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.

Positive news surrounding the UK’s investment landscape has been particularly hard to come by in the years since Brexit, but we’ve come across some findings that will give our domestic readers a reason to cheer this morning.In a rare and radical display of patriotism, Asset Allocator can today announce the multi-asset fund landscape in the UK is absolutely slam-dunking on its European counterpart. Cool Britannia is back, baby. How so? Well, a recent study from Morningstar outlined how UK-domiciled multi-asset funds are significantly cheaper than those on the continent, while boasting stronger performance figures to boot. They wrote: The UK…

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A man whose car crashed into scaffolding in Edinburgh city centre has pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified.At Edinburgh Sheriff Court Durgesh Chaware had not guilty pleas accepted to two other charges of driving without insurance and driving without a licence.He was fined £400 and banned from driving for 12 months.Hanover Street and Queen Street were shut and diversions set up following the incident which happened at about 14:20 on Friday. Read more here: Click Here

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The vehicles, which gathered in Worthing, were reported on Friday night (January 9), before travelling to Hove. Police said the drivers were behaving “in a dangerous and anti-social manner.” Police said the drivers met at Southdown View Way in Worthing (Image: Google) A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “We have issued a Section 35 Dispersal Order for Sussex after reports of 200 vehicles meeting in Worthing and being driven in a dangerous and anti-social manner on Friday night (January 9). “The vehicles gathered in Southdown View Way at about 9.15pm and then proceeded to move off to the Old Shoreham…

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Topps Tiles has reported solid trading in the first quarter, delivering its fifth consecutive quarter of like-for-like growth as it outperformed the wider tiles market. In the 13 weeks ending 27 December 2025, the tile specialist, excluding its newly acquired CTD Tiles Limited, saw revenues rise 3.7% year on year. The core Topps Tiles brand grew sales by 2% on a like-for-like basis, up 3.7%, boosted by growth in its “Mission 365” category extensions. In 2024, the group acquired the brand and certain assets from CTD Tiles Limited, which now trades from 22 stores, down from 31 last year following…

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Hastings Borough CouncilBeach huts at White Rock in Hastings have been damaged in the stormStorm Goretti has caused flooding, power cuts, water outages and travel disruption across parts of Sussex and Kent.Flooding was reported on a coastal road at Cooden Beach in Bexhill, East Sussex, while flood warnings were in place for low-lying coastal areas including Climping, in West Sussex, and Pevensey.Strong winds have battered the south-east England, with gusts of 47mph recorded at Shoreham late on Thursday and 60mph at Langdon Bay, in Kent, in the early hours of Friday, according to the Met Office.Ferry operator DFDS said all…

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Vacuum glazing – sometimes referred to as vacuum double glazing – uses a sealed vacuum between two panes of glass instead of the argon or other inert gases found in standard double glazing. With no air or gas molecules to transfer heat, a vacuum is an exceptionally effective insulator, much like the principle behind a vacuum flask. The result is a window that excels at retaining warmth in winter and keeping interiors cooler during hot spells. Another benefit is its slim profile: because the vacuum does the insulating work, vacuum glazing can be noticeably thinner than conventional double glazing while…

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ONE county in the UK is on the must-visit list for 2026 as it celebrates 200 years of a beloved children’s story. The tales of Winnie-the-Pooh written by A.A. Milne were inspired by Ashdown Forest in East Sussex. Sign up for the Travel newsletter Thank you! Winnie-the-Pooh’s England is one of the top places to visit 2026Credit: Alamy A.A. Milne was inspired by the surroundings of Ashdown ForestCredit: Alamy New York Times named ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’s England‘ as one of the best places to visit in 2026. Winnie-the-Pooh first appeared in print on December 24, 1925 – and just over 100 years on…

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In a statement by the Trunks Road Agency shared by Builth Wells Town Council it shot down “unfounded rumours” that a sparking electrical cable was caused by a worker striking a cable. The High Street was shut off on Tuesday (January 6) as work to lay new kerbing was brought to a halt after an underground electrical cable was left sparking. In the statement the Trunk Roads Agency Project Manager, said: “The Contractor followed procedure and unearthed the electric cable during excavation works, however there were no visual issues with the cable during this period. “Unfortunately, the Contractor was unable…

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ODS teamed up with Cherwell Collective to support mass food distribution events during the festive season by providing free bins and waste disposal services. The events aimed to tackle the seasonal surge in food waste by intercepting surplus food and redistributing it directly to local communities. Councillor Nigel Chapman, cabinet member for citizen-focused services and council companies at Oxford City Council, said: “Community-led initiatives like Cherwell Collective play a vital role in tackling food waste while supporting people when they need it most.” ODS’s support extended to events held at Barton Community Centre in Headington from December 27 to January…

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Scandinavian interiors celebrate light, warmth, and simplicity. They combine clean lines with natural materials to create calm and inviting spaces that feel open and balanced. The right flooring style sets the tone for this aesthetic by bringing in texture, brightness, and a natural connection to the outdoors. From pale wood tones that reflect soft light to stone surfaces that add subtle contrast, each flooring choice influences how a room feels and functions. Thoughtful material selection not only supports the minimalist look but also adds comfort and character to everyday living spaces. Light oak wood flooring to improve brightness and…

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