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.

ONE of Ireland’s biggest tiling firms is calling on gardai to shut down black marketplaces where criminals are earning tens of thousands of euro by flogging stolen power tools. Brian Stacey has been running his BS Tiling company in Co Kildare for the past 20 years and has been targeted four times alone in 2017 by tool thieves who nicked more than €10,000 worth of equipment. Brian Stacey has been targeted by tool thieves or times already this year BS Tiling boss Brian wants tool black marketplace shut down Last month, Brian managed to capture a number of brazen robbers…

Read More

Graylingwell Hospital opened in 1897, and Ms Millard said the hospital’s first Med Supt, Dr Harold Kidd, had a “pioneering vision”. “Dr Kidd wanted the hospital to treat people in a humanistic way, … Graylingwell Hospital opened in 1897, and Ms Millard said the hospital’s first Med Supt, Dr Harold Kidd, had a “pioneering vision”. “Dr Kidd wanted the hospital to treat people in a humanistic way, … For more information, visit MyTradeLinks.

Read More

Our BlackCore™ by Elevate product showcases true black frames against traditional brick, adding visual drama and emphasizing the home’s architectural character. With BlackCore™ by Elevate, the elegance of black windows extends beyond the exterior, creating a seamless connection between interior and exterior design. DALLAS, December 18, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower,” Steve Jobs said. Elevate Windows and Doors believes its BlackCore™ windows exemplify this philosophy. Not all black vinyl windows are created equal and Elevate’s BlackCore™, a new color option from the Elevate Inspire Series, proves it. Engineered for durability, long-lasting color, and modern performance, BlackCore™…

Read More

The Department for Education (DfE) has released its annual primary school performance tables for 2024/25. This shows how well schools across England performed at the end of Key Stage 2 and includes performance measures for every primary school in England. Here is how primary schools in East and West Sussex stacked up this year. Best and worst primary schools in East Sussex There were 148 schools in East Sussex ranked for their overall performance at the end of key stage 2 in 2025. There was no data available or applicable for some schools. Schools listed were ranked on the percentage…

Read More

Illustrative example of a GDF’s surface facilities. For over seventy years nuclear technology has played a central role in the UK. Today it provides around 15 per cent of our electricity and plays a vital role across industry, medicine, and defence. As the UK works towards net zero and long-term energy security, nuclear power remains an essential part of the Government’s strategy. However, its use generates radioactive waste that must be managed safely and responsibly. Currently, the UK’s inventory of radioactive waste is safely stored at multiple sites around the country. That’s manageable in the interim but it’s not a…

Read More

From modern laminate to reclaimed hardwood, wooden floors are a popular choice for homeowners. Not only are they durable and easy to clean, they come in plenty of varieties to suit both contemporary and classic style rooms. In our expert guide, we explain the pros and cons of different types of wood floor, the rooms to which they are best suited, and how much you can expect to pay. Be inspired to make home improvements. Sign up for our Home newsletter – it’s free monthlyEngineered wood flooringPros of engineered wood flooringCheaper than solid woodMore durable than solid woodCons of engineered wood flooringMore expensive than…

Read More

According to Guy Carpenter’s January 2026 renewal report, dedicated reinsurance capital is projected to rise by around 9% in 2025, reaching $660 billion, driven by a 10% increase in alternative capital. Dean Klisura, Guy Carpenter’s President and CEO, explained that this capital growth is supported by underwriting profits, retained earnings, recovering asset values, and strong investor interest—particularly in alternative capital and catastrophe bonds. He added that trade tensions have not affected capital flows, with the reinsurance market continuing to “function well”. Guy Carpenter’s report has also forecasted an additional $50 billion in capital between 2025 and 2027. In 2025, retained…

Read More

Northampton stunned the Gallagher PREM champions with a devastating display of running rugby featuring a hat-trick of tries by freewheeling England back Tommy Freeman.The Saints ran in six tries to three and overtook Bath to top the table going into 2026.It was Bath’s first home defeat since losing to La Rochelle in the European Champions Cup on December 6, 2024 – and they did not even manage a bonus point.Both teams had made wholesale changes from last weekend, leaving the home side seemingly with a far stronger line-up than their opponents, on paper at least.By the time Anthony Belleau had…

Read More

West Ham have won none of their eight Premier League home games against Brighton (D6 L2) – only Burnley have ever faced an opponent more at home without ever winning in the competition (10 vs Arsenal, 10 vs Chelsea).53% of Premier League meetings between West Ham and Brighton have been draws (9/17), including three of the last four. Among fixtures played 15+ times, only Chelsea vs Sheffield Wednesday has a higher share of games drawn (56%, 9/16).This is the first time West Ham have faced an opponent twice in the same month in the league since April 1980, drawing and…

Read More

While standing on the sideline watching a high school soccer game, my friend, who owned a small and successful construction company, complained that his son – a senior – was starting at a respected local university that fall, which would cost roughly $200,000 over the next four years.“I could take the same money and set him up in a contracting business,” he said. “It would be a much better investment.”That was in 2010. The kid did go to that college and graduated four years later with a degree in history. Where do you think he is now? Working in the…

Read More