Author: James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) NI organised the SkillBuild NI event held at the Downpatrick campus of SERC.According to Rachel Dorovatas, from CITB NI, there is a need for more young people like Rebecca, Aaron and David.The organisation forecasts that 3,000 more construction workers will be needed in Northern Ireland by 2028.”We have 11 trades happening in the competition, from wall and floor tiling to plastering, carpentry, joinery, a whole host of activities,” she said.”We know that the construction industry is definitely facing a skills shortage.”We also know that there’s an ageing workforce in some of those sectors.”There are…

If you’ve visited a home that hasn’t renovated its bathrooms in a couple of decades (or longer), you’ve probably noticed how much personality they have compared to the standard bathrooms you see in newer buildings. They oftentimes have cheerful, colorful tiles, sometimes accompanied by matching sinks, toilets, and tubs, which may seem a little outdated, but they have undeniable charm. And after years of neutral-color spaces, homeowners and designers are craving color and pattern everywhere, but especially in their bathrooms, which often feel like safe spaces to experiment. We’re calling it now: colorful tile is back in for bathrooms!To back…

West Sussex County Council has developed the Psychological Hub to deliver earlier and more effective care for children, young people and families facing complex emotional and mental health challenges. The scheme brings together specialist services under a single, psychology-led leadership team to create a more coordinated approach. Councillor Jacquie Russell, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “This new hub is about hope, healing and helping children thrive. “By bringing together expert services, we’re creating a more joined-up, responsive system that puts the emotional wellbeing of children and families front and centre. “It’s an example of our ongoing efforts…

On Wednesday (November 19), the government launched its LGR consultation for Sussex and Brighton, asking residents for views on four models put forward by the area’s existing councils. These are: the One East Sussex model, which proposes replacing the county’s existing councils with a single unitary authority; the Representative Councils for a Devolved Sussex model, which proposes the creation of five unitary councils across the whole area; and two competing models for West Sussex. In East Sussex, four councils — Eastbourne Borough Council, East Sussex County Council, Lewes District Council and Rother District Council — had formally endorsed the One…

Albion Unlimited from BBC Radio Sussex returns as Johnny Cantor and former Brighton forward Warren Aspinall debate Brighton’s best-ever Premier League XI. From era-defining figures to unsung heroes, … Albion Unlimited from BBC Radio Sussex returns as Johnny Cantor and former Brighton forward Warren Aspinall debate Brighton’s best-ever Premier League XI. From era-defining figures to unsung heroes, … For more info, check our website.

As of Monday (November 24), East Sussex County Council will require residents to book in advance before visiting any of its 10 household waste recycling sites. The scheme aims to reduce misuse by commercial operators and out-of-county visitors and is expected to save taxpayers £50,000 a year. Similar schemes are already in place in areas including West Sussex, Kent, and Hampshire, with many readers sharing how they felt the change had made a positive impact to these sites. Brett Rawson wrote: “I was very sceptical at first when it was introduced in West Sussex. Works very well, ensures you can…

Two teenagers have been arrested after items were thrown on to train tracks in a West Sussex village. British Transport Police (BTP) said officers were called to Angmering railway station at about 23:40 GMT on 25 November. The force said two teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of obstructing the railway. Further inquiries were ongoing, BTP said. Two teenagers have been arrested after items were thrown on to train tracks in a West Sussex village. British Transport Police (BTP) said officers were called to Angmering railway station at about 23:40 GMT on 25 November. The force said two teenage boys…

Britons may be able to heat their home for less by putting their windows in “winter mode”, an expert says. With temperatures plummeting, many households will be cranking up the thermostat to stay toasty in the cold autumnal days and nights ahead.Snow and bitterly cold temperatures were unleashed upon parts of the UK this week, with a number of yellow weather alerts issued and temperatures plunging as low as -11.7C in Scotland. Weather is expected to be milder and less cold this weekend, but still represents a risk for residents. In England, amber cold-health alerts were issued by the UK…

Elevate Windows & Doors co-owners, James Gresham and Jim Robinson, are honored that their company is ranked 55th on the 2025 SMU Cox Dallas 100 list. DALLAS, November 24, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Elevate Windows & Doors today announced its inclusion on the 2025 Southern Methodist University (SMU) Cox Dallas 100™ list, marking the company’s third appearance, following previous recognitions in 2022 and 2023. The annual Dallas 100™ Awards — presented by the Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship at the SMU Cox School of Business — identify and honor the fastest-growing privately held companies in North Texas. For 35 years, the program has recognized…

And now, energy supplier Octopus Energy has revealed they have (a very cheap) answer. But what is it? Well, they recommend plugging any openings throughout your property, particularly around door frames, which may allow warm air to leak out while permitting cold air to enter. The company suggests this simple measure could reduce bills by £80. According to Octopus Energy’s Cash Energy Saving Tips website, the provider explains: “A continuous draught can quickly undo all the good work of your heating – essentially wasting energy. You could ask why we are saving around £300pa switching from Octopus to a non…