Expert advice at the click of a button
Home Handbook has this wide range of experts at your disposal. All work in their chosen field and are prepared to answer the queries of anyone who lives in the Preston post code areas.
All we require is your name, address and contact phone numbers as proof of your place of residence. This information will not be disclosed to any third party and will not be used for marketing purposes. We regret this service is not available to people outside the Preston area.
Recent questions
Insurance : I want to insure a car and a van in my own name. The van is for my business and car for my family use. - Click here to read answer
Insurance : Are cheap insurance policies on the internet any good? - Click here to read answer
Insurance : Can I insure a car and van on the same policy? - Click here to read answer
Finance: Best way to invest £100,000? - Click here to read answer
Plumbing: How do I fix a dripping tap? - Click here to read answer
Finance
Steve Kember
Steve Kember has held senior roles in financial institutions, including The Cooperative Bank. His company manages £25m in funds and advises over 300 clients on wealth management.
Questions:
I have a Personal Pension and considering retiring - do I need to buy an annuity from my pension provider?
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What is the best way to invest £10,000 in the current financial climate?
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Best way to invest £100,000?
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Insurance
Clive Turner
Chartered insurance broker Clive Turner has worked in the industry for 30 years and runs his own brokers based in Longridge, Preston. He can find the solution to most insurance problems, domestic or commercial.
Questions:
Can I insure a car and van on the same policy?
Click here to read answer
Are cheap insurance policies on the internet any good?
Click here to read answer
I want to insure a car and a van in my own name. The van is for my business and car for my family use.
Click here to read answer
Legal Issues
Stephen Hodgson
Stephen is a partner at Marsden Rawsthorn based in Fulwood, one of the region's most experienced firms. Their aim is to get the right result, quickly and for the right fee. They can advise on all legal issues.
This expert hasnt yet answered any questions
Appliances
Mark Passmore
Mark has been repairing electrical appliances for 17 years. He can advise on what may be wrong with washing machines, dishwashers, cookers, tumble driers and vacuum cleaners
Questions:
Why isn't my dishwasher washing dishes clean?
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Buildings
Damian Lee
Builder Damian has lectured at Preston College and has run his own company for 20 years. He can advise on new builds, extensions, structural problems and many aspects of building.
This expert hasnt yet answered any questions
Car audio/electronics
David Parkinson
David is general manager of Base Systems, one of the regions top vehicle electronics firms. He can advise on anything from audio and hands-free to sat nav, reversing sensors and alarms.
This expert hasnt yet answered any questions
Cars
Ray Walsh
Ray has 44 years’ experience in the motor trade and owns his owns garage in Ashton. He will advise on any mechanical problems.
Questions:
I've noticed a slight whine from my car engine, which has done 80,000 miles. What could this be?
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Electrics
Ian Simpson
Ian has worked more than 40 years in the electrical industry, both domestic and commercial sectors. He can advise on a wide range of electrical problems.
Questions:
When our kitchen lights are switched on, there's a pause before those at the far end come on. Is this normal?
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Fitness
Faz Farrell
Faz is a former Preston North End player and now a PE instructor for the HM Prison Service, as well as running fitness training. He can advise on all fitness issues.
This expert hasnt yet answered any questions
Gardening
Julie Gornall
Gardener Julie has exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show, and worked 14 years at Barton Grange. She can advise on plants and garden problems, tired looking beds and borders, winter and summer colour.
This expert hasnt yet answered any questions
Gas boilers
Jacques Brown
Jacques spent four years as a Corgi inspector during more than 30 years in the gas industry. He can advise on any on gas boiler and gas fire problems.
Questions:
Is it cheaper to have the heating on low all day?
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Home care
Ken Deary
Rest home owner Ken heads a Preston-based company offering a wide range of care to the home for anyone aged over 18. He has cared for elderly relatives and can advise on many care-related issues.
This expert hasnt yet answered any questions
Planning/building control
David Haworth
Architectural technician David has been drawing up plans for buildings for 35 years, 16 years in a self-employed capacity. He can advise on architectural issues, planning and building regulations.
This expert hasnt yet answered any questions
Plumbing
Darren Clarke
Darren has had a wide range of plumbing experience and handles all aspects of domestic and commercial plumbing. He can advise on central heating, underfloor heating and plumbing problems.
Questions:
How can I fix a radiator cold spot?
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How do I fix a dripping tap?
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Renewable energy
Tom Cowell
Plumber Tom has a keen interest in renewable energy and is knowledgeable about its benefits and cost savings. He can advise on installing ground and air source heat pumps and solar panels.
This expert hasnt yet answered any questions
Trees
Mick Platt
Mick has been a tree surgeon since 1994. He has worked for Preston council and now runs his own company. He can advise on all tree-related issues
Questions:
One of my oak trees has 'rust' spots under its leaves. Is this anything serious?
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What's the best time of year to prune trees?
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