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.

The resources, designed for adults across Sussex, have been developed by the NHS, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations, and aim to break down barriers to care for neurodivergent people, those who are digitally excluded, or anyone who feels less confident using English. The materials have been translated into Arabic, Farsi, Polish, Bengali and Ukrainian. Dr Claire Tanner, deputy chief medical officer for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We know that navigating mental health support can feel particularly difficult if you are digitally excluded, neurodivergent, or living in Sussex and feel less confident using English. “The How Are You…

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Police were called to The Heath Tavern in Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, at around 10.50pm on December 29. It followed reports of an assault involving two men known to each other. The victim was treated by paramedics and was taken to hospital in a serious condition. He was later pronounced deceased.  Police said his next of kin have been informed. Christopher Iredale, 36, of Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with manslaughter. He was remanded in custody and appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court yesterday (January 1). A spokesperson for Sussex Police said:…

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With a dizzying array of different types of windows and doors, as well as materials and finishes, it can be hard to know what to choose when you’re shopping for double glazing.From sash to bay windows, and sliding to French doors, we explain the key differences between them to help you choose what’s best for your home. Click on the links below to head to the section you want.Once you’ve flicked through our galleries, we’d recommend asking a few double glazing companies to come to your home to give you advice, explain the types of products they have available, and to…

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Hannah Roe / BBCGio Reale says saving marine life is ‘what he loves most’A diver who has saved sharks along the Sussex coast says he puts his work on social media to help people appreciate British wildlife.Gio Reale, from Brighton in East Sussex, has gone viral on social media for his efforts saving sharks, including finding a live egg on Brighton beach, then hatching and releasing the baby shark back into the wild.The 25-year-old has also set up a hatchery at Brighton Watersports, which he says has helped to save hundreds of cuttlefish in the area.Mr Reale said: “I just…

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JAC Electrical Services UK has been sold (Photo credit: JAC Electrical Services UK) A St Helens-based electrical services company has been acquired by a private investor in a deal overseen by KBS Corporate. JAC Electrical Services UK has been sold to Sarfraz Khan, who aims to expand the businesses regional presence.  Established in 2006 by John Crooks and Jeanette Crooks, the company has built a strong reputation in the quick service restaurant market sector, working with brands including McDonalds, Burger King and Subway.  Khan wants to build on the company’s solid foundations and transform it into a regional player in the…

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Flooring expert James Higgins at Online Carpets has analysed customer demand and search trends to predict the biggest flooring trends for 2026, from patterned carpets to sisal rugsIsobel Pankhurst Audience Writer10:26, 01 Jan 2026Updated 10:27, 01 Jan 2026These are the top flooring trends of 2026(Image: Kinga Krzeminska via Getty Images)As the new year kicks off, you might find yourself pondering home improvements or finally tackling those jobs you didn’t quite manage in 2025 — after all, new year’s resolutions aren’t solely about getting fit and eating well.Whether your kitchen requires an overhaul or your bathroom floor needs sprucing up, there…

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Carpenter Box has expanded in Stroudley Road following its recent merger with Boormans, reflecting growing demand for its tax and finance services. The company, which also operates offices in Worthing, Crawley, Chichester, Lewes, Portsmouth and London, first opened its Brighton location two years ago. The site was originally staffed by 20 employees from Carpenter Box and StarBox, the firm’s specialist brand for new media entrepreneurs. READ MORE: Salon bounces back from ‘devastating flood’ to win a top national prize Carpenter Box has expanded its office space in Stroudley Road, Brighton.(Image: Carpenter Box) Following the merger with Boormans in July, the…

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Biodiversity-boosting living roofs are designed to be low-maintenance and long-lasting, while contributing towards climate resistance and increasing greenery on high streets. Unlike traditional sedum-only roofs, these roofs are planted with a mix of native wildflowers and sedum, making them more attractive to bees and pollinators. Working in partnership with Bauer Media Outdoor UK, Cheshire West and Chester Council identified 10 locations that would benefit from the modern, sustainable bus shelters that also include covered seating. There will also be several sites where solar panels are to be installed to power the internal lighting. The first of the new bus shelters…

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Whether you’re gearing up for the day or sinking into a blissful bubble bath at the end of it, bathrooms see a surprising amount of daily use. But is your bathroom giving budget or luxurious vibes?As one of the most-used spaces in our homes, bathrooms can easily become neglected, showing signs of wear and tear or outdated décor.Thankfully, Andrea Clewett, a bathroom expert and co-founder of award-winning custom printed bathroom panels brand Showerscape, has shared a slew of simple ways that you can elevate the room without breaking the bank exclusively with the Daily Mail.’Bathrooms are having a moment. Style and…

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A young bricklayer from Hull overcame adversity following an autism diagnosis has become a skilled construction site operative. Following his success, he has has been honoured with a prestigious award for his mentoring skills. Charlie Walsh, an employee at the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm Hobson & Porter, was named Mentor of the Year at this year’s G4C Yorkshire and Humber Constructing Excellence Awards. The awards celebrate individuals committed to the construction industry and companies that support professional development. Diagnosed with autism at three-years-old, Charlie attended Northcott Special School for 11 years before enrolling in a construction course at Hull…

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