Construction Surety Explained
If you’ve been shopping for insurance, you may have come across both terms: collateral warranty and construction surety. While both are important, they serve different purposes.
Collateral warranties protect funders, tenants...

27 July 2026
Checkmate Proudly Supports Project Ireland and Check In On A Mate
We are proud to announce that Checkmate is a supporter of Check In On A Mate and Project Ireland Run, an initiative to raise funds and awareness for mental health.
Mental health awareness and support remain one of the most...

24 July 2026
Professional Indemnity Insurance in Construction
Construction projects often involve more than physical work on site. Designs, specifications, calculations, technical advice and project-management decisions can all affect how a project progresses and performs.
Where a business...

21 July 2026
Construction Bonds Explained
Construction contracts often require additional financial protection before work can begin, payments can be released or infrastructure can be adopted. This protection may be provided through a construction surety bond. However,...

17 July 2026
5 Common Construction Risks That Could Derail Your Project (And How Contractors All Risks Insurance Can Help)
Contractors All Risks Insurance can help protect construction projects against many of the unexpected events that cause damage, disruption and additional costs.
From severe weather and theft to accidental damage and third-party...