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Author: James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI
James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI, is a recognised industry analyst and consumer-protection writer specialising in the UK home-improvement and trades sector. With over two decades of experience in business management, trade standards, and local-service markets, James brings a trusted, evidence-based voice to homeowners and professionals across Sussex and the wider UK. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, James is committed to promoting best practice, transparency, and fair pricing within the trades industry. His Chartered Manager status reflects his long-standing work advising SMEs, independent tradespeople, and emerging digital platforms on sustainable growth and customer trust. James serves as the Lead Research Editor for Sussex Trades Mag, where he writes in-depth guides, trade comparisons, expert reviews, and consumer advice designed to help both homeowners and trades make confident decisions. He is also a key contributor to MyTradeLinks, offering insight into digital transformation, local trade discovery, and community-driven service platforms. Across all of his work, James focuses on three principles: clarity, accountability, and empowering the local workforce. His articles aim to cut through jargon, expose industry myths, and highlight the standards that genuinely matter when choosing a tradesperson. When he isn’t analysing market trends or writing for Sussex Trades Mag, James mentors small business owners, supports community development projects, and continues his research into how technology can strengthen trust between homeowners and local trades.
More than 60% of the work has gone to companies which are located within 30 miles of MiddlesbroughFrom left, apprentices Louie Peebles, Cameron Blyth and Tom Payne at Six Centre Square(Image: Middlesbrough Council )Young apprentices have been given the chance to work on a new landmark development on Teesside.Stockton company JMAC Scaffolding is one of a dozen North East businesses involved in the construction of the four-storey Six Centre Square in the heart of Middlesbrough. The company says working on the new development will both build its reputation and provide a foundation for its apprentices’ careers.When it is finished early…
Disaster in Hong Kong: At least 13 people were killed today, (Wednesday) and several dozen more were injured in a fierce fire that broke out in a multi-building residential complex in the Tai Po district.Local authorities raised the alert level to the highest, Level 5.The fire started in the afternoon (local time) and spread quickly between the buildings using bamboo scaffolding that had been set up for renovation work.According to eyewitness reports, the flames engulfed large portions of the building facades, and residents were seen fleeing through stairwells, balconies, and windows.Firefighting crews, ambulances, and rescue teams were dispatched to the…
BBCCherryl Montrose-Matheson said it was not clear if the business would survive beyond ChristmasA business based inside a museum has said it has seen a 75% drop in sales due to scaffolding that has covered the building since April.Ironbridge Candle Company, which has been a tenant of Jackfield Tile Museum for five years, has accused building owner Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust (IGMT) of not offering enough support.The firm said it was facing the possibility of “not being able to make it until December”.IGMT said the scaffolding was set to come down from 24 November, two weeks behind schedule due to…
Over a thousand residents moved into nearby shelter, councillor tells the BBCpublished at 13:30 GMT13:30 GMTKoey LeeBBC News Chinese, Hong Kong Image source, ReutersImage caption, The Wang Fuk Court estate is home to roughly 4,600 peopleTai Po District Councillor Mui Siu-fung tells BBC Chinese that Wang Fuk Court, the housing estate involved in the incident, comprises eight blocks – all currently undergoing major repairs. Seven of these blocks were affected by the fire, with external scaffolding severely damaged. “The block where the fire first started – you could see flames inside through the windows,” he says. The remaining block did…
To ensure you’re not caught in an emergency searching for “roof repair near me,” Shamrock Roofing and Construction recommends these tips and tricks for a successful roof maintenance routine.Inspect and Repair Noticeable Damage ASAPA quality roof maintenance plan includes regularly-scheduled roof inspections and the ongoing repair of noticeable damage. Many local roofers — like Shamrock Roofing — offer a free roof inspection that provides a detailed picture of the current condition of your roof. If, during the inspection, you spot any significant defects like pooling water, broken or missing shingles, or damaged flashing, you can get the problem repaired before…
While the wider construction industry has faced a challenging summer marked by economic uncertainty and slowing output, NFRC roofing and cladding contractors are showing resilience. NFRC’s (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) latest Summer State of the Roofing Industry Report, compiled by Barbour ABI, paints a picture of cautious optimism. The public-facing version of the report is available for download here. The summer report, compiled by Barbour ABI from responses by 120 NFRC Members, found that, while the wider industry is cooling, workloads for NFRC Members have remained largely steady, with many firms still seeing growth. Commercial and public sector work…
Whites Roofing Ltd is seeking permission to replace its existing warehouse, which is no longer structurally sound, at its site in Risbury, Leominster. The proposal includes constructing a modern steel-framed warehouse spanning 463 square metres, along with demolishing another building on the site. The new facility promises to be more efficient, secure, and tailored to the company’s growing needs. The development would reduce the overall building mass by 20 per cent, with some areas being returned to grass. The site covers 0.4 hectares and includes residential dwellings and other industrial, office, and warehouse buildings used by the company. The proposal…
NHBC’s Masterclass series has reached an important milestone, having now provided expert training to more than 15,000 delegates. A Home Builders Federation (HBF) initiative, the Masterclass series offers fully funded training courses delivered by experts in their field, covering roofing, bricklaying and dry lining. Aimed at professional tradespeople looking to keep up to date with the latest industry practices, they provide practical skills and improved knowledge to support the delivery of high-quality new homes. Delivered in 90-minute sessions, the NHBC Masterclass series has been developed to enhance the skills of the home building workforce across England, Wales and Scotland. The…
A roofing firm has been fined after an employee fell through a skylight.Northampton-based Kingsley Roofing Contractors pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety laws following the incident involving 31-year-old Ryan Robinson, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said.The company was fined £16,650 at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 20 November and ordered to pay £7,205 costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge, it added.Robinson was working for Kingsley Roofing Contractors at a domestic property on Sywell Road in Northampton in November 2024.Covers that had been installed over two large skylight openings had to be removed as part of this job. Robinson fell…
KELLER, Texas, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Polly Plumbing, a female founded, family operated Keller Plumbing company headquartered off of Keller Pkwy, has announced its official launch serving homeowners and local businesses across Tarrant Count and the south side of Denton County. The company was built to solve the frustrations many Texans have faced with home service providers and to deliver what the founders describe as a simpler, clearer, more respectful plumbing experience. Polly Plumbing, For People Who Expect More Located at 1762 Keller Pkwy Ste 100, Keller, TX 76248, Polly Plumbing already serves Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, Trophy Club, Westlake,…

