Author: James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI

Earlier this year the University of Lancashire unveiled a new installation marking the transition to its new name. The installation features bespoke tiles created by Alusid (image credit: Alusid) A North West-based spin-out which makes premium-quality tiles and architectural surfaces by recycling industrial waste ceramics has completed a funding round which values the business at £10m as it prepares for a potential IPO on AIM. ALUSID was founded by David Binns and Alasdair Bremner with the vision to turn low value unwanted materials into beautiful products that architects and designers desired. The Preston-based company’s sustainable tile ranges are distributed in…

Funding is now available to support projects in West Sussex improving mental health and reducing suicide risk.West Sussex County Council’s public health team is offering one-off grants of up to £5,000 for community-based projects aimed at improving adult mental health and reducing suicide risk in the county.Applications are open until the end of Monday, January 12, 2026, and must focus on people aged 18 and over.More information can be found at westsussex.gov.uk/campaigns/suicide-prevention-community-grants.Bob Lanzer, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “By supporting local organisations and communities, we want to continue to reduce stigma, improve health outcomes…

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™…

Two East Sussex businesses are taking part in a government-backed digital leadership programme to fast-track tech adoption in industry. Lewes-based Kava Surfaces, which makes eco-friendly surfaces from recycled coffee and organic waste, and Newhaven’s Lanoguard, a manufacturer of underbody rust protection products, have joined the Made Smarter Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme. Paris May, MD of Kava Surfaces. (Image: Made Smarter) The 14-week course is delivered by the University of Salford in partnership with Made Smarter South East and supports SME leaders to drive long-term digital change and growth. Chitra Cherodian, Organisation & Workforce Development Advisor for Made Smarter South…

A recall notice for an electric blanket is sweeping the UK following serious safety concerns. A GoodHome Saturnia Electric Blanket, sold by B&Q, had been found to contain an electrical component that can overheat, potentially causing the blanket or nearby furniture to catch fire. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The barcode for the recalled product is 5059340980560Credit: Unknown folded electric blanket with controller on the bed at horizontal compositionCredit: Getty The beige-coloured blanket, which was on sale between November 2024 and December 2025, and carried the barcode 5059340980560. If the controller overheated and melted, live parts could have…

A company director claims he has no money to remove up to £578,000 of illegal waste from a site.Joseph Boyle, 54, flouted a licence condition set on him by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).Boyle – who owns firm Altan Skip Hire – amassed up to 4,350 tonnes of waste, which is more than four times his set limit of 1,000 tonnes.However, it emerged at a court hearing that Boyle does not have the finances to clear the rubbish from his leased site in Glasgow’s Polmadie.Boyle pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to two charges of breaching the Environmental Protection…

Key TakeawaysExperts agree hardwood floors are ill-suited for kitchens due to their vulnerability to water damage, scratches, and high maintenance demands.Other flooring types to steer clear of include porous stone, laminate, and carpet.For a durable, low-maintenance alternative to wood, experts recommend waterproof luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or large-format porcelain tile.Choosing the finishing touches for your kitchen is a careful balance of form and function. You want the “heart of the home” to look beautiful and feel welcoming—but as a true workhorse, every detail also has to stand up to daily use. Flooring is one of the most important decisions, since…

18 Dec 2025 By Claire Fear The companies, projects and people set to release the pent-up potential of construction > This area is reserved. Please register for a trial, or subscribe for full access to continue reading. If you are a subscriber, login here.Welcome! To continue reading either:Access your account Log in to your account to access your content on Construction News.Get unlimited access Subscribe today to ensure you keep up to date with the latest client and contractor news, and interviews with industry leaders. Premium subscribers gain access to dynamic data dashboards covering material prices, workforce trends, construction activity,…

Witnesses reported seeing a large emergency service presence near St Stephens Street and Rampant Horse Street at around 7pm on Tuesday. A Norfolk Constabulary spokeswoman has confirmed that officers were called at 6.40pm after some children gained access to the roof of a commercial building. “They were helped to safety and taken home,” she added. “No damage was caused to the building and no crime was committed.” Read more here: Click Here

A renovation can transform your bathroom into a modern, luxurious space, and it may also add value to your property. However, home improvement projects can be expensive. So to help you set a budget, we’ve consulted with the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) to find out how much a new bathroom costs. We’ve also gathered money-saving advice and calculated how much renovations could potentially add to your property value. Find out how the likes of B&Q, Ikea, Victorian Plumbing and Wickes performed in our assessment of the best and worst bathroom brandsNew bathroom costsWe’ve spoken to thousands of people about how they cut…