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.

-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited The heating and plumbing industry has always been vital to the economy, and here in Scotland it’s no different. However, right now, it finds itself at a crossroads. As someone who started a plumbing and heating business here in 2022, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges our sector is facing – and also the opportunities that lie in overcoming them. READ MORE: Scottish workers set for pay rise with new National Minimum Wage READ MORE: Edinburgh start-up backed for PPE innovation While there’s no doubt that the sector can have a bright future, we need to make…

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HAMBURG, N.Y., Nov. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — How can homeowners protect their pipes from freezing during harsh winters? Lucas Cellino of Cellino Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric provides straightforward and effective steps to safeguard a home’s plumbing system. In an article featured in HelloNation, Cellino shares a practical checklist for residents of Western New York and other cold climates to avoid expensive water damage each winter. Frozen pipes are a leading cause of home emergencies during extended freezes. When water expands inside the pipe, it can cause cracks or bursts, resulting in serious flooding. Cellino explains that homeowners can reduce…

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At a time when the nation is facing weeks under lockdown, people with plenty of time on their hands have turned their attention to improving their homes and gardens. Nick, who saw his BBC show pick up a BAFTA last year, has become renowned for helping people revamp their properties and back in 2011 told the Daily Mail about some of the advice he would give to DIY wannabes. The hacks cover a variety of disciplines from electricity to drilling.The BBC star said: “I don’t claim to be a builder.“But in the last 12 years of presenting DIY SOS and…

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Following The Times’ coverage on jobs most and least at risk from automation, plastering was recognised by Microsoft as one of the UK’s safest professions in the world of AI. Sam Blacknell, Head of Skills and Partnerships at British Gypsum and Isover, part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, explores why even in a digital era, the future of construction will always depend on people. In an age where artificial intelligence dominates headlines and digital transformation is reshaping industries, it’s reassuring to see skilled trades celebrated for their lasting value. For a sector often portrayed as slow to evolve,…

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Bradford, England, Nov. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bradford, England – November 18, 2025 – – Voytec Decorator Ltd, a professional decorating company known for its craftsmanship in Venetian plaster, microcement, painting, and wallpaper installation, has announced the expansion of its services to additional locations across Shipley, Bradford, Leeds, Harrogate, Halifax, Ilkley, Bingley, Keighley, Skipton, Wakefield, Pontefract, Huddersfield, York, Doncaster, Otley, Haworth, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Menston, Guiseley, Yeadon, Greengates, Apperley Bridge, and Horsforth.. The decision to extend operations reflects growing demand and a commitment to bringing refined interior finishes to a wider community. The expansion makes Voytec Decorator Ltd’s services available to…

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Oh my, gourd! Halloween season is officially in full swing, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Even better, thanks to a slew of influencers, bloggers and crafters, your pumpkin game is going to be lit this year. We rounded up 26 pumpkin painting ideas that are all over Instagram and Pinterest right now—and trust us, your pumpkins will be serious #goals. So if you’re looking for another DIY Halloween decoration idea, pumpkin painting is perfect.We’re sure you’ve seen some goal-worthy pumpkin masterpieces on your feeds, and you think, “Why can’t I do that?” Well, this time, you actually can. Whether or…

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Adding the “wow factor” to a new or existing commercial building’s interior needn’t require the use of costly materials such as marble or silk, but it also needs more than just a coat of paint. Instead, owners can use faux finishes — a method of finishing intended to duplicate the look of another material. Another strategy to create a higher-end building look is to use a wallcovering such as wallpaper, wood panels or tile. These design techniques help to elevate spaces, strengthen a company’s brand, and attract and retain occupants, said Alyssa Gawlinski, area manager at Finishing Chicago, a firm that connects companies…

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SAN BRUNO, Calif., Nov. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After five decades of steady craftsmanship and quiet consistency in the Bay Area’s painting industry, Demartini Arnott Painting is stepping into a new era. Longtime partner Hector Ruiz will now lead the company’s next phase, continuing its legacy of meticulous, quality-driven work that’s become a fixture across the region. For those who’ve seen the company’s name on job sites from Atherton to San Francisco, the shift marks more than a change in leadership; it’s a generational handoff. Founded over 50 years ago, Demartini Arnott built its reputation through honest work and…

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A woman has shared the painting mistake she did when redecorating her living room, which made it feel ‘heavy’ and ‘closed in’ – but there’s a simple way to fix itOne painting mistake can be easily fixed (stock photo)(Image: GETTY)Painting your own home can feel hugely rewarding, but it’s not as easy as it looks. If you’re looking to remodel or you’ve just moved into a new property, your first port of call might be to give the walls a fresh coat of paint. You can hire painters and decorators to do this for you, but it’s often much cheaper…

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MATHEMATICAL conundrum for you: How many jars of jam would you have to sell to pay for just one night in a luxury brownstone house on the prestigious Upper East Side of New York? Answer: None . . . if you’re “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.” The multi-million dollar home of cosmetics tycoon Victoria Jackson is available to Meghan at all timesCredit: Getty Ms Jackson – whom Meghan calls her ‘safe harbour’ – is a shrewd businesswomanCredit: Getty The Sussexes ‘Megxited’ from the UK for a life of ‘financial independence,’ yet they continue to rinse their royal connections for their own commercial gain.Credit: Getty Word…

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