News and Insights

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;...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

What is an Insurance Backed Guarantee and why should contractors offer one? When customers invest in construction or home improvement works, they’re not just buying a product or service – they’re investing...

What Does a 10-Year Structural Warranty Actually Cover? The short answer is the structural integrity of the building — but the detail matters more than the headline. Most buyers and developers assume a 10 year structural...

What is Construction Insurance? Construction insurance is a collection of different kinds of policies that typically protect the works in progress, the people involved, the design responsibility, and the property that’s...

Contractor insolvency is one of the most significant — and often underestimated — risks facing social housing delivery. With long construction programmes, complex supply chains, and increasing financial pressure across the...

The landscape of residential development has changed.With the introduction of the Building Safety Act, Housing Associations are now operating in a delivery environment where accountability is clearer, scrutiny is higher,...

Why Choosing the Right Surveyor Matters Buying or investing in property is one of the biggest financial commitments most people make. That’s why expert advice is crucial. Enter the RICS surveyor – a property professional...

When you’re managing a construction project, there’s already enough complexity—finances, timelines, planning, and compliance. So when a lender, client, or local authority asks for a performance bond, what exactly...

The UK construction industry continues to feel the strain of planning delays. With local authority backlogs, changing regulations, and extended consultation periods, developers across the country are finding themselves stuck...

In today’s fast-moving construction environment, risk management isn’t just a formality—it’s a necessity. With tighter margins, growing regulation, and high stakeholder expectations, contractors and developers...

In today’s construction landscape, confidence is currency. For developers navigating complex builds and tight timelines, protecting long-term investment is critical—not just for themselves, but for their funders and...

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone—but before settling in, it’s important to ensure the property is safe, functional, and ready for comfortable living. Taking the time to inspect a few key areas can help you...

The regulatory landscape is changing rapidly. With 2025 bringing new regulations focused on sustainability, safety and planning, developers face both fresh challenges and exciting opportunities. The move towards greener,...

The Labour government’s budget has introduced a strong focus on reducing skill shortages in the construction industry through increased funding for apprenticeships and vocational training. As construction shifts towards modern,...

Labour’s recent budget emphasizes a shift toward sustainable infrastructure, creating new opportunities and challenges for the UK construction industry. With funding allocated to green projects, such as renewable energy,...

The Labour government’s latest budget sets the stage for transformative changes in the UK housing market, especially with its renewed commitment to affordable housing. As home prices and living costs soar, Labour’s...