Author: James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI

While a major new apprenticeship funding package has been launched in England, it is a very different story in Scotland. A survey of its Scottish members by the Scottish & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) reveals that one in three employers do not intend to recruit an apprentice over the next three years. SNIPEF warns that that this heightens concerns about whether Scotland will have the skilled workforce required to meet future public safety and decarbonisation demands. The findings, published in SNIPEF’s new Apprenticeships Under Pressure report, draw on the views of employers across Scotland’s plumbing and heating profession…

Newport Docks RJ Chartered Surveyors has announced the successful completion of a commercial property letting on behalf of Spartan Scaffolding, who have secured a strategically located site at Newport Docks for storage and office operations. This move marks an important milestone for Spartan Scaffolding as the business continues to expand its operational footprint across South Wales. The new one-acre site offers increased capacity, improved logistical access, and the ability to support continued business growth. Spartan Scaffolding provides commercial, industrial, and domestic scaffolding services throughout South Wales and beyond. Their expertise spans a wide range of projects, from new-build housing developments…

According to reports, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made an exciting announcement just after facing fresh snub from Royal family.Do you know that Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not invited by King Charles on annual Christmas lunch held at Buckingham Palace on Monday, December 16th?Harry and Meghan have joined forces for a new movie based on a New York Times bestselling novel under their Netflix deal since 2020. This news came after of Sussex’s latest Netflix documentary, Masaka Kids – A Rhythm Within. The announcement follows the debut of the holiday episode of Meghan Markle’s lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan…

Topps Tiles Plc (LON:TPT), is not the largest company out there, but it received a lot of attention from a substantial price increase on the LSE over the last few months. While good news for shareholders, the company has traded much higher in the past year. With many analysts covering the stock, we may expect any price-sensitive announcements have already been factored into the stock’s share price. However, what if the stock is still a bargain? Let’s examine Topps Tiles’s valuation and outlook in more detail to determine if there’s still a bargain opportunity. We’ve found 21 US stocks that…

West Sussex County Council has been re-awarded gold status for going above and beyond with its Armed Forces Covenant.The news was shared by Armed Forces Champion Jacky Pendleton during a meeting of the full council on Friday (December 12).In 2020, the council earned gold status on the South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA) Employer Recognition Scheme – it has now repeated that achievement.The scheme acknowledges employers who provide exceptional support to the Armed Forces community, above and beyond their Covenant pledges.Mrs Pendleton said she was delighted by the news that West Sussex would be gold for another five years.The Covenant covers…

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™…

Among the crowded shelves of Sacred Heart hardware store in Crowborough, there is a gap on the wall where the kitchen knives used to be displayed.As the local rumour of recent days goes, that space is linked to the news story of the moment in the East Sussex town: the imminent arrival of hundreds of asylum seekers at a nearby military training camp.Tom Jarman, the manager, says he was asked to move the knives two weeks ago by police who told him it was part of a knife crime campaign. “Considering the timing, whether that’s to do with the camp,…

Plugging in a portable electric heater is a quick and easy way to take the chill out of a cold room, or a good emergency option if your usual heating system is on the blink.Cheap electric heaters can be surprisingly hard to come by during winter, though, with many going out of stock. You might find it hard to track down a particular heater if you wait until the coldest spell to buy. We’ve noticed that prices tend to edge up the closer to colder weather we get. So if you want to get a cheap electric heater, our advice would…

If you have ever booked a skip twice in the same year and wondered why the price shifted, you are not alone. In my experience, most cost surprises stem from perfectly understandable market forces: disposal charges, transport and fuel costs, labour availability, local permit rules, and the type of waste being collected. To make sense of it all, it helps to follow local skip hire price trends in the UK, which breaks down the real-world cost drivers behind local quotes and explains what you can do to keep your job efficient, compliant, and on budget. Understanding what you are actually…

Company Logo The UK furniture and floorcoverings market sees growth potential post-2024 decline, driven by rising discretionary incomes of affluent consumers seeking high-quality, big-ticket items. DFS and Tapi are poised as key players, while the furniture resale market offers significant opportunities with its strong growth. Dublin, Dec. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The “UK Sector Series: Furniture & Floorcoverings, 2024-2029” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.The UK Furniture & Floorcoverings report offers a comprehensive insight into the Furniture & Floorcoverings market in the UK, analysing the sector, the major players, the main trends, and consumer attitudes, as well as…