Content

Seeing as drew this one the other day, I thought it would be the ideal cartoon to start up ‘Motor Monday’ with.

You name it…I can draw it for you!

Cheers,

Rob

https://movingcartoons.com/

What Is a Daily Driver Walkaround Check?

A daily driver walkaround check is a thorough inspection of a vehicle and trailer by the driver before starting their driving shift. It’s a legal requirement and safety-critical task that helps make sure that the vehicle is roadworthy before it goes anywhere.

This check covers both the inside and outside of the vehicle, including the cab, trailer, tyres, lights, brakes, and load security. Any defects found should be recorded and reported so they can be dealt with properly.

The check must be carried out at the beginning of every shift and whenever changing vehicle or trailer during a shift.

Why Are Daily Driver Walkaround Checks So Important?

Daily walkaround checks play an important role in road safety. They help identify faults before the vehicle leaves the yard, reducing the risk of breakdowns, enforcement action, or accidents on the road.

Identifying defects early gives the transport team the chance to fix problems before they become dangerous. It also protects the driver, other road users, and the operator’s licence. Even small issues can turn into serious risks if they’re missed, which is why these checks should never be rushed or skipped.

How to Carry Out a Daily Driver Walkaround Check

A proper daily walkaround check should take around 15 minutes. Before starting, put the tachograph into ‘Other Work’ mode (the crossed hammers symbol). This ensures that the time spent carrying out the check is correctly recorded.

The check should always be done in a consistent order so nothing gets missed. Many drivers start inside the cab and then work their way around the outside of the vehicle and trailer.

Inside the Vehicle Checks

Front View, Mirrors, Cameras, and Glass

Make sure nothing blocks your view of the road. As a general rule, there should be nothing in the sweep area of the windscreen wipers. Some official stickers are allowed, such as an operator licence disc, as long as they don’t seriously obstruct visibility.

Check that the windscreen and front side windows are not cracked, scratched, discoloured, or excessively tinted. All mirrors should be secure, clean, and free from damage. If camera systems are used instead of mirrors, confirm they are working and providing a clear, correct view.

Windscreen Wipers and Washers

Check that the windscreen wipers are present, not damaged or worn, and working correctly. Make sure the washer system operates properly and provides enough fluid to clear the screen.

Dashboard Warning Lights and Gauges

Ensure all instruments, gauges, and warning lights are working correctly. This includes engine warning lights, emissions systems, ABS, and EBS. Warning lights should illuminate and then go out as expected.

Steering

Check that the steering wheel moves smoothly, does not jam, and has no excessive play. Power steering should work correctly, and there should be no excessive movement or lift in the steering column.

Horn

Make sure the horn works properly and can be used easily from the driver’s seat.

Brakes and Air Build-Up

Check that air pressure builds up correctly and that warning systems work. Listen for air leaks and make sure the footwell is clear. Test that the service brake operates both tractor and trailer brakes, and that the tractor parking brake works. The brake pedal should be secure and not excessively worn.

Height Marker

Confirm that the correct vehicle height is displayed in the cab. Remember that height can change if the fifth wheel is adjusted or if the trailer is loaded or unloaded.

Seatbelts

Seatbelts should be free from cuts, fraying, or damage. They must latch securely, retract properly when worn, and fully retract when released.

Cab, Doors, and Steps

Check that cab mountings and tilt devices are secure. Body panels should be firmly attached and not at risk of falling off. Doors should open and close properly, and steps should be secure and safe to use.

Outside the Vehicle Checks

Lights and Indicators

Check that all lights and indicators work correctly and that lenses are clean, secure, and the correct colour. Brake lights should come on when the brake is applied and go off when released. Marker lights should also be fitted and working.

Fuel and Oil Leaks

Make sure the fuel filler cap is correctly fitted. With the engine running, check underneath the vehicle for any signs of fuel or oil leaks.

Body, Wings, and Guards

Ensure all fastening devices work correctly. Cab and trailer doors should be secure when closed. Body panels, landing legs, sideguards, and rear under-run guards must be fitted, secure, and not damaged.

Battery Condition and Security

Check that the battery is secure, in good condition, and not leaking.

AdBlue Levels

Make sure there is enough diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue) and top up if needed.

Exhaust Smoke

Check that the vehicle is not producing excessive exhaust smoke.

High Voltage Emergency Cut-Off Switch

Confirm you know where the high voltage emergency cut-off switch is located, that it operates correctly, and that all high voltage components are secure and undamaged.

Alternative Fuel Systems

If the vehicle uses an alternative fuel system, check that you know where the fuel isolation switch is, that there are no leaks, and that all visible components are in good condition.

Spray Suppression

If required, spray suppression flaps should be fitted, secure, undamaged, and free from mud or debris.

Tyres and Wheel Fixings

Check that tyres are secure, correctly inflated, and are above the minimum tread depth required. The legal minimum is 1mm, however many operators adopt a 3mm minimum.  Look for deep cuts, bulges, tread separation, or exposed cord. Wheel nuts should be tight, and wheel nut indicators should not have moved. Make sure nothing is trapped between twin wheels.

Brake Lines and Trailer Parking Brake

Check couplings are clean and correctly positioned. Brake lines should be free from damage, wear, or leaks. Test that the trailer parking brake works. After the initial brake test, leave the engine running so air pressure builds and leaks are easier to hear.

Electrical Connections

Make sure all wiring is insulated, secure, and not likely to get caught or damaged. Electrical trailer couplings should be connected properly, and all switches should work as intended.

Coupling Security

Confirm that the trailer is correctly located in the fifth wheel or coupling and that secondary locking devices are in the correct position.

Load Security

Check that the load is stable and properly secured using the correct restraints. If anything doesn’t look right, report it and have it assessed, reloaded, or resecured before driving.

Number Plates, Reflectors, and Markings

Number plates should be clean, correct, and clearly visible. Reflectors must be the right colour, secure, and unobstructed. Vehicle markings and warning plates should be visible, securely fitted, and not obscured by dirt. For dangerous goods, hazard panels must show the correct information.

Other Equipment

Some vehicles have specialist or additional equipment. These items should also be checked as part of the daily walkaround.

How to Record a Daily Driver Walkaround Check

Daily walkaround checks are recorded either in a paper defect book or using a digital defect app.

In a paper defect book, the driver fills in vehicle details such as registration number, odometer reading, and trailer number. Each item on the checklist is ticked as it’s inspected. Any defects must be described clearly, dated, and signed by the driver.

On a digital defect app, each item on the checklist is marked off as it’s inspected. Any defects can be recorded, photographed and sent straight to the transport office and maintenance provider.

If defects are found, they must be reported to the transport manager immediately. Some issues will need to be fixed before the vehicle goes out, while others can be scheduled for repair later. Drivers can also fix minor defects themselves such as topping up fluids and changing wipers or bulbs. Always follow your transport office’s instructions before leaving the yard.

If no defects are found, a NIL defects report must be completed.

What Happens to Defect Reports After Submission

Once a defect report is submitted, either on paper or through an app, the transport office links it to any maintenance or repair work carried out. This proves that defects have been properly rectified.

All defect reports and proof of rectification will be kept on file for a minimum of 15 months and may be checked during audits or inspections.

Why NIL Defect Reports Still Matter

NIL defect reports are essential because they prove the walkaround check was completed, even when no faults were found. Without a NIL report, there’s no evidence that the check took place.

Keeping these records protects both the driver and the operator and shows consistent compliance with safety and legal requirements.

The Benefits of Using a Digital Defect App

A defect app allows drivers to submit reports instantly, without waiting to return to the yard. This reduces delays and removes the risk of paperwork being lost.

Apps can automatically record the time spent on the walkaround check and allow drivers to upload photos of defects. This makes it easier for transport teams and fitters to understand issues quickly and take action.

What are the most common problems found in roadside inspections?

Lighting faults are one of the most common reasons vehicles are stopped at the roadside. This includes lights not working, broken indicators, or missing or damaged reflectors. Even small lighting issues can lead to enforcement action.

Tyre problems are frequently found during roadside inspections. Common issues include low tread depth, damaged tyres, and incorrect tyre pressure. These defects can be dangerous and may result in the vehicle being taken off the road.

Brake and mechanical faults are also regularly identified at roadside checks. These can include air leaks, brake defects, or system warning lights. These issues can affect vehicle control and are taken seriously during inspections.

Walkaround Checks for Other Machinery Like Forklifts

Daily walkaround checks aren’t just for HGVs. Any machinery, including forklifts, should be checked before use and defects recorded in the same way.

The CTS Analysis defect app can also be used for forklifts, helping businesses keep consistent safety records across all vehicles and equipment.

Further Training & Tools

Driver CPC training focused on walkaround checks and defect reporting helps drivers understand their responsibilities and spot issues early. Check out our next Driver CPC covering Vehicle Checks & Defects here.

Tools like the CTS Analysis Defect App make recording and reporting defects quicker and more reliable, while dedicated walkaround check training gives drivers the confidence to carry out checks properly every day.

Or if you prefer paper defect books, CTS Shop has you covered.

Volunteering with PACT offers individuals an
opportunity to give back to the community while developing valuable skills.
PACT’s charity shops are a cornerstone of the organisation’s fundraising
efforts, providing essential income to support animal rescue, rehabilitation,
and rehoming across Norfolk and beyond. Every sale directly contributes to
improving the lives of animals in need. 

Why It Matters 

Retail volunteers are at the heart of PACT’s operations,
ensuring shops run efficiently and customers receive a warm, welcoming
experience. Their dedication transforms generous public donations into vital
funds that sustain the charity’s animal welfare work. The contribution of
volunteers has a direct and lasting impact on hundreds of animals each
year. 

Hear from our Head of Retail, Gareth Austin Mills,” Volunteers
are the heartbeat of our charity retail operation. They bring energy, commitment, and community spirit into every corner of our shops. Without them, we simply couldn’t function  they’re essential to keeping our doors open, our shops full, our standards high, and our mission moving forward.” 

Opportunities Available 

We have a range of volunteer roles available to suit
different interests and skill levels, including: 

• Front
  of House: Greeting customers, operating the till, and providing
  friendly, helpful service. 

• Back
  of House: Sorting and preparing donations, organising stock, and
  keeping the shop running smoothly behind the scenes. 

•  Driver’s
  Mate: Assisting with collections and deliveries, helping move
  donations between locations. 

•  Visual
  Merchandising: Creating attractive displays and layouts to showcase
  our donations and inspire customers. 

•  Online
  Sales: Supporting our digital retail operations through photographing,
  listing, and managing online shop items. 

 Interested in
Getting Involved? 
Take the first step and complete our volunteer application form: Volunteer
with us 

Industry: Land & Building Surveying

The Challenge

When Tim launched Voller Surveying Services Ltd, he was stepping into self-employment for the first time and with that came a steep learning curve.

“I had no experience of being self-employed as a limited company,” says Tim. “The complexities around self-assessment, taxation, dividends, invoicing, GDPR, and just generally running the financial side were a huge challenge.”

Like many business owners, Tim wanted to spend his time doing what he does best: growing his business and supporting clients, rather than getting bogged down in the admin and tax side of things.

The Solution

“Claire and her team handle all the accounting side of my business,” Tim explains. “Claire, Ruth and Danny are always friendly, professional and offer helpful advice or remind me when I need to do something!”

From managing accounts to providing ongoing guidance, the team’s proactive and approachable support has made it easier for Tim to stay on top of his finances while keeping his focus on the day-to-day running of his business.

The Experience

What stood out most to Tim was the team’s personal touch.

“They’re always approachable. They take the time to reply to all my many questions and respond promptly in a way that makes sense. I feel they genuinely care about my business and its success,” he says.

That genuine care and clear communication have given Tim the reassurance that his finances are in safe hands.

The Results

Since partnering with Jennison Accounting, Tim has seen a real difference:

• Greater confidence in his business finances

• More time to focus on surveying, quoting, and building client relationships

• Tangible improvements in cash flow, time management, and clarity on finances

“All of the above, without question,” he says.

The Recommendation

Tim first came to Jennison Accounting on a friend’s recommendation, and he’s now more than happy to pass that advice on to others.

“I would highly recommend working with Jennison Accounting. They’ve been so valuable in helping my business over the last two years. I have confidence in their ability, which allows me to focus on the areas where I’m skilled to do so.”

Hey future-focused friends! 👋 Let’s talk about making your website AI-ready. No, we’re not talking about turning your site into Skynet – we’re talking about practical AI features that can actually help your business grow. Ready to peek into the future? Let’s dive in!

Why AI Matters (Even If You Think It Doesn’t)

First, let’s bust a myth: AI isn’t just for tech giants and sci-fi movies. It’s like electricity – soon, it’ll be everywhere, powering things we take for granted. Here’s why you should care:

1. The Customer Service Revolution

Remember when chatbots were about as helpful as a chocolate teapot? Well, times have changed:

• 24/7 intelligent customer support
• Personalized user experiences at scale
• Smart product recommendations
• Real-time problem solving

2. Content That Works Harder

AI isn’t replacing your content – it’s making it work smarter:

• Dynamic content that adapts to user behavior
• Automated content optimization
• Personalized user journeys
• Smart SEO recommendations

Getting Your Website AI-Ready

Here’s the good news: preparing for AI doesn’t mean rebuilding your entire website. Think of it like preparing your house for smart home devices – you just need the right foundation:

1. Data Structure is King

• Clean, organized data architecture
• Clear content hierarchy
• Structured metadata
• API-ready infrastructure

2. The Must-Have Features

These are like the power outlets of the AI world – you need them to plug in the cool stuff:

• Flexible content management system
• Robust API capabilities
• Scalable hosting solution
• Strong security foundations

Common AI Integration Myths

Let’s bust some myths faster than AI can generate cat pictures:

Myth 1: “AI Will Make My Site Too Complicated”

Actually, good AI integration makes things simpler for both you and your users. It’s like having a really efficient assistant who never needs coffee breaks.

Myth 2: “AI Is Too Expensive”

There are AI solutions for every budget. Start small, grow smart. It’s not about implementing everything at once.

Myth 3: “My Business Is Too Small for AI”

Size doesn’t matter here! Even small businesses can benefit from basic AI features. It’s about working smarter, not bigger.

Start Small, Think Big

Here’s your no-panic guide to getting started:

Phase 1: Foundation

• Audit your current website structure
• Organize your data
• Clean up your content
• your tech stack if needed

Phase 2: Basic Integration

• Start with a simple chatbot
• Implement basic analytics
• Add automated email responses
• Test and learn

Phase 3: Advanced Features

• Personalization engines
• Predictive analytics
• Smart content optimization
• Advanced automation

The Bottom Line

AI readiness isn’t about jumping on every new trend – it’s about preparing your website for the future while making it more effective today. Think of it like climate-proofing your house: you’re protecting your investment while making things better right now.

Ready to make your website AI-friendly but not sure where to start? Let’s chat about your options! We promise to keep the robot jokes to a minimum (no guarantees though). 🤖

P.S. Fun fact: This post wasn’t written by AI, but it probably could help you write better ones in the future! Ready to explore the possibilities? Drop us a line!

wisecoda

As a travel consultant, I aim to bring your travel dreams to life by researching, inspecting, and delivering tailored recommendations. Mid-December, I had the privilege of experiencing five stunning resorts from Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection across Fuerteventura and Lanzarote on a FAM trip.

Each resort showcased its unique charm and the breathtaking beauty of these islands. This hands-on experience allows me to share personal insights, ensuring my recommendations are heartfelt and truly special.

Here are a few interesting facts about Fuerteventura: The island had no electricity in the 1960s. The first tourists visited in the early 1970s, at a time when there wasn’t a single proper road on the island. Back then, the journey from the airport to the resort took longer than the actual flight! Fuerteventura experiences very little rainfall—sometimes going several years without a single drop.

In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets out clear guidelines for when and how many first aiders are required in workplaces, as well as specific situations such as events. 

Workplace Requirements:

1. Low-risk environment for example office, retail and light industrial work

• For fewer than 25 employees, you generally need one appointed person who is responsible for first aid

• For 25-50 employees, at least one first aider trained in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is required 

• For over 50 employees, at least one first aider trained in First Aid At Work (FAW) should be available for every 50 employees. 

1. High-risk environments (e.g. Construction sites, factories with machinery, chemical use)

• These workplaces need a higher level of first-aid cover due to the increased likelihood of serious injury. The number of first aiders will depend on the specific risks and workforce size. You will generally need a FAW-trained first aider for every 50 employees, or possibly more depending on the hazard levels. 

1. Low-risk and High-risk Determination:

• If your workplace is low-risk, such as an office, one EFAW-trained person may be sufficient for up to 50 people.

• If your workplace is high-risk, you may need additional first aiders with FAW training and possibly additional provisions, such as emergency medical equipment.

  Number of Works on Site	First Aid Personnel Needed
  Fewer than 5	At least one Appointed Person
  5-50	At least one First Aider trained in EFAW or FAW depending on the type of injuries that might occur
  More than 50	At least one First Aider trained in FAW for every 50 workers

What to consider when determining the risk level of your work environment

When determining the risk level of your work environment in relation to First Aid requirements, consider the following factors:

Nature of Work and Hazards

• Are employees working with hazardous materials, chemicals or biological agents

• Is there a risk of cuts, burns, falls or crushing injuries

• Does the work involve manual handling, heavy machinery or power tools

• Are employees exposed to extreme temperatures, confined spaces or heights.

Workplace size and Layout

• How large is the worksite, lager areas may require more first aid stations

• Are employees working in remote or isolated locations

• How easy is it for emergency responders to access the workplace

  Number of Employees and Visitors

•   Higher employee numbers may increase the likelihood of accidents

• Consider temporary staff, contractors, and visitors who may also need first aid

First Aid Training and Equipment

• Do Employees have adequate first aid training

• Is there an accessible first aid kit with the correct supplies for potential injuries 

• Should the workplace have specialised equipment like a defibrillator 

  Specific Worker Requirements

• Are there employees with medical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, severe allergies

• Do any workers require special accommodations incase of an emergency

Do you need a First Aider by law?

Yes, employers are legally required to have first-aid provisions in place under the Health and Safety Regulations 1981. The law states that workplaces have adequate and appropriate first aid arrangements, but the specific requirements depend on the nature of the work and the number of employees.

Employers must ensure that there are sufficient first-aid provisions for their employees, this includes:

• First-aid kits that are well-stocked and appropriate for workplace needs

• First Aiders trained to respond in case of injury or illness 

In workplaces with fewer than 5 employees, the law does not require a formally trained first aider, but you must have an appointed person responsible for overseeing first aid arrangements. This person doesn’t necessarily need to be trained in first aid.

Who needs Risk Assessments:

All employers must carry out a risk assessment to determine the appropriate number and level of first aiders based on the workplace’s size, type of work and the potential hazard employees might face. 

The 3 main types of First Aid personnel 

EFAW Trained First Aider – Someone who has completed an 1-day Emergency First Aid At Work (EFAW) training course. This course provides individuals with the essential knowledge and skills to administer First Aid in the workplace. 

FAW Trained First Aider – People who are First Aid At Work Level 3 (FAW). This course is covered over 3 days and includes a wider range of topics including treatment for various injuries and medical conditions. This course is ideal for those working in a high-risk environment. 

Appointed Person – An appointed person is someone who is in charge of first aid arrangements such as first aid equipment and facilities, they are responsible for calling the emergency services if needed. They do not need to be trained first aider, but for added safety we advise that they are. 

Maintaining or replacing contents of a First Aid Kit

You must check your kit regularly and ensure the following steps are taken:

• Medications: Many first aid supplies, such as pain relievers, antiseptics, and bandages, have expiration dates. Always check and replace items that are expired.

• Aspirin, Ibuprofen or other pain relievers – These often expire after 2-5 years

• Antiseptics and Disinfectants – Check for signs of degradation, such as discoloration or solidification. 

• Bandages – Check for any moisture or damage to adhesive bandages, gauze pads or wraps, and replace anything that’s damaged or sticky. 

• Scissors and Tweezers – Ensure they remain sharp and rust-free

How Haswell Training can help you with your First Aid Training

While the need for a first aider can vary depending on the size and nature of your environment, it’s clear that having someone trained in basic first aid is essential for the safety of everyone involved. All courses are accredited by Qualsafe Awards and are Ofqual regulated, ensuring high-quality training standards.

Remember, accidents happen when we least expect them and being proactive about first aid training can save lives, prevent further injury and give you peace of mind. At Haswell Training we can give you peace of mind with our 1-day EFAW course or our 3-day FAW course. 

Switching IT provider can feel a bit like changing a mechanic.

You know something isn’t quite right, but you’re not sure how painful the process will be.

You’re not alone. Many businesses stick with IT support that isn’t really working because they worry about disruption, downtime, or things breaking mid-switch.

In this article, we walk through what switching IT provider actually involves, including:

✅ Signs it might be time to move on

✅ What a good transition should look like

✅ How to switch without chaos, downtime, or awkward conversations

👉 Read more: https://beaconit.co.uk/switching-it-provider

First Aid training you can trust

With over 40 years in First Aid training, we provide the most reliable and effective First Aid courses available. Our expert trainers deliver courses tailored to your specific needs, ensuring your staff are fully prepared for emergency situations.

All our First Aid trainers have many years of experience in teaching First Aid and hold up to date teaching qualifications. FAIB approved and monitored training, Latest protocols from Resuscitation Council UK

On-site First Aid courses throughout the whole UK tailored to your company’s working arrangements.

The things people have said… 

   
Amazing and engaging course. Mary was incredible!

It was brilliant. Time went really fast and I feel like I learned a lot!

Really positive, interactive course, great trainer Mary!

Managed cyber security services are often talked about as if everyone already knows what they are. Spoiler: most businesses don’t.

Firewalls, monitoring, alerts, response plans…it can all start to blur together very quickly.

In this article, we break down what managed cyber security services actually involve, what problems they’re designed to solve, and when they make sense for SMEs, including:

✅ What’s included (and what isn’t)

✅ The risks of “we’ve got antivirus, we’re fine”

✅ How managed services help without constant panic or complexity

👉 Read more

Welcome to 2025, folks! 🎉 While everyone’s talking about their new gym memberships and diet plans, let’s chat about something that should definitely be on your New Year’s resolution list: keeping your website secure. Don’t worry – I promise to make this less painful than your first workout of the year!

Why Website Security Isn’t Just for the Tech Nerds

Here’s a fun fact: every 39 seconds, there’s a hacker attack. That’s faster than most of us can decide what to watch on Netflix! And guess what? They’re not just targeting the big players anymore. Small and medium businesses are like that last cookie in the jar – surprisingly attractive to digital troublemakers.

1. The Basics: Your Website’s Front Door

Think of your website security like your home security. You wouldn’t leave your front door wide open while on vacation, right? (If you would, we need to have a different conversation!) Your website needs the same basic protections:

• HTTPS encryption (that little padlock in the browser bar – it’s not just for show!)
• Strong passwords (and no, ‘password123’ doesn’t count)
• Regular updates (like changing your smoke detector batteries, but more often)

2. The Not-So-Secret Weapons

Now, let’s talk about some serious protection that doesn’t require a PhD in computer science to understand:

First up: Firewalls. Think of them as your website’s bouncer – checking IDs and keeping the troublemakers out. They’re like that friend who always has your back at parties, but digital and way more reliable.

Next: Regular backups. Because sometimes bad things happen to good websites. Having a backup is like having a time machine for your site. Problem occurs? No sweat – just roll back to when everything was working perfectly. It’s like ctrl+z for your entire website!

3. The Human Factor (Plot Twist: It’s Usually Us!)

Want to know the biggest security threat to most websites? It’s not some genius hacker in a dark room (sorry to burst that Hollywood bubble). It’s usually just… us. Regular people making regular mistakes:

• Using the same password everywhere (we know you do it, stop it!)
• Clicking on suspicious links (that free iPhone offer is probably not real)
• Skipping updates (yes, those annoying popup messages are actually important)

Real Talk: What You Actually Need to Do

Okay, enough scary stuff. Here’s your actionable, no-fluff checklist for 2025:

The “Do This Now” List:

• Get SSL certification (that’s the HTTPS thing we mentioned)
• Set up automated backups (because you’ll forget to do it manually)
• Use a password manager (your brain has better things to remember)
• Enable two-factor authentication (yes, it’s annoying, but so is getting hacked)

The “Set and Forget” Items:

• Regular security scans (like health checkups, but for your website)
• Automatic systems (because manual updates are so 2024)
• Activity monitoring (knowing who’s doing what on your site)

When to Call the Pros

Look, we get it – not everyone wants to become a security expert. That’s totally fine! It’s like car maintenance – you don’t need to be a mechanic, but you should know when to take it to the shop.

Here’s when you definitely want professional help:

• Setting up initial security measures (getting it right from the start)
• After noticing suspicious activity (better safe than sorry)
• When planning major website updates (prevention is better than cure)

The Bottom Line

Website security doesn’t have to be scary, complicated, or something you lose sleep over. With the right setup and a bit of common sense, you can keep your digital home safe and sound in 2025 and beyond.

At Wisecoda, we take security seriously (but we don’t take ourselves too seriously – life’s too short for that!). Want to make sure your website is fortress-level secure without the fortress-level complexity? Let’s chat! We promise to explain everything in human language, not tech speak.

P.S. Fun fact: It took you longer to read this article than it takes most hackers to crack a weak password. Just saying… maybe it’s time for that security upgrade? 😉

<a href=”https://www.wisecoda.com/blog” target=”_blank” title=”Learn more about web design resolutions”>Click here for more articles</a>

If someone dies leaving a valid Will, it is the responsibility of the appointed Executors to locate the original Will and carry out the wishes of the deceased person therein. If required, the Executors may need to apply for a ‘Grant of Probate’ to allow them to administer the estate. This is simply a court order confirming the Executors’ authority to deal with the estate and is required by many organisations to allow Executors to collect in/ sell large assets. This can include the sale of a property, sale of shares and to collect in large sums from banks and building societies.

The benefit of having a Will is Executors already have authority to deal with the assets of a deceased person from the date of death.

Dying intestate

If someone dies without leaving a valid Will, they have died ‘intestate’ and the Administrators of the estate may need to apply for a ‘Grant of Letters of Administration’. This is a court order that gives authority to the Administrators of an estate to deal with the assets of the deceased person.

The downside of someone dying intestate is no-one has authority to deal with a person’s assets until they have successfully applied for, and received, the Grant of Letters of Administration. The Administrators are essentially in ‘No Man’s Land’ until that point.

The collective term for Executors and Administrators is ‘Personal Representatives’ (‘PRs’). PRs’ duties can vary widely depending on the assets of the deceased person and how much work is involved in administering the estate. Some estates could be very straightforward (i.e. one property to sell and one bank account to close) and others more complex (i.e. many properties to sell/ many bank accounts, shares, premium bonds, insurance policies, many debts to be paid etc.).

Hatch Brenner offer a competitively priced service in respect of our estate administration services and a bespoke service to meet PRs’ needs. We can assist in probate matters (where a person has left a valid Will) as well as intestacy matters (where a person dies without leaving a valid Will).

What if I can’t find the Will?

The original Will and death certificate are needed to start dealing with an estate of a deceased person in a probate matter. If you cannot find the original Will, do not panic as there are alternative options available.

We would recommend you; look through the deceased’s paperwork, contact their solicitor or bank to see if they are holding the Will, make enquiries with the deceased person’s family and friends, contact their accountant or even consider a Will Search with Certainty, the National Will Register.

If an original Will absolutely cannot be found, a photocopy of the latest Will or strong evidence of the lost Will’s content should be submitted to the Probate Registry instead, together with the appropriate evidence in support.

Dealing with a loved one’s affairs when they die can already be a very stressful time therefore we are able to make enquiries such as these on a PR’s behalf if they wished to instruct us.

Storage of Wills

At Hatch Brenner Solicitors we offer free storage of our clients’ original Wills indefinitely. This gives our clients peace of mind knowing their Wills are safe in our strongroom. We send our clients a copy of their Will, on completion of a matter, for their records and advise them to inform their Executors of where the original Will is stored. This storage service is completely free of charge and included in our fixed fee cost when we are instructed to draft a Will. This storage process is also included for our client’s Lasting Powers of Attorney documents (‘LPAs’).

Ensuring your original Will is stored safely, and knowing exactly where it is located, is very important. If your original Will is lost, it could lead to circumstances where potential beneficiaries under the Will or an Intestacy situation argue and enter into protracted, expensive litigation to try and resolve the matter. Leaving a valid Will, stored in a safe place, gives everyone assurance that when the time comes, their affairs can be handled smoothly and their chosen beneficiaries have certainty of how the estate will be distributed.

Read more: Game over: Protecting your digital assets in your Will